These poisons also act in the same way as the alkyl chlorides, but the excitement accompanying the narcosis is more marked—so far as the scanty observations allow conclusions to be drawn. The symptoms first show themselves in sickness, giddiness, hebetude, slowing of respiratory movements and of the heart’s action; convulsions or delirium ensue.
Treatment consists in artificial respiration or promotion of breathing by a plentiful supply of fresh air or oxygen; in pronounced narcosis stimulating remedies should be applied.
BENZENE SERIES
Chlorobenzene, and nitro- and dinitro-chlorobenzene and benzoylchloride, have given rise to industrial poisoning.
To chlorobenzene similar action is attributed as to benzene (headache, fainting, rapid breathing, cyanosis); changes in the blood (methæmoglobin formation) have also been observed.
Nitro- and dinitro-chlorobenzene are active poisons; the effect corresponds in general to that of nitro- and dinitrobenzene, but in addition the fumes or dust have markedly irritant action on the skin (dermatitis).
Benzoylchloride (C₆H₅COCl), a colourless, pungent-smelling liquid, produces a violently irritant effect upon the mucous membrane, decomposing into hydrochloric acid and benzoic acid.
Treatment is analogous to that of benzene poisoning, and in cases of benzoyl chloride poisoning to that by hydrochloric acid.
It may be mentioned that chlorine rash is attributed to the action of chlorinated tar products (chlorobenzene compounds).