Abstract
I. The experimental data indicate—
1. That mustard gas is first adsorbed by some element on or immediately adjacent to the skin surface.
2. That while a portion of the mustard passes rapidly inward to a point from which it cannot subsequently be removed the greater portion remains on or near the surface for a considerable period, a proof of which is that it may be removed even after 10 or 15 minutes by persistent washing with organic solvents.
3. That the amount of mustard passing into the atmosphere from an exposed surface far exceeds the amount passing into the inner strata of the skin. This loss is very great at first and is still demonstrable after 45 minutes.
4. That the time of exposure necessary to produce a positive reaction bears a definite relation to concentration and varies for different individuals.
5. That a resistant skin adsorbs far more gas than a sensitive skin, and gas may be withdrawn from the latter by the former. That difference in sensitivity of different skins is due principally to difference in saturation adsorptive capacity.
6. That the intracellular threshold concentration of gas required to produce pathological changes in the skin is approximately the same in resistant and sensitive individuals.
II. Variations in the lipoid solubility, vapor pressure and rate of hydrolysis of various war gases in relation to variations in their toxic action have been tentatively discussed from a physico-chemical standpoint.
Footnotes
- Received February 13, 1919.
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