Vesicants carcinogenicity

HD is a vesicant (blister agent) and alkylating agent producing cytotoxic action on the hematopoietic (blood-forming) tissues which are especially sensitive. The rate of detoxification of HD in the body is very slow, and repeated exposures produce a cumulative effect. It causes blisters, irritates the eyes, and it is toxic when inhaled. HD has been determined to be a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. 

Vesicants are also systemic agents and readily pass through the skin to affect susceptible tissue including those that produce blood. For this reason they are often described as radio-mimetic poisons. In severe cases, systemic effects can include cardiovascular shock and multiorgan failure. Nitrogen vesicants can also cause central nervous system depression and cardiovascular shock. Both sulfur and nitrogen vesicants are carcinogenic. 

A review of the literature on experiments to assess possible chronic effects, especially mutagenic activity and carcinogenicity, of the irritant and vesicant agents reveals that these effects have not been studied systematically by current standards and techniques. 

Not only is the acute toxicity of CR extremely low, with an estimated human LCt5Q over 100,000 mg mln/m, but the overt signs of exposure are even more transitory than those of CS. Eye Irritation passes In 15-30 min, and skin Irritation in 15-20 min. Erythema, which develops only on contaminated skin, passes In about an hour and does not lead to vesication or to contact sensitization. The abrupt Increase in blood pressure, which has been observed after whole-body drenches of CR In solution, subsides rapidly. Although available results show no long-term health effects of exposure to CR, there are no available data on the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of this compound, and the data on teratology are limited. 

Sulfur mustard is a known human carcinogen, and some of its degradation products may also be carcinogenic (IOM, 1993). Sulfur mustard acts as a vesicant or blister agent and shows acute systemic toxicity in addition to its effects on skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. 

Caution The intermediate 2-chloroethyl sulfides are very toxic (sulfur mustards) and are very powerful vesicants and potent carcinogens. This protocol must be undertaken in an efficient hood and disposable vinyl and/or latex gloves and chemical-resistant safety goggles must be worn at all times. 

SAFETY PROFILE Poison by ingestion and subcutaneous routes. An eye and severe skin irritant. A vesicant and skin sensitizer. Questionable carcinogen with experimental mmorigenic data. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SOx. See also ESTERS and SULFONATES. 

Harris et al. 1984). The inhalation hazard from its vapors is therefore lower than that of mustard gas. Contact with the body can result in severe local injury. It can penetrate through skin, causing inflammation and blistering, which are difficult to heal. Like mustard gas, this substance also exhibits delayed clinical symptoms at low concentrations. There is no report of carcinogenicity. In chemical warfare, it is used in combination with mustard gas. Such a combined mixture is known as HT. The toxicity and vesicant action of HT are greater than those of its components. The mixture sohdifies at a lower temperature and is more persistent than the mustard gas alone. 

There is no report of its carcinogenicity. Its mixtnre with mnstard gas, known as HQ, is more toxic than either of the component and is nsed as a war agent. HQ is a deadly vesicant like HT and is more persistent than mustard alone. 

Dimethyl sulfate (CAS 77-78-1) Powerful vesicant action hydrolyzes to sulturic acid and methanol. Extremely irritating upon direct contact severe bums have resulted. Vapors irritating to eyes and respiratory tract delayed pulmonary edema may result. Skin absorption is rapid. A carcinogen in test animals (lARC 2A). 0.1 ppm, S,A3 7 ppm 4 2 0 Colorless, oily liquid. Very mild onion odor is barely perceptible and Is a poor warning property. Vapor pressure is 0.5 mm Hg at 20°C (68°F). Combustible. Thermal-breakdown products Include sulfur oxides. 

Both diastereoisomers are used as flavorings in foodstuffs, beverages and especially tobacco products, but also as perfume ingredients 109). Lactones (60a) and (60b) are particularly toxic they have vesicant and carcinogenic activity 495). 

---