Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test 2026 - Free FEMA Practice Questions and Study Guide

Blister agents, also known as vesicants, primarily affect the skin and mucous membranes, causing painful injuries such as burns and blisters. When a person is exposed to these agents, they can experience severe skin irritation that leads to the formation of blisters, which are bubbles filled with fluid that can break open and cause additional harm. This characteristic makes blister agents particularly dangerous, as they can result in long-term health complications and significant discomfort.

While respiratory failure, immediate death, and neurological symptoms can occur from other types of chemical agents, blister agents specifically target the skin and mucous membranes, making the formation of blisters their most recognizable and harmful effect.