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Oudejans L, Wyrzykowska-Ceradini B, Morris E, Jackson S, Touati A, Sawyer J, Mikelonis A, Serre S. Evaluation of Malathion, DIMP, and Strawberry Furanone as CWA Simulants for Consideration in Field-Level Interior Building Remediation Exercises. ACS CHEMICAL HEALTH & SAFETY 2023; 30:270-278. [PMID: 38269393 PMCID: PMC10805241 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chas.3c00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Field-level exercises with the purpose to assess remediation following the deliberate release of a highly toxic chemical in an indoor environment can be conducted using low(er) toxicity simulants if they are closely linked to the behavior of the toxic chemical itself. Chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulants have been identified on their suitability based on chemical structural similarities and associated physical and chemical properties. However, there are no reported studies that combine measurement of simulant parameters like persistence on surfaces, ability to sample for, and capability to degrade during the decontamination phase such that the level of success of a field-level exercise can be quantified. Experimental research was conducted to assess these gaps using a select number of CWA simulants. The organophosphate pesticide malathion was found to be a suitable simulant for use in field-level exercises that simulate the release of the highly persistent nerve agent VX based on its high persistence, effective surface sampling and analysis using standard analytical equipment, and the in situ degradation in the presence of different oxidizing decontaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Oudejans
- Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | | | - Eric Morris
- Science Systems Applications, Inc., Hampton, Virginia 23666, United States
| | - Stephen Jackson
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Abderrahmane Touati
- Jacobs Technology, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Jonathan Sawyer
- Jacobs Technology, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Anne Mikelonis
- Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Shannon Serre
- Consequence Management Advisory Divison, Office of Land and Emergency Management, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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