Metal colorants, toxicity from

Sheflite. Brit WWII expl, same as US 70/30 Tridite (qv), contg 70% PA and 30% 2,6-Dinitro-phenol (DNPh). It was used to cast load AP (armor piercing) bombs and shells. Its properties were yellow cream colored solid d 1.62g/cc mp 83° ballistic strength, 91% TNT brisance, 38.5g sand crushed vs 43.0g for TNT expl temp, 300-15° impact sensitivity, PicArsn app with 2kg wt, 14" vs 14" for TNT rifle bullet impact, 0 to 20% detonations from impact of. 30 cal bullet fired froma90 distance stability, compatibility of metals, sol and toxicity, same as PA (Ref 1)... 

Deferoxamine is isolated from Streptomycespilosus. It binds iron avidly but essential trace metals poorly. Furthermore, while competing for loosely bound iron in iron-carrying proteins (hemosiderin and ferritin), it fails to compete for biologically chelated iron, as in microsomal and mitochondrial cytochromes and hemoproteins. Consequently, it is the chelator of choice for iron poisoning (Chapters 33 and 59). Deferoxamine plus hemodialysis may also be useful in the treatment of aluminum toxicity in renal failure. Deferoxamine is poorly absorbed when administered orally and may increase iron absorption when given by this route. It should therefore be administered intramuscularly or, preferably, intravenously. It is believed to be metabolized, but the pathways are unknown. The iron-chelator complex is excreted in the urine, often turning the urine an orange-red color. 

Rastogi SC, Pritzi G. 1996. Migration of some toxic metals from crayons and water colors. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 56 527-533. 

The discharge of intensely colored dyes in wastewater is aesthetically displeasing and of more concern owing to the presence of toxic heavy metals and other carcinogens along with it. Wastewaters from both dye manufacturing plants and dye houses are treated before... 

Although copper is an essential element, it is much more toxic to cells than such nonessential elements as nickel and cadmium. Acute poisoning from ingestion of excessive amounts of copper salts, most frequently copper sulfate, results in nonspecific toxic-symptoms, a metallic taste, nausea, and vomiting (with vomitus possibly a blue-green color). The gastrointestinal tract can be damaged by ulceration. 

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