Development of reactive topical skin protectants against sulfur mustard and nerve agents

The potential for highly reactive nanoparticles (RNP) to absorb destructive ly, i.e. to neutralize highly toxic substances such as the warfare agents G A, GB, HD and VX, has been demonstrated in the laboratory. Reactive nanopar ticles represent a new class of nanoscale particles of metals and metal oxi des that differ from other nanoparticles in reactivity and crystalline morp hology. The potential for incorporating RNP into a protective barrier skin cream al so has been demonstrated. Preliminary studies indicate that RNP are physica lly and chemically compatible with a base cream provided by the Army Medica l Research Office and, importantly, remain reactive with chemical agents wh ile promising to be compatible with skin contact. Copyright (C) 1999 John W iley gr Sons, Ltd.