A comparison of decontamination effects of commercially available detergents in rats pre-exposed to topical sulphur mustard. (June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Misik, Jan; Jost, Petr; Pavlikova, Ruzena; Vodakova, Eva; Cabal, Jiri; Kuca, Kamil
• Is Part Of: Cutaneous and ocular toxicology. Volume 32:Number 2(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 139
• Publication Date: 2013-06
• Subjects: Dermatotoxicology -- Periodicals; Ocular toxicology -- Periodicals; Ocular pharmacology -- Periodicals; Dermatopharmacology -- Periodicals; Toxicology -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.3109/15569527.2012.730087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1556-9527

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: The genotoxic vesicant sulphur mustard [bis-2-(chloroethyl)sulphide] is a chemical warfare agent which is easily available due to its relatively simple synthesis. Thus, sulphur mustard is a potential agent for mass contamination. In this study, we focused on sulphur mustard toxicity and decontamination in a rat model using commercially available detergent mixtures for dermal decontamination.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: Male Wistar rats were percutaneously treated with sulphur mustard and subjected to wet decontamination 2 min postexposure. Commercially produced detergents Neodekont^™, Argos^™, Dermogel^™ and FloraFree^™ were tested for their decontamination efficacy against an exposed group and their protective ratios determined.</p> <p> <italic>Results and conclusion</italic>: The results showed that all tested detergent solutions produced an increase in the median lethal dose [LD₅₀ = 9.83 (5.87–13.63) mg·kg⁻¹] in comparison to controls, which led to increased survival of experimental animals. In general, all tested detergents provided modest decontamination efficacy (PR = 2.0–5.7). The highest protective ratio (5.7) was consistently achieved with Argos^™. Accordingly, Argos^™ should be considered in further investigation of mass casualty decontamination.</p> </abstract>