The U. S. Army Reactive Topical Skin Protectant (rTSP): Challenges and Successes

2000 ◽  
Vol 628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen T. Hobson ◽  
Erich K. Lehnert ◽  
Ernest H. Braue
Keyword(s):  
Composite Materials ◽  
Sulfur Mustard ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Base Material ◽  
Chemical Warfare Agents ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Inorganic Oxides ◽  
Warfare Agents

ABSTRACTIn 1994, the U. S. Army initiated a research effort towards an effective material that acts both as a protective barrier and as an active destructive matrix against chemical warfare agents (CWA). We report results on our preparation and evaluation of Reactive Topical Skin Protectants (rTSP's). These creams are composite materials consisting of a base material (TSP) and a reactive moiety. Using an established base of perfluorinated-polyether and perfluoropolyethylene solids we incorporated over 60 reactive components. Classes tested include organic polymers, organic/inorganic hybrid materials, polyoxometallates (POM's), enzymes, inorganic oxides, metal alloys and small molecules. We characterized these materials by light microscopy and FTIR. We determined the efficacy of these materials against both sulfur mustard (HD) and a representative nerve agent, soman (GD), using a penetration cell model coupled to a continuous air monitor and also by in vivo testing. Composite materials with optimum reactive compounds exhibit a 94% reduction of GD vapor break-through after 20 hours (from 9458 ng to 581 ng) and a 3.6 fold increase (from 162 min to 588 min) in the time 1000 ng of GD liquid penetrates through the material. Similar composite materials show a 99% reduction in HD vapor break-through after 20 hours (from 4040 ng to 16 ng), a 2.3 fold increase (from 524 min to >1200 min) in the time 1000 ng of HD vapor penetrates through the material, and an elimination of erythema versus control in an HD vapor challenge. These results indicate that an rTSP that protects against sulfur mustard and nerve agents is within reach.

Cutaneous challenge with chemical warfare agents in the SKH-1 hairless mouse. (I) Development of a model for screening studies in skin decontamination and protection

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 470-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Dorandeu ◽  
L. Taysse ◽  
I. Boudry ◽  
A. Foquin ◽  
F. Hérodin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sulfur Mustard ◽  
Chemical Warfare Agents ◽  
Skin Penetration ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Hairless Mouse ◽  
Chemical Warfare ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Liquid Form ◽  
Warfare Agents

Exposure to lethal chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is no longer only a military issue due to the terrorist threat. Among the CWAs of concern are the organophosphorus nerve agent O-ethyl-S-(2[di-isopropylamino]ethyl)methyl-phosphonothioate (VX) and the vesicant sulfur mustard (SM). Although efficient means of decontamination are available, most of them lose their efficacy when decontamination is delayed after exposure of the bare skin. Alternatively, CWA skin penetration can be prevented by topical skin protectants. Active research in skin protection and decontamination is thus paramount. In vivo screening of decontaminants or skin protectants is usually time consuming and may be expensive depending on the animal species used. We were thus looking for a suitable, scientifically sound and cost-effective model, which is easy to handle. The euthymic hairless mouse Crl: SKH-1 (hr/hr) BR is widely used in some skin studies and has previously been described to be suitable for some experiments involving SM or SM analogs. To evaluate the response of this species, we studied the consequences of exposing male anaesthetized SKH-1 mice to either liquid VX or to SM, the latter being used in liquid form or as saturated vapours. Long-term effects of SM burn were also evaluated. The model was then used in the companion paper (Taysse et al.1).

scholarly journals Air oxidation of sulfur mustard gas simulants using a pyrene-based metal–organic framework photocatalyst

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 2422-2427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghada Ayoub ◽  
Mihails Arhangelskis ◽  
Xuan Zhang ◽  
Florencia Son ◽  
Timur Islamoglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sulfur Mustard ◽  
Metal Organic Framework ◽  
Oxidative Degradation ◽  
Chemical Warfare Agents ◽  
Mustard Gas ◽  
Air Oxidation ◽  
Substitution Pattern ◽  
Warfare Agents ◽  
Metal Organic ◽  
Organic Framework

We demonstrate a microporous metal–organic framework NU-400 based on a 2,7-disubstituted pyrene linker as a highly efficient photosensitizer for generating singlet oxygen and subsequent oxidative degradation of chemical warfare agents (CWAs). The high activity of NU-400 permits photocatalytic conversion of the 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) mustard gas simulant into a benign sulfoxide derivative, in air, with less than 15 minutes’ half-life. This is a considerable improvement to NU-1000, based on a 1,3,6,8-tetrasubstituted pyrene unit, demonstrating how variation of the substitution pattern of a metal–organic framework linker permits modification of its photoactive behavior.

Studies on Environmental Effects of Underwater Chemical Munitions in the Southern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea)

2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 10-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Alcaro ◽  
Camilla Della Torre ◽  
Tommaso Petochi ◽  
Valerio Sammarini ◽  
Marco Matiddi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reference Site ◽  
Adriatic Sea ◽  
Sulfur Mustard ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Chemical Warfare Agents ◽  
The Body ◽  
Assessment Index ◽  
Skin Ulcers ◽  
Warfare Agents ◽  
Helicolenus Dactylopterus

AbstractThe present paper shows the multidisciplinary approach used to assess the ecotoxicity of chemical munitions lying on the seabed in the Southern Adriatic Sea where aerial bombs charged with mustard agent and organoarsenic chemical warfare agents (CWAs) have been dumped.Sampling activities and laboratory analyses have been carried out on two sentinel species, the blackbelly rosefish, Helicolenus dactylopterus, and the European conger, Conger conger, collected in a CWA dumping site 35 nm from the coast of Apulia, Italy, and from a reference site. Fish were analyzed through an ecotoxicological approach, integrating chemical analysis and biological responses.Degradation products of the blister agents bis-(2-chloroethyl)sulphide, commonly known as mustard agent or yperite (also called sulfur or sulfur mustard), were found in sediment samples collected nearby aerial bombs. Although no evidence of these compounds was detected in tissues of either fish, levels of heavy metals (arsenic and mercury), potentially released by rusted chemical weapons, were significantly higher in sediment and fish from the CWA site compared to the reference site. Severe external and internal lesions were observed in fish captured in the CWA site, with congers displaying small to large skin ulcers along the body. Health assessment index (HAI) values, as well as spleen melano-macrophages centres and CYP1A ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity were higher in fish from the CWA site, indicating a chronic state of illness and environment degradation.The working procedures and analyses performed during these surveys could be suitable for future biomonitoring studies in other CWA dumping sites.

Comparative Toxic Effect of Nitrogen Mustards (HN-1, HN-2, and HN-3) and Sulfur Mustard on Hematological and Biochemical Variables and Their Protection by DRDE-07 and Its Analogues

2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Sharma ◽  
R. Vijayaraghavan ◽  
Om Prakash Agrawal
Keyword(s):  
Sulfur Mustard ◽  
Protective Efficacy ◽  
Lethal Dose ◽  
Chemical Warfare Agents ◽  
Thiobarbituric Acid ◽  
The Body ◽  
Spleen Weight ◽  
Nitrogen Mustards ◽  
Warfare Agents ◽  
Wbc Count

The chemical warfare agents sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustards (HN-1, HN-2, and HN-3) are highly reactive vesicants. The study was planned to investigate the protective efficacy of amifostine, DRDE-07 and their analogues, and few conventional antidotes (30 minutes pretreatment) against dermally applied SM and nitrogen mustards in preventing hematological and biochemical changes in mice. Mustard agents (1.0 median lethal dose [LD50]) induced a significant decrease in the body weight and spleen weight. A significant decrease in the white blood cell (WBC) count and an increase in serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatases (ALPs) were observed. A significant decrease in reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were also observed. All the mustard agents increased DNA fragmentation. The effects of SM were significantly ameliorated by DRDE-07 analogues, and with nitrogen mustards the protection was partial. Overall, DRDE-30 (propyl analogue) followed by DRDE-35 (butyl analogue) are favored as safer and better compounds.

Oxidation of Chemical Warfare Agents in Supercritical Water

2011 ◽  
Vol 356-360 ◽  
pp. 2610-2615
Author(s):  
Lian Yuan Wang ◽  
Meng Meng Ma ◽  
Xiao Chun Hu ◽  
Guo Min Zuo ◽  
Hai Yan Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Temperature ◽  
Supercritical Water ◽  
Water Oxidation ◽  
Sulfur Mustard ◽  
Organic Phosphorus ◽  
Batch Reactor ◽  
Chemical Warfare Agents ◽  
Sulfur Oxidation ◽  
Chemical Warfare ◽  
Warfare Agents

Oxidation of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as Sulfur Oxidation of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as Sulfur Mustard (HD) and Soman (GD) and their simulants 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) in supercritical water were studied by a batch reactor. Results showed that HD, GD and their simulants 2-CEES and DMMP could be effectively destroyed into their corresponding mineral compounds by supercritical water oxidation (SCWO). The mineral ratio was a function of reaction temperature, reaction time and oxidant concentration. But reaction temperature seemed to have more important effect on the mineral ratio than other two factors. Sulfur compounds 2-CEES and HD could easily be mineralized under 475°C and the inorganic products were mainly SO32- and SO42- , while complete oxidation of organic phosphorus reactants GD and DMMP needed a high temperature of >600°C. And under relatively low temperature, DMMP tended to form a white organic phosphorus polymer with P-C and P-O-P bonds. Results also indicated that P-F bond was more easily broken than P-C bond.

A SERS-BASED ANALYZER FOR POINT AND CONTINUOUS WATER MONITORING OF CHEMICAL AGENTS AND THEIR HYDROLYSIS PRODUCTS

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (04) ◽  
pp. 719-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
STUART FARQUHARSON ◽  
FRANK E. INSCORE
Keyword(s):  
Sulfur Mustard ◽  
Active Material ◽  
Hydrolysis Product ◽  
Chemical Warfare Agents ◽  
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Water Monitoring ◽  
Hydrolysis Products ◽  
Surface Enhanced ◽  
Surface Enhanced Raman ◽  
Warfare Agents

Protection of military personnel and civilians from water supplies poisoned by chemical warfare agents (CWAs) requires an analyzer that has sufficient sensitivity (μg/L, ppb), specificity (differentiate the CWA from its hydrolysis products), and speed (less than 10 minutes) to be of value. In an effort to meet these requirements, we have been investigating the ability of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect cyanide and sulfur mustard in water. In our work, we have developed a novel SERS-active material that consists of a porous glass with trapped metal particles. Previously, we coated the inside walls of glass vials and measured cyanide at 1 mg/L in water in as little as 1 minute. However, measurements of sulfur mustard have only been measured to 10 mg/L. Recently, we filled glass capillaries with the SERS-active material. Here we describe measurements of cyanide, sulfur mustard, and it's hydrolysis product, thiodiglycol, using these capillaries and a portable Raman analyzer suitable for point and continuous water monitoring.

Some Possibilities to Study New Prophylactics against Nerve Agents

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 970-979 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bajgar ◽  
J. Kassa ◽  
T. Kucera ◽  
K. Musilek ◽  
D. Jun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cholinesterase Inhibitors ◽  
Chemical Warfare Agents ◽  
Nerve Agents ◽  
Chemical Warfare ◽  
Huperzine A ◽  
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition ◽  
Effective Prophylaxis ◽  
Warfare Agents

Nerve agents belong to the most dangerous chemical warfare agents and can be/were misused by terrorists. Effective prophylaxis and treatment is necessary to diminish their effect. General principles of prophylaxis are summarized (protection against acetylcholinesterase inhibition, detoxification, treatment “in advance” and use of different drugs). They are based on the knowledge of mechanism of action of nerve agents. Among different examinations, it is necessary to test prophylactic effectivity in vivo and compare the results with protection in vitro. Chemical and biological approaches to the development of new prophylactics would be applied simultaneously during this research. Though the number of possible prophylactics is relatively high, the only four drugs were introduced into military medical practice. At present, pyridostigmine seems to be common prophylactic antidote; prophylactics panpal (tablets with pyridostigmine, trihexyphenidyl and benactyzine), transant (transdermal patch containing HI-6) are other means introduced into different armies as prophylactics. Scavenger commercionally available is Protexia®. Future development will be focused on scavengers, and on other drugs either reversible cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., huperzine A, gallantamine, physostigmine, acridine derivatives) or other compounds.

Evaporation Rates of Chemical Warfare Agents Measured Using 5 CM Wind Tunnels. 2. Munitions Grade Sulfur Mustard From Sand

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol A. Brevett ◽  
Christopher V. Giannaras ◽  
Erin L. Maloney ◽  
Joseph P. Myers ◽  
Robert G. Nickol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sulfur Mustard ◽  
Chemical Warfare Agents ◽  
Chemical Warfare ◽  
Wind Tunnels ◽  
Warfare Agents

Evaporation Rates of Chemical Warfare Agents Measured using 5 cm Wind Tunnels III. Munition-Grade Sulfur Mustard on Concrete

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol A. Brevett ◽  
John J. Pence ◽  
Robert G. Nickol ◽  
Erin L. Maloney ◽  
Joseph P. Myers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sulfur Mustard ◽  
Chemical Warfare Agents ◽  
Chemical Warfare ◽  
Wind Tunnels ◽  
Warfare Agents
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