blood agents, poisons that affect the body by being absorbed into the blood. Blood agents include arsine and cyanide. Exposure to both may occur by inhalation, and cyanide exposure may also occur by ingestion and absorption through the skin and eyes. Arsine causes hemolysis, resulting in generalized weakness, jaundice, delirium, and renal failure; high doses may result in death. There is no antidote and treatment is supportive. Cyanide prevents cells from using oxygen, leading to cell death, and poisoning especially affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems and can lead to heart and brain damage and death from respiratory failure. Treatment consists of the administration of an antidote and supportive care.
