Tannin toxicity, carcinogenicity

N.A. Daphnetoxin, mezerein, mucilage, tannins." This herb is toxic. An abortifacient, alterative, carcinogenic, diuretic, purgative, stimulant, sudorific. 

Decomposes when heated above melting point, 536°F/280°C, producing toxic fumes of arsenic, lead. Lead arsenates may be subject to redox reactions. Both arsenic and lead are known human carcinogens. PLUMBOUS ACETATE (6080-56-4) Pb(CjH302)2 3H,0 Contact with acids forms acetic acid. Incompatible with oxidizers, bases, acetic acid alkalis, alkylene oxides, ammonia, amines, bromates, carbonates, citrates, chlorides, chloral hydrate cresols, epichlorohydrin, hydrozoic acid, isocyanates, methyl isocyanoacetate, phenols, phosphates, salicylic acid sodium salicylate, sodium peroxyborate, potassium bromate resorcinol, salicylic acid, strong oxidizers, sulfates, sulfites, tannin, tartrates, tinctures trinitrobenzoic acid, urea nitrate. On small fires, use dry chemical, Halon, or CO2 extinguishers. 

Obviously, in the past, the difficulty has been that the tannins studied have been difficult to purify and to characterize chemically. This was not the case with the most recent work (59), and precise characterization of structure will be possible in the future. In addition, these studies must include tests in animal models that are recognized as being useful models in place of humans. The differention of a true toxic effect from an irritant one will not be easy. Also, the tumors produced must be examined by an expert pathologist to prove carcinogenicity. 

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