Snider, T.H.,
Jarvis, R.J.,
Matthews, M.C.,
Braue Jr., E.H.
Several Personal Skin Decontaminants (PSD) were evaluated for efficacy against topical exposure to 2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide (sulfur mustard; SM). Rabbits were used to assess, relative to no decontamination, the efficacies of five treatments: D-TAM®, PERC Formulation® (PERC), Swiss Decon Powder® (Swiss DP), Modec Decon Formulation 200® (MDF-200), and Head & Shoulders® shampoo (H&SS). Results with this model were obtained previously for distilled water, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach), the M291 SDK, Diphoterine®, Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion (RSDL®), MDF-100®, and an enzyme-linked polyurethane sponge containing a solution of pralidoxime chloride in 2,5,8,11,14-pentaoxapentadecane (Gordon sponge). Decontaminant applicators were made by attaching a section of either cotton gauze or the specific pad material designated for RSDL, M291 SDK, and Gordon sponge to a wooden tongue depressor. Swiss DP was applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Rabbits were anesthetized, and dorsal hair was clipped. Baseline chromaticity (the red parameter, a*) assessments were made at each of eight test sites drawn in a grid on each rabbit’s back. A 1-μL volume of SM was applied at each test site. At 2 min after SM application, each test site was either treated with one of the candidates or left undisturbed. At 24 hr after dosing, test sites were rinsed, chromaticity assessments were made, and lesion areas were estimated and normalized by dividing by the lesion area at the no-treatment site to determine lesion area ratios (LARs). Change in a* (Δa* = a*24-hr – a*baseline) was calculated and normalized by dividing by Δa* at the no-treatment site to determine relative erythema. Mean LARs and relative erythema from each PSD-treated group were compared to determine efficacy. Relative erythema was not a useful endpoint for distinguishing among PSD efficacies. In order of decreasing efficacy, according to the LAR endpoint, the significantly effective PSDs were: MDF-200, Swiss DP, RSDL, MDF-100, D-TAM, and M291 SDK. Among these, MDF-200, Swiss DP, and RSDL were significantly better than the currently fielded M291 SDK against SM.
Proceedings of the medical defense bioscience review, 2004
134-1