296 JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS that it now requires by labeling one of the ingredients. A Geiger counter can detect the "settling out" of the internal phase long be- fore a deposit would become notice- able to the eye. Fingernail preparations may be labeled to determine their ability to withstand wear under various conditions. By the same token one may tag lipstick. It hardly seems necessary to expound on the interesting studies available here. Those who want to look into the possibilities of the new tracer tech- niques will find the Isotopes Divi- sion of the Atomic Energy Com- mission ready to co-operate and advise at all times. A special train- ing division has been set up at Oak Ridge where the researcher can ac- quire the necessary knowledge in one month's time. The cost of setting up a labora- tory, according to the Atomic Energy Commission, averages around $1640 for a one-room laboratory, $7500 for 2 rooms, and $12,900 for a 3-room laboratory. Safety procedures and standards have been formulated and a Na- tional Committee on Radiation Pro- tection makes recommendations from time to time. I do not want to minimize the potential hazards ß e involved in using radioelements, but it is a fact that the safety rec- ord established in the nuclear field is an enviable one. Perhaps a thorny problem has been shelved for lack of a suitable technique? I believe that tracers have much to offer cosmetic chem- ists and am strongly inclined to believe that your laboratories can benefit by reserving space for this new and powerful research tool. BIBLIOGRAPHY (1) Hcvcsey, G. V., and Zcchmcister, L., Bet., 53, 410 (1920). (2) Libby, W. F., Phys. Rev., 69, 671 (1946). (3) Allen, H., Jr., Libby, R., and Cassen, B., 2 t. CSn., EndocrinoL, 11,492 (1950). (4) Err, L. A., "Primary Polycythemia: Remissions Induced by Therapy with Radiophosphorus," Blood, 1,202 (1946). (5) Hahn, P. F., et al., "Direct Infiltration of Radioactive Isotopes as a Means of Delivering Ionizing Radiation to Dis- crete Tissues," 2 t. Lab. Clin. Med., 32, 1442 (1947). (6) Smith, B.C., and Quimby, E. H., "The Use of Radioactive Sodium as a Tracer in the Study of Peripheral Vascular Disease," Radiology, 45, 335 (1945). (7) "Isotopes, Catalog and Price List," Atomic Energy Commission. (8) Pinotti, D. L., Hull, D. E., and Mc- Laughlin, E. J., "Application of Radio- active Tracers to Improvement of Auto- motive Fuels, Lubricants and Engines," SAE •ournal, 57, No. 6, 52 (1949). (9) "Eliminating Static Electricity by Radioactivity," Atomics, 2, No. 3, 71 (1951). (10) Harris, Kemp, and Yanko, "Detection of Soil Removal in Metal Cleaning by the Radioactive Tracer Technique," •. Electrochem. Soc., 97, (1950). Axelrod, D. J., and Hamilton, J. G., Am. •. Path., 23, 389 (1947). Witten, V. H., Ross,, M. S., Oshry, v.., and Hyman, A. B., 'Studies of Thorium X Applied to Human Shin," 5 •. Investi- gative Dermatology, 17, No. 6, 311 (1931). (11) (12)

ON THE TOXICITY OF SODIUM PERBORATE* By MICHAEL G. MULIIgOS, M.D., GEoP, cE K. HIGGINS,i M.D., and GEORGE J. CHKISTAKIS From the Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, New York Medical College, New York A SEARCH OF the liter- ature has failed to reveal any extensive study concerning the sys- temic toxicity of sodium perborate. Its use has been primarily as an antiseptic and deodorant in super- ficial wounds and in dentistry. It is strongly alkaline and has in strong concentrations proved caustic to the mucous membranes of the mouth (1). Continued use has resulted in hypertrophy of the lingual papillae and darkening of the gums (2). Interest in the systemic effects of sodium perborate monohydrate (SPM) has been renewed recently through its employment as a "neu- tralizer" for the thioglycolate type of permanent hair waving lotions (3). It is used to replace so- dium bromate solution employed by many manufacturers of cold waving solutions which may be toxic on accidental oral ingestion (4). The alkalinity and oxidative power of sodium perborate render * Presented at the May 15, 1952, .Meeting, New York City. This investigation was supported in part by a grant from the Toni Company, Chicago, Ill. •Present address, the Pack Medical Group, New York, N.Y. it from slightly irritating to caustic to the mucous membrane of the stomach. The systemic toxicity and the degree of irritation would be dependent upon a number of factors: (a) the amount and con- centration of solution imbibed (b) the amount of hydrochloric acid and of food in the stomach at the time by which SPM would be rapidly decomposed (c) whether the irritation results in vomiting with loss of solution. It is con- sidered as unlikely, therefore, that any of the perborate or of the per- oxide would be absorbed from the digestive tract. Presumably, only metaborate would remain to be absorbed and to exert any toxic effects which it may possess. Solutions of boric acid have been found toxic to humans when taken in doses of from 5 to 6 gin. by chil- dren, and 15 to 20 gm. by adults (8). No data have been found concerning the systemic effect of metaborate or of perborate solu- tions. Borax (Na•BO410H20) has been administered internally as a urinary antiseptic in doses of from 297