Safety Profile
cis-Pt(NH3)2Cl2] is an
experimental carcinogen. Exposure to
complex platinum salts has been shown to
cause symptoms of intoxication such as
wheezing, coughing, running of the nose,
chest tightness, shortness of breath, and
cyanosis. Furthermore, many people
worhng with platinum salts are troubled
with dermatitis. They may become sensitized
after years of exposure. Symptoms of
platinum allergy include rhinitis, conjun-
ctivitis, asthma, urticaria, and contact
dermatitis. Mainly the ionic platinum chloro
compounds [e.g., (NHN4)2(PtCl6), (NH4)2(PtC4), H2(PtCl6)] are responsible for
this sensitivity. The bromide and iodde
compounds are less effective. These
platinum compounds form a platinum-
protein conjugate that is the true allergen.
Tetrachloroplatinates are mutagens. This
seems to be true only of complex platinum
salts. It does not apply to the complex salts
of the other precious metals. Platinum
amine nitrates and perchlorates either
detonate when heated or are impact-
sensitive.
