Mustard Facts
Background: Pueblo Chemical Depot has been storing mustard agent since the 1950s. This represents about 8.5% of the original U.S. chemical weapons stockpile. Pueblo's stockpile includes projectiles and mortar rounds.
Mustard Agent
- Clear liquid when pure
- Consistency of motor oil or molasses
- Normally a yellow-brown color
- Heavier than water as a liquid and heavier than air as a vapor
- Mustard is a persistent agent
- Mustard is a vesicant; can cause blisters
- Designed to incapacitate personnel
Storage & Safety
- Stored in earth-covered bunkers called igloos.
- Igloos, constructed of concrete with reinforced steel, are 25 feet high, 25 feet wide, and 80 feet long.
- The igloos are specifically designed to contain the weapons and protect them from damage caused by deterioration and weather-related events.
- The chemical storage area is secured and monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
HD HT - Pueblo's Stockpile Consists of Two Types of Mustard HD & HT
- HD is a sulfur mustard, distilled to remove impurities.
- HD becomes a solid at 58º Fahrenheit and boils at 422° Fahrenheit.
- HD is 1.27 times heavier than water, and 5.5 times heavier than air.
- HT is a distilled mustard combined with a sulfur and chlorine compound.
- HT becomes a solid at 34° Fahrenheit and boils at 442° Fahrenheit.
- HT is 1.27 times heavier than water, and 6.9 times heavier than air.
Symptoms of Mustard Exposure
- Burning or stinging of the eyes
- Sore throat and hoarse cough
- Burning, stinging, or redness of the skin
- Skin blisters, appear on delicate tissues first
- Ingestion can cause weakness, nausea, vomiting, and fever
- 2 to 24 hour delay before symptoms appear
Personnel Decontamination
- Flush eyes and exposed wounds with clear water or saline only.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Flush skin with a 5% household bleach to water mixture followed by washing with soap and water.
- If any of the symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately.