Acute Toxicity of Surfactants and Detergent-based Decontaminants in Mice and Rats

Detergent-based mixtures and pure surfactants used as decontaminants in mass casualty scenarios were investigated for their acute 24 h toxicity. Commercial detergents Neodekont, Argos, Dermogel, and FloraFree were tested in male Wistar rats after percutaneous, peroral and intramuscular administration. Pure surfactants althosan MB, sodium alkylbenzene sulphonate, triton X, benzyl dimethyl dodecyl ammonium chloride, and N-dodecyl pyridinium bromide were investigated in male ICR mice. Estimated LD50 of surfactants varied from < 100 mg.kg -1 (i.m.) to more than 2000 mg.kg (p.o, p.c.) in mice. All detergents tested in rats were rather less toxic (LD50 > 6 ml.kg ), thus could be considered as safe if used as external skin decontaminant or if low volume is accidentally ingested.