Question - Adamsite (diphenylaminechlorarsine) is a vomiting compound that has been used as a riot-control agent (military designation, DM). Adverse health effects due to exposure to adamsite involve rapid onset irritation of the eyes, upper airway, and skin and also nausea and vomiting. If concentrations are low, initial symptoms may resemble those of a severe cold. What is the usual time course of effects related to adamsite exposure?
Answer- The cited reference notes “The short-term effects of adamsite (DM) exposure begin 2 to 4 minutes after the onset of exposure. Prolonged whole-body (systemic) effects may last for 1 to 2 hours. Inhalation of DM in an outdoor environment results in adverse health effects that usually resolve in 20 minutes to 2 hours, leaving no residual effects. Inhalation of DM in an indoor environment may produce serious illness or death.” (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750017.html; accessed January 2019)