Minute particulates are esaily inhaled and corrupt lung tissue in 10-15 minutes. Can also get onto skin and become active via sweat, etc. Also, it adheres to larger partlcles once settled, thus it is difficult to become airborne a second time for inhalation. The GI tract may be damaged. Death stems from respiratory failure, bacterial pneumonia, or immune system failure.
Immediate decontamination is the only way to reduce damage.
Persistence is 32-36 hours. It is a vesicant that damages eyes, skin, and airways by direct contact. After absorption, it causes an increase in capillary permeability to produce shock and organ damage. Lewisite causes immediate pain or irritation of skin and mucous membranes. Blisters on the skin, and eye and airway damage similar to those seen after mustard exposure, develop later.