As a weapon, liquid Lewisite smells like a geranium and is amber to dark brown in color. The oily substance that causes blisters (a blister agent) but also can be toxic to the lungs and poison to the whole body. Effects. When inhaled in high concentrations, it can kill in as little as 10 minutes.

What are the effects of lewisite?

Lewisite is a powerful irritant and blistering agent that immediately damages the skin, eyes, and respiratory (breathing) tract. Because it contains arsenic, lewisite has some effects that are similar to arsenic poisoning, including stomach ailments and low blood pressure.

How do you treat lewisite exposure?

Treatment. British anti-lewisite, also called dimercaprol, is the antidote for lewisite. It can be injected to prevent systemic toxicity, but will not prevent injury to the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Chemically, dimercaprol binds to the arsenic in lewisite.