Aniline vapour / Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Date:
1939
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Aniline vapour / Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Peeters FOR, THE DETECTION OF TOXIC GASES IN INDUSTRY ANILINE VAPOUR Occurrence Aniline exists in small quantities in coal tar but is produced industrially almost exclusively by the reduction of nitro-benzene. It is used chiefly as a starting point for the preparation of dyestuffs and to a less degree in other chemical industries. Concentrations which may be dangerous may occur in the following :— Dyemaking and dye-using works Leather-dyeing works Leather-polish works Pharmaceutical works Rubber works Textile-dyeing works This list is intended to be illustrative only, and not exhaustive. Poisonous Effects Aniline is a colourless oily liquid boiling at 184° C. In spite of its relatively low vapour pressure at low temperatures it may cause poisoning by inhalation of the vapour. The smell is aromatic and pleasant, and in no way suggests to the uninstructed the dangers resulting from its presence in the atmosphere. The experience of the Factory Department of the Home Office has shown that most of the cases of acute aniline poisoning arise by absorption through the skin, from splashes either directly on to the skin or indirectly through the clothing. For this reason scrupulous cleanliness of the skin, and the clothing is essential for the prevention of aniline absorption. The immediate toxic effect of aniline is on the blood, with the formation of methaemoglobin, causing cyanosis (characterised by a blue-grey discoloration chiefly of the lips, the ears, the cheeks, the tip of the nose and the nails). Depending upon the intensity of the intoxication, shortness of breath, rapid feeble pulse, nervous excitement, not unlike drunkenness and, in rare cases, blood in urine (haematuria) may later occur. In persons exposed continuously to small doses of aniline the cyanosis may be little marked, but anemia is present with loss of energy, digestive disturbances and headaches.