-14- 
— ~ (51) 
Alkyl halidcs. British Patent 375,199, June 23, 1932. 
Alkyl chlorides and bromides are obtained by action, in the liq- 
uid phase at temperatures exceeding 100° C c , of concentrated hydro- 
chloric or hydrobronic acid on the corresponding alcohol. The 
preparation of methyl bromide from methanol and 40 percent hydro- 
bromic acid is given as an example. 
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE. (52) 
Occupation and health, v. 2, Geneve.. 1934. 
The chemistry, toxic action, pathology, and prophylaxis of 
methyl bromide are briefly reviewed (pp. 238-240). 
IRISH, D. D., ADAMS, S, M., SPENCER, H. C., and ROTiE, V, K. (53) 
The response attending exposure of laboratory animals to vapors 
of methyl bromide. Jour. Indus. Nyg. and Toxicol. 22: 218-250. 
1940. 
Animals tolerate large doses for short oeriods of time. 
After long exposures severe lung irritation is observed. Animals 
succumb e ^bo single exposures of 12 to 24 hours at a concentration 
of 0.85 mg. per liter. Rats survived for a variable period (l to 
3 weeks to 5 months or more) repeated exposures cf 7 l/2 to 8 
hours daily to 0.42 mg. per liter, but they showed definite intox- 
ication and poor growth. Guinea pigs were more resistant, a 
majority surviving a full 6 months with nearly normal growth. 
Rabbits were more susceptible. When the concentration was lowered 
to 0.25 mg., it was tolerated by both rats and guinea pigs in re- 
peated exposures for 6 months. Monkeys tolerated 0,25 mg. for '5 
weeks or more. Yftien the concentration was 0.13 mg. , rats, guinea 
pigs, and monkeys survived repeated exposures for 6 months without 
gross symptoms of histopathological changes. Rabbits survived re- 
peated exposures to 0.065 mg. for 6 months. 
Animals tolerated for a long period a daily 8-hour exposure to 
a concentration not far below the maximum tolerated for a single ex- 
posure of 8 hours. Rats and guinea pigs tolerated for 6 mouths 
approximately one quarter the maximum concentration when exposed 
for a single 8-hour period daily. This indicates the ability to 
destroy rapidly or excrete methyl bromide and recover quickly from 
each exposure. Animals exposed to concentrations and for periods 
sufficient to cause a definite paralysis were able to recover 
completely if removed from the chamber. Recovered animals showed 
no functional cr physiological abnormality. 
JAQUET, A. (54) 
Ueber Brommethylvergif tung. Dcut, Arch. f. Klin. Med. 71: 
379-386. 1901. 
Two cases, neither fatal, of poisoning by methyl bromide are 
reported. The first symptoms were weakness and vertigo, visual 
disturbances, and dyspnea. In slight poisoning those seem to be 
the only symptoms . In more severe poisoning or in especially pre- 
disposed persons there may follow psychic disturbances, even 
reaching delirium. It is notable that the sovorc symptoms may 
