What is the range of time before symptoms of a blister agent can appear?

The correct answer reflects the well-documented latency period associated with blister agents, which are chemical warfare agents that cause severe blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms from exposure to these agents, such as mustard gas, typically do not manifest immediately. Instead, they can appear anywhere from 4 to 48 hours after exposure. This delayed onset is critical for first responders and medical personnel to understand, as it may affect initial treatment and the timeliness of decontamination efforts.

The range emphasizes the need for monitoring and vigilance even after an exposure incident, as immediate symptoms might lead one to believe that the area is safe. Understanding this time frame is vital in chemical incident response scenarios, allowing for appropriate and timely medical interventions based on the expected symptom onset.