A Medical Research and Evaluation Facility Defense and Studies Supporting the Medical Chemical Defense Program. Task 95-38: Evaluation of the Vesicating Properties of Neutralized Chemical Agent Identification Set (CAIS) Components.

Abstract : The U.S. Army Project Manager for Non-stockpile Chemical Materiel (PMNSCM) has a requirement to develop and field a transportable Rapid Response System (RRS) to chemically treat Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) containing vesicant chemical warfare agents (i.e., HE), HN, and L). The proposed operation consists of removing ampules from CAIS and crushing them in a decontamination solution under engineering controls. After chemical neutralization of the agents, the wastestreams are to be sent to a commercial hazardous waste disposal facility. The proposed chemical neutralization process for the detoxification of CMS is based on the oxidizing agent 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DCDMlI). The oxidant/solvent system selected for the neutralization process consisted of DCDMH in 50:50 chloroform/t-butanol with about 3 percent water. Neat RD, synthesized CAIS components (10 percent agent in chloroform), and wastestream samples from chemically-neutralized CMS were evaluated for skin action (vesicancy potential). The study was conducted in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) regulations of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Male hairless guinea-pigs were used as the animal model. The research consisted of three phases: Phase I consisted of the evaluation of the analytical technique for RD, HN and L in wastestreams and waste stream sample analyses, Phase II consisted of dose-ranging and vesication optimization studies, and Phase III was comprised of vesicancy testing of wastestreams resulting from the chemical neutralization of CAIS.