Exposure at home to airborne concentrations of nitrogen mustard during topical application for the treatment of mycosis fungoides: A case study

Background: Although effective at treating mycosis fungoides (MF), nitrogen mustard (HN2) creates potential exposure risks to those who administer it, including health care workers and family members. Objective: The main obje ctive was to examine the potential for nontarget individuals to be exposed to HN2 vapors during and shortly after treatment with HN2 in a home environ ment. Methods: Air concentrations of HN2 were measured during the topical t reatment of MF in a patients home. Results: The results demonstrate that ey e and mucous membrane irritation may occur at HN2 levels commonly encounter ed during the treatment of MF in the home, hospital or health clinic. Becau se no exposure thresholds have been developed for HN2, the exposure thresho lds of a surrogate chemical (sulfur mustard) were used. Conclusions: The st udy findings show that eye and mucous membrane irritation may occur at HN2 levels below the exposure thresholds of the surrogate chemical. Recommendat ions for controlling exposures to HN2 in the home are given. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.