Abstract: A method for treating rhus dermatitis caused by exposure to urushiol is provided, comprising the step of topically applying a therapeutically effective amount of a soluble manganese salt to the affected area of the skin. The manganese compound penetrates the pores of the skin and acts a chelating agent on the urushiol molecule, deactivating its toxicity. A detoxification agent for urushiol is also provided, comprising a composition containing a soluble salt of manganese, such as an aqueous or alcohol solution, wherein the weight percent of manganese in said composition is a therapeutically effective amount, such as between 0.01% and 10.0% manganese. The detoxification agent is also useful as a means of preventing rhus dermatitis when applied to the skin in an appropriate base.

Abstract: A process for improved hydrophobic waste storage is described wherein a latex comprising a preformed, high molecular weight polymer having a high affinity for hydrophobic liquids, is sprayed on the waste prior to admixing an inorganic matrix material. Alternately, a liner for use in a waste pit which is to contain hydrophobic waste liquids or concentrated aqueous salt solutions is produced in situ by blending and compacting a latex comprising a hydrophobic polymer and clay onto the surface of the waste pit.

Abstract: A personal monitoring device, dosimeter, or badge-like apparatus for measuring the exposure of personnel to pollutant toxic organic vaporous materials, notably vinyl chloride, comprised of a body portion provided with a relatively shallow top cavity, or cup-like member completely filled with an adsorbent, absorbent or reactive material, preferably activated carbon, covered, closed and physically held in place by a contiguous, thin non-porous membrane, permeable to the organic vaporous materials, notably vinyl chloride. The polluting toxic material, e.g., vinyl chloride, permeates and is transported through the membrane and is then adsorbed on the activated carbon at a rate proportional to the external concentration during the period of exposure and is subsequently removed for analysis, as by gas chromatography. The device is simple in construction, easy to use, insensitive to temperature and humidity effects, and free of other possible interferences.