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2962107 
Technical Report 
Toxicity And Pharmacology Of Benzene Hexachloride With Special Reference To Its Mechanism Of Action And Microscopic Pathology 
Srivastava, AS 
1953 
NIOSH/00136346 
73 
223-227 
Benzene-hexachloride (58899) (BHC) toxicity and pharmacology are reviewed. BHC is used in the form of dust, spray, wettable powder, stomach poison, and as a fumigant against a variety of pests. The relative toxicity of the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta isomers is compared. Data from several animal experiments investigating dermal and oral toxicity is presented. Symptoms of poisoning and pathological changes in animals are described. Disturbances in the central nervous system, the respiratory center, violent tremors, and convulsions are reported. The alpha isomer induces a state of hyperexcitability which may develop into convulsions. The beta isomer does not produce symptoms from a single acute dose. The gamma isomer is a central nervous system stimulant and the delta isomer acts as a depressant. The effect of BHC on humans is also considered. Local application of technical grade BHC causes skin irritation. Hyperirritability, convulsions, depression, and death are predominant symptoms of poisoning. The estimated fatal dose of technical grade BHC is approximately 400 milligrams per kilogram. Special consideration is given to the mechanism of action of BHC. Data from several investigations studying the inhibitory effects of the different isomers is reported.