A decade after the book's publication, concerns were raised over the safety of the reactions described, which frequently used or generated toxic or corrosive substances.

For example, one experiment generated toxic chlorine gas, and another used carbon tetrachloride, a potent hepatotoxin.

[1] The book was also believed to be a source of inspiration to David Hahn, nicknamed "the Radioactive Boy Scout" by the media, who attempted to construct a nuclear reactor in his mother's shed,[2] although the book does not include any nuclear reactions.

[3] It is now quite rare, and as of November 2023[update] OCLC lists only 101 copies of this book in libraries worldwide.

[4] However, privately-owned copies are routinely put up for sale online, as are PDF scans.