The chronic toxicity of carbon tetrachloride: Animal exposure and field studies

Smyth, HF; Smyth, HF, Jr; Carpenter, CP

HERO ID

3675716

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1936

Language

English

HERO ID 3675716
In Press No
Year 1936
Title The chronic toxicity of carbon tetrachloride: Animal exposure and field studies
Authors Smyth, HF; Smyth, HF, Jr; Carpenter, CP
Journal Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology
Volume 18
Issue 5
Page Numbers 277-298
Abstract Carbon tetrachloride is extensively used as a solvent in dry cleaning, degreasing, and fat extraction, because of its low cost and non- inflammability; it is also used in fire extinguishers. An extensive series of experi ments are described in which guineapigs, rats and monkeys were exposed to known concentra tions of vapour for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 101/2 months: some animals received 225 exposures. With severe exposures the liver was attacked with fatty degeneration, advancing to typical fibrotic hobnail liver, if the exposure was continued. The kidneys and adrenals were also similarly damaged. If, however, the exposures were not extreme, but were continued, the damaged cells rapidly re generated, when the new cells were more resistant than normal to the vapour. Guinea- pigs were less resistant than rats and monkeys. A number of observations were made of occupa tional conditions of men at work: and 96 men exposed to carbon tetrachloride in industry were studied. The conclusions arrived at are that vapour concentrations of 100 per million are safe for continuous exposure at work, that 1, 000 per million is safe for half an hour a day, and that under reasonable conditions of ventilation and care men increase their resistance with exposure. Men exposed to risk should be medically examined at least twice a year, when determinations should be made of icteric index, blood calcium and visual fields: differential white cell counts should also be made. With intelligent super vision no worker need be injured by carbon tetrachloride. E. L. Collis.
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 18: 277-298.
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword adrenal glands, animal models, carbon tetrachloride, disease models, fatty degeneration, jaundice, kidneys, liver, men, occupational hazards, toxicity, vision
Is Peer Review Yes
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