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HWBB-0009611 Air Hygiene Foundation of America, Inc., 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. October 1, 1937 REFERENCES 70 RECENT LITERATURE ON INDUSTRIAL DISEASES 475 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES. Survey of Labor Law Adnin., p. 6. (Aug. 1937) Five States - Delaware, Indiana, 'Ichigan, Pennsylvania, and V.'ashington - have recently passed occupational disease compensation legislation. This makes 21 States and the District of Columbia that compensate for some or all occupation al diseases, a new Pennsylvania law also provides a special State fund to handle the "accrued liabilitv" problem in silicosis. Instead of placing the burden on the injured worker or his dependents through greatly curtailed ben efits, as some States have done, Pennsylvania, out of a special fund, assumes the obligation of a part of the awards over a transition period of 10 years. Further legislation to compensate for occupational diseases is forecast by pro -visions for investigation this year in seven States - Arkansas, Idaho, ifeine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. 476 ATTENTION CALLED TO FOUNDATION'S PROGRAM. Bus. Week, p. 1. (Sept. 4, 1M7) Late in July the United Automobile Vtorkers (C.I.O. subsidiary) announced.the es tablishment of a Medical Research Institute to promote industrial hygiene and to assist workers in th6ir accident and occupational disease oases. Both U.A.7T. and some of the newspapers seemed to feel that the new agency was the only one doing serious work toward the conquering of silicosis, lead and chromium pois oning, and industrial skin diseases. Friends of Air Hygiene Foundation of America, Inc*, Pittsburgh, have been quick to point out to ihe papers, and the papers even quicker to publish, that it is doing yeoman work along these lines and that the 180* companies supporting its non-profit endeavors will welcome the cooperation of additional company supporters. *Now 190. 477 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE EXHIBIT, Safety Engineering, 74, 43 (Aug. 1937). No re prints are available but information may be secured from die Division of Labor Standards, U. S. Dept, of Labor, 'Washington, D. C. A special occupational disease exhibit has beer, prepared by the U.S. Department of Labor and is available for display at conventions, exhibits, etc. It shows the effects of occupational diseases upon workers, employers and the general public. It also suggests remedies, emphasizing prevention rather than treatment. The display shows various corrective measures which may be taken to overcome occupational diseases hazards, adequate exhaust ventilation of the working at mosphere, and in general healthful sanitary working conditions* One panei eon- tains four transparencies illustrating certain occupations Therein dust ia the . . chief hazards. Stone finishing, underground mining, sand blasting and mixing of lead pijments are eomang the occupations included. Another panel illustrates the hazards from inhaling fumes and toxic gases. 478 SILICOSIS CHARGES "EDUCED IN CALIFORNIA. Eng. News Rec. 119, 283 (Aug. 1937) A 75$ reduction in the silicosis surcharge rate on industrial compensation in surance was approved last month by the above conmission. There is an indica tion of a trend towards elimination of surcharges. ' -2- ($09612 479 PROGRAM 0? THE INTERNATIONAL LABOR CONFERENCE OF JUKE, 1937. C. Goodrich. U.S. Monthly Lab. Rev. 44, 885-94 (Apr., 1937). On the program of the International labor Conference, which met in June, the f lowing subjects were to bo considered* the desirability of raising the age limits for employment; the reduction of hours of work in the textile, printing oo and chemical trades; safety provisions for workers in building construction ar2 the planning of public works in relation to employment. Any agreements reachea by the Conference, by a two-thirds majority, will be referred to the member gov ernments for formal action. The United States has been a member since 1934. 480 BRITISH STUDY TOXIC GASES IN INDUSTRY. Heating & Ventilating, 34, 70 (Aug. 1937' A series of booklets describing standard methods for the detection of toxic gases in industry is published by the British Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The first issue deals with hydrogen sulfide. The use of an efficient system of mechanical ventilation or air purification is necessary wherever this gas appears. It is pointed cut that in concentrations cf one part in 1000 by volume this gas is nearly as poisonous as hydrocyanic acid and can kill almost as quickly. 481 KITE - CAPS FOR RESPIRATORS. H. S. Cover, South Bend, Ind., Nat. Safety News, 36, 100 (Sept., 1937) Information obtainable from the author, who is manufac turer. A "nite-cap" is a knitted hood that may be slipped over the filter apertures of respirator, and is especially suitable for work in heavy dust. When a heavy de posit or cake is formed on the cap, it may be taken off and shaken, and usually replaced. It was especially designed for the manufacturer's respirators, but fits others having a similar flat surface. 482 GAS INDICATOR. The Linde Air Products Co., 30 E. 42nd. St., New York, N. Y. Keating, Piping, Air Conditioning 136 (Sept., 1937) Information obtainable from company. The company bas developed a new gas detector known as "U.C.C." gas indicator. It shows presence of combustible gases, indicates oxygen deficiency and includes a toxic chamber for determining the presence of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sul fide in toxic concentrations. 483 WON'T HAVE DUST. Arthur Van Vlissingen. Factory Man. Main. 95, 83 (Sept. 1937) No reprints. A brief account of the air conditioning and dust removal system in the foundry o the Ford plant. It includes local exhausts for du6t and pickling fumes and warn air blowers in hot locations. The materials used in the blowers, etc., are se lected to fit local conditions. In cases where an ordinary blower will last 6 months or more, it is used and replaced, rr.ther than one made from a more re sistant material. (3) Papers on Dust, Dust Diseases and General Industrial Hygiene 484 OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE CEMENT, CLAY AND POTTERY INDUSTRI R.R.Sayers, J.M. DallaValle and S.G. Bloomfield. Public Health Bull. No* 238, 50 pp., 1937 Obtainable from Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C., fc 20 cents, cash. . The bulletin presents a complete occupational survey of the three industries, ar. is the result of a study of 9 cement mills, 16 potteries, and 47 clay plants, ir. eluding brick, drain tile and other tile, sewer pipe, stove lining, terra-cotta products and other refractories. For each industry, a general description of th process is followed by flow-sheets showing the course of the materials and tho operators who handle or control them, and by an alphabetical list of all occupa tions, with the materials handled, important and contributory exposures and a brief description of the operations, for each listed occupation* A classified list of occupations by departments is also included. The survey does not invofSe an original study of occupational diseases, but the hazards are discussed and studies of diseases as have been made are reviewed. In the cement industry, workers are predisposed to certain diseases of the respir atory system and to diseases of the skin, eyes and ears, and the exposure to d^jt is possibly a factor in the high rate of digestive illnesses among workers in tJte finishing end of the mills. Although the frequency of minor respiratory diseas is high, the more serious diseases, such as pneumonia ar.d tuberculosis, have caused relatively little disability among these workers. The serious exposures in theclay industry appear to be the following: inhalation of clay and other dusts, extreme dry heat, exposure to weather and dampness, lead poisoning, and carbon monoxide. The dust hazard varies with the olass of dust, free silica content, concentration, particle size and length of exposure. Many of the inorganic dusts appear to be harmless, but those containing free silioa produce serious damage in a short time. These irritating dusts cause chronic catarrh, pleurisy, hard breathing, bronchitis, and predispose the workers to tu berculosis. Lead poisoning in the glazing department depends upon the method used and the lead content of the glaze. Pouring and "fettling" (removal of superfluous glaze) are the most hazardous occupations in glazing. In the pottery industry the hazards are much the saae as in clay work, especially silicosis and lead poisoning. Danish and English surveys have shown a high inci dence of silicosis among pottery workers, although tuberculosis is not frequent. A survey of this nature has been much needed, both in the industries reported and in others, and the Bulletin will be valuable to all concerned with occupational hazards. 485 AN INQUIRY INTO TEE HEALTH HAZARDS OF A GROUP OF 7/ORXERS EXPOSED TO ALUMINA DUST. (British) Charles L# Sutherland, A* Meiklejohn and F.N.R. Price. J. lad* Byg. 19, 312.19 (Sept., 1937). The serious mortality from silicosis among workers in the china bisouit process in the manufacture of English bone china has been traced to the fine flint used in the "placing" of the clay ware for the biscuit firing. Research directed toward discovery of a suitable substitute has led to the trial of alumina (aluminum oxide The question immediately arose whether alumina is free from any health risk com parable to that from silica. A representative group of workers in an aluminum factory, exposed to considerable amounts of fine alumina dust, were submitted to clinical and radiographic examination. No evidence of pneumoconiosis or other lung disease was discovered and there was no indication that any system or organ was adversely affected- In the manufacturing process gas containing faint tracts of fluorine was generated, sufficient to cause a transient irritation of the upperespiratory passages, but no lesion arising from inhalation of the gas was dis covered. 486 SILICOSIS - PART 3. LEGAL AND MORAL -RESPONSIBILITY. Charles S. Pearce. Ceram. Ind. 27, 50-52 (July, 1937). The author points out that the employer has a moral responsibility was well as a legal one, for accidents and industrial disease. Industry should carry its share of the cost of occupational disability and the manfuacturer should charge enough for his products to cover expenses incurred in the care of his workmen. Compensa tion laws are not made to tax the manufacturer but to compel him to protect his employees) and just as accidents in the plant are considered a liability on in dustry, so should lead poisoniig, silicosis and other disease contraoted in perfor mance of indus trial activities be oompensable. In the last few years suits in silicosis cases have reached a half billion dollars; compensation laws to cover all industrial diseases constitute a protection both to manufacturers and -4employees. The question has arisen v/hether vitreous enamel spraying causes silicosis. However with the modem equipment fer dust removal, working can- ditiens may be made so ideal that tho effect of this substance may never be tcrmir.ed, and reflection should not be cast on the enameling industry. In awarding compensation, the small weekly cr monthly payment is better for the i needs of the vrorker, than the payment of a large sum. Tho system of compensa tion should cover appropriations for investigation and research. Personal s* histories of employees should bo kept and all workers entering or. occupation * involving lung hazards should have x-ray chest examinations. 437 ' DISCUSSION 07 I'.HJUSTK^JU. ACCIDENTS AID DISEASES. 1936 CONVENTION, ir'TERNATION- AL ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTi/BOARDS AVD COiHflSSIONS, TOPEKA, K..NSAS. U.5. Dept. Lab-'-r, Div. Labor Standards, Bull, No. 10, 1937. Obtainable from Supt. '-'f Documents, Washir.gt r., D.C. for 20 cents, cash. The next 5 abstracts arid No. S23 include the papers of greatest interest from the standpoint of occupational diseases. In addition there is a good deal of discussion cf cmpcns-.ti'T. problems, several pfpers T -yo disabilities, one cr. preoccupatioral examinations, and others -:v injuries and occupational diseases outside ur field. 438 A PRACTICAL DISCUSSION 0" THE SILICOSIS FR03LEN. 0. A. Sander. Above Bulletin pn. 253-9. Bulletar. obtainable as above. The author, who hoc had unusual experience in the diagnosis of silicosis end appraisal cf disability, presents an account ef the 4 year old survey of 15,000 'Visccr.cin workers. There has beer, no trouble in getting employee* in this State to submit to x-ray and ^>thcr examination, as the medical records re main the privet, property cf the examining physician. Only individuals with advanced silic-sis or with active tuberculosis arc prohibited from reentering a dusty trade. The effect cf silicosis is not noted by the individual until a great rcducti'r. in lung capacity has .ccurre-d. The author believes that only tho unusually heavily dusted individual "progresses" toward increased fibrosis} progression 'f the slightly dusted person is so slaw that injury would not be apparent in the course of an ordinary working life. 489 SILICOSIS EXPERIENCE IN ONTARIO. G. Wilkie and T. N. Dean. Above Bulletin pp. 164-75. Bulletin obtainable as above. A description of the costs ~r.d practical operation f tho Ontario TTerkmon's Compensation Act as it applies particularly to silicosis. Tho most significant facts shov/r. by the tables arc that in the mining industry the compensation rate is 2.43 per 100 payroll, including only those oxposod tc silica, and in stonecutting $3.50 per $100 payroll, while in foundries the rate is 0*36, and in all ethers, including porcelain rrc. glass, agricultural implements, autos, etc., porcelain ona^jplware, and all ether industries, the rate is below 10 cents per 100 payroll. 490 THE HAKING OF ARTIFICIAL S ILK I?* THE UNITED STATES AID SOVS OF TTD HUNGERS AT TENDING IT. Alice Hamilton, N.D., Div. of Lftb^r Standards, Dept, of Leber, '.Vashington, D.C, Above Bulletin, pp. 151-9, 1937. Reprints obtainable from author, and. entire bulletin obtainable as aVve. A brief history ar. I good description of tho rayon manufacturing processes is presented. The viscose process, which is most generally used, involves the hazards of exposure to hydrogen sulfide and carbon disulfide. We arc badly in need of precise in.f-'rmr.ti.n ->r. the effects of carbon disulfide; in fact, there is deplorable ignorance ef the hazards of this occupation.  'S -5- 4S1 DIAGNOSIS OF SILICOSIS. L. Kefauver. Ohio State Med. J. 33, 910-11 (Aug* 1937). Ho reprints. This paper is a brief review of the diaeresis of silicosis, first pointing out that there have been many theories to explain the action of silica on the lung but that they have been disproved by exhaustive aninal experimentation. A bri account of the relation of particle size ard time of exposure to silicosis is followed by a concise list of diagnostic signs, the most common being dyspnea, and the list emphasizes the fact th: t simple silicosis has few clinical sympto The importance of x-ray examination is stressed, and the relation of silicosis to tuberculosis is discussed briefly. 492 \ SILICOSIS. E/'.F. Behranon, M.D., 450 Sutter St., San Francisco, Calif. Calif. '.Vest. Mod. 46 (Apr. 1937). Reprints obtainable from, author. This paper is a brief review of silicosis especially in its industrial aspects, and supplements an earlier paper paying more attention to the medical side. The well known facts about silicosis - prevalence, cost 'f claims, stages, suscep tibility t-T tuberculosis - are presented briefly. The author believes that every silicosis victim, is, or was, an active quiescent or potential tubercular, otherwise silicosis would not gain the headway it d>'os, nor would tuberculosis kill 75% of silicosis victims. After a brief discussion cf tho legal phases, especially cf responsibility for the "silicosis rocket", ho suggests the follow ing measures as a solution of th^ problems of prevention of the disease end the honest disposition of half a billion dollars worth of claims: (l) compensation lavrs that will allow and recognize the physical - nd radiologic examination of applicants for employment in dusty trades; (2) periodical examination; (5) pre ventive ncasurce, including dust counts, increased ventilation, wet processes, control cf dust at its point of generation, determination of w'hat is a harmful dust, prohibition cf dusty work for tubercular workers, standardization of records, examinations "nd inspections, aaccrtc.inm.cnt of dust hazard and limits of safety, and the use 'f an efficient respirator; (4) creation of a medical board cf appeal; (5) compensation awards made only or. occupational disability, and (6) first-aid safety measures. For the disposition of oases now pending, tho recommendations arc: (l) cooperation between the legal profession, the doctor and the employer, and allowing only export witnesses of tho highest caliber, with approval of the expert, review ~f the testimony, or both, by the local or national Roentgen Ray Society; (2) expenditure by employers for estima tion and elimination of hazards; (3) modern legislation, and (4) elimination of the quack and charlatan in medicine and law. The most important move in tho author's opinion is the creation of a medical board of review, to decide wheth er c caso is compensable, and a lay commissi n to decide to what degree a claimant is disabled. 493 THE SAMPLING OF INDUSTRIAL DUSTS BY MERITS OF THE "LABYRINTH". H.V.A. Briscoe Janet W. Matthews, P.F.Iiolt and Fhyllis fc*. Sanderson. Bull. Instn. Min. Met. (June, 1937); Colliery Guardian, 155, 283-8 (Aug. 13, 1937). Roprints obtainable from Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, Salisbury House, Finsbury Circus, London, E. C. 2, England, Price Is 9 d. 7/hen it i s necessary to obtain large samples of industrial dust as for sol ubility tests, filtration methods arc inadequate, and the authors developed an apparatus consisted of a rectangular box containing 32 copper plates, 6 x in., alternately supported at the top ana bottom, leaving a free space 6x3/4in. The collected dust is easily removed after talcing off the side of iiic box, and may be taken separately from each of the 16 or 17 comparianonts. In a later form the baffles were similarly arranged in a copper tube 3 in. in internal diameter, with an inner celluloid tube which facilitated removal of the dust. This apparatus permitted an air flew of 1000 cu. m. per hour (about 600 cu. ft. per minute)* In one case where there was little dust, it was run for 25 days, sampling about half a million cubic meters of air, and 100 grams of dust were collected. Tests -More made with both instruments on several types of dust, flint, cement, asbestos and sillimanito. KWBB-0009615 '^70 'Jb -6The dust was collected wad weighed separately from each c crape rtanent, and in ^ some cases size distribution counts were made* Both the weights and average ^ particle sizes show a gradual decrease from the first to the last compartment.^ Both by extrapolation ar.d by the use of the salicylic acid filter, an efficien cy of collection averaging about 95% was found for the apparatus. On the othc^ hand, using the particle oount as a criterion and the thermal precipitator as eo a means of sampling, K. H. `Aatson found an overall efficiency of 44?$. Of the p'-.rticles from 0.2 to 0.8 micron in diameter, more v;ere found at the outlet * than at tho inlet. Watson attributes this effect to the breaking up of ag gregates, but the authors also su.--,,st that large particles of hydrated mate rials may break up under the heat ..'.cessarily used in preparing the thermal precipitator samples forming many smaller particles. However, the object of the apparatus is r.ot complete collection, but largo scale collection for sub sequent examination, and in or.c experiment in which two labyrinths were used in series, the dust at the outlet of tte second had practically the same size gradation and apparent composition as at the outlet of the first. The advan tages of this apparatus lie in large scale collection of dust without altera tion of its original properties. The data are presented in a number of tables, an* several illustrations show the apparatus and the gradations of dust ob tained. 494 MEMORANDUM OF THE COMMITTEE OH DUST SAMPLING INVESTIGATIONS. (TEE INSTITUTION . OF MINING AND METALLURGY.) H.S.Patterson. J. Chcm. Met. & Min. Soc. So. N^frica 37, 356-7 (Fob. 1937). This paper is a contribution to the discussion of a paper by Green and Watson, published in 1935. The author points out that the efficiency of the konimeter decreases with increase in the numbers of particles and that almost the same counts were obtained by the konimeter for clouds containing numbers varying botweer. 4,000 and 2,000 particles per cc. For fine dusts (mostly belr 0*5 mij cron), as found in South African mines, the efficiency of tho konimeter is again much smaller, often far below 50?$. 495 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN PULMONARY DISEASE. P. H. Ringer. N. Y. State J. Med. 37, 1005-10 (June 1, 1937). The author lists 9 diseases that may be expected if respiratory tract symptoms arc in evidence. The discussion is devoted mainly to tuberculosis, but occupa tional dust diseases are mentioned as one of the possibilities, and the great importance cf the patient's history is pointed out. 496 , CLEANING THE FOUNDRY AIR. The American Foundry Equipment Co., Mishawaha, Ind. C. A. Snyder, Nat. Safety News 36, 54, 102 (Sept., 1937). Mimeographed oopies obtainable from author or company. The foundry operations involving a dust hazard include: (l) sandblasting; (2) tumbling barrels; (3) grinding wheels; (4) shakeouts; (5) sand handling equip ment; and ( 6) miscellaneous operations. Sandolc sting should be dono in rooms with sufficient mechanically fcrcod draft tc- hear Mao dust inside the enolosure It is also essential tint each operator be svprlit.d with an efficient air-pres sure helmet. The airless centrifugal method, new usee to some degree, eliminate the need for an operator in the blasting area. Tunc! ing barrels should be oper ated with ample ventilation. A vent pipe velocity of 4,000 to 5/000 feet per minute will give a sufficient air movement to keep dust concentration below this danger point. In shakeout and sand handling equipment each problem requires special consideration, no set rules being applicable. For general work tho use of vacuum cleaners above the rogulr r working zone is highly recommended. Variou types of OK dust collectors arc discussed. Centrifugal collectors, with ef ficiencies r-ted at 30 to 80% by weight, are not recommended. Multiplo cyclone collectors have much greater efficiencies on account of the more effective ap plication of centrifugal force. `.Yet collectors have attained on efficiency ranging from 90 to 95 per cent. Cloth screen arresters can be installed wher*' requirements are severe, and efficiencies of 97 per cont are reached. Cloth HMBB-0009617 tube or bog collectors ore favored by many industries because they arc a more ef ficient cleaning mechanism, consume less power, are easily maintained and in spected and have efficiencies of 98 per cent or more by weight* Dust counts of discharged air show 10 million particles or less as determined by the impingor method* Although the olcctrical precipitation system is the most efficiont of all air collooting devices, its usually prohibitive high installation cost limi its use to cases where reclaimed dusts arc exceedingly valuable. 497 CONTROL OF DUST IN ROCK DRILLING. Theodore Hatch, Nat. Safety News. 36, 23-24 (Sept. 1937). No reprints, but a fuller paper will be published lrter. The author has written a number of papers on this subject, and the present paper is a brief review. Underground operations due to confined spaces arc the most dangerous, as dust ccncentration builds up higher than it would be in the open. The principal sources cf dust arc* rock drilling, blasting, mucking and other rock handling operations. Pneumatic drills shatter rock to a pewder, and par ticles thus generated vary in si2e from l/4 of an inch to submicroscopic di ameters. The amount of dust produced by a rock drill is surprisingly large. 0=$ One rock drill operating at the rate of 100 feet of drilling per day actually crushes over 200 pounds of rock in 8 hours. It has been found that in one minute a rock drill produces a.s much as one billion particles of hygienic in terest. Dust control methods in rock excavation include: (l) wet drilling and wetting down rock walls and muck piles; (2) general ventilation; (3) dust ex haust hoods on drills and over mucking operations and other sources of dust; and (4) personal protection by means of respirators and positive pressure m^kks. 498 HOT TO CONTROL DUST IN CLAY PLANTS. John M. Kane, American Air Filter Co., Brick h Clay Rec. 91_, 69-71 (August 1937) No reprints. Dust control in clay plants is practical, effective and inexpensive, and an im portant factor in the tendency toward improved working conditions is the con fining of dusty operations. The usual du6ts generated in briok plants aro net as hazardous as these found in allied ceramic operations, because their free silica content is low and derived largely from impurities in the clay* However, the presence of-silica., even in low concentrations, and the unfavorable offect on worianon of the presence of any dust, have been added incentives for con fining the cust at its source, thereby preventing its dispersion in the work room. Details of the application of confinement of dust are given for bucket elevators, conveyors, dry pans, screens and bins. Protective measures for all these appliances can be summarized under two head ings; adequate ventilation and tight casing wherever possible. In bucket el evators not only the exhaust frer the elevator, but additional volumes from the point where the clay is fed to the elevator b-~ot, must be taken into account. In conveyors, exhaust equipment is necessary only at the point of material transfer. Although the dry pan is one of the major dust producing units, it can be effectively hooded, and the dust generated can be completely confined by a dust hood made in sections and fitted tightly to the frame supporting the vertical shaft. The exhaust air will carry a minimum of finos from the process without distrubing batch ratios. The confinement of du6t from screening equip ment requires careful study. A hood with removable sid.es can be fitted olosely to the screen deck, enclosing the screening operations without interfering with inspection and servicing. Storage bins for dry clay require exhaust connec tions, as the air displaced, by the falling material carries with it the fine dust stirred up by the falling clay. Tables showing necessary air volumes and design of exhaust equipment are given for each operation to be protected. The principles of operation and. relative advantages of the various typos of col lectors arc discussed briefly, including the cyclone collector, the dynamic precipitator, the wet collector end the filter. 'i -8- 499 FILJERHC DUSTS. E. Kundig, Coppus Engineering Corp., Worcester, Mass. Safety Eng. 74 , 41-42 (Aug. 1937), Information obtainable from author or ^ Company. A unit air filter so designed that the filter unit can readily be cleaned is dc scribed in this article. Tho size of such a unit is usually about 20 inches square ir. face a: a 'nd will handle approximately 800 cu. ft. per min. with a pressure drop of 0.20 to 0.25 inch cf water. Multiples of these filters aro era* ployed to suit the individual requirements. Portable air filters vrith connect^ ing hose of 3 inches t--> 4 inches ir. diameter leads to the tovls of the ir.divid* ual workers whore the dust-laden c ir is drawn off -and sucked at a high velocity into tho filter chamber. The air th.cn passes at a lev? velocity through the air filter and is freed from, silica dust, and my be discharged back into the room through the fan. 500 A HIGH PRICE Fh "EGLECT, John Lc Verne, Nat* Safety News, 36, 51-52, 76 (Aug. 1937). Thousands of miner injuries become major ones because employees neglect treat 0 ment. Forty percent -f all workers who have held skilled positions are obliged to pursue unskilled jab* after injury. Occupational skin diseases require the analysis -of tin. material vrith which tho w-rkcr ernes ir. contact in order to de termine tho cause f tho dise-se. Different kinds of dusts in varying atmos pheric o .noertrmi -.ns ir.-o x tho lun~s through inhalation. The danger of silica dust is net -vc rostir.atod, an l unless it is generally re-cognized it will be in creasingly dan re r-us. The mly direct means ^f attack on silicosis is preven tion, invclvi:: ram. >v:.l fr-r. the atmosphere by exhaust systems and improved ven tilation, and the use cf rcspirat.ro. 501 "PORTABLE" X-E-.v AKL.PATUS. Roswell T. Pettit, l!D. 728 Columbus St. Ottawa, 111. Ir.d. Med. 6, 355-5 (Ju]y, 1536). Reprints obtainable from author. The author cal'" attrnti'r. to a nuia.ber cf requirements that must be met in order to obtain accurate r-entgeru-gr.-ms In the diagnosis of silicosis and tuberculosis Toe often these requirements have not been fulfilled, especially in "portable11 x-ray apparatus, offered bye. number of manufacturers. In spite of the claims made for them, they arc r.ot capable of the accurate representation of fine de tails th.rt arc essential in working with silicosis. Portability is not ofton a requirement f'r adequate x-ray apparatus; '"r. the other hand, whore transportatio. is necessary, a complete standard outfit car. be carried on a cne-ton truck. Whor. apparatus is thus taken to a plant and set up the actual taking of photographs car. be accomplished quickly - cftcr. 60 exposures in an hour. SOLUBILITY OF SILICA DUSTS. E. J. King. Nature 140, 320 (Aug. 21, 1937) In a recent paper, Err.ons and `.Vileex reported that scricite and asbestos havo a much higher solubility in bicod scrum than free silica. The author oriticizos vthoir procodurc in that the speed and tire of ccntrifuoalizaticn was insufficie~ tb separate fibrous materials, which settle more slowly than roughly spherical particles. Using the ph' sphomcly'-dic acid test as c measure of silica actually in solution, and keeping the materials suspended fer 1 tc 8 days at 37 C (the body temperature). King found that the quantity of silica dissolved from sorid cite (plate and fibrous) ir. sodium bicarbonate solution was decidedly loss than than from quartz, and a similar relation hold at 100 C. Also, in acetic acid solution, the s lubilitics of kaolin end mice were much lower than those of quartz and precipitated silica. 0: e V5m' *-zj -9- 505 OCCUPATlOrlAL DISEASE DL .GNOSIS. Leonard Grecnburg, M.D., Executive Director, Dig* of Industrial Hygiene IT. Y. State Dept* of labor, 80 Centre St., New York, N.Y/H Ind. Bull. 16, 506-7 (Aug., 1937). Reprints obtainable from author. c Cor.por.saticr. fer occupational disoasc presupposes that we knew c great deal abc such diseases. In order that wo nay adequately cor.pcr.sate we r.ust necessarily knew both diagnosis and trcatr.ent, fer the ar.our.t of compensation is certainly as correlated with the necessary duration cf therapy. The essentials cf diagnosis]! arc outlined, including the two ir.pertant factors cf occupation and the history* of any special exposure. Occupational diseases arc directly traceable to the vast increase ir. the nur.ber cf new substances in industry, chiefly as a result of chcr.ical research. There arc three sources of the difficulty cf diagnosis. In r.cdical colleges the students as a rule arc not given sufficient training in cccupa ticnal diseases, and ir. practice many physicians have no opportunity to learn about then by experience. Due to tte rapid strides in chcr.ical industries and th; intro Incti' cf new substances little is known about their toxicity. For a more adequate examination of the worker it is necessary: (l) tc secure his pas-* occupational history as well as his present occupation; (2) tc investigate the working environment, with reference to heat, cold, moisture, noise, ventilation, illumination, etc.; (5) to know what substances arc used and to what hazards ho is exposod, such as dust, fur.es, gases, chemicals, etc. A well directed occupa tional history exar.ir-tien will suggest to the experienced physician just what lock for in thv pr tient In order that diagrv-si? he r.ai_ a )? t effectively and uniformly, ccep;r- "ro and supervisi^by t.vo Sv\tj is nvco'.s-.ry. The ideal State adnir.istra civc organization for detrfclttg with t.!. ) aiagn.o,` the occupa tional diseases should consist of: (l) W6il trailed physicians, oxgcrienood in occupational disease; {?.) chemists for the analysis of sample.4, r.i material in the laboratory \rr' in the work place; (3) a well equipped chemical laboratory to handle all the mik expiditiously; (4) access to important reference books and periodicals; (3) facilities f.r the hospitalization of eases; a oocrd of ir partial medico] experts to pass on medical examinations, and (7) mere time de voted by the medical schools tc training the student in the field of occupa tional disease.' There should be closer cooperation between the compensation unit and th. industrial hygiene unit. 504 EXPERIENCE d/ITH SILICOSIS UNDUE WISCONSIN* S *.\f0RKMEN*S COMPENSATION ACT, 1920 TO 1936. M. D. Koss-ris. U.S.Monthly Labor Rev., 44, 1089-1102 (May, 1937). VTiscer.sin is the only State with a long and continuous experience in compensa ting silicotic disability. During the 17-year period surveyed, rtany important questions have been answered by the courts, necessitating amendments to the com pensation act. Preliminary statistical data show a heavy concentration of claims during 1933 and 1934, due partly to unemployment and partly, it is claime to the fact that as a result of subjecting enyloyees to medical examinations many of those with symptoms cf silicosis were discharged, although most of them wore not disabled. 505 SOME FACTS ON COMPENSATION COSTS 7TCTE SIECIAL REFERENCE TO INCLUSION OF OCCUPY' TIONAL DISEASES. Henry D. Sayor, Manager, Casualty Dept. Assoc, of Casualty & Surety Executives., 1 Park Avo. Nev; York, N. Y. Safety Eng. 73, 51-2 (May *37), 73, 52-55 (June '37) 74, 45-46 (July *37). Reprints obtainable fr~m author. "The author calls attention to some difficult problems in the field of occupa tional disease compensation. The cost of workmen's compensation has been grad ually increasing, largely because its field has been constantly broadened. It has been claimed that since the inclusion of occupational disease the cost of compensation has increased only by a small percentage, but that is true only if the additional cost is assumed to bo spread over all industry, which is not a fair assumption. In Tisccnsin, for instance, it has been increased tenfold among the industries actually affected. The "classical" occupational diseases, such as lead poisoning, do not involve a serious increase in compensation, es pecially with the development of protective mothods. New industries, however, such as radium painting, present special difficulties, as tte danger was not di.r - 10 - covered until damage was done, and the companies involved have been subjected ^ true and false claims for large compensation sums. In the field of componsnti^ji for silicosis, "accrued liability" presents a difficult problem. Should the em ployer be responsible for the entire liability for silicosis and asbestosis wore developing slowly and unnoticcably, before it was made compensable? The * author thinks not, and that it is not the insurer's liability. The worker musS assume some considerable portion of it. Another point of view is that part of^ tho burden should be publicly assumed, but there is no concensus of opinion on that point. Another difficulty is the estimation of the cost of compensation for silicosis or other lung diseases, in advance of the actual claims. Accrued cost is a large factor in accentuating this difficulty. Tho experience of other countries having compensation lav.-s does not help materially in solving this prob lem, because the laws arid systems of Ontario, Great Britain, South Africr, and other countries arc so unlike ours. Another difficulty lies in the relation of dust diseases to tuberculosis. The tubercular should bo removed from dusty oc cupations, but he should not be cast into tho industrial scrap hoar, Again, silicosis may bo so slowly progressive as not to disable affected workmen ap preciably before the usual termination of their working lives. An aged silicotic workman, retiring in old ago may die from pneumonia, apoplexy or hardening of the arteries, where it may bo credible that he would have pulled through for a few years longer had his lungs been unaffected. In such a ease, is the dis ablement to be charged entirely to silicosis, and in case of death, are the de ceased's dependents to be entitled to full death benefits? If so, the cost will be incalculable. How is partial disability to be compensated? An Im partial and expert board of physicians is an imperative need to determine the medical questions involved. In Ontario the average medical ccst per caa is $3,000. Under the British law there arc nc medical benefits. The most vital factor ir. keeping down costs is prevention, but difficulties are involved even here. Too much cannot be expected from preventive measures. They will not ob viate a lung fibrosis already formed. Prevention, h.^wevor, is not a matter of dust control alone, or of silicosis. The- safety engineer of the future must be disease prevention-minded, as well as accident prevention-minded, and the indus trial chemist and hygienist must play a part. Finally, the author advocates compensation for specific diseases, rather than all -inclusive laws, as are now in force ir. several states, as mention of spocific diseases will emphasise preenuti.-ns against the porticul r -'iscasc. 506 COMPENSATED INJURIES. New York State Department of labor, Division of Statis tics and Infonrrtion, Ind. Bull. 16., 256-63 (July 1937). A copy of the Bulletin is obtainable fr-m the Industrial Conmissioncr State Offioe Building, Albany N.Y. for 10 cents cash. In Nov; York State in 1936, awards amounting to $500,000 wore made in 1882 cases cf disability caused by exposure to harmful sutstancos or by continuous mechan ical action such as rubbing, friction, pressure and vibretion, excluding casos of accidonts, injury, but including both occupational diseases and accidental in juries due to harmful substances. These- eases arc tabulated according to spe cific hamfujLg^tstanccs and to industries. Out rf 984 eases cf occupational disease, 48l/cascs of dermatitis, and soap, washing powder and cleaning solu tions were responsible for 114, the highest number. Out of 597 accidental in juries due tc corrosive substances, 175 "'ore- caused by lime. Claims for all classes of disease and injury showed an increase ever the 1935 figures. - 11 - 507 METHQpB IN HANDLING THE SILICOSIS PROBLEM IN ONTARIO. G.C.Bateman, Secretary, 3<UtfB-0009621 Ontawe Mining Assoc. 320 Bey St#, Toronto 2, Ont. Am# Inst. Min. Mot. Engrs. vj Tech. Put. 822, in Mining Tech. 1# July 1937. 11 pp. Reprints obtainable from author. The author gives the various stages through which the workmen's Compensation Act of Ontario passed, from its inception in 1915 to the present day. Results of examinations made by a doctor believed to be an export in diagnosing silico sis showed an incidence so high that the accuracy of diagnosis was questioned, and advice was asked from South Africa where the techniquo of examining was we established. A survey disclosed that the number of silicotics was very much smaller than actually reported. This led to the adoption by Ontario of the South African methods rr.d standards of diagnosis. However, a huge present and Vi-n prospective liability we.s created. Mon had been awarded sums ranging from $500 to $2,000 as silicctics and removed from industry with the idea that removal would arrest the disease. It 'was also thought that with this award the em ployer's legal responsibility ended. However, it developed that the legal posi tion was different. Awards could only be considered as compensation, which could only be for disability and as a progression of the disease was considered a result of the original disability, the nines were held responsible. Later it was discovered that removal from dust exposure did not improve or arrest the diS' case. Men lost hepe, their economic status was lowered, they were difficult to rehabilitate, and v.h t was no doubt nest important, the psychological effect of the notification that the individual was a silicotic was extremely bad. A care ful analysis of progression rates shows practically no difference in favor of those removed. Eight of nine men classified as silicotic in 1926 are alive and working today. The- ninth died of pneumonia. However it is only just to say that the b~sis of classification has beer, substantially raised since 1926# In 1933 some amendments we re made to the act, discarding lump sum awards and making the industry responsible at any time for increased disability resulting from the progression of uncomplicated silicosis. The company would not be responsible for tuberculosis unless it developed within two years from the time of leaving dusty employment. The amendments art- not quite clear, so individual cases arc tried on their merits and there is a question regarding the two year period, which may possibly be lengthened. Competent diagnosis is a nooessity, as there are practically no physical or clinical signs, and only an x-ray can give any indication of the disease) its interpretation, however, is to a great degree a matter of personal opinion. Emphasis is placed on the need for having competent CN unbiased examiners trained in diagnosis of silicosis. The article concludes with an explanation of hov; the act is administrated; -- examinations, compensa tions, assessments and costs. All applicants arc examined and no ono is acceptc with the type of chest that would indicate a susceptibility to tuberculosis or silicosis. All workmen below ground have certificates and must bo examin ed annually. The responsibility of issuing or refusing certificates rests upon the physician# Compensation claims made to the Board include medical aid, hos pital or sanatorium costs, without cost limit. In case of death compensation is paid to widow for life or until remarriage at $10 for each child up to 16 years of age. Compensation to the widow is a fixed sum, irrespective of what the claimant nay have received. Assessments and costs arc carried by the mines ac cording to the number of men employed and the mznbcr of dust shifts worked. Every effort is r.'.dc to rcduco hazards and immense improvone-nts havo been accom plished through active and intelligent cooperation of the industry. 'OO f3 ---u -- =n -12- 508 PTEVEMTIVE AND ItlDUSTRIAL MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH. NEXT STEPS IN ORGANIZA TION AND ADMINISTRATION. Lcvcrctt D. Bristol, M.D., Health Director, American Telephone and Telegraph Company, New York, N. Y. Ind. Med. 425-8 (July 193 J. Am. Med. Assoc. 109, 245-5 (July 24, 1937). Reprints obtainable from autho The author predicts that the dividing line between curative and preventive med icine will be less and less evidnet, that medicine '.''ill become decreasingly pathologio and increasingly more physiologic, and that voluntary and state ef forts for preventive medicine will be more adequately interlocked. He suggests^ as an immediate step in that direction, that a county association be selected, sc under the* sponsorship of the American Medical Association, to carry on an ex periment in the organization of preventive medicine. Four steps desirable in the future development of industrial medicine include: (l) more emphasis on pre ventive medicine; (2) better nrd more teaching of industrial hygiene in medical and public health schools; (3) a method now being planned for the measurement or appraisal of industrial health and safety activities, and (4) a plan whereby the Quality and quantity of medical services in industry may be surveyed, measured and possibly approved and certified. The American Medical Association has authorized the formation of a Council of Public Health, which will serve as a guide tovrre the two aims last mentioned. City health administration must become more decentralized with tho possible de velopment of neighborhood health districts and full time district medical of ficers, and committees oC private physicians and health representatives should be set up for advisory supervision. On tho other hand, rural health administra tion should bo more centralized, with the county as the smallest unit, and the state department of health, with federal financing if possible, should asstmo more authority. No one pattern for usual health administration is applicable to all comunitics, but the isolated small town health departments must be suc ceeded by a bettor organization. 509 PERIODIC EXAMINATIONS 0? INDUSTRIAL StfPLOYEES. S. Austin, Ind. Msd. 6, 422-424 (July, 1937). No reprints. The author deals with the desirability and importance of regular periodic exam inations of the worker in industry and entrance examine.tions for the applicant. No employee should bo discharged for his age alone-, and tho faithful, long-timo employee is of mere value to the company, provided ho is physically fit, than the new' worker who still must be trained. Examinations should be thorough, yet not fatiguing. The doctor's relationship to the employer and employee is a del icate one-; he must have tact and be just to both parties. The old idea that a doctor is examining a worker to disqualify him for werk should bo removed from the patient's mind. He should bo educated to understand that it is to increase his efficiency -.nd keep him at work longer than otherwise. Also, there should bo cooperation between the industrial oxr.mir.c-r "nd the employee; for instance, abnormal conditions discovered on examination should be referred to the employee own physician, while in ease of industrial injury or disease, the company physi cian should usually take charge. 510 AN ALTERNATE METHOD OF COJSARING THE DUST AETEST..NC2 OF AIR CLEANING DEVICES. Arthur Nutting, Chief Research Eng. Am. Air Filter Cc., Louisville, Ky. " Heatin', Piping & Air Conditioning. 511-512 (Aug. '37). Reprints obtainable from author. A method .f testing air filters according tr the Standard Code dstablishod by the A.S.H.V.E. has been used for approximately one year and numerous checkups were made. This code prescribes dust standardization, dust feeding method, rate of dust food, air velocity through filter, method of rating resistance, method of sampling for arrestar.ee rating and method of rating filter for duet holding capacity. The article includes calibration curves with standard dust and fly ash screened through a 325 mesh sieve. B-0B0M2 X--J Li-----u -13- 511 RECENT ADVANCES i: 0"? KK07/LEDGE Cf TEE PROBLEM OF AIR CONDITIONING. C.-E.A. e* Winslow, Dr. P.K., Diroct;r, John B. Pierce Lab. of Hygiene, New Enven, Conn, er* An. J. Pub. Health 27, 757-75 (ug., 1237) Reprints probably obtainable from author. Air is essential to life in supplying oxygen and regulating the supply of wate light and tcr.pcrature, but is also a potential carrier of injurious substances and organises. The broad purpose of air conditioning is to obtain the positivas factors at their best and to eliminate sources of injury. Dust is first consid ered. The author believes that t!r total influence of silicosis and associated tuberculosis or. the r.crtality of the working population nay be more serious than that of industrial accidents, and that they are of vastly greater significance than industrial poisoning. Control of tlx dust hazard is one of the basis prob lems of air hygiene. The success in silicosis prevention in South Africa has sho'v what can be done. The effects of non-siliccous dusts, though not as acute a problem, must 'Iso be considered. Outside of industry, we have little exact in form- ti or. on the effect of atmospheric dusts upon health, but there are ccrtainl* esthetic advantages, :.t least, in removal of dust and soot from air before it en ters buildings, and removal of roller, from the air of a single roon or of a larg building has been proved practical ir. hay-fever treatment. Other topics discussed car. only be mentioned briefly here. They include the- fol lowing; air-borne bacteria, which have been shown to be suspended in the air in considerable numbers, but still may not be of great practical importance; body and other odors, which have no direct harmful effect, but impair health indirect ly by affecting the appetite and comfort; ionized air, about which earlier the ories h.. ve bc-_r. exploded, but which has a minor effect; and finally, heat inter change as related to carfort. The last is a complex problem, as the action of the body is more complicated than that of any of the instruments that have been devised to measure comfort. The problem of th heating and ventilation engineer with reference to these va rious phases of air conditioning is discussed, and some now solutions for some o. the problems are mentioned. The author says in conclusion that we should no lonf er be satisfied with the avoidance of obviously harmful conditions, but should achieve atmospheric conditions which produce ar. active sense of physical well- be ir.g. 512 SOI LEDICAL ASPECTS OF A MINER'S LIFE. SAY.Fisher. Sci. & Art of Mining 47, 290 (Mar. 27, 193?); Colliery Guardian 154, 469-90 (Tar. 12, 1937). The author briefly discusses several occupational diseases including silicosis. In the case of silicosis he draws the conventional victure of the oourse of sil ica and other dusts after they reach the lungs. He adds, however, that the process described occurs in healthy lungs. If abnormal conditions are prosent, due to a previous acute lunu disease, frequent colds, or perhaps an inhereted tendency, the normal elimination of dust is seriously interfered with, and the inhalation of fine-, presumably innocuous lust, may result in acctmrulations which grcetly aggravate the original accumulation and lead to jurying degrees of fi brosis. Thus many miners with little or no working history of drilling or shot firing develop fibrosis. In other words, if for any reason alveolar dust elimir. atior. does net keep pace with dust inhalation, any type of dust can be harmful. 513 THE SAMPLING OF MIKE ROAD DUSTS. N. Simpkin and S. V. Wild. Sci. & Art of Mining 47, 262 (Feb. 27, 1937*. Methods ir. actual use may be divided into four classes; (l) removal of the dust, wholly or partir.il; , in r. definite strip from the roof, sides and floor; (2) removal cf the dust- in increments; (3) the use of some form of vacuum sampler, and (4) collection from smooth plates fixed at chosen points on the roadway. In vestigations were undertaken with the object of throwing light upon two points; (1) a reliable but simple method that will ensure a true representation of the road dust from the viewpoint of combustible matter present; and (2) the reason able and allowable deviation from the true composition of the dust. No con clusions arc reported. zyz K. fei ^ es 2< - 14 514 ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS IN DEEP MIirES (25TH REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE ON "THE CONTROL OF ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS IN HOT AND DEEP MINES".) B.R.Lawton. Trans. Instt. Pin. Engrs. London 93, 37-47 (Apr., 1937). The results of investigations of temp.-rature conditions in deep coal nines, oarried on in Greet Britain during the past few year*, are summarized in this brief ye.per. The depth of the mines investigated arc from 2700 to 3900 feet. At th coal-face the dry-bulb temperatures ranged up to 106P., and the usual wet-bulb range was 70-88F. The air temperature was generally below the strata temperature by 7 to 35. It was shown that the presence of men raises the humidity. The air velocities used insured comfortable working conditions in spite of the high humidity. Air velocities cannot be increased in:';--'ir.;.te].y without stirring up dust clouds. In one case 600 f.p.m. was foe::- toe high, at a particularly dusty location, although the usual range was from 100 to 800 f p.m. 515 A SUGGESTED SCHE:E FOR MINE COOLING BY COIPHESSED AIR. Vf. J. Walker. J. Chem. Met. A Min. See. S. Africa 37_, 351 (Feb. 1327;. The author proposes a system of regenerative coding similar to that used by Claude for liquefying gases. Air is compressed at the surface to a suitable pressure e.r.d then expanded to a pressure ccrrearencing to about GdF. Th9 cooled air passes down the mine in an ir.sul`td pipe ar.i then to -.he places where cooling is needed. Suitable heat ejcahe.ng-r.xs extract heat from the mine air and the reheated air is finally utilized in driving air motor:; for various mine operations. The cold air discharged from these motors produces an addition al ccoling effect. 516 SURFACE REFRIGERATION AT THE TURF SHAFT OF TEE ROBINSON DJsEP, LIMITED. K.J. ?hcVTiIlian and J.T. McIntyre. J. Ohem. Met. is Min. Soc. So. Africa 37, 488-57 (Mar. 1937). A description of the largest mine-cooling system in the world, capable of cod ing 12 tens of air per minute from 65 to 33c wet bulb, thereby allowing access to rich veins of gold ore heretofore inaccessible. An increase of steping depth of 1,500 feet beyond the present depth of 8,500 feet is expected. (C) Papers ~n Industrial Prisons, Cancer, Etc. 517 BRONCHOGENIC CARCINOMA. Carlton B. Pierce and Charles F. Ingersoll. Ind. Med. 6, 411-422 (July, 1937). The article describes a series of cases of lung cancer taken from all occupations According to "this survey, fanners were most frequently afflicted, and housewives next, while laborers in the various industrial trader were least afflicted- How ever, the ratio for all trades and professions was a-vae equal. In sex domdnar.c.. males were higher chan females. Fourteen d'fferen': - .sos are described wiuh oharts showing various stages of progression cf cur disease. Emphasizod is the insidious character of the disease and the peculiarity if the oncoming synntems. Concrete relation to industrial occupation in couar.c cion with the disease is not considered. 518 INDUSTRIAL HEALTH IN SHANGHAI, CHINA; II. A STUDY OF TFE CHROMIUM PLATING AND POLISHING TRADE. B.E.Rcad, S.G.Eatom, Y.B.Diu *nd Vf.Y.Lce. Chinese Med. Assoc. Spec. Rept., ?er. No. 6, 1936. This report coals with c. study of diet and general health conditions in the plat ing and polishing industry in Shanghai. As a goneral practice workers are housed where they work and given their food as part of their remuneration. Twenty-sevor per cent of the workers were boys aged 11 to 15 years, and the diets supplied wer entirely inadequate for the noeds of growing boys or for hard work, and very de ficient in fats and animal proteins. Underweight, poor general health and dis eases due to diotary deficiency are prevalent. The usual working day is 11 hours with only 2 rest days per month. Work is done under appalling conditions of over crowding, bad ventilation and <dcstinoss. Apprentices sloop on the workshop floe HMBB-0009624 HHBB-0tf09625 . 15 and a loft above the shop is considered a superior sleeping accomodation. No protection against the irritaci action of chromium fumes is afforded, and con sequently nasal affections are common in the majority of workers, and serious cases are freqdent. Altogether tiie report presents a sordid picture of work .*k done in the worst possible environment, chiefly by children and young persons with little or no protection against the known hazards of their occupation. 519 ULCERATION OF THE HA SAL liE'nRAl'ES V2 PERFORATION OF THE SSPTUK I!' A CopperFLATIITC* FACTORY, UNUSUAL A2T> SUDDEr INCIDE'CS. M.H.3ars'T N.T.State J. Med. 37, 1031-4 (June 1, 1937). A sudden outbreak of ulcerated nasal membranes and other nasal disturbances oc curred in a plant limited to copper, bronze and nickel plating, and was follow ed by one pneumonia death. The author's investigation showed that as a result of changes in the process 'r.d the working conditions, there had been an increese in the amount of spray emanating fran the cyanide baths. The alkaline mist thus produced contained sodium copper cyanide, free sodium cyanide and caustic soda. The tanks to which most of the atmospheric contamination was traced were farth est from the windows which served as the main source of ventilation and which were closed in cold weather. After improving conditions, omearwhile closing the plant, no more trouble was experienced. The author believes that many such cases have not been recognized, as he has found no reports of similar cases in copperplating establishments, 520 LEAD POISONING DIAGNOSIS. May R. Mayers, MD. Division of Industrial Hyg., N.Y. State Dept. Labor, 80 Centre St., New York, N.Y. Ind. Bull. 1, 289-90 (July 1937) Reprints available at above address. Under the present excellent development of laboratory technique, there is a tendency among physicians to rely on laboratory findings in diagnosis, to the extent of neglecting the clinical picture presented by the patient. This is es pecially true in lead poisoning cases. Instances of this situation include cases recovering very slowly from lead poisoning; others where, in a patient who has been discharged as cured, there is a recurrence of symptoms after an interval of time has elapsed; and in cases developing subacute or chronic symptoms where there has been lead absorption for a Ion;-- time but never an acute attack of the disease, and other similar situations. In the cases mentioned, the laboratory infomatior. cannot possibly supply the complete picture The most pussling situation arises when repeated laboratory reports show a very small but persist ent number of stippled cells. Instead of prolonging laboratory tests, the pa tient should be examined for other causes, with the same thoroughness as in the original examination. For such patients there are two possible methods of treat ment;- (l) de-leading, which will both indicate whether the stippled cells arise from the mobilization of stored lead, and remove as much cf the stored lead as possible, and (277rnerapy which insures the continuation of the lead in the stored state. De-leading must be carried on under carefully controlled condi tions, as there is danger in excessive treatment. In lead poisoning, as in other industrial diseases, there is no short cut to an accurate diagnosis and all factors must be considered. 521 CHRONIC IAD POISONING. A. Kyfeldt. Ugesv. f. Laeger, 99, 283 (March 11, 1937) (Danish). Chronic lead poisoning was contracted by an employee of the criminal identifica tion bureau of the police department whose daily occupation for 26 years has been the examination of articles for finger prints, white lead is dusted in large amounts on each article and brushed away, causing considerable quantities to be inhaled by the operator, who is bending over to make the examination. The first symptoms of lead colic and lead neuritis appeared 20 years ago, and re cently symptoms of lead arthralgia have appeared. The presence of basophil punctuated erythrocytes confirmed the diagnosis.  iO - 522 LUMINOUS PAINT POISONING. Minnie McMahon, Division of Industrial Ifygiene, N.Y. State Dept, of Labor, 80 Centre St., Mew York, N. Y Ind. Bull. 16, 291-2^5 (July, 1937) Reprints available at above address. ^ Luminous paint is made from zinc sulfide crystals which have been made radioec- tive by combination with radium and sometimes mesothorium salts, mixed with either drying oil, varnish or a gum and water. It is used on watch and clock ^ dials, gauges and dials for airplanes, and scientific instruments. The industrg began in this country in 1913, and 2,000 workers of whom 350 were painters, werfc employed in 1929. The occupation proved to be hazardous, and a number of deaths and disabilities resulted. In 1929 a survey of the industry in New York State was made by the above bureau, showing that 33 workers were using luminous paint. Seven were found to be radio active, indicating that they were in danger of the consequences, including necro SsL sis of the jaw and other bones, and anemia. No official code of preventive rules has been adopted, but rules have been formulated from the best practices observed. There are 26 of these rules, which include medical and dental examination, in struction in the hazards, the use of rubber gloves in all possible contacts with the paint, enclosure of materials in lead glass and metal containers, washing of utensils, covering the tables with paper, prohibition of eating or keeping food in the workroom, the use of smocks and caps during work, large and well ventilat ed rooms, and above all, strict prohibition of pointing the brushes with the mouth or fingers and of all contact of the paint with the skin. Neglect of this rule was the principal cause of the deaths that occurred in this industry in its early stages, end it is new rigidly enforced. However we do not yet know the effects of exposure to emanations of lew power over long periods, and it must be considered potentially hazardous until further tests and studies have been made and sufficient time has elapsed to show any susceptibility under the best work ing conditions. 523 HEALTH PROTECTION FOR 7/ELDERS. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., New York City. Pamphlet, 27 pp. 1937. Free copies are obtainable from the Company. The health hazards to which welders are exposed include electric shock, bums, action of injurious light or heat rays, toxic gases and fumes, and metallic dusts. In oxyacetylene welding, the greatest danger is that of gas fires and expl*crtsns, and in eleotric welding the greatest care must be taken to avoid ac cidental contacts, and in the treatment of shock. All emergency cases should be treated as respiratory failure. Men trained to give artificial respiration should be available at all times. The radiant energy given off in welding in cludes light and infrared and ultraviolet reys, in sufficient amounts to be in jurious, and eye protection must be given by goggles and helmets. Specifications for such protection have been drawn by the U. S. Navy and by the American Stand ards Association. Harmful gases generated by the flame or arc include nitrous gases, carbon monox ide, and ozone. The nitrous gases are formed in electric welding, but rarely in injurious amounts in gas welding, and include nitrous oxide, which has no par ticularly irritating effect, and nitric oxide and nitrogen peroxide or dioxide, which are highly irritating. In prolonged exposure, 39 parts per million is the maximum permissible concentration, and 240 to 775 parts per million are rapidly * fatal. Cases of poisoning among welders from oxides of nitrogen and ozone have occasionally been published in the medical literature. Carbon monoxide acts as an internal asphyxiant and is particularly dangerous because it gives no warning of its presence. The maximum allowable concentration is placed at 100 to 200 parts per million for prolonged exposure. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is not so dangerous unless it is so abundant as to reduce the oxygen supply. The es sential first aid treatment both for nitrogen oxides and for carbon monoxide con sists in removal to fresh air and artificial respiration. The following preven tive measures are recommended by the Harvard Laboratories of Industrial Hygiene: (l) general ventilation; (2) local exhaust ventilation: (3) use of respirators for gase6 and dusts, and (4) use of positive-pressure air helmets. - 17 Harmful metallic oxides given off in the form of fumes or dusts in the welding process include lead, manganese, zinc (including brass and bronze), cadmium an^ some rarer metals, and non-metals, such as phosphorus, selenium, and silicon, i&j certain alloys, are possible sources of danger. Lead is the most dangerous, ^ partly because when taken in the lungs it is not eliminated but is deposited in various organs. Absorption of lead, however, is not necessarily followed by poi<& oning, and individuals vary greatly in ability to absorb and eliminate lead. ^ The only safe preventive measure is either a respirator designed especially foros lead, or a positive pressure helmet. Cadmium is also definitely toxic, especial* ly in vapor farm, but manganese and zinc are not seriously so. 'Workers with alloys containing silicon have shown fine modulation in the lungs, resembling silicosis, but there was no clinical evidence of silicosis. Several possible explanations for this condition are suggested. Ventilating exhausts and K. suitable respirators should be provided for all possible sources of metal fume poisoning. 524 CARBON TETRACHLORIDE (TETRACHLORIDE THANE). Industrial Data Sheet D - Cham. 25 0 Nat. Safety News 36, 38 (Sept. 1937). Supplied to members of National Safety Council at 5 cents each. The principal hazard is that of poisoning by inhalation or by .contact with the skin. A concentration of 100 parts per million ports of air is considered the saf< maximum for continuous exposure, but intermittent exposures may be higher for shorter pe riods, for example 400 parts jer million for 30 minutes. The health hazard is slight if proper equipment and ventilation are employed. Symptoms of chronic poisoning by inhalation include nervousness, loss of appetite, headache, nausea, jaundice, and kidney inflazranation. Acute poisoning is indicated by head ache, nausea and lachrymation. Coma and death rarely follow in industrial activ ity. A victim should be removed to fresh air, and a physician should be aumoned if symptoms are severe. Closed containers should be used if possible, but if rot, there should be adequate down draft ventilation, and gas masks and safety belts should be provided. Only selected persons should work with tetrachloride, exclud ing alcoholics, exceedingly fleshy or undernourished individuals and those with pulmonary disease, gastric ulcers, high blood pressures, liver, kidney or heart trouble. Wien carbon tetrachloride is mixed with other liquids, as in fire ex tinguishers, to reduce their flammability, only approved liquids should be used, and they should be mixed thoroughly, preferably by mechanical agitation, and tested frequently with a hydrometer to make sure that evaporation has not changed the proportions. Physical examination and frequent inspection of the processes are necessary. Carbon tetrachloride in contact with the skin dissolves the skin fat, causing it to dry and become irritated so that it will chap, and mild derma titis may follow. Cocoa butter, vaseline or a good cold cream will restore the oil to the skin, and a lotion containing gum and glycerin is a good protective agent. 525 POISONING BY TRICHLORETHYLENE. E. Holstein. Zentr. Gewerbehyg. Unfallverhut (Geman) 24, 49-54 (1937). "Tri" poisoning has occurred in Geramny with 25 fatal results out of 280 cases during the last 20 years. The factories showed 75$ of trichlorethylene cases due to oement used for fastening uppers. 526 APRAXIAS AND OTHER NEUROLOGICAL SEQUELAE OF CARBON MONOXIDE ASPHYXIA WITH A RE PORT OF A CASE. I.C.Nichols and K. Keller. Am. J. Psychiatry 93, 1063-72 (U&r.'37 The paper describes autopsy findings in carbon monoxide poisoned patients who lived at least 7 weeks. Neurological and psychiatric manifestations are also dis cussed with special attention to aphasic disturbances. The case reported is that of a young man who could not relearn to write or copy simple geometrio figures, and was finally taught to write by spoken directions for each movement. After 2 years in the institution he developed epileptic attacks. Other cases were mention ed in the discussion, and the condition was attributed to anoxemia. HW00-0009628 - IS - 527 ASPHYXIATION AND DEATH IN OXYGEN DEFICIENT AIF. Edward J. Powers. Am. J. Pub Health 27, 880-82 (Sept., 1937). A cose is described ir. which three men were killed in a linseed oil reservoir which hod been closed for throe months. Tests of the blood of the victims proved that they died from the effects of oxygen deficiency and a pressure of carbon dioxide that far `xceedcd th-t in alveolar air. 528 INFLUENZA AND INDUSTRY. '7. Blood. Brit. lied. J. 1, 1079-81 (May 22, 1937) A study of the epidemic of influenza affecting industrial workers showed that 19$ of the 6,354 workers examined in a period of 2 months were attacked in spit<of usually excellent working conditions, and that factory worker- of both sexes were more subject than other classc-s of workers. The rcaaor ,'rr tr.is may be the unavoidable contacts of a large number of persons, rathe - tr.an poor hygienic conditions. Females and young workers are tho most susceptible. The relation of public conveyances to the spread of influenza was also considered, but no evidence was found.