PENETRATION OF [H-3] T-2 MYCOTOXIN THROUGH ABRADED AND INTACT SKIN AND METHODS TO DECONTAMINATE [H-3] T-2 MYCOTOXIN FROM ABRASIONS

Penetration of 50 μCi of [3H]T-2 mycotoxin through abraded and intact skin was studied in anesthetized rats sacrificed at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 min post-exposure. The greatest penetration was through abraded skin (49 ± 7%) at 90 min post-exposure, whereas penetration through intact skin (2 ± 3%) was substantially less (P < 0.0015). Methods to decontaminate [3H]T-2 mycotoxin from abraded skin over time were studied. Treatment of [3H]T-2-contaminated abrasions by applying Trau+Medic® dressing, applying Charcoal Cloth-Anti-bacterial Field Dressing (Charcoal Dressing), or swabbing with povidine-iodine 30 min post-exposure removed 17–32% of the applied [3H]T-2. Immediate blotting with immediate removal of the dressings absorbed 103 + 4% (Trau + Medic) and 87 + 4% (Charcoal Dressing) of the applied [3H]T-2, while immediate blotting and leaving the dressing in place for 30 min removed 91 + 5% (Trau +Medic) and 76± 3% (Charcoal Dressing). It appears that immediate blotting with either dressing followed by immediate removal before application of a clean dressing is an effective method for decontaminating [3H]T-2 from abrasions. © 1990, Pergamon Press plc. All rights reserved.