Method and Formulation for Neutralizing Toxic Chemicals and Materials

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a formulation and associated method for neutralizing one or more toxic chemical and / or materials including toxic industrial chemicals and toxic industrial materials, such as irritants, heavy metals, radioactive metals, acids and acid irritants, pesticides, and various agricultural chemicals, (collectively referred to as toxic chemical, materials, or simply toxins) as well as decontaminating surfaces that have come into contact with these agents. As a result, the formulation of the present invention can be used for neutralizing a broad spectrum of toxic chemicals and materials. In one embodiment, the active ingredient comprises 2, 3, butanedione monoxime (also known as diacetyl monoxime (DAM)), and alkali salts thereof such as potassium 2,3-butanedione monoxime (KBDO). The formulation also typically includes a carrier in which the active ingredient is dispersed. In one embodiment, the carrier comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG); monomethoxypolyethylene glycol(mPEG); and combinations and derivatives thereof.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 840,625, filed Jul. 21, 2010, which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 017,749, filed Jan. 22, 2008, currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to formulations and methods for neutralizing chemical agents, and more particularly, to formulations and methods for neutralizing a broad spectrum of chemical agents.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The risk of exposure to various chemical and biological agents is an ever increasing concern for military personnel as well as civilians. This concern is particularly heightened in view of recent terrorist attacks. In particular, terrorist threats involving such agents are increasing in the United States as well as abroad. In response to this threat, various countermeasures have been developed tha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]In one embodiment, the formulation of the present invention may be capable of neutralizing toxins that are soluble in glycols such as hydrazine, phosphine, and toluene diisocyanates (mixed isomers). The present invention may also be used to neutralize some oxidizing and corrosive toxins.

Problems solved by technology

In particular, terrorist threats involving such agents are increasing in the United States as well as abroad.

Further, many countermeasures are only effective if they are applied prior to an exposure and are unable to effectively neutralize contaminants after a person has been exposed.

The problems with selecting an appropriate countermeasure are of particular concern in environments where a wide variety of toxic chemicals / materials are being used.

Unfortunately, this creates problems with respect to the feasibility of maintaining an adequate number of the appropriate countermeasures, as well as problems associated with educating personnel on selecting the appropriate countermeasure.

Such problems can be heightened in emergency situations after an exposure has occurred.

As a result, it may be difficult to find and apply the appropriate countermeasure in a timely fashion, which can result in prolonged exposure and an increase in the severity of the injury.

Further, many chemical countermeasures, such as chemical disinfectants like hypochlorite solutions are useful but are corrosive to most metals and fabrics, and to human skin.

As such, they are typically not practical under many circumstances.

In addition to factories, such problems can also be experienced in many households across the country.

Similar to the chemicals / materials that may be found in a typical factory, exposure to household chemicals can also result in severe injury.

However, most households today do not even include the most basic of countermeasures, and as a consequence, water is often the first choice in an attempt to cleanse exposed skin or surfaces.

In some cases, UV light can be used effectively, but it is generally difficult to implement in actual practice.

Such physical decontamination methods cannot be used in the case of exposure to human skin, and are often impractical to use under many circumstances.

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