Severe burns on the legs of an Australian volunteer sustained during chemical warfare (CW) trails ...

Severe burns on the legs of an Australian volunteer sustained during chemical warfare (CW) trails showing injury to both legs from contact with mustard vapour or liquid, stands next to a bed. Volunteers, generally using protective equipment were stationed on North Brook Island for short periods of time after the island had been bombed with mustard. Mustard initially produces small rash like red dots on the skin. Exposure to minute quantities (0.001 ug/litre) will produce effects after only a short contact time if decontamination is not immediate. Exfoliative pigmentation which this volunteer is showing, happens when the skin blackens and then peels off the epidermis several days later. The primary toxic effects are observed in the skin, eyes, respiratory tract and on tissues where new blood cells are formed. This man is taking part in experiments run by the Australian Chemical Warfare Research and Experimental Section. The unit, later to be known as the 1st Field Trials Company, Royal Australian Engineers (RAE), carried out research on the effects of mustard gas and other chemical warfare agents.