Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 March 1880 — Household Perils. [ARTICLE]

Household Perils.

Under this head the Boston -Journal of Chemistry names several dangerous substances which find their way into households. There are two or three volatile liquids used in fami ies which are particularly dangerous, and must be employed, if at ell, with special care. Benzine, ether, and strong ammonia constitute this class of agents. The two first-named liquids are employed in cleaming gloves and other wearing apparel, aud in removing oil stains from carpets, curtains, etc. The liquids are highly volatile, and flash info vapor so soon as the cork of the vial containing them is removed. Their vapors are very combustible, and will inflame at long distances from igDited candles or gas flames, and consequently they should never be used in the evening when the house is liglitc d. Explosions of a very dangerous nature will occur if the vapor of these liquids is permitted to escape into a room in considerable quantity. In view of the great hazard of handling these liquids, cautious housekeepers will not allow them to be brought into their dwellings, ana this course is commendable. As regards ammonia, or water of ammonia, it is a very powerful agent, especially the stronger kinds sold by druggists. An incident in its use has recently come under our notice, in which a young lady lost her life from taking a few drops through mistake. * Breathing the gaß under certain circumstances causes serious harm to the lungs aud membranes of the mouth and nose. It is an agent much used at the present time for cleansing purposes, and it is unobjectionable if proper care is used in its employment. The v als holding it should be kept apart from others containing medicines, etc., and rubber stoppers to the vials shonid be used. Oxalic acid is considerably employed in families for cleaning brass und copper utensils. Ibis substance is highly poisonour, and must be kept and used wifi great cant'.on Iu cry stalline struct-

ore it closely resembles sulphate of magnesia or Epsom salts, and therefore frequent mistakes are made and lives lost. Every agent which goes into families among inexperienced persons should be kept in a safe place, and labeled properly and used with care.