Further studies of the efficacy of military, commercial and novel skin decontaminants against the chemical warfare agents sulphur Mustard, Soman and VX

Abstract

Background/Aims: Following an incident involving toxic chemicals, deployment of countermeasures before the arrival of specialised services at the scene may provide a "therapeutic" window in which to mitigate skin absorption. Methods: Five potential candidates (itaconic acid, N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide, 2-trifluoromethylacrylic acid, fuller's

Tailor-Made Synthesis of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles for Improving the Skin Decontamination of Paraoxon

“…Several applications are needed to remove the toxic substance, which can be unwittingly inhaled once deposited on the powder and must be finally withdrawn. This process increases the risk of cross-contaminations even if a glove retaining the powder has been designed and could mitigate this risk. − Both methods (water wash or Fuller’s earth) do not completely degrade the toxicants, generating large quantities of toxic waste and increasing the risk of secondary contamination. , Decontamination systems able to degrade toxicants into safer byproducts, like the Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion (RSDL), offer a more advanced solution. As the liquid texture is difficult to handle, RSDL soaked in a sponge was developed to allow for better application.…”

“…It may even lead to contaminant absorption due to the “wash-in” effect, promoting deeper penetration of toxins into the skin . Fuller’s earth has been frequently used as a decontaminant, acting as an effective adsorbent for various chemicals such as VX and mustard gas, reducing their penetration into the skin. − Fuller’s earth can absorb the toxic substance but cannot destroy it. Several applications are needed to remove the toxic substance, which can be unwittingly inhaled once deposited on the powder and must be finally withdrawn.…”