Decontamination and Detoxification of Toxic Chemical Warfare Agents Using Polyurethane Sponges; Conference paper

摘要

Organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents are some of the most potent toxic agents conceived by mankind, are specific inhibitors of cholinesterase (ChE), and therefore are a serious threat to military and civilian personnel. OP nerve agents can exist as a liquid and contaminate skin, penetrate, resulting in deleterious systemic effects including a cholinergic crisis. Another serious problem that may be encountered while caring for personnel contaminated with organophosphorus chemical warfare nerve agents is the possibility that there will be cross-contamination to the medical personnel. In addition, during combat or terrorist acts, individuals might be exposed to chemical toxins before they don their protective gear. We have been developing enzyme immobilized polyurethane foams that can effectively decontaminate the skin and other such exposed surfaces of the organophosphorus toxins in a wide variety of environmental conditions. With additives, the sponges provided increased protection for guinea pigs exposed to neat soman and VX compared to currently fielded kits, and reduces methylene blue uptake in mustard-exposed animals. Sponges have several criteria to meet to be effective personal decontaminants and detoxifiers of chemical warfare agents. The sponges must be lightweight for individual use, yet be shelf-stable under environmental conditions found in the field. In this manner, the sponges would provide immediate use for either the individual or a buddy in a field.