When the average person reads the words mustard gas poisoning in 2004, if he or she has a military background, their thoughts may go to their training in chemical and biological warfare. If the listeners are historically oriented, they may think about German use of mustard gas in 1917 in World War I. If the viewers are more educated by recent television time, they will probably think about Saddam Hussein gassing "his own people" or using it in war against Iranian forces in 1988, or perhaps the recent failed searches for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Today's MedGenMed includes an Original Article from the United States describing the short- and long-term effects of mustard gas exposure on 247 patients in 1996.[1] What did I say? Yes, you heard me right, a recent industrial exposure of hundreds of Americans to components of mustard gas is reported to have resulted in cutaneous burns, secondary skin infections, liver and cardiac abnormalities, bronchitis, and posttraumatic stress disorder, but no fatalities. Not surprising, clinically, mustard gas contains multiple toxic chemical compounds, including sulfur and nitrogen mustard. It was used for warfare because of its vicious blistering effects.[2] This article documents original, firsthand clinical observations. But, since mustard gas was outlawed for use in war by the Geneva Convention in 1925, one may ask, "What were these chemicals doing in Louisiana in 1996?" Good question. Litigation about these injuries roiled for many years.[3] I hope a reasonable explanation is forthcoming from our inquisitive readers. That's my opinion. I'm Dr. George Lundberg, Editor of MedGenMed.