Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

			POINT PAPER
                                 	      ON
                            TOPICAL SKIN PROTECTANT (TSP)
                            
      PURPOSE

	To outline the benefits, current status, and proposed AF requirements for TSP.

     DISCUSSION
      - The Army is the lead command for development of TSP.
       - The purpose of the TSP program is to field a barrier cream for use on human
      skin which will:

        -- Inhibit penetration of chemical warfare agents to the skin.
      -- Enhance the effectiveness of fielded skin decontaminating systems.
       -- Reduce the need for immediate skin decontamination after agent exposure

       - The US Army has identified a commercially available product produced by
       Interpro, Inc., of Haverhill, MA, as one of the best candidates for
        preventing penetration of sulfur mustard (HD). (Atch 1)

       -- Composition: Ionic surfactant, water based:  ingredients include water,
       TEA-stearate, stearamide MEA, ethoxydiglycol and acetic acid.

       -- Efficacy Testing:
       --- Effective against sulfur mustard (HD) under extended wear conditions
       and during extended periods of agent exposure. In vivo testing using
      a 0.1 mm layer of Multi Shield on the shaved back of a rabbit showed:

         ---- Significant decrease in mean lesion area size (89%, 83%, and 72%
              after 1, 2, and 4 hours) compared to unprotected control
              following exposure to 1 ul neat liquid HD. (Atch 2) Results
              qualitatively confirmed in hairless guinea pigs.
              
        ---- Significant decrease (60-70%) in erythema and edema compared to
                 controls following four and eight minute exposures of the backs
                  of hairless guinea pigs to HD vapor at concentrations 77 time
                  greater than predicted for battlefield exposure.
                  
       --- Marginal protection from Soman (GD) (Only 11.2% of normal red blood
        cell acetylcholinesterase activity at 24 hours after 2 hour exposure
        to 3.35 mg/kg dose of thickened Soman).
        
      LtCol Falkenheimer/HQ USAF/SGHR/ [(b)(2)] /3 Oct 90
      

Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search