T8 THE CONNECTICUT AGEICULTURAL 



Galvanized Iron as a Source op Poison. 



Galvanized iron is sheet iron coated with zinc. The latter 

 metal dissolves with great ease in all acids, so that when the 

 juices of fruits or vinegar are put- in contact with it the zinc dis- 

 appears and the juices become impregnated with soluble zinc 

 compounds. Several instances have been reported to the Station 

 where cider has been boiled down in galvanized iron pans with 

 the effect above stated, and the question has arisen whether the 

 cider has thereby become poisonous. 



The sohible salts of zinc are certainly not wholesome and are 

 properly ranked among poisons. They are not however an active 

 poison when taken in small doses ; and a little zinc dissolved in 

 cider may produce no noticeable ill effects on a vigorous person. 

 Large doses cause disturbance, more or less serious, of the diges- 

 tive apparatus. Sulphate of zinc, for example, is sometimes used 

 as an emetic. Persons of delicate constitution or in feeble health 

 may be seriously injured by quantities of zinc or other poison 

 which would not perceptibly harm strong and healthy people ; 

 and cider or other acid liquids containing zinc should always be 

 looked upon as probably dangerous and their use for domestic 

 purposes should be carefully avoided. 



•Tinned Copper, s.,-called, a Source of Lead Poison. 



The Station having occasion to use a vessel of tinned copper 

 for the storage of distilled water ordered one made of a tin- 

 smith in New Haven. The vessel proved totally unfit for its use 

 as the copper Avas lined not with tin but with an alloy containing 

 so much lead that pure water dissolved it rapidly and carbonate 

 of lead in minute brilliant crystals formed a film on the surface 

 of the water and coated the sides of the vessel. 



The tinsmith was unaware of the dangerous nature of the cop- 

 per, and explained that it was a regular article of manufacture 

 coming from Ansonia in this State. Such metal may be useful 

 for many purposes but is totally unfit for cooking utensils, tea- 

 kettles, etc., and very serious or even fatal consequences may re- 

 sult from its use in the household. 



