The Effects of Thermally-Generated CS Aerosols on Human Skin

摘要

In order to determine whether CS aerosols, under tropical climatic conditions, offer any threat to the nonsensitized human integument, volunteers were exposed to high concentrations of CS for periods up to 1 hr. Second degree chemical burns occurred in four of the eight subjects exposed to a CT of 14,040 or 17,700. It was generally noted that the volunteers most susceptible to sunburn (e.g., blue-eyed blonds as opposed to non-caucasians) displayed the most severe reactions, even though ultraviolet light was not a factor in our study. It was also noted that the healing of minor wounds (scratches and needle marks) was not affected by the CS burns. Areas covered by fatigue uniform sleeves remained reaction-free in all cases, demonstrating the protective effect of the dry uniform. Very high CT's of CS (> 14,000) under tropical conditions of heat and humidity (with moderate wind velocity) produce vesication of human skin. The disability produced by these second degree chemical burns is treatable but may incapacitate the recipient for up to 10 days. (Author)