Toxicity and Metabolism of Industrial Solvents

Abstract

This is a large book: it has to be because the subject-matter is large and of vast importance. Dr. Browning, in a difficult undertaking, has assembled? mass of information. Her work has resulted in more than a book of reference to the extensive literature on the chemicals which are used for many purposes: it is a synthesis of many scientific disciplines, and the data are interspersed with descriptions of telling events. In 14 chapters 135 chemical compounds head the main sections and the total is greater because of isomers and mixtures. Since it is an up-to-date volume it contains accounts of biochemical and enzymatic processes. Because some of the chemicals have narcotic or other pharmacological actions, there are descriptions of toxic effects which have happened in anaesthesia, medicine and surgery as well as in industry and the laboratory. There is skilful balance between numerous toxicity experiments-measures which eventually safeguard the health of the worker-and stories of human tragedy, not only death and disease at work, and suicide, but also death and addiction in children. Unusual legal consequences are shown by the damages awarded to the widow of an employee who died of his addiction to the solvent used at his place of work. Proper precautionary measures were in force, yet the employer was judged careless in not preventing his employee from satisfying his craving.Solvents are used in many processes, often without an understanding of their relative risks-or indeed without awareness of their presence when disguised in mixtures or urider trade names. Many of these appear in the index; the book therefore will be a useful guide for employers generally. It is essential for medical and scientific libraries and for many hospitals and industrial medical officers. Research workers will find references to ingenious methods, the addendum on dioxan referring to an experimental thalidomide-like effect in 1964.Benzene-in this context practically always the keystone-is dealt with in the first chapter. Its dangers and sources of confusion are analysed, and safer substitutes are discussed. The scheme takes into account: pure and commercial benzene, and benzene in petrol; synonyms and properties, including conversion factors for equating p.p.m. with mgm. per m.s and mgm. per litre with p.p.m. ; MAC values according to various authorities; economy, sources and uses; estimations in air and body fluids; metabolism and metabolites; absorption, excretion, tissue distributions and enzymatic effects; toxicology with toxicity data in animals and human beings; blood, marrow and other pathological changes; the (L2585) incidence of poisoning and the factors which influence it; acute and chronic poisoning and aftereffects; autopsy findings; treatment.A scheme such as this is followed where the necessary information exists by chapters on other aromatic hydrocarbons; cyclic, technical and chlorinated hydrocarbons; nitrogen compounds; alcohols, ketones, aldehydes and acet? is; ethers, esters, glycols and derivatives, silicium compounds and miscellaneous compounds.The standardized division of the material under subheadings is a minor cause for criticism. At first glance a help, it may yet lead to an under-assessment of a particular problem because quite often additional relevant information appears elsewhere, and the spacing for the headings takes up room in a heavy book. A few misprints were noted, e.g. an inconsistency in an isomer conversion factor, the use of "benzidine" (presumably "benzedrine") in treatment.The great need for the book is made apparent in the Preface where it is pointed out that Dr. Browning's earlier books written for the Medical Research Council are now out of print. Much more than a new edition, the present publication is a completely new appraisal. The start was made from recently written or revised books on metabolism, with old and newer references and her own experiences providing material for the author in her researches into the present position of the principal industrial solvents now in use. This is a fine piece of solid work. M. Patricia FitzsimonsBenzene-in this context practically always the keystone-is dealt with in the first chapter. Its dangers and sources of confusion are analysed, and safer substitutes are discussed. The scheme takes into account: pure and commercial benzene, and benzene in petrol; synonyms and properties, including conversion factors for equating p.p.m. with mgm. per m.s and mgm. per litre with p.p.m. ; MAC values according to various authorities; economy, sources and uses; estimations in air and body fluids; metabolism and metabolites; absorption, excretion, tissue distributions and enzymatic effects; toxicology with toxicity data in animals and human beings; blood, marrow and other pathological changes; the (L2585) incidence of poisoning and the factors which influence it; acute and chronic poisoning and aftereffects; autopsy findings; treatment.A scheme such as this is followed where the necessary information exists by chapters on other aromatic hydrocarbons; cyclic, technical and chlorinated hydrocarbons; nitrogen compounds; alcohols, ketones, aldehydes and acetais; ethers, esters, glycols and derivatives, silicium compounds and miscellaneous compounds.The standardized division of the material under subheadings is a minor cause for criticism. At first glance a help, it may yet lead to an under-assessment of a particular problem because quite often additional relevant information appears elsewhere, and the spacing for the headings takes up room in a heavy book. A few misprints were noted, e.g. an inconsistency in an isomer conversion factor, the use of "benzidine" (presumably "benzedrine") in treatment.