Some highly toxic chemicals

Chemists are subject to the same hazards as artists from long-term, direct contact with toxic chemicals. In addition, some highly toxic chemicals can be deadly on single contact. Chemical warfare makes use of this knowledge. Fortunately, most chemists and artists will never come in contact with such chemicals. 

It was known even in the seventeenth century that mouldy bread could be used to treat infections. The mould that grows on bread is often a Penicillium type. Many other drugs have now been derived from moulds, or fungi as they are also known. However, as wiU be discussed in Chapters 6 and 10, fungi may also produce some highly toxic chemicals which have featured in human death and disease. 

All the enzymes discussed above belong to the class of dimetalloenzymes. In this context, it should be mentioned that serine-type hydrolases are irreversibly inhibited by organophosphorus esters, among them highly toxic chemical warfare agents. However, in some cases, for example of human butyrylcholi-noesterase, the inhibited enzyme could be reactivated by proper mutations." Moreover, such mutahons were found to confer phosphotriesterase activity in this... 

Some highly reactive chemicals and their dangerous properties are listed below. Those which give off highly corrosive irritant and/or toxic vapours or, if solids, are similarly hazardous in the form of dusts, are marked with an asterisk ( ) and should only be used in fume cupboards. More details concerning the properties of many of these are given in Section 4.2. Specific information on the hazardous properties of individual chemicals is collected in several comprehensive works.8 -11... 

Maintain an inventory of all highly toxic chemicals. Some localities require that inventories be maintained of... 

Some highly toxic materials present additional hazards because of their flammability (see Chapter 3, sections 3.D.1 and 3.D.4 see also section 5.F), volatility (see sections 5.E and 5.G.6), explosibility (see Chapter 3, section 3.D.3 see also section 5.G.4), or reactivity (see Chapter 3, section 3.D.2 see also section 5.G.2). These materials warrant special attention to ensure that risks are minimized and that plans to deal effectively with all potential hazards and emergency response are implemented. (Tables 3.9 and 3.14 give information regarding incompatible chemicals and substances requiring extreme caution.)... 

Do not use highly toxic chemicals. For example, carbon tetrachloride must not be employed in any cleaning operation. The health hazards associated with the use of any solvent must be considered in its selection. The time-weighted average threshold limit value (TLV) must not be exceeded for a specific solvent some chlorinated solvents are suspected of being carcinogenic. Breathing of solvent fumes and liquid contact with the skin should be avoided. Material Safety Data Sheets for solvents should be obtained from the solvent manufacturer in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(g). [9]... 

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