Toxin-Neutralizing Barrier Skin Cream for CWA Protection

The threat of chemical and biological (CB) warfare agent exposure requires a variety of measures to protect military personnel. CB agent entry through the skin can potentially be reduced through the application of chemical barrier creams. Low surface energy fluoropolymers have been shown to resist penetration of both polar and nonpolar chemicals. A new protective skin cream is proposed that utilizes fluorochemical intermediates and known CB neutralizing chemicals to defend against multiple threats. The new protective skin cream is based on a blend of non-irritating film-forming compounds, chemical agent hydrolysis catalysts that concentrate at the film surface and solid particulate neutralization agents that combine to form a highly resistant barrier to the transmission of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic chemicals. The novelty of the approach stems from the dual protection mode offered by a system that self assembles into a multi-layered film for resisting CB agent penetration while quickly neutralizing harmful agents before they reach the skin. The proposed barrier cream will be simple to apply and effectively render the skin highly resistant to the penetration of harmful chemicals and biological agents. The new CB-blocking compounds will be formulated and tested for CB simulant barrier properties, self-decontaminating ability and longevity.