True or False: Sulfur mustard agents cause burns and blisters shortly after contact with skin or mucous membranes.

The statement is true because sulfur mustard agents, commonly known as mustard gas, are chemical warfare agents that can indeed cause serious skin injuries. Upon contact with skin or mucous membranes, these agents lead to burns and blistering, but the effects do not occur instantaneously. Instead, there is typically a latency period, often ranging from several hours to days, before the full extent of the injury becomes apparent.

The mechanism of action involves damage to the skin's cells, leading to the development of blisters and burns. This delayed reaction is critical for medical personnel to understand, as it can influence treatment and response strategies in the case of exposure. Mustard agents are particularly insidious because while they may not cause immediate pain or injury, their long-term effects are severe and can be debilitating.

While there are other aspects related to dosage and conditions for exposure, the fundamental characteristic of these agents is that they do inflict burns and blisters upon contact; however, the key point is their delayed manifestation rather than an absence of injury altogether.