Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Evaluations of the Halon Replacement CandidatePhosphorus Tribromide

摘要

Phosphorus tribromide (PBr3) is being considered by the DOD as a possiblereplacement for Halon 1301. This study was designed to determine the effects following single, high-concentration exposures which could occur in accidents, as well as repeated, low-concentration exposures which could occur on flight lines or where maintenance commonly occurs. Application of 10 or 50 microliters neat PBr3 to intact skin of an anesthetized NZW rabbit caused edema and necrosis of the treated skin within 10 minutes of dosing. Microscopic examination confirmed necrosis of the skin and underlying areas, including the skeletal muscle of the subcutis.