Exposure at home to airborne concentrations of nitrogen mustard during topical application for the treatment of mycosis fungoides: a case study.
BACKGROUND
Although effective at treating mycosis fungoides (MF), nitrogen mustard (HN(2)) creates potential exposure risks to those who administer it, including health care workers and family members.


OBJECTIVE
The main objective was to examine the potential for nontarget individuals to be exposed to HN(2) vapors during and shortly after treatment with HN(2) in a home environment.


METHODS
Air concentrations of HN(2) were measured during the topical treatment of MF in a patients home.


RESULTS
The results demonstrate that eye and mucous membrane irritation may occur at HN(2) levels commonly encountered during the treatment of MF in the home, hospital or health clinic. Because no exposure thresholds have been developed for HN(2), the exposure thresholds of a surrogate chemical (sulfur mustard) were used.


CONCLUSIONS
The study findings show that eye and mucous membrane irritation may occur at HN(2) levels below the exposure thresholds of the surrogate chemical. Recommendations for controlling exposures to HN(2) in the home are given.
Snell
J
J
Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. jsnell@ulgt.org
Lillquist
D R
DR
Lewis-Younger
C
C
Wallace
D O
DO
D000287:Administration, Topical; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008466:Mechlorethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D008466:Mechlorethamine