PENETRATION OF RADIOACTIVE ISOPROPYL METHYLPHOSPHONOFLUORIDATE (SARIN) VAPOR THROUGH SKIN

Studies have been made of the penetration of sarin (isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate) tagged with P32through the skin of rabbits. Sarin vapor at a constant concentration was passed through a plastic cup attached to the clipped bellies of rabbits. Using different sizes of cups it has been found that the L(ct)50 (concentration × exposure time required to kill 50% of the animals exposed) decreased as the exposure area was increased. From these experiments it was possible to determine how absorption through skin varies with area exposed, vapor concentration, and exposure time and to find the approximate 'ct' necessary to kill a rabbit for any area of skin exposed.