Federal caustic poison act

✍ Scribed by J.S.H.

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1927
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 64 KB
• Volume: 204
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0016-0032
• DOI: 10.1016/s0016-0032(27)91328-3

✦ Synopsis

I I2

CURRENT TOPICS.

[J. F. L

Federal Caustic Poison Act.--" An Act to safeguard the distribution and sale of certain dangerous caustic or corrosive acids, alkalies, and other substances in interstate and foreign commerce" was approved by the President on March 4, I927 (Public Document No. 783, 69th Congress, 6 pages). This Act may be cited as the " Federal Caustic Poison Act." The term " dangerous caustic or corrosive substance " is applied to hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, carbolic acid (phenol), oxalic acid, oxalates, acetic acid, free or combined hypochlorous acid, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, silver nitrate, ammonia water, and certain of their preparations including those containing 2o per cent. or more of free or chemically unneutralized acetic acid; IO per cent. or more of oxalates, or of free or chemically unneutralized hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, oxalic acid', potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide; 5 per cent. or more of silver nitrate, phenol, or free or chemically unneutralized nitric acid or ammonia, and preparations (other than calx chlorinata, bleaching powder, and chloride of lime) yielding IO per cent. or more by weight of available chlorine. The retail parcel, package, or container of a dangerous caustic or corrosive substance is misbranded unless it bear a conspicuous, easily legible label containing the common name of the substance, the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, seller, or distributor; the word " poison," and, if intended for household use, directions for treatment in case of accidental personal injury by the substance. Misbranded parcels, packages and containers of these substances are denied shipment in interstate or foreign commerce. However, exports may be branded in accordance with the laws of the foreign country. Provision is made for the exclusion of misbranded imports; and penalties are provided for violations of the Act. The enforcement of the Act is placed in the hands of the Secretary of Agriculture. The Act became effective upon its passage, but the penalty and condemnation clauses concerning violations are effective six months thereafter.

J. S. H.