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.--uicrial Hygiene Digest Fe 3 r-trv. 1956 227 Investigations into the Toxicity of Solvent* tor Replacing Benzene. 2. A Study o( Toluene. R. Fabre, R. Truhaut. S. Laham. and M. Perool Arch. maladies profess 16, 197-215 (1955). French. The general conclusion that the acute and chronic toxicity of toluene la lower *" that of benzene haa been doubted by some observers. The reason for contradictory reports la probably that commercial toluene containa high percentages of benzene. In the experi ments described, rata, rabbits, and dogs were exposed to varying concentrations of pure toluene vapor for periods over seven weeks. No changes in the blood picture or in general health were found. Findings with animals must be used for human beings with reserve, but they seem to indicate the value of substituting toluene for benzene as a solvent, subject to the reservations regarding impurities. -- Cond. from Bull. Hyg. 228 Minimum Aniline Concentration Affecting the Central Nervous System in Rabbits. M. S. Zakabunina. Farmshot. I Toksikol. 18, No. 3, 51-54 (1955). Russian. The lowest concentrations of aniline vapor affecting rabbit nerve centers were 0. 02-0. 04 mg. per 1. in 40-minute exposures, and 0. 004-0. 006 mg. per L. in 8-hour ex posures. In these periods no formation of methemoglobin was observed even at somewhat higher aniline concentrations. The principal effect was on the central nervous system. Chem. Absts. 229 The Acute Toxicity of the Vapors of Soma Methylated Hydrazine Derivatives. K. H. Jacobson, J. H. Clem, H. J. Wheelwright, Jr., W. . Rinehart, and N. Mayes. Arch. Ind. Health 12, 609-616 pec. 1959). Methylhydrazine, asym-dimethylhydrarine, and sym-dimethylhydraxine vapors are similar to hydrazine in that they are respiratory irritants and convulsauts on acnte ex posure. In addition to cansing respiratory distress and convulsions, methylhydrazine vapor was found to produce hemolysis and elevated temperatures in exposed dogs. Methylhydrazine was the moat toxic of the vapors tested, and hydrazine the least toxic. The higher volatility of asym-dimethylhydrazlne indicates that the hazard of this vapor is similar to mechylhydra tine. However, the hemolytic properties of methylhydrazine indicate that this vapor has a greater suhlethat hazard. Preliminary data on sym-dlmethylhydrazine suggest that this vapor has a toxicity and vapor hazard that la less than methylhydrazine and asym-dlmethylhydrazine but greater than hydrazine. The odors of hydrazine, methylhydrazine, and asym-dimethylhy- drazlne ware usually described by human subjects as ammaniacal, fishy, or amine-like. The odor of these vapors appears to offer adequate warning of acute exposure to dangerous concen trations. -- Authors' summary 230 Hazards in Pest Control Operations. V. A. Cook. Modern Sanit. 7, 22, 42-47 pec. 1955); 8, 24, 41-46 (jan. I95ij. This discussion of hazards and precautions is designed to assist the sanitarian and pest control operator, rather than to be a complete toxicological dissertation on all the pesticides or a on step-by-step precautionary measures. Therefore the cover age is broad rather detailed. Three areas of exposure are considered: (1) the formu lation of Insecticide prepacations; (2) the application of these materials; and (3) hazards to the occupants of a structure after a pesticide has been applied. The materials considered include: chlorinated hydrocarbons, Including DOT and similar insecticides; organic phos phates; other organic compounds and botanicals; inorganic Insecticides; rodenticides, in cluding phosphorus, thallium sulfate, sodium Quoracetate, and warfarin; and fumigants. Including hydrogen cyanide and methyl bromide. In conclusion, the author stresses that the essential element in practical precautionary measures for successful handling of peat control operations is the use of common-sense procedures based on a knowledge of the materials being need. The sanitation manager should be alert to the hazards, must see that employees are well informed and follow proper procedures, and should secure the co operation of trained industrial hygiene personnel. yT zpi?t.: ;k h i i 11 206^376 17.