Word: solvent
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Dates: during 1980-1980
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Analysis revealed that the dump contained more than 80 different chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBS), hexachlorocyclopentadiene (or C56 for short), benzene, toluene, tetrachloroethylene and other polysyllabic byproducts of pesticide production. Some, like the powerful solvent dioxin, are suspected carcinogens. Still others cause anemia, loss of hair, seizures and skin rashes...
Though DMSO was discovered by a Russian scientist in 1866, it attracted little interest until the 1950s when increasing industrial uses were found for it. DMSO, derived as a byproduct in converting trees to paper, is an antifreeze and a versatile solvent for a broad spectrum of chemicals. But scientists were startled to find it also had a remarkable capacity to penetrate skin and tissues and enter the bloodstream; its only apparent side effects were an oysterlike taste in the mouth and a garlicky breath odor...
Despite the restrictions on the use of DMSO, thousands of Americans still manage to obtain it. Some use a form of the drug that has been approved for veterinary use or even resort to the industrial solvent. Others travel to shady DMSO arthritis clinics in Mexico. This has alarmed the Arthritis Foundation, which, despite erroneous press reports, has advocated only the testing of DMSO. Says Foundation Official Charles Bennett: "There is a good deal of evidence that DMSO may be effective as a short-term painkiller, but there is no scientific proof that it reduces swelling and inflammation. We advise...
...administrative changes were the first and most visible effects of the Bok years, they were not on their own sufficient to keep the University financially solvent. As the kickoff date for Harvard's $250 million fund drive approached, Bok--despite his vow on taking office that he would not spend a great deal of personal time raising money--was forced out onto the road. Although Bok insists that he does not "hate or dread" any part of his job, he admits that fundraising--which now consumes about 25 per cent of his time--is not his favorite activity...