Translation of Toxicity Data into CW Agent Toxicity Estimates

The focus of the Joint Service Low Level Toxicology (non-Medical) Program has been on developing data and valid methodology for predicting dose response effects to low level CWA concentrations/doses over long durations. Consistent and defendable data generated by this program will significantly reduce the error currently embedded in estimates of toxicity. This will, in turn, provide a consistent and uniform basis for extrapolating information on health effects and potential short or long term performance decrements from exposure times and concentrations relevant to military operations. These data are essential in creating requirements criteria for detector design, personal protective gear, and decontamination levels. At present, it is now possible to provisionally extend human CW agent toxicity estimates to longer exposure durations. Toxicity estimates for exposure durations ranging from 2 to 360 minutes have been derived for six agents (GA, GB, GD, GF, VX and HD) for inhalation/ocular vapor exposures (and some limited percutaneous vapor estimates). These provisional estimates represent an extension of the exposure durations addressed by the current human estimates from Grotte-Yang (2001). See also ADM001523. Presented at the Joint Service Scientific Conference on Chemical & Biological Defense Research held on 19-21 Nov 2002. The original document contains color images.