What is the primary route of exposure for vesicant agents?

Vesicant agents, often referred to as blistering agents, primarily affect individuals through skin contact. These substances are designed to cause severe chemical burns, blistering, and damage to skin and mucous membranes upon direct contact.

When a person is exposed to a vesicant, the chemical interacts with the skin, leading to immediate and painful lesions. This skin exposure is particularly dangerous because it can result in deep tissue damage, and the severity of the effects can vary based on the duration of contact and the concentration of the agent.

While inhalation can also be a route of exposure for certain agents, vesicants are specifically known for their dermal effects. Ingestion and injection are less common routes for vesicant exposure, as these agents are not typically designed for absorption via those methods. Therefore, skin contact stands out as the primary and most critical route of exposure for vesicant agents.