Evaluation of the Vesicating Properties of Neutralized Chemical Agent Identification Sets

Vesication and skin irritation studies were conducted in hairless guinea-pigs to determine the vesicant and skin irritation potential of Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS). The CAIS training items that agent (HD, HN, or L) and were declared obsolete in 1971. Guinea-pigs were topically dosed with 'test article' NEAT HD, 10% agent/chloroform solutions, or product solutions (wastestreams) and evaluated for skin-damaging effects (gross and light microscopic). Product solutions from the chemical neutralization of neat sulfur mustard resulted in microvesicle formation (vesication). All agent-dosed (agent/ chloroform solutions or HD) sites exhibited microblisters, as well as other histopathologic lesions of the skin. Wastestreams from the neutalization of agent (agent/chloroform; agent on charcoal) were devoid of microvesicant activity. Dermal irritant effects (erythema and edema) were consistent with the skin-injurious activity associated with the neutralizing reagent 1,3-DICHLORO-5, 5-DIMETHYLHYDANTOIN (DCDMH).Edgewood Research Development and Engineering Center Aberdeen Proving Groundmd is the author of 'Evaluation of the Vesicating Properties of Neutralized Chemical Agent Identification Sets', published 1997 under ISBN 9781423570677 and ISBN 1423570677.