Phosgene Oxime (CX) is classified as which type of chemical warfare agent?

Phosgene Oxime (CX) is classified as which type of chemical warfare agent?

• A. Urticant
• B. Nerve agent
• C. Blister agent
• D. Blood agent

Answer: (A)

Phosgene oxime is a blister agent. It causes rapid, severe tissue damage and vesication (large, painful skin blisters) on skin and mucous membranes, and can injure the respiratory tract if inhaled. Urticants irritate the skin and eyes and cause itching or redness without producing deep, lasting blisters, and nerve or blood agents affect the nervous system or cellular respiration rather than causing vesicant-type tissue destruction. Because CX produces pronounced blistering rather than mere irritation or systemic toxicity, it is classified as a blister agent.

Phosgene oxime is a blister agent. It causes rapid, severe tissue damage and vesication (large, painful skin blisters) on skin and mucous membranes, and can injure the respiratory tract if inhaled. Urticants irritate the skin and eyes and cause itching or redness without producing deep, lasting blisters, and nerve or blood agents affect the nervous system or cellular respiration rather than causing vesicant-type tissue destruction. Because CX produces pronounced blistering rather than mere irritation or systemic toxicity, it is classified as a blister agent.