Low-Level Chemical Agent Toxicology: Examination of Surface Contamination on Rats after Whole-Body Exposure to Lethal Levels of VX Agent Vapor
Abstract
The objective was to define safe handling procedures for animals contaminated with VX vapor. Efficacy of four decontaminants was tested on rats after whole-body exposure to lethal levels of VX vapor. The decontaminant requirements were, at minimum, that it must (1) be rapidly effective with low toxicity; (2) create nontoxic byproducts; (3) cause minimal irritation; and (4) have rapid application and removal properties. Given the desired properties, four liquid-based decontamination solutions were identified: dilute bleach (~0.5), soapy water, Canadian reactive skin decontamination lotion (RSDL), and an organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH). After VX exposure, rat bodies were decontaminated by wetting with the candidate solution, allowing a contact time of 10 min, and then rinsing with water. VX contamination levels were determined by extraction of the euthanized animals with isopropyl alcohol and analysis by gas chromatographymass spectrometry. VX contamination results were as follows: 65.3 g/rat for the no-decontamination (control) group, 21.8 g/rat for dilute bleach, 27.0 g/rat for OPH, 15.6 g/rat for soapy water, and 3.2 g/rat for RSDL. Overall, RSDL performed the best in minimizing VX contamination. Using this initial data, procedures were developed and tested that allow for the safe handling of animals after whole-body exposure to VX.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1102881
Entities
People
- Bernard J. Benton
- Charles L. Crouse
- Dennis Miller
- Douglas R. Sommerville
- Edward Jr M. Jakubowski
- Jacqueline Scotto
- Jeffrey M. Mcguire
- Jeffry S. Forster
- Jill Jarvis
- Kathy L. Matson
- Robert J. Mioduszewski
- Ronald A. Evans
- Ronald B. Crosier
- Sandra A. Thomson