Comparison of four different fuller's earth formulations in skin decontamination

Abstract

Industrial accidents, wars and terrorist threats are potential sources of skin contamination by highly toxic chemical warfare agents and manufacturing compounds. We have compared the time-dependent adsorption capacity and decontamination efficiency of fuller's earth (FE) for four different formulations for the molecular tracer, 4-cyanophenol (4-CP), in vitro and ex vivo using water decontamination as standard. The adsorption capacity of FE was assessed in vitro for 4-CP aqueous solutions whereas decontamination efficiency was investigated ex vivo by tracking porcine skin 4-CP content using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Decontamination was performed on short time, exposed porcine skin to 4-CP by application of FE: (1) as free powder; (2) loaded on adhesive tape; (3) on powdered glove; or (4) in suspension. Removal rate of 4-CP from aqueous solutions correlates with the amount of FE and its contact time. Decontamination efficiency estimated by the percentage of 4-CP recovery from contaminated porcine skin, achieved 54% with water, ranged between ~60 and 70% with dry FE and reached ~90% with FE suspension. Successful decontamination of the FE suspension, enabling a dramatic reduction of skin contamination after a brief exposure scenario, appears to be rapid, reliable and should be formulated in a new device ready to use for self-application.

Immobilization of Mutant Phosphotriesterase on Fuller’s Earth Enhanced the Stability of the Enzyme

“…This finding is in agreement with that of Babavatan and his coworkers where they found that immobilized lipase was protected from denaturing by the support [39]. In addition to this, FE is also known to be a fireretardant material, and is able to displace heat, which may also be a reason for its stability [18]. Therefore, the improved thermostability of immobilized YT PTE is an important observation and is likely to have an impact on practical applications of this enzyme.…”

“…The major components found in FE include montmorillonite (MMT), various mixtures of kaolinite and attapulgite/bentonite. Moreover, FE is an already known compound and is in common use as a high adsorption material, which has been utilized as an adjunct in the treatment of poisoning, as a decontamination agent in chemical accidents, in various cleaning processes as an adsorbent, as a component ingredient in cosmetic products and has been used as support for immobilized enzymes [18,19]. It has been stated in the literature that most of the enzymes that can be immobilized onto mineral or natural supports such as bentonite, MMT, halloysite and kaolinite can be attached without restriction [17,20].…”

Chemical-Biological Terrorism and Its Impact on Children

“…82 In specific, known exposures, other decontamination agents may be more effective: a study of the molecular tracer 4-cyanophenol found that decontamination efficiency from porcine skin was 54% with water, up to 70% with dry fuller's earth, and around 90% with a suspension of fuller's earth. 83 In terms of wet versus dry decontamination, another study of absorbent materials in an ex vivo model indicated that dry decontamination was superior to wet methods for removing liquid contaminants but was not effective against particulate matter. 84 The consensus among investigators, however, is that time is the single most important factor in successful decontamination.…”

Dermatotoxicology of sulfur mustard: Historical perspectives from World War I

“…He found it better than most of other powders and pastes tested. This observation is particularly intriguing as Fuller's Earth is currently being investigated for its effectiveness in sulfur mustard decontamination, and is known as an effective decontaminant for lewisite exposure (Marrs, 2007;Roul et al, 2017;Taysse, Daulon, Delamanche, Bellier, & Breton, 2007).…”