At a glance
CDC/ATSDR scientists have grouped chemicals into categories based on similarities in how they affect health or the environment.
Blister agents (vesicants)
Chemicals causing severe blisters in the eyes, skin, and lining of the nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, and lungs (respiratory tract).
- Lewisite (L, L-1, L-2, L-3)
- Nitrogen mustard (HN-1, HN-2, HN-3)
- Phosgene oxime (CX)
- Sulfur mustard (H) (mustard gas)
Keep Reading
Blister Agents/Vesicants
Choking/lung agents (pulmonary)
Chemicals causing severe irritation or swelling the lining of the respiratory tract.
- Ammonia
- Bromine (CA)
- Chlorine (CL)
- Hydrogen chloride
- Methyl bromide
- Methyl isocyanate
- Osmium tetroxide
- Phosgene (CG)
- Phosphine
- Phosphorus, elemental, white or yellow
- Sulfuryl fluoride
Keep Reading
Choking/Lung/Pulmonary Agents
Nerve agents
Chemicals that prevent the brain and nerves to the muscles and organs (nervous system) from working properly.
G agents
V agents
Keep Reading
Nerve Agents
Additional chemicals by category
Learn basic facts about certain chemicals and how to protect yourself in a chemical emergency.
Learn basic facts about certain chemicals and how to protect yourself in a chemical emergency.
Learn basic facts about certain chemicals and how to protect yourself in a chemical emergency.
Learn basic facts about certain chemicals and how to protect yourself in a chemical emergency.
Learn basic facts about certain chemicals and how to protect yourself in a chemical emergency.
Learn basic facts about certain chemicals and how to protect yourself in a chemical emergency.
Learn basic facts about certain chemicals and how to protect yourself in a chemical emergency.
More information
Chemical Emergencies Chemicals A-Z
Learn basic facts about certain chemicals and how to protect yourself in a chemical emergency.
All Agents: Alphabetized. The Emergency Response Safety and Health Database (ERSH-DB) is a rapidly a...
Learn basic facts about certain chemicals and how to protect yourself in a chemical emergency.
Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health