(537b) Human Health Effects of Nanomaterials

NanoScale Corporation in Manhattan, Kansas manufactures high surface area specialty metal oxide nanoparticles. A proprietary blend of these powders called FAST-ACT has been developed to be highly reactive against chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. This product was developed for use by the military against chemical warfare threats and is currently being used by first responders to neutralize harmful vapor and liquid spills. Acute and sub-chronic toxicology testing has been completed on FAST-ACT by U.S. Army Public Health Command [USAPHC (Prov)]. No detrimental effects have been seen. Human immune cell testing was done by Professor Paul Wright and Sean O'Keefe at School of Medical Sciences in Melbourne Australia. In addition, an intensive study was completed in conjunction with the Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology to determine the dermal penetration ability and effect on human epithelial cells of FAST-ACT and its components. The first area of focus for the project was to determine the ability of the nanocrystalline materials to pass through human skin. Quantitative testing was completed to determine the penetration of FAST-ACT, a FAST-ACT/water mixture and a FAST-ACT/water/surfactant mixture through human skin. The FAST-ACT/water mixture and the FAST-ACT/water/surfactant mixture was tested to simulate the application of water and FAST-ACT to the skin or respectively water, soap and FAST-ACT. Additionally, the affinity of the lipids in skin for the nanocrystalline material was by octanol/water partitioning studies. The second area of focus of the project was the effect of inhaled FAST-ACT on the human lung. The solubility of FAST-ACT in various body fluid simulants was tested. Additionally, the effect of FAST-ACT as well as FAST-ACT with adsorbed chemical warfare agent reaction products on lung epithelial cells was determined.