Poisons Regulations

Newsletter on developments in lead poisoning regulation, policy, technology, information. 

Since an assay of gelsemium root was required for use with reference ta the Poisons Regulations, 1935, the Analytical Methods Committee of the S.A.C. has recommended a method for determination of the total alkaloids. It is acknowledged that the percentage of alkaloids obtained by the method may include non-alkaloidal coloured material which it was not found possible to eliminate without loss of alkaloid. 

Acrylonitrile is transported by rail car, barge, and pipeline. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations require labeling acrylonitrile as a flammable Hquid and poison. Transport is regulated under DOT 49 CFR 172.101. Bill of lading description is Acrylonitrile, Flammable Liquid, Poison B, UN 1093 RQ. ... 

Shipment of hydrazine solutions is regulated in the United States by the Department of Transportation (DOT) which classifies all aqueous solutions between 64.4 and 37% N2H4 as "Corrosive" materials with a subsidiary risk of "Poison". Hydrazine has been identified by both the Environmental Protection Agency and the DOT as a hazardous material and has been assigned a reportable quantity (RQ) of 0.450 kg (1 lb) if spilled. Dmms for the shipment of these solutions must bear both the DOT specification "Corrosive" and "Poison" labels in association with the markings "RQ Hydrazine Aqueous Solution UN 2030." Aqueous solutions of 37% concentration or less are a hazard Class 6.1, UN 3293, Packing Group III and require "Keep Away From Food" placards and labels. 

This secondary reaction starts at about 180°C, but the mass must be heated to 350—400°C to bring the reaction to completion and produce a nitrate-free product. The off-gases are extremely corrosive and poisonous, and considerable attention and expense is required for equipment maintenance and caustic-wash absorption towers. Treatment of the alkaline wash Hquor for removal of mercury is required both for economic reasons and to comply with governmental regulations pertaining to mercury ia plant effluents. 

Many silver compounds are unstable to light, and are thus shipped ia brown glass or opaque plastic bottles. Silver compounds that are oxidants, eg, silver nitrate and iodate, must be so identified according to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Compounds such as silver cyanide, which is toxic owiag to its cyanide content, must carry a poison label. However, most silver compounds are essentially nontoxic. 

The time-weighted, 8-h average limit for exposure to bromine pentafluoride is 0.1 ppm (67). Materials of constmction suitable for use with the bromine fluorides include nickel. Monel metal, or Teflon. For shipping, bromine trifluoride and pentafluoride are classified as oxidizers under DOT regulations. The trifluoride also requires a poison label. 

Transportation of carbon disulfide is controlled by federal regulations (113). Acceptable shipping containers include dmms, tank tmcks, special portable tanks, and rail tank cars. Barges have been used in the past. The United States Department of Transportation classifies carbon disulfide as a flammable bquid and a poison. For ship transport, carbon disulfide must be marked as a marine pollutant (114). AH air transport, cargo, or passenger, is forbidden (115). 

Benzyl chloride is classified by DOT as chemicals NOIBN, poisonous, corrosive and a hazardous substance (100 lbs-45.45 kg). Benzal chloride is classified as poisonous and a hazardous substance (5000 lbs-2270 kg). Benzotrichloride is classified under DOT regulation as a corrosive Hquid NOS and a hazardous substance (10 lbs-4.5 kg). The Freight Classification Chemical NOI appHes. It is shipped in lacquer-lined steel dmms and nickel-lined tank trailers. Benzal chloride is handled in a similar fashion. 

This proliferation in the use of color additives was soon recognized as a threat to the pubHc s health. Of particular concern were the practices of a dding poisonous colorants to food, and of using dyes to hide poor quaUty or to add weight or bulk to certain items. References 5—14 provide additional information on the history of food colorants and thek regulation. Reference 15 provides more information regarding the appHcations, properties, specifications, and analysis of color additives, as well as methods for the determination of colorants in products. 

Metal compounds, particularly compounds of the heavy metals, have a history of importance as antimicrobial agents. Because of regulations regarding economic poisons in the environment they are no longer widely used in this appHcation. Mercury, lead, cadmium, uranium, and other metals have been imphcated in cases of poisoning that resulted in government response. The metals whose compounds have been of primary interest as antimicrobials are mercury, silver, and copper. 

Graziano s tariff hsts many regulated (dangerous) commodities (Part 172, DOT regulations) for transportation. This includes those that are poisonous, flammable, oxidizing, corrosive, explosive, radioactive, and compressed gases. Part 178 covers specifications for all types of containers from carboys to large portable tanks and tank trucks. Part 179 deals with tank-car construction. 

Except for sulfur, all these contaminants poison the FCC catalyst, causing it to lose its ability to produce valuable products. Sulfur in the feed increases operating costs because additional feed and product treatment facilities are required to meet product specifications and comply with environmental regulations. 

Parts 800 to 1299. Medical devices and radiological health. Regulations under the Federal Import Milk Act, the Federal Tea Importation Act, the Federal Caustic Poison Act, and for control of communicable diseases and interstate conveyance sanitation. 

J., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, personal communication, 1989). The United States has fewer recorded pesticide poisonings per unit weight of applied pesticide than in other countries. For Instance, the U.S. has only about l/50th the number of world poisonings but uses about one-fifth of all the pesticide used in the world. Thus, it appears that the U.S. program to regulate the use of pesticides is more effective than in most parts of the world. 

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