Atmosphere physiological action

Physiological Action.—Sulphur dioxide exerts a decidedly toxic effect on plants 3 and animals,4 and has been used in poison ga,s warfare (see p. 106) even as little as 0-04 per cent, by volume in the atmosphere will cause symptoms of poisoning in human beings after a few hours in larger quantities, either gaseous or dissolved, the effect may be fatal. The gas acts as a direct blood poison and also affects the blood circulation.5 The sulphites are not poisonous.6... 

The physiological activity of the T. is based on their radical scavenging properties, they are of major importance in cell membranes and lipoproteins as antioxidants. Long-term supplementation with a-T. can reduce the incidence of certain forms of cancer. T. are pale yellow, viscous oils. They are oxidized by atmospheric oxygen in the presence of metal ions or under the action of light. T. occur in plant oils seed oils of soya, wheat, com, rice, cotton, alfalfa, and nuts are particularly rich in T. Fruits and vegetables such as raspberries, legumes, fennel, paprika and celery also con-... 

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