Where It Comes From
Former/illicit military stockpiles, old buried munitions, and releases during destruction or cleanup; not used in consumer products. [1][2]
How You Are Exposed
Breathing vapors or getting liquid on skin, eyes, or clothing near a release; contact with contaminated soil, water, or gear. Symptoms often start hours later. [1][2]
Why It Matters
Painful blisters, eye injury (including blindness), and lung damage; can suppress bone marrow. Long-term risks include chronic breathing problems and cancer; sulfur mustard is a known human carcinogen. [1][3][4]
Who Is at Risk
People near a release or in conflict zones; first responders, military and cleanup workers; children and those with asthma/COPD. [1][2]
How to Lower Your Exposure
In an alert, go upwind and uphill; evacuate or shelter as directed. Leave the area, remove outer clothing, wash skin/hair with soap and water, and flush eyes 10–15 minutes. Do not handle suspect munitions; professionals should use proper PPE (e.g., SCBA). [2][1]
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Sulfur Mustard (Mustard Gas).
- [2]CDC. Facts About Sulfur Mustard (H/HD).
- [3]IARC Monographs, Volume 100F. Sulfur mustard (Group 1).
- [4]NTP. Report on Carcinogens. Sulfur Mustard—Known to be a Human Carcinogen.