Document 71y7OYwLrRxr7GO37xE3KZkLE

A STUDY OP THE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED T7ITH THE SALE Al'TD DISTRIBUTION OF ETHYL GASOLINE By Robert A. ^Kehoe, ^ M . D * and Graham E d g a r ^ I Preliminary Discussion 1. The Source of Information An investigation of the possible hazards arising by reason of the sale and distribution of Ethyl Gasoline is obviously made most readily and adequately through the observation of human beings who have been exposed to the conditions under which the hazards may arise, for a long period of time. The hazards have been maximal, not in the streets, nor in the ordinary filling stations where Ethyl Gasoline has been dispensed, but, rather in certain garages, where me chanics, car fillers, and drivers, taken collectively, have been exposed to all the hazards which have existed. For obvious reasons, the exposure to exhaust gas has been greater in the partially closed space of the garages. Likewise the inhalation of vapor of gasoline in the courts of ordinary handling, and after spillage, reaches its maximum in such garages. Of the group of men who have been exposed, the garage mechanics have probably had the best opportunity for receiving injury, inasmuch as their varied work allows of a more frequent and more prolonged (^Assistant Professor of Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, ^ D i r e c t o r of Research, Ethyl Gasoline Corporation, Dayton, Ohio. Note: . The writers beg to express their appreciation of the assistance of numerous individuals in connection with different phases of the investigation. Mr. Lester Saunders, of the University of Cincinnati; assisted with the clinical work. The analytical work was carried out by Mr. Fred Thamann, who was largely responsible for perfecting the method of analysis,*and by Hr. D.M. Philippi. Other members of the staff of the Ethyl Gasoline Corporation assisted the work in many ways. The officials of. the Dayton Power and Light Company did everything in their power to facilitate the investigation. -2 exposure to all of the hasards, than that of any other group of "workmen* The C above facts lead one to the conclusion that a proper investigation of the problem would be made best by studying a considerable number of mechanics, car fillers, and drivers, in some garage in which a large number of cars, all of which b u m Ethyl Gasoline, have been in continual use for a long time* 2. The Type of Information. The information to be sought, in the study of such a group of men, should be obtained by the determination of all variations from normal health, including those which are specifically due to lead poisoning, or are commonly associated with it, as well as other less definite, recognizable abnormalities, which might be produced by any injurious agent. The importance of the latter resides in the fact that there are few, if any, abnormalities which may be said to be produced-by lead poisoning alone> while there are a great number and variety of injuries which may be brought about by general poisons, including lead. Information in the matter should be obtained by careful questioning, of each subject as to the exact nature and period of his exposure to lead in any form, as to any previous or present exposure to other poisons, and as to any previous or present illness or symptom. The subject should be given a very careful ex amination, by methods, which will determine as nearly as possible, the exact , status of his present health. The question of lead absorption should be in vestigated by the examination of adequate quantities of the excreta. 3* The Interpretation of Information* _ Since there are always variations from tho normal of perfect health in any considerable number of men, it is absolutely necessary to collect data from a group of men who have had no opportunity for exposure to the hazards, the effects of which aro being studied. These should be collected in the same manner, and by the same persons who examine the exposed group. Also, since there is no consider able body of data concerning the quantity of lead which may be excreted by persons who have not been exposed to the hazards under study, it is necessary to obtain such data. The same method of analysis must be employed in the study of the ex creta of exposed and unexposed groups, in order to control the variation in the sensitivity of the various methods of lead analysis, and thus Obtain comparable results. II Methods of Procedure. 1. Subjects for Observation. The garage of the Dayton Power and Light Company of Dayton, Ohio was cho sen as the site for observations on exposed men. In this garage Ethyl Gasoline has been used in all the cars and trucks, about 80 in number, since the first distribu tion of Ethyl Gasoline began in April, 1923.. The garage is a well lighted, average well ventilated, concrete garage, the floor of which is cleansed by means of running water, at infrequent intervals. There are five mechanics, two car fillers and a large number of drivers. The drivers do no filling or repair work. The labor turn over, is very slight, indeed, so that practically all the employees have been under exposure during the entire period in which Ethyl Gasoline has been used. Several Of the subjects (nted in data) under study have been exposed to Concentrated Ethyl Flu id, during a portion of the time, by reason of the early method of distribution in small containers, so that these have had much more exposure to lead than is normal under present conditions of distribution. Ho unusual precautions of any kind are taken against lead absorption. In fact there is no fear in the mind of management or employees, of any danger from this source. Cars are coming and going during the entire day and some at night. All types of repair work except especially difficult items, are performed by the mechanics. All cars are filled with Ethyl Gasoline in side the garage, by means of portable filling tanks and pumps. Spillage of gasoline -4 - bn the floor may be seen by any casual observer from time to time. TThen this occurs the gasoline is wiped up with a cloth by a bare-handed operator, who usually washes neither the cloth nor his hands thereafter. Control subjects were obtained by going to Columbus, Ohio, a city in which Ethyl Gasoline had never been distributed at the time of the investigation, jin attempt was made to find a garage similar to that of the Dayton Power and Light Company. Since that was found to be impossible, an arrangement was made with an employment agency for obtaining white men of all types, just as they appeared at the agency. They were employed by the day and released at night during the period of the observations. .Among these were farmers, common laborers, skilled workmen, sailors, chauffeurs, and clerks. Most of them were in youthful or middle life. 2. Type of Data Obtained. All subjects were questioned carefully as to their occupation over a pe riod of not less than five years previously, with special reference to exposure to any type of lead. Exposed men were asked as to the details of their daily work during the time of their exposure. Control subjects were asked leading questions as to their having been employed in industries known to involve contact with lead, A list of industries known to use lead to a greater or less extent was prepared and used in such questioning.- TOien the appended data show that a given subject has no t history of exposure to iead, it is to be remembered that every effort was made to discover some possible source of lead exposure, in -his case. A history of previous illnesses was recorded for every subject, in order to note any relationships which might exist between such illness and present health. At the same time careful questions sought out the presence of any present symptoms of illness. A physical examination was made by an examiner (Dr. Kehoe examined all I - 5- subjects) who had no knowledge of the contents of the history*. In every case an analysis of the urine, the determination of the haemoglobin of the blood, and a microscopic examination of a stained blood smear were made, in order to determine the presence of abnormalities* Appended hereto are typical histories and reports of examination of one control and one exposed subject, upon the blanks used in the investigation. Each subject was furnished with a pint size Mason fruit Jar, and a gallon size glass bottle such a3 is used for vinegar, molasses, etc. The contain ers were chemically clean and were kept tightly closed. The subject was carefully instructed to put the excreta directly into the container, and under no conditions to use any intermediate container* The specimens -of the exposed men were obtained under the supervision of the foreman. Those at Columbus were obtained in a room rented for the purpose, during the course of two or three eight hour days. The containers were not permitted to leave the room, but they and the subjects were kept under observation during the periods of collection. Close observation an^ rigid discipline were necessary in this group to prevent deception, errors, and practical Jokes, which might result in loss or mixture of specimens. One or two incidents occurred which necessitated the omission of the specimen obtained, from examination. (One man was found to be adding water from a bottle which he carried with him.) In the case of each subject a fair siz^d specimen of faeces, and one I to three liters of urine ware obtained. Diuretics and cathartics were not used* The containers, which had been labeled previous to their use, with the name of the subject, and a number assigned to him by the examiner, were turned over to the analytical laboratory. The subjects were all unknown to the analysts, whose only information consisted of a name and a number on the container. 6- III Data. Th mass of data obtained in the histories and in the examination of the two groups of men is too unwieldy for full presentation. The tables below indicate the frequency of occurrence of certain variations from the normal in the two groups, from which comparison may be made of the two groups* The analytical findings are tabulated opposite the history of employment and exposure, where their significance may be adjudged to the extent to which that is possible. In Tables II, III, and .IV, the expression"Questionable lead line'* is apparently not a happily chosen one* It refers, however, to a bluish color of the gums, adjoining the teeth, which is seen frequently in pyorrhoea^ but which, when there is a history of lead exposure, may sometimes be thought to be significant It is sometimes, quite difficult to de termine the presenoe or absence of the bluish or black precipitate which is formed in the gum margin when lead or any other metal which gives a black sulphide is be ing secreted. For that reason, the examiner made note of every bluish discolora tion of the gums, even whore he was certain that it was the result of circulatory abnormalities in the gum margin, and labeled it as questionable, or as simulating to some degree a ."lead line". It is hardly proper to make comparison of the analytical data until it is reduced to some standard. The specimens of faeces and urine are not only dif ferent in volume and weight, but they represent varying periods of time of secre tion. It is not possible to collect specimens without these variations. It has been considered advisable on this account to make calculations of the lead on the basis of unit weights of faeces, and unit volumes of urine. Table V and VI show the results of such calculations for both groups of subjects. 0008927 - 7- C Ho. 14 llamo Employment for past 5 years: HISTORY Date May . 8th Ago 22 Dayton Power and Light Co. entire time Filling cars with gas and- oil up to Jan., 1925. Rough repair work since,, fender work, steering gear repair. Has torn down motors. Period of handling Ethyl fluid: Exposure at intervals for more than year. Period of handling^Ethylized Gasoline: Exposure at times for year or more. Period of handling'both: Hature of exposure: Spilled fluid and gasoline on hands at times (a) Exhaust gas: When testing motors. (b) Gasoline vapor: When testing cars, and checking up on gas. (c) Spillage of Ethyl Fluid: Several times. (d) Spillage of gasoline: Spilled in garage at times. Previous Illness: Tonsilitis and common colds. Nothing more, (a) Illness and disease in words of subject: (b) Symptoms and duration: Common colds of short duration (c) Presumable diagnosis: Symptoms of any type now present. Eg. Periodic headache: None Susceptibility of colds their duration: No. . Digestive disturbances: Never Habits as to sleep: Sleeps very well , Dreaming: Has dreamed, at times for years, with nightmare Appetite: Good always Polyuria: No Nocturia: No ' - Itching or burning of skin: No Changes of weight: Has gained since 1923. 6 lbs. Cramps: ' Never Weakness: No Nervousness:No Miscellaneous 0G05328 - 8- No. 14 Name C General Appearance. Healthy and robust Well nourished Blood nressure 120-70 Date May 8th Temperature 98.8 "Pulse____72" Eves - Reaction to Light Normal Extrinsic Muscles O.K. Vision Good Pathological Conditions. None Accommodation Normal ' Nose - Abnormalities Obstruction on left Inflamations Acute rhinitis. Common cold* Mouth & Throat Irritated and red.______________ ' Teeth_______ Fairly good_____________________ Phorrhoea _______Present ____________________Caries None Tonsils and Pharynx Red especially around pillars. Lead-Lino None Ears - Audition_________Good_________________________ Abnormalities__________ None___________________ Adenopathy________________ None_______________________ Skin__________Normal_________ .______________________ _ Chest (positive findings only)______ None Abdomen__________ N o r m a l _________ ________ Pelvis___________ Normal Extremities______N o r m a l _____________________ (Rofloxos Normal Central Norvous System (Tromor____ Nono______ (Abnormalities None Urinalysis - Reaction to M.R._______ Aik. Albumin_________________ Neg. Sugar___________________Neg. Acetone_________________ Neg. Blood Hb. 95 Dare__________ Smears Normal REMARKS: No suggestion of any lead poisoniflg. KH 0003333 - 9- C No. 23 Name HISTOBY _Dat& May 7th Age 28 Employment for past 5 years: ____________Teamster 2 years 1920-22 Truck driver 3 years, 1922-1925 Odd jobs at times, as oarpenterfs helper, digging for plumbing jobs. No actual plumbing.__________________________________________________ Period of handling EthylFluid_______ None Period of handling EthylizedGasoline None Period of handling both_____________ None Nature of exposure______________________ None fa) Exhaust gas____________________ (b) Gasoline vapor_________________ (c) Spillage of Ethj'l Fluid_____________________ (d) Spillage of gasoline________________________ Previous illness Measles as child. Influenza 1932 (a) Illness and disease in words of subject_____ Pleurisy after flu11 for about one week. Pains around heart at times for years. Catarrh since flu. (b) Symptoms and duration______________________ _ ______ Pains were sharpest in breathing. (c) Presumable diagnosis Post influenzal pleurisy. Probably adhesions remaining.____________ Symptoms of any type now present Eg. Periodic headache No_____________________________ _ Susceptibility of colds their duration Frequent colds Digestive disturbances Cramps in stomach several weeks 1923 Habits as to sleep Restless every night for 3-4 years Dreaming Scary draams 2 X weekly_____________________ Appetite Good Polyuria No ... Nocturia At times. Not frequent Itching or burning of skin None__________ Changes of weight Very slight for years Cramps In stomach after meals at times Weakness Tired most of time Nervousness At nights so as not to sleep well. Miacallane ous - 10 - No.____23 Name Date May 7th General Appearance Healthy dark eyes and hair Temperature 97,8 nourishment______Medium_____________________________ Pulse 72_______ Blood Pressure______122-70_________________________ Eyes - Reaction to light_____Normal_________________ Accommodation Extrinsic Muscles______ O.K.__________________ Vision ___________ Good______________ ~ - Pathological Conditions None ', Normal_____ Nose - Abnormalities Slight obstruction due to deflected septum. . Inflamations_______None______________________ Mouth & Throat______Mucous membranes pale___________ Teeth Fairly good____________ ______________ Typical Phorrhoea Present - slight_________________ Caries None Lead-line cn incisors Tonsils and Pharynx Red Buried. Cryptic.______;_______ above Ears - Audition Good____________________________ Abnormalities_____None__________________ ______ Ad enopathy None___________________________________ Skin______Scattered acne lesions on back and face* ` Chest (positive findings only)____ None______________________ Abdomen______ None Pelvis_______ None ____________________ ____________ ;_______ _________________ _________________ _ Ext remit ies__________ O.K.__________________ (Reflexes Normal Central Nervous System (Tremor None (Abnormalities None Urinalysis - Reaction to M.R._____ Aik._____ Albumin______________ Nog._____ Sugar Nog. 1 Acetone Net. . Blood Hb 80___________ Smears REMARKS:____ Blood smears show considerable numbers of polvchromatophilic _________Erythrocytes but no stippling.___________________ ____________ H E 00083: 11 CABLE I SYMPTOMS OP ILLNESS PRESENT III EXPOSED AND UNEXPOSED M M SYMPTOM Periodic Headache Susceptibility to colds Chronic Constipation Gastric Cramps Insomnia Disturbing Dreams Poor Appetite Loss of Y/eight Polyuria Nocturia Fatigue Nervous Irritability Frequency of Occurrence Exposed unexposed 22 sub.iects 64 subjects 1 18 1 16 2 10 3 1 11 05 !X 5 01 05 03 04 05 2 11 Percentage Occurrence Exposed Unexposed 4.5 4.5 9 4.5 0 4.5 0 0 0 0 0 4.5 28 25 15.6 17.2 7.8 7.8 1.6 7.8 4.7 6.2 7.8 1.6 1 Chis man has had occasional nightmare for years. 2 This man was a victim of shell-shock in the war. 3 This man has had "dyspepsia1" for many years KE 000893X 12 2ABIE II PHYSICAL VARIATIONS FROM 'THS NORMAL IN EXPOSED AND UNEXPOSED MSN ABNORMALITY Frequency of Occurrence Exposed Unexposed 22 Subjects 64 subjects Percentage Occurrence Expo sed Unexposod Subnormal Temperature Elovatod Temperature Subnormal Bl. Pressure Elevated Bl. Pressure Fyorrhooa AlvoClaris Severe Gingivitis 3 4 6 2 13 6 29 5 19 12 47 43 136 18 27 9 60 27 45.3 7.8 30 18.6 73 67 Albuminuria 1 5 4.5 7.8 Glycosuria 01 Questionable Lead Lino 3 15 Definite Lead Lino 02 Polychrom- atolphilia 13 0 29 0 4.5 1.6 23.4 3.2 4.7 Stippling 04 0 6.2 Under subnormal tomporaturo everything binder 98 degrees is noted. Under Elovatod tomperaturo everything above 98.8. Subnormal blood pressure refers to everything below 115 Systolic. Elevated blod pressure refers to everything above 140 Systolic. Under "Questionable load line" is listed every bluish discoloration of the guns which simulates in any way a lead lino. Such discolorations aro common in mouths which show considerable amounts of gum inflamma tion. A definitely recognizable lead lino is something about which there is no question. The questionable ones are noted because of tho dosiro to omit no lesion about which there could be any question. Polychronatophilia refers to a slight abnormality in the staining of red blood corpuscles, tho significance of which is unknown. Stippling is noted in any case in which a single stippled rod blood corpuscle may bo found in an entire sraoar, after staining by a standard, well controlled mothod. In one case four stippled cells could be found in 100 fields. In no othors was more than one found. . -IS v: TABLE III HISTORY OP EXPOSURE, FINDINGS AND ANALYTICAL DATA DAYTON POWER AND LIGHT SUBJECTS Number of Subject 1 Period of Exposure 2 years 2 2 years 3 2 years 4 2 years 5 . 18 mo. 6 2 years 7 2 years 8 2 years 9 3 roos. 10 2 years Occupation in Garage Blender Filler Driver Part time filler Driver Part time filler Driver Part time filler Driver Driver Driver Driver Driver (in school pre viously! Driver Nature of Exposure Ethyl Fluid Gasoline Exhaust Ethyl Fluid Gasoline Exhaust Gasoline Exhaust Gasoline Exhaust Exhaust Exhaust Exhaust Exhaust ... Findings 97.6 Temperature 114-70 Bl. Pressure Nothing else, None 97,6 Temp. Nothing questionable -(else lead line None 97,6 Temperature None other Questionable Lead line 112-60 Bl. Pressure 110-74 Bl. Pressure Lead Faece 0, 0, 0. 0, 0. 0, 0. 0. Exhaust Exhaust 112-74 Bl, Pressure 0, None , , 0, 5 18 mo. Driver Exhaust 97,6 Temperature None other 0 6 2 years Driver Exhaust Questionable Lead line 0, 7 2 years Driver 8 3 years Driver Exhaust Exhaus t 112-60 Bl. Pressure 110-74 Bl. Pressure 0. 0. 9 3 mos. Driver (in school pre viously! Exhaust 112-74 Bl. Pressure 0, o 2 years Driver n 2 years Driver Exhaust Exhaust None Questionable Lbad line . 0. 0. 12 2 years Driver Exhaust None 0. Mechanic Ethyl Fluid 13 2 years Blender Gasoline None 0. Exhaust Mechanic Ethyl Fluid 14 2 years 1 Blender Gasoline . .None 1. Filler Exhaust ' Ethyl Fluid 15 2 years Mechanic Gasoline None . 0. Filler Exhaust Ethyl Fluid 16 2 years Mechanic Gasoline Polychromatophilia 0. Exhaust 17 2 years Foreman Ethyl Fluid Gasoline None 0. Blender Exhaust 18 2 years Driver Exhaust 106-66 Bl. Pressure Healed Tube. 85 2 years Driver Exhaust 97,2 Temperature 104-64 B l . Pressure - 0. 86 2 years Driver 87 1 year Driver Exhaust Exhaust None Nope . 0. 0. Number of Subject TABLE IV HISTORY OF EXPOSURE. PINDIN&S... M D -MALTTISAL PITA ,QF_OONTROL5 History of Lead Exposure Findings 19 No history of exposure None 20 Occasional odd jobs of painting Questionable lead line 21 1-1/2 years pipe joining with lead None 22 Enamel mfg. 1 yr. Occasional paint. None 23 No history of exposure Typical lead line 97.8 Temperature ' 24 Occasional painting at home 104-64 Bl. Pr. 97.8 Temo. 25 Trucking metal, lead. Steam fitting. 97,8 Temperature -26____ Occasional odd job of painting None 27 Coal miner. No other history. 28 . No history of exposure 29 Marble worker. Occasional painting 30 .No history of exposure 31 Odd jobs painting and plumbing occasionally ; None 112-80 Bl. pressure None 112-70 Bl. Pr. ' Questionable lead line 32 33 34 35 ' 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Occasional painting. Painting 5 mo. recently .^Plumber's helper occasionally No history obtained. No history d# exposure .,,.Plumber's helper 1923 .Painter 3 years .Painting 3 mo. 1925 ... Fanner. No hist, of exposure Mixed Paint 3 mo. 1924 No history of exposure .... Engine Painter 3 years Vulcanized tire's 1923-1924 Painting 6 mo. 1924 Plumber and pine fitter Definite stippling 1-100 ' 110-80 B l . Pressure ! 114-72 Bl. Pressure ! 110-76 Bl. Pr. 97.2 Temp. 1 No examination made ; 97.4 Temo. Stippling 1-100 102-60 Bl. Pr. Questionable lead line. 97.2 Temp. 97.2 Temo. 100-60 Bl. Pr. 96.6 Temo. 104-60 Bl, pressure i Questionable lead line ; 97.4 Temperature > lib-70 Bl. pressure j 96.4 Temp. 112-70 Bl. Pressure 96.0 Temperature 47 Occasional job painting ' 97,6 Temp. 114-74 Bl. Pressure 48 Plumber Questionable lead line Questionable lead line ... .-49.-,... ,,,Released because of deception before being examined. v... Samples discarded. 50 " :No..history of exposure 97.0 Temo. 102-60 Bl. Pr. , 51 No history of exposure 97.6 Temp. 112-60 Bl. Pr. Questionable leatjl line ..52 .. Occasional odd job painting 110-70 Bl. Pressure _ 53 .. No history of exposure Questionable lead line tf ::-i vccasxonai jod painting 97.6 Temp. 114-74 Bl. Pressure Questionable lead line 0 ;i 48 Plumber Questionable lead line 0 49 Released 'because of deception before being examined. Samples discarded. 50 No history of exposure 97.9 Temp. 102-60 B l . Pr. ' 0 51 No history of exposure 97.6 Temp. 112-60 Bl, Pr. Questionable lead line 0 52 Occasional odd .iob painting 110-70 Bl. Pressure 0 53 No history of exposure Questionable lead line 0 54 No history of exposure . None 0 55 Plumber 2 years None 0 56 ... Painting 2 wks. recently 97.8 Temp. 0 ` 57 No history of exposure None 0 58 Occasional odd jobs painting* Short periods as plumber's helper Questionable lead line 0 .59.. Painter None No 60 No history of exposure ' ' ...... Questionable lead line Stippling 1-100 0 61 Tinner and roofer's helper 1923 97.8 Temperature 0 .. 62.. No history of exposure 97.0 Temperature 0 63 No history of exposure 100-80 Bl. Pressure 0 64 Painter for 3 years before 1920 97.6 Temperature 0 65 Plumber's helper 4 mo. 1923 Storage battery mfg. 4 mo. 1924 97.8 Temperature 0 66 No history of exposure 97.4 Temperature . Sam 67 ~ No history of exposure 97.4 Temperature, Questionable lead li 68 No history of exposure None \ .0 69 No history of expdsure 97.4 Temperature Questionable lead line 0 ; 70 * Short period painting 1923 In tire factory 1921 None 0 71 Occasional odd job painting 97.0 Temperature 112-72 Bl pressure 0 72 No history of exposure 97,6 Temperature 0 73 No history of exposure 97.8 Temperature 0 74 Plumber's helper and painter None 0 75 Street Cleaner 96 Temperature 0 76 No history of exposure 114-78 Bl. Pressure Questionable lead line .. 0 77 No history of exposure 97.8 Temp. 100-60 Bl. pressure Questionable lead line ... 0 78 No history of exposure None 0 79 No history of exposure Questionable lead line 0 80 Plumber's helper 3 mo, 81 . No history of exposure None 97 Temperature ....... 0 0 82 Tire mfg. 6 mo. 1924 97.4 Temp. Slight anemia. Tbc . stippling 4-100 .. 0 83 Plumber's helper 3 mo. 1925 97 Temp. Stippling 2-100 0 15 - Treatment of Samples METHOD OP ANALYSIS . (1) The samples of urine were-received, by tho laboratory in gallon jugs of the type used for water, fruit juicos, etc* Tho volume was measured and tho samples made ammoniacal soon after they wore received. The details of an alytical procedure are given below, (2) The samples of faeces were received in pint fruit jars. They were trans ferred to silica dishes and dried on a stoaa plate to "apparent dryness". No attonpt was made to bring then exactly to constant weight. Urine: Preparation of Solution for Analysis (3) The ammoniacal urine, after standing for at least 12 hours, is filtered on 18 cm, folder filter paper, care being taken that all of the precipitate is transferred to the filter. Without being washed, the filter paper is trans ferred to a silica or porcolain dish, and after being dried on a steam plate, is Ignited in an electric muffle furnace at a temperature not oxcooding . 600 degrees C. When tho organic natter has been completely destroyed, tho residue is treated as follows: The ash is moistened carefully with distil led water, and 5 cc of cone, HC1 is addod, together with onough water to mnirft the volume about 25 cc. Tho mixture is digested on a steam plate, and is filtered into a 400 cc beaker, any residue being washed six tines alter nately with hot 10$ HOI, and hot water. The filtrate in the beaker should contain all the load. The residue is usually insignificant, and in those experiments ^ave been disregarded. Analysis of Solution (4) Tho solution from (3) is neutralized by adding 25$ NaGH solution until a faint turbidity porsists. If to# much sodium hydroxide is addod,tho solution should bo treated with hydrochloric acid again until it is perfectly clear and sodium hydroxide again added until, a faint turbidity appears* Tho solution is diluted to 300 cc and after cooling, if necessary, is treated with hydrogen sulfied gas for one hour, and allowed to stand over night. The mixture is filtered on a 12.5 cm. Whatman No. 40 filter paper, any precipitate being trantferred to the paper by means of freshly prepared hydrogen sulfied water acidified with 1 cc. of cone. HC1 per liter.- The'paper and its contents are transferred to the beaker in which the sulfied precipitation was made. The sides of the beaker are washed down with 25 cc of warm (1-1) hydrochloric acid containing 10 drops of cone. HNO^. The mixture is digested with the acid until all sulfides have been dissolved and the paper is thoroughly white. The solution is diluted to 50 cc with hot water, . and is filtered, the residue being washed 15 times with hot water. To the filtrate, which should be about 200 cc add 4 drops of a solution of methyl red, make just alkaline with 25$ NaOH, then just acid with (1:2) hydrochloric acid, and add 1 cc of (1:2) hydrochloric acid in excess. Dilute to 300 cc and after cooling treat with hydrogen sulfied gas for one hour and allow to stand over night. The mixture is filtered on a 12.5 cen. Whatman No. 40 filter paper, the precipitate beingtransferred to the paper by means of freshly prepared hydrogen sulfied water containing 1 cc of cone. HC1 per liter. The beaker is washed carefully with this wash water and the filter is washed ten times. The sulfides are dissolved from the paper with 10-20 cc of hot (1:1) nitric acid, the solution being caught in the beaker in which the precipitation was made. The paper is washed 15 times with hot water. The sides of the beaker, and the inside and outside of the tube from the hydrogen sulfied generator are washed with hot (ljl) nitric acid. The solution is evaporated to 5 cc diluted to 25 cc with hot wator, and filtered through a 7 cm filter paper into a 150 cc beaker. The beaker is carefully washed with hot water and the filter paper is washed 15 times with hot water. The filtrate and washings are evaporated to 25 cc. 00089.19 -17 - and neutralized with 25$ NaOH, free from iron and aluminum, a slightly alkaline water solution of phenolphthalain being used as indicator. The solution is made faintly pink with alkali, the color is just discharged with 5$ acetic acid, and 2 cc of 5$ acetic acid is added in excess. The solution is brought to boiling and 1 cc of 1$ potassium chromate solution is added.- The mixture is placed on the steam bath for one hour, and is allowed to stand in a warm place over night. The mixture is then brought to boiling, filtered on a 7 cm. ashless filter paper, the beaker being washed carefully with hot water, and the filter paper being washed 15 times with hot water. Any residue is dissolved in 5 to 15 cc of cold (1:2) hydrochloric acid, the paper being washed at once with cold water, the solu tion and washings being caught in the beaker in which the chromate precipitation was made. The sidos of the beaker and the stirring rod are washed with cold (1:2) hydrochloric acid. Colorimetric Estimation of head (5) A standard solution of lead (1 cc = 0.10 mg. lead) is mads by dissolving0.1560 grams of pure lead chromate in 200 cc of 10$ HC1 and diluting to one liter. This solution may be checked colorimetrioally against standard potassium chromate solu tion. A one per cent solution of C.P. s-diphenyl carbazide in glacial acetic acid /. is used as reagent. For the analysis an aliquot portion of the solution of lead chromate obtained from (4) is taken, which should contain not more than 0.40 to 0.50 mg. of lead, the best results being obtained with about 0.20 mg. The sample is diluted to about 100 cc in a NeBsler tube, and an equal volume of water put in another Nessler tube. 2 cc of diphenylcarbazide reagent is added to each tube. From the color which develops in the first tube a rough visual estimate is made of the quantity of lead present and an amount of standard lead K 0008940 - 18 - chronate slightly smaller than this is added to the blank tube. The colors of the two solutions are compared, and standard lead chromate is added drop by drop to the standard tube until an exaot match is obtained* * c Fecos (6) The sample of dried leoes is ashed in a silica dish in an electric muffle at 500C-600C. When the organic matter is apparently destroyed the residue is moistened with water, acidified with HC1, and digested on the steam plate for some. time. Tho mixture is then filtered, the residue washed with hot dilute KG1 and hot water, and -the filter paper and its contents returned to tho silica dish in which the original ashing was done. After being dried on the steam plate the dish and its contents are returned to the furnace and ashed again at 500C-600C. The residue is treated with water and HC1 as before, and after being digested on the steam plate, is filtered, the filtrate being added to the first filtrate. The I'osidue may contain traces of lead, and may be reashed and brought into solution with HF, and added to the main solution. The lead in the residue is, however, always in our experience a very small fraction of the total lead present, and it seemed justifiable to neglect it in this particular case. (7) The solution obtained from (6) is diluted and neutralised with 25$ NaOh, ex actly as described in (4) above. The remainder of tho analysis is exactly like that described under (4) and (5), except that the second hydrogen sul- l fido precipitation is repeated, the third precipitation being made exactly as the second is mado. The precipitation as chronate and the colorimetric estima tion are made just as in (4) and (5). Notes (a) Peagents and Apparatus Lead free reagents were employed throughout. It is possible to purchase them in the market, but they must be oarefully tested for lead. - 19 (b) Pyrex glass beakers, flasks, wash bottles, etc0 were employed throughout. Soda C glass funnels wore employed. The dishes used for ashing the feces were 400 cc opaque silica; those used for ashing the urines were of opaque 3ilica or porce lain. (c) General The ordinary teohnique of good analytical work must be observed most scrupu lously if satisfactory results are to be obtained in analyzing organic material for small quantities of lead. Precautions as to the cleanness of the labora tory and of the apparatus are essential. In the present case no other work than the analyses in question was carried out in the laboratory employed7for all work but the preparation of the samples. (d) (1) It has apparently been shown that ammonia precipitates practically all of * the lead from urine as lead phosphate, which is carried down with the other alkaline earth phosphates. The procedure is so much more convenient than that involving the evaporation of the urine, that it was employed throughout. If it is in er*ror at all it is in the direction of giving slightly low results. Ref. Dr, L.T. Fairhall, J. Biol. Chem. (60) 485-8 (1924). As little as .05 mg. of lead in 3500 cc of urine can be detected. (o) (4) The exact details of the analysis are those decided upon after a careful study in this laboratory, and after a careful investigation of the litera ture. The essential features (with the exception of the colorimetric method) are those of Dr. L.T. Fairhall (J. Ind. Hyg. (4) 9-20 (1922), but the exact conditions have been modified in several respects which have given more satisfactory results than the original Fairhall method. Numer ous tests of the method have been carried by working with lead free mate rial and material to which known amounts of lead had been added. The fol lowing data are more or less characteristic: - 20 - To test the accuraoy of the method for urine two composite samples otf urine were collected from workers at the laboratory, One of these was divided into six portions of 1 liter each and varying quantities of lead were added to them by members of the research staff outside the analytical laboratory. The samples were then analyzed by the usual procedure. Sample No, 2 was divided into five portions ' and was analyzed after the addition of much smaller ampunts of lead. The results follow: . t ' Load Added Lead Found Sample No. 1 1.10 mg. 7.00 7.00 11.00 7.00 11.00 1.13 mg. 7.47 7.00 11.00 6.75 11,00 Sample No. 2 None None 0.01 0.10 , 0.10 0.10 0,10 0.08 0.20 0.20 To test the accuracy of the analytical method for feces and the possible influence of other metals, four samples wore prepared as follows: 4 lbs. of baef was obtained bone and fat separated and the remainder divided into four 400 g. portions. All of these wero ashed in silica dishes with or without the addition of known quantities of lead and other metals, the procedure being that given above for the analysis of feces. Several filter papers were also added before ashing. The results follow: Sample Lead Added Load Pound No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No, 4 None 1 mg. None 1 mg. .07 mg. 0.73 mg. 0.08 mg. 0.73 mg. Samples Nos. 3 and 4 had 1 mg. each of cadmium, bismuth, mercury, oopper, arsenic, antimony, and tin added beforo ignition. KH 0008943 - 21 - The actual quantity of material in these samples is mush larger than the samples of feces and required considerably larger amounts of reagents throughout. As a check on the accuracy of the colorimetric method, samples containing various quantities of lead chromate wore analyzed by th$ colorinetric procedure, d Added Lead Found .38 .38 ,63 .60 .03 *03 .02 .02 ,95 .93 .02 02 ,07 .06 .30 .30 .56 .56 Ilote the following: All indications are that the experimental method for lead gives results which are, if anything, slightly too low. Considerable study has been made of the losses of lead which may occur at differont steps. Thus the neglect of the insoluble residue may introduce slight losses, which are apt to be the greater the greater/amount of insoluble residue. Furthermore tho study of tho precipitation of lead as chromate under tho conditions followed showed that a slight loss amounting to perhaps a few hundredths of a milligram of lead is apt to occur, although the loss is considerably less than that observed whon following the procedure of Fairhall (Loc. Cit.). The data on the samples of urine and feces from Dayton and Columbus follow. In the attached blue print those data have been plotted to show the general trend of the results. The interpretation of these data is discussed below. Since tho samples of feces could not be regardod as dofinite 24 hour samples it has seomod preferable to plot the lead per 100 grams of dried feces rather than the lead in tho individual samplo. The urine probably represents a more nearly true 24 hour sample but for the sake of uniformity the results have been plotted in milligrams of lead per liter or urine, . 00D8945 CO CO 03 CO CO Ft cr> to co <3 03 CT> U1 .F CO CO fffmiitiiififllTiii Sample Number D 03 hd F* ma oo Ml CO CO CO CO M M M M F* M H M F* F* F* M F> F* F* F F* 00 00 00 03 CO CO CO CO CO it*- CO if* CD 03 CO CO 03 CO CO CO CO oCO tn CO F -3 cn cn F CO M CO O <o F* to 00 to 03 03 o CO o .F <y% o CO cn O -3 CO o cn cn o cMn o CO tO Mo Fo> oCO OOo 0 C-Oq CO . it CO CO oO C->O3 O* cn o CO CO oo iFt**. F cn o o Q o FF*> CO CO CO O ocn M o> CO o 9 -CaD M o Ol ho* F M M O 9 O-3 fc CO 03 M Co 90 O' a y CO cn CO o-3 #M o03 M 0-3 CO F* cr* CO F M O' o CO cn CO F F* (F o <o M o cn t0 FJ to to CO -3 K 03 CO M M in F* a * cn co CO o * * oCO CO CO I- CO CO F* iF CO CO F* CO CO CO 03 cn CO - -3 -3 . -a <o 0 cn 0 ar* F iF * Q 0 F> F* * M - -3 oCO 03 00 to CO cn CO 03 03 00 f -3 CO cn cn CO F< F* F* F Analysis Number Lead mss. Lead mzs. per r100 gms. dry feces Dry weight gms* CO CO CO CO F* F* M M M F* H j-* CO F* M F* CO F* F F* F oCO O' iF CO iF F* CO CO --3 CO CO H M CO CO M to CO .F F* 03 CO o CO cn F* CO F> CO -3 cn CT> F M cn M CO iF CO F> CO Analysis Number oo O oo O ooo ' t--1 CO CO CO F* M cn M M CO CO cn cn CO cn o* .F O O H* oo ooO 00 M o o F* F* F* M 00 to to -3 cn CO o o Om- o o j Lead o 03 co CO F F* -3 to F* ] mg. o m o .F o M M oo MM CO M oo oM CO F* o O o o cn o o fej F* F* oo - oo o ' [O O 0 M 3 cn o> cn o o o o o- o Q 9 tMo CO cn F* O *o -3 9 M o to F 03 O Lead- mgs per liter CO lO oC O CO ooM CO oHo CO CO oCO F* cn oCO M CO ocn M CO ocn CO oo<0 M $ O -3 cn o M con o F* CO coon .f cn o F* F* CooO CO -3 O F O 03 CoO CooO o Fto* F* iF o tn OO -3 oO Volumo in cc. < V SAMPLES FRCM COLUMBUS, OHIO HECES UR IHE Sample Origin of Humber Sample nalysis Humber Lead mgs. Lead mgs. Dry per 100 gas. weight dry feces gms. .Anal lead ysis mgs. Humber Lead mgs. per liter Volume in co. 19 20 21 p p 22 23 24 p p p 25 26 27 W 28 ^ ^ P 29 30 ^ ^ p 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 33 ^ ^ P l 39 P P P i 40 267 198 258 269 275 279 286 287 182 265 185 281 266 193 280 277 191 181 278 194 fe 268 0.16 2.26 0.53 2.22 0.35 0.92 0.27 2.88 0.37 1.23 0.15 1.25 0.45 0.93 0.17 1.95 0.35 6.73 0.33 1.35 0.74 3.27 0.23 1.17 0.68 3.13 0.62 0.75 0.05 0.43 0.32 1.05 *To sanrplf 0.14 0.35 0.06 1.58 0.38 2.30 0.24 0.39 0.24 1.07 7.1 220 0.17 0.09 1820 23.9 231 0.24 0.16 1460 38.0 227 0.06 0.04 1460 9.4 208 0.16 0.10 1640 30.0 207 0.10 0.05 ',2160 12.0 214 0.21 0.08 2580 48.5 180 0.13 0.22 600 8.7 202 0.12 0.08 1520 5.2 161 Nil Nil 2000 24.5 156 0.02 0.01 2620 22.7 155 0.14 0.06 2200 19.7 152 0.12 0.07 1760 21.7 230 0.16 0.13 1200 82.8 229 0.14 0.10 1460 11.6 225 0.09 0.05 1940 30.5 233 0.07 0.03 2220 239 0.08 0.17 470 40.6 232 0.10 0.07 1460 ni*! ___l1 3.8 178 0.07 1880 16.5 206 0.03 0.02 1760 61.5 . 153 0.04 0.02 1830 22.5 203 0.15 0.11 1360 - 24 - SAMPLES PROM C&LMBUS, Cont*, umuininuitMHi) Sample Origin of Analy Number Sample sis Number Lead mgs. FECES Lead mgs', per 100 gas. ary feces Dry Analy Lead weight sis mgs. gms. Number URINE Lead mgs. per liter "Volume' in cc. 190 0.30 276 0.28 195 0.30 251 0.30 184 0.41 No Sample 199 0.18 263 0.55 255 0.38 262 0.37 1.68 1.35 1.42 3.30 1.59 0.39 1.87 0.88 1.49 17.9 20.7 21.2 9.1 25.8 46.5 29.4 43.0 24.9 150 Nil Nil 1220 159 0.04 0. 02 1830 154 0.05 0.02 2230 170 0.07 0.06 1180 209 0.16 0.10 1520 179 0.17 0 .1 1 1520 238 212 0.20 0.07 2680 205 0.13 0.09 1400 169 0.13 0.09 1460 223 0.20 0.14 1460 270 0.55 1.35 260 0.33 0.73 197 0.42 0.45 254 0.42 1.99 257 0.53 2.69 259 0.31 0.92 264 0.34 1.89 No Sample 261 0.21 1.54 29' 0.40 1.48 288 0.33 0.72 192 0.20 0.73 256 0.37 2.03 40.6 45. 92.9 21.1 19.7 33.8 18.0 13.6 27.0 45.9 27.5 18.2 228 0.06 0.04 1520 221 0.18 0.12 1520 225 0.13 0.09 222 0.18 0 .1 2 1400 1520 224 0.08 0.05 1520 216 0.18 0.10 1760 219 0.14 0.16 870 215 0.20 0.10 2140 213 0.13 0.06 2200 218 0.18 0 .1 0 1760 217 0.15 0.09 1640 164 0 .1 1 0.06 1750 165 0.04 0.02 1690 - 35 SAMPLES FEOM COKBBDS, Con'd. PECES . T3HINE . rS Sample Number Origin of Sample Anal ysis Number `Lead mgs. Lead mgs. per 100 gms. dry feces Dry weight gms Anal ysis Number Lead mgs. Lead mg3, per liter Volume in ce 65 253 0.14 0.61 23.0 168 Nil Nil 1640 66 272 Sampl 5 Lost 19.2 211 0,12 0.08 1760 67 289 0.24 0.81 29.6 162 Nil Nil 2160 68 M B 144 0.32 0.90 35.6 163 0.11 0.07 1650 69 252 0.60 0.80 74.7 167 0.05 0.03 1600 70 187 0.20 2.28 8.8 210 0.17 0.10 1640 71 w 72 . 273 '200 0.24 0.60 1.97 2.42 12.2 24.8 166 0.11 0.06 1880 201 0.20 0.08 2530 73 146 0,43 0.42 303,4 175 0,30 0.23 1300 74 w 75 145 0.24 196 0.23 0.53 0.33 45.4 70.2 173 0.15 0.11 1300 151 0.12 0.09 1300 76 271 0.37 1.91 19.4 158 0,04 0.06 700 77 . 142 0.72 1.44 50.0 160 0,07 0.06 1180 78 186 0.16 1.36 11.8 157 0.15 0.08 1850 79 274 0.11 1.64 6.7 204 0.15 0.09 1760 8Q 143 0.22 1.20 18.3 172 0,10 0.08 1320 vM 8\ 147 0.14 0.50 28.4 177 0.07 0.05 1400 : 82 \ 183 0.18 2.31 7.8 171 0.05 0.03 1950 83 148 0.50 1.52 32.8 174 0.07 0.10 710 ! 84 ' 149 0.54 mmiM11.2*'.'.'.j'r3gg1sKi'iawgaKtei 176 Nil Nil ECTS3SE55GE2SEEZ2E: 1170 1 KJc 0008348 - 26 - We failed to find lead itt analyses of Dayton and Columbus city waters. .VI CONCLUSIONS A consideration of the data and the calculations, together with the. study of the grouping of symptoms and olinioal signs in individual subjects justi fies and compels the following conclusions: 1. Ho individual in the two groups is suffering from lead poisoning. 2. All the individuals in the two groups have absorbed lead into their bodies from some source. 3. A group of twenty-two workmen who have been exposed to, apparently, the worst hazards associated with the sale, distribution and use of Ethyl .gasoline, fails to show any indication of having been poisoned by lead. A comparison of their ailments of an indefinite type, which might conceivably be due to a greater opportunity for lead absorption, that is, normally, shows they are in better physical condition and that the occurrence of abnormalities among them is lower than among a controlled group of workmen taken at random through an employment agency at Columbus, Ohio. 4. It is perhaps to be expected that the group of twenty-two workmen regularly employed by the Dayton Power and Light Company should be normally in somewhat better physical condition than such a group as that obtained from the Columbus. employment agency, but in any case, the data gives no indication whatever that the employees of the Dayton Power and Light Company have been in any way' in jured by their contact with tetra ethyl lead. 5. From the evidence presented herein it is not possible to state that these men so exposed to the hazards which some have claimed exist in oonnection with Ethyl gasoline have received any damage or have absorbed any lead as a result of their exposure to Ethyl gasoline. In fact, it seems quite probable, in view of the evidence, that the lead which they have absorbed has come from other sources. HE 0008949