DINITROBENZENE
This substance is a solid of a yellow colour, and is used in the manufacture of roburite, bellite, and sicherite, explosives used in coal mines for blasting. Poisoning by it occurs amongst the workmen who come in contact with it in factories where it is used, by inhaling either the vapour or fine particles, and by handling it may become absorbed through the skin.
Symptoms.—In acute cases these are similar to poisoning by nitrobenzene. In chronic poisoning there is a marked and peculiar pallor of the face, with a livid blue colour of the ears, lips, fingers, and toes. Nausea and vomiting occur, with weakness, giddiness, and staggering. Amblyopia is a common symptom, with concentric contraction of the visual field and central scotoma. The blood resembles that of pernicious anæmia, and the urine is brown or blackish, due to some pigments of the aromatic series.
Post-mortem Appearances.—The blood has been found chocolate-coloured, and ecchymoses have been noted in mucous membranes.
Treatment.—As for nitrobenzene.