THE BLOOD IN TETRACHLORETHANE POISONING

Abstract

Tetrachlorethane is a substance that readily poisons man, causing a fatal toxic hepatitis when it enters the body in sufficient amounts.It is used commercially because of its peculiar physical and chemical properties.It is a solvent for cellulose acetate and is both waterproof and noninflammable.Tetrachlorethane has risen to a point of para- mount interest in the last few years because of its use in some of the so-called aeroplane ``dopes''\p=m-\the varnish with which the linen wings of aeroplanes are painted.During the war, numerous cases of poisoning from use of this substance were reported among those engaged in the manufacture of aeroplanes in England, America and Germany.Some deaths occurred from this substance in England and Germany but none have been reported from America.Tetrachlorethane is being utilized in this country in the manufacture of such articles as noninflammable films, various lacquered goods and artificial silk.The president of an artificial silk plant, employing about sixty persons at one time, requested one of us to supervise for five months an investigation of the health of his employees, aiming particularly to learn how to prevent any serious form of tetrachlorethane poisoning.The general clinical aspects of this investigation have been conducted by Dr. Derric C. Parmenter.1The part of this general investigation that is reported here was undertaken by us to determine whether tetrachlorethane produced any abnormality of the blood ; and, if so, whether mild poisoning could be detected or even anticipated by blood examination.It was hoped that a blood examination might be of value in aiding the regulation of employment in such a plant.