_Aniline_ (amidobenzene, C₆H₅.NH₂), a colourless, oily liquid of aromatic
smell, has only slight local irritant effect. In the frequent cases
of industrial poisoning by ‘aniline oil’ or aniline hydrochloride, in
which the aniline enters through the skin or is inhaled in the form
of fume, there appear the typical symptoms common to this group, of
the action upon the blood through methæmoglobin formation: headache,
weakness, cyanosis, difficulty in breathing, &c., to which are added
nervous symptoms such as convulsions and psychical disturbance, although
these play a subordinate part in industrial poisoning. In severe cases
the typical symptoms of air hunger are shown. Occasionally recovery
only takes place gradually, and signs of irritation of the kidneys
and inflammation of the urinary organs are seen. These symptoms occur
only rarely in acute industrial poisoning, but are, however, in so far
worthy of notice because of the frequent occurrence of tumours in the
bladder among aniline workers. It is possible that here the irritant
action of the urine which contains aniline plays a part. The tumours
in the bladder operated upon, in some cases with success, were many of
them non-malignant (papillomata), but some were carcinomata (cancerous
new growths) running a malignant course, and recurring after operation.
In the urine the aniline combines with sulphuric acid, and is partly
excreted as paramidophenol sulphuric acid.
The treatment of aniline poisoning is the same as that for all the
poisons of this group. In view of the occurrence of tumours of the
bladder in aniline workers, they should be instructed to seek medical
aid on the first indications of trouble, so that a careful cystoscopic
examination may be made.
_Toluidine_ (C₆H₄.CH₃.NH₂), which is mixed with aniline for industrial
use, produces the same symptoms with marked irritation of the renal
organs.
Of the _nitroanilines_ (C₆H₄.NH₂.NO₂) _paranitroaniline_ is the most
poisonous. Characteristic of the action of this compound is methæmoglobin
formation, central paralysis and paralysis of the heart’s action.
Of the _benzenediamines_, _paraphenylene diamine_ (C₆H₄[NH₂]₂) may be
regarded as an industrial poison. The irritant action of this substance
is prominent; it induces skin affections, inflammation of the mucous
membranes, more especially of the respiratory organs, and sometimes
inflammation of the kidneys. They have been noted in workers using ursol
as a dye; here, doubtless, the action of diimine (C₆H₄.NH.NH.) must be
taken into account, which arises as an intermediate product and exercises
a markedly irritant action. Further, the general effect of paraphenylene
diamine is an irritant one upon the central nervous system.
_APPENDIX_
TURPENTINE, PYRIDINE BASES, ALKALOIDS
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