Hydrocarbon-based weapons maintenance compounds produce evidence of contact hypersensitivity in BALB/c mice

Unprotected dermal contact with weapons maintenance materials is highly probable during cleaning and maintenance of firearms. Several weapons maintenance materials of interest to the Department of Defense were evaluated for their irritating and sensitizing potential in a modified local lymph node assay (LLNA). Female BALB/c mice (n = 5) were topically exposed to Break-Free CLP, Royco 634, TW-25B, MC-25, or MC-2500. All compounds tested produced a positive response for irritancy and lymphocyte proliferation. Break-Free CLP and Royco 634 produced the greatest dermal irritation and highest LLNA stimulation index. Phenotyping of draining lymph node cells from animals treated with Break-Free CLP suggest that this material induces T-cell-mediated contact sensitization (Type IV hypersensitivity) in mice. These findings support the recommendation that persons handling or using weapons maintenance materials should protect their skin from repeated contact by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.