89 
EFFECTS OF INHALATION OF THE VAPOR. „ 
Concerning the effects of the inhalation of the vapor, we 
learn from chemical and medical works that the gas is highly 
poisonous, producing giddiness, vomiting, congestion, coma, and 
finally death. These of course are its extreme effects. In the 
ordinary use of carbon bisulphid on a large scale, as in the fumi- 
gation of mills, warehouses, etc., where the worker may be more 
or less exposed to the inhalation of the fumes for some time, 
only those effects which precede giddiness are likely to be 
experienced. From his own experience and information obtained 
from others who have used carbon bisulphid in such work, the 
writer gleans the following as the effects preceding giddiness: 
The first appreciable effect is upon the sense of smell. At first 
the fumes have an extremely disagreeable odor, but this soon 
seems gradually to disappear, showing that the sense of smell 
becomes deadened. The other senses seem to become benumbed 
simultaneously, so that the operator does not realize that any- 
thing is the matter with him. The heart beat becomes more and 
more rapid as the oxygen in the lungs diminishes. The power 
of thought is very much weakened and the work Is continued 
in a mechanical sort of way. Hearing and sight are also weak- 
ened. But before this weakening process has gone far enough 
to be really dangerous or injurious, the operator will probably 
feel more or less dizziness. There is no pain or disagreeable 
sensation; no desire to get out of it, and no sense of suffocation. 
But 'when a person has reached this condition it is high time 
to get out into the fresh air where the ill effects will quickly 
disappear. Owing to the effect of the gas upon the heart action, 
it may be well to caution persons having any trouble or weakness 
about the heart against taking any extended part in the appli- 
cation of the bisulphid. It should be clearly understood by 
those who use it that the action of the gas is somewhat poisoning 
as well as suffocating. Should the operator persist in remaining 
in the room after the dizziness comes on, he will be in danger of 
falling, and, if not discovered, he will soon suffocate. Even if 
he should gel out safely, the ill effects will be more marked and 
a severe headache, at least, may ensue. If. upon the approach of 
dizziness, the operator goes at once to a window, or better still 
out of doors, an abundance of fresh air will in a few minutes 
remove all ill effects, and no injury will result from the exper- 
ience. The inhalation of the fumes can be somewhat retarded 
by tying a wet handkerchief tightly over the face. This how- 
ever merely diminishes the amount of air taken into the lungs 
without affecting the proportion of vapor contained therein. 
When obliged to enter a room in which the air is charged with 
any considerable amount of the vapor, the writer makes use of 
the following simple devise, which is perfectly effectual: A 
large paper bag (20 quarts or more) is tied tightlv around a short 
piece of tubing of glass, rubber or metal, inserted in its mouth. 
When inflated the bag contains sufficient air to enable one to 
respire into it for several minutes without discomfort. Being 
very light, it can be carried by the tube in the mouth, thus leav- 
ing the hands free for any work desired. 
This point has been discussed rather fully, not because there 
is any particular danger or need for fear in handling this insect- 
icide but in order to lessen the fear of its use and to neutralize 
whatever danger thgre may be in its application by giving an 
