Vol. 21, No. 9
Nitrogen Stabilization F T H E many mergers, combinations, and consolidations which characterize our time, none has been more unexpected than the sales agreement recently enacted between the major producers of fixed nitrogen. Originally the new international cartel, initiated as usual by the I. G. Farbenindustrie, included the Imperial Chemical Industries of Great Britain, the producers of by-product sulfate of ammonia in that country, the Norwegian synthetic plants in which the I. G. holds large interests, and the Chilean producers of nitrate of soda. It is nom stated that the Comptoir de I’Azote, representing the French, and the Montecatini company. representing the Italian nitrogen interests, are negotiating for entry. The total represents 70 per cent of world nitrogen production. So far as has been disclosed, the cartel proposes primarily t o stabilize the prices of nitrogen throughout the world-with the exception of the United States. The use of nitrates is to be promoted by an extensive campaign of education and propaganda. Experiments in the use of the cartel’s products in agriculture are to be carried on cooperatively, and there is t o be other coordination among the several groups. Although nothing has been said with respect to the control of production, it will naturally follow that this will be a part of the program, if for no other reason than to serve as a factor in market stabilization. It is also apparent that the cartel intends to establish sales quotas for all important export markets. Announcements of new prices may be expected, and we are informed that already the German nitrogen syndicate, which is a part of the I. G., has announced prices for the German market for the fiscal year starting July 1. These are about 6 per cent lower than those which have prevailed during the past year. The negotiations so far as the Chilean producers are concerned were carried on by the Chilean finance commissioner. It will be noted that all the arrangements have had to do with markets and producing units outside the United States. This is subject to several interpretations. Chemical Age (London), commenting editorially on the development, points out that the rapid increase in the production of fixed nitrogen by the I. C. I., which is expected to reach 750,000 tons per annum by the end of 1929, enabled it to conduct its share of negotiations on equal terms with the I. G. and with the Chilean nitrate producers. Perhaps the American efforts are regarded as too feeble to warrant consideration on the part of the new combination, or it may be that the rest of the world intends to dictate to America what she shall pay for such fixed nitrogen as she may import. Again, the American producers may have been approached, but for good reasons preferred to go their own way. I n any event it would seem to be highly desirable to go forward with a large program for nitrogen production in the United States, both through the synthesis of ammonia and the expansion of by-product production. With the rest of the world in an international cartel, sufficient supplies
September 1, 1929 at satisfactory prices may not be possible unless we are prepared to supply a very substantial part of our needs from our own resources. The great developments of Lazote a t Belle, W. Va., and of the Allied a t Hopewell are easily capable of any expansion which the market justifies. The American Cyanamid, with nearly a generation of success to its credit, is another factor of importance. Other plants can expand, while additional units can easily engage in the fixation of nitrogen if there is demand for the product. Much that has been forecast with regard to trends in nitrogen fixation and the market for these manufactured products will be upset by this unexpected alliance between the producers of synthetic ammonia, etc., and the Chilean industry, which it once threatened to annihilate. While the agreement appears to have as a primary object the reduction of selling costs and experimentation and the prevention of too great an overproduction before the world is ready for the increase, it is capable of many other activities. Its course, no doubt already charted, will have a profound influence upon the fixed nitrogen industry of the United States.
Toxicity of Organic Compounds
AX ISQCIRY recently conducted by the National Safety
Council has served to bring out the lack of definite information relative to the toxic properties of common organic substances. The introduction almost day by day of new organic compound5, many of which have decided commercial importance, makes it imperative that exact information be obtained on the comparative toxicity of all organic chemicals which today find wide application. More than this, those introducing new reagents and industrial chemicals should be required to submit a t the same time this type of knowledge for the guidance of those who may bc called upon to use their material. What is needed is for some one or some group to make an exhaustive study of the whole question. We need data on the comparative toxic effect of closely related compounds, and the minimum quantity which can be absorbed by the human system without causing temporary or permanent effects should be established. I n the case of some products which may be present in the air, we should know the concentration below that which will cause toxic symptoms and whether or not one can continue to work in such an atmosphere for either long or short periods without injury to health. Which of the organic compounds possess cumulative effects so that, if present in quantities too small to produce temporary symptoms of poisoning their presence may nevertheless be a real hazard? Methods of treatment are obviously important, and should be prescribed as definitely as experience and information will permit. The Chemical Section of the National Safety Council, as well as the Industrial Health Division, is deeply interested and will cooperate with any research investigation or inquiry relative to this important subject. It is believed that the
