What type of chemical agent is classified as a blister agent and known for its painful effects?

A blister agent is specifically designed to cause painful chemical burns on the skin and mucous membranes, leading to severe blisters and potential long-term health issues. Agents such as sulfur mustard (mustard gas) fall under this classification and are notable for their delayed effects, sometimes taking hours or even days for symptoms to manifest fully after exposure. This creates significant challenges in immediate medical response and can greatly affect both victims and emergency service personnel during a crisis.

In contrast, nerve agents, choking agents, and psychochemical agents have distinctly different mechanisms of action. Nerve agents disrupt the nervous system, choking agents primarily cause respiratory distress, and psychochemical agents affect mental functions and behavior. Each type of agent is unique in its effects and required responses, making the understanding of blister agents crucial for effective handling and treatment in hazardous situations.