Adamsite

Synonyms

Phenarsazine chloride; DM; Diphenylaminechloroarsine; Diphenylamine chloroarsine; UN1698;

Category

Chemical Weapons

Description

Yellow crystals with irritating and nauseating vapors; [CAMEO]

Comments

"The majority of exposures occur by inhalation and typically lead to symptoms of ocular, nasal, and respiratory tract irritation. Nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting or diarrhea) might also occur. The effects of adamsite poisoning take minutes to begin and might last for hours. If a rapid onset of manifestations of one of the following respiratory effects occurs, the clinical description for adamsite poisoning has been met: nose or throat irritation, cough, or dyspnea." [CDC] Direct contact with the material may cause severe burns of the skin and eyes; [CAMEO]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Yes

Yes

Skin burns

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Pneumonitis, toxic