Pharmacology and toxicology of dysprosium, holmium, and erbium chlorides

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• Koste, L.
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• Komesu, N.
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• Efros, M.
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• Upham, H. C.

Abstract

A pharmacologic and toxicologic investigation of dysprosium, holmium, and erbium chlorides showed that these chemicals had the same delayed acute toxicity and symptoms as the other members of the rate earch group. No changes in growth or hematologic values, or evidence of histopathologic damage was observed after feeding the chemicals at three dosages for 12 weeks. On all systems studied, the three chemicals exhibited a depressant effect and produced death by respiratory paralysis coupled with cardiovascular collapse. Ocular application resulted in a transient conjunctivitis and ulceration. There were no effects on unabraded skin, but abraded skin showed extensive scar formation with epilation. The three chemicals produced nodules with foreign body giant cells and crystal formation when administered intradermally.