A toxicity study of rabbit fumigants

Abstract

Using chloropicrln as a reference substance and a 7-day obseivatlon period, the comparative toxicity to the Australian udd rabbit, 01 yctolagus cunzctclus (L.), of 15 other gases has been assessed. With the posslble exception of phosgene, hydrogen cyanide mas the most toxlc. Arsme, c~anogen chloride, and dichloroacetone were of the same degree of toxicity as chloroplcrm. The remaining substances were found to be comparatively non toxic and were not investigated 111 detail. There are indications that there is a threshold concentration of chloropicrin below which the median lethal dosage increases rapidly. The practical application of these results is briefly discussed.