ABSTRACT
Aniline is used in printing inks, cloth-marking inks, paints, and paint removers and in the synthesis of dyes. Dimethylaniline, nitroaniline, toluidine, and nitrobenzene are used in the synthesis of other chemicals. Ingestion of 1 g of aniline has caused death, although recovery has followed ingestion of 30 g. The toxicity of nitrobenzene is similar. Aniline and nitrobenzene act through an intermediate to change hemoglobin to methemoglobin. Pathologic findings in acute fatalities from aniline and nitrobenzene derivatives include chocolate color of the blood; injury to the kidney, liver, and spleen; and hemolysis. The principal manifestations in poisoning with the compounds are cyanosis and jaundice. Trinitrotoluene and trinitrobenzene are used as explosives. The acute fatal dose is estimated to be 1–2 g. Terminate skin contamination by thorough washing with soap and water. Remove swallowed trinitrotoluene by gastric lavage or emesis. Approximately 50% of patients with severe liver damage die of acute yellow atrophy. The others recover completely.
