Mustard radiomimetic effects

Mustard is an alkylating agent similar to drugs that have been used in cancer chemotherapy, such as nitrogen mustards, Cytoxan, and cis-platin. Since DNA is one of mustard s most sensitive targets, it is not surprising that carcinogenesis and radiomimetic effects are seen. ... 

Casualties who have liquid mustard burns over 50% or more of body surface area or burns of lesser extent but with more than minimal pulmonary involvement pose a problem for the triage officer. An estimated LD50 (ie, the dose that is lethal to 50% of the exposed population) of liquid mustard, 100 mg/ kg, will cover 20% to 25% of body surface area. It is unlikely that a casualty will survive 2 LD50 because of the tissue damage from the radiomimetic effects of mustard. Two LD50 of liquid will cover about 50% of body surface area, and casualties with a burn this size or greater from liquid mustard should be considered expectant. They will require intensive care (which may include care in an aseptic environment because of leukopenia) for weeks to months, which can be provided only at the far-rear echelons or in the continental United States. Chances of survival... 

Table 6. Effect of thiosulphate and cysteine on LD50 of nitrogen mustards. Reproduced from the paper by Connors, T.A., Jeny, A and Jones, M. (1964), Reduction of the toxicity of radiomimetic alkylating agents in rats by thiol pretreatment-III. The mechanism of the protective action of thiosulphate. Biochem. Pharmacol., 13, 1545-1550... 

Typical radiomimetic substances are organic peroxides (e.g. ethylene oxide), ethylene di-imine, mustard gas and derivatives, aliphatic dichloro-amines, etc. These compounds or chemical groups occur in many familiar materials such as tobacco smoke. The effect of a certain amount of a radiomimetic substance can be calculated to correspond to a radiation dose. Thus, smoking a pipe of tobacco corresponds to an average radiation dose of about 0.04 mSv. 

Radiating (nuclear) weapons produce energy in the form of an explosive blast, in addition to gamma rays and neutrons that destroy unprotected tissue, particularly DNA. (Thus, mustard agents and T2 mycotoxin, because of their similar effects, are sometimes referred to as radiomimetic. ) Enhanced radiation warheads, or neutron bombs, minimize the destruction of materials while maximizing lethalities among enemy personnel. 

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