Review of Acute Human-Toxicity Estimates for Selected Chemical-Warfare Agents (1997)

Chapter: Lethal Effects (LCt50)

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Suggested Citation: "Lethal Effects (LCt50)." National Research Council. 1997. Review of Acute Human-Toxicity Estimates for Selected Chemical-Warfare Agents. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5825.
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2—
Review of Acute Human-Toxicity Estimates for GA (Tabun)

GA (Tabun or ethyl n-dimethylphosphoramidocyanidate) is an organophosphate nerve agent and is a colorless, volatile liquid. The physical and chemical properties, toxicokinetics, and toxicity of GA are discussed in detail by CDEPAT (1994), Marrs et al. (1996), and Somani (1994). Human-toxicity estimates have been derived for percutaneous vapor exposures, vapor inhalation, and percutaneous liquid exposures. Only four toxicity end points were considered—lethality in animals, incapacitation, changes in cholinesterase (ChE) activity, and ocular changes in men and monkeys. The subcommittee's assessment of the scientific validity of CDEPAT's proposed human-toxicity estimates for GA is discussed below.

Percutaneous Vapor Exposure

Lethal Effects (LCt50)

CDEPAT's proposed LCt50 estimate for percutaneous exposure to GA vapor is 15,000 mg-min/m3, assuming that soldiers are wearing light clothing

Page 20 Cite Bookmark
Suggested Citation: "Lethal Effects (LCt50)." National Research Council. 1997. Review of Acute Human-Toxicity Estimates for Selected Chemical-Warfare Agents. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5825.
Save
Cancel
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Next Chapter: ECt50 for Threshold Effects
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