Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agents

Abstract

Chemical warfare agents (CWA) pose inevitable threat, both to soldiers and civilians. Risk on contact with these deadly agents can be avoided by neutralisation of their toxic effects. A suitable media with essential physico-chemical properties is required for this purpose. Considerable efforts have been made to develop several decontamination media suitable for neutralisation of highly toxic CWAs. This paper reviews history and details of recent technological advancements in the development of versatile, broad spectrum decontamination formulations against CWAs, as also nanosized metal oxides as CWA decontaminants.

Development of micellar system for the decontamination of organophosphorus compounds to clean technological equipment

“…In this case, contribution of alkaline hydrolysis is minimal and does not exceed 1-5 % of the total rate of substrate decomposition [13].…”

“…In the presence of SAS, as a rule, 10-100 multiple acceleration of reaction occurs: in some cases the rate of reactions increases by 10 3 -10 4 times [12,13]. These effects are finally found to have been caused by existence of not individual molecules, but rather of associates of a large number of SAS molecules -micelles.…”

“…This particular interest is caused by the fact that they open up new opportunities for adjusting the rates of chemical reactions and studying their mechanism [12,13].…”

“…These effects are finally found to have been caused by existence of not individual molecules, but rather of associates of a large number of SAS molecules -micelles. It was found that aqueous solutions containing hydrogen peroxide, cation detergent and activator, within pH values of (8-9) provide a high degree of solubilization of the substrate, increase reactivity of oxidizers and nucleophiles (compared to aqueous solutions), are easy to prepare and environmentally friendly [13].…”

Recent Advances in Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agents

“…For successful decontamination Decon Station Personnel and Medical First Responders should be trained, equipped, and clothed in a manner to safely decontaminate any exposed victim suspected of being contaminated. The work by Singh 19 , et al and Seto 20 give a comprehensive idea of the requirements for successful decontamination.…”