Environmental temperature, a factor modifying the acute toxicity of organic solvents, heavy metals, and agricultural chemicals.

1500 male mice, previously acclimatized to 8,22 or 38 degrees C, were used to determine the median lethal doses of organic solvents, heavy metals and agricultural chemicals by the Up-and-Down method via several routes of administration. Acute toxicity of benzene, trichloroethylene, mercuric chloride, cadmium chloride, fratol, methylparathion and dieldrin increased markedly at a low temperature of 8 degrees C, as well as at a high temperature of 38 degrees C. Acute toxicity of toluene, copper sulfate and chromium trioxide was only enhanced at a high temperature of 38 degrees C.