| Toxicity: |
An oleoresin from trees of the genus Pinus or
closely related genera. It is also used as a synonyn for oil of
turpentine or spirits of turpentine which is the volatile oil distilled from the oleoresin. The resin itself is used primarily as a
source of oil and is toxic, affecting skin, gastrointestinal tract,
and nervous system, although it has been used in the past for
both human and veterinary medicine as a rubefacient and
counterirritant. The oil is used as a solvent for paints, waxes,
resins, etc. and has been used in the same way in clinical and
veterinary practice as the resin. Its importance in toxicology is due to its frequent involvement in accidental or suicidal acute
poisoning episodes in the home and the workplace. |