Toxicological Evaluation of the Contact and Vapor Hazards of VX and Thickened VX (TVX) in Rabbits

Abstract

The degree of hazard from contacting residual, normally unseen and undetectable amounts of VX and thickened VX (TVX) on painted steel surfaces has been evaluated using the rabbit as a test model. Toxic hazard was evaluated by analyzing whole blood cholinesterase, observing toxic signs, and chemically analyzing each plate for residual VX content. Based on the test results, both polyurethane- and alkyd-painted steel test plates can absorb and then desorb significant amounts of VX, enough to produce a toxic effect in the rabbit. Direct contact is more hazardous than indirect vapor contact. The process accounting for the agent transport must include both a liquid-like transfer and a vapor transfer phenomenon.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADB095637

Entities

People

  • Dale H. Heitkamp
  • Dean M. Bona
  • James H. Manthei
  • Kenneth P. Cameron
  • Raymond E. Herd
  • Robert A. Braun
  • Robert D. Moore
  • William C. Heyl
  • William C. Starke

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artillery
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemistry
  • Detection
  • Hazards
  • Laboratory Animals
  • Materials
  • Military Research
  • Munitions
  • Polyurethanes
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods
  • Three Dimensional
  • Toxic Hazards

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Engineering.
  • Tribology (the study of the boundary interaction between sliding surfaces, lubrication, wear and friction).