In Vitro Skin Permeation of Detergents and Detergent-Based Decontamination Mixture

Abstract

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to assess the ability of selected detergents (althosan MB 50%, triton X) and one commercial decontamination mean (Argos™) to permeate the pig skin, which could indicate a potential toxic side effect of mass casualty decontaminants. A method of static diffusion cells and UV spectrometry was used to evaluate the skin permeation. All tested agents did not permeate the skin in detectable amounts as 5% water solutions. In concentrated form, triton X and Argos™ did not permeate the skin whereas althosan MB 50% shown specific permeation rate of 6.134 µg.cm -1 in 24 hours.

Oxime functionality in surfactant self-assembly: An overview on combating toxicity of organophosphates

“…Destruction of carboxylate, phosphate and sulfonate based esters is of prime significance and several remedies including reactions of various toxic esters with oximes, hydroxamic acids, oximates in micellar solutions, surface active oximes, and peroxides have been suggested. Since the rate of nucleophile-aided hydrolysis of esters is enhanced by cationic micelles, a variety of surfactant-based reagents incorporating peroxides, iodosylcarboxylates and oxime functionality have been developed [7][8]. Oximate ions (-CH_NO − ) are important tools in kinetic, mechanistic and biochemical studies.…”

Recent knowledge: Concepts of dermal absorption in relation to skin decontamination

“…Ideally, they should be low cost and pose few risks themselves. Use of water and/or detergents are generally considered safe and historically used for mass decontamination for their ease of use and low cost, although risk assessment remains on going as progressive insights are made (Misik et al, 2012b). The UK developed mobile showering units, providing a washcloth and an extended showering period (Amlot et al, 2010).…”

“…However, detergents Argos and triton X (polyethylene glycol p-(1,1,3,3-etramethylbuyl)-phenyl ether), did not permeate the skin either as a 5% water solution or as a concentrate (Misik et al, 2012b). Permeation rate of the detergent althosan MB 50% (50% benzalkonium chloride) as a concentrate, not a 5% water solution, was detectable, although not at an acutely toxic level (Misik et al, 2012b). Thus, more data are needed to elucidate the toxicity of detergent-based mass decontamination and possible long-term effects.…”