Document 93KKvO59373Jxyo4pBRJ72Jwp

HHBff-'flOtem FOUNDATION FACTS Foundation Fact! is a monthly news-letter issued to Industrial concerns holding membership tn Industrial Hygiene Foundation. The Foundation is a combined research and service institution to protect the health of workers in industry. 2Ce.3 > /. A- ' ' * , 0 e> *Jry^aJZ*JL.*.<.s^ CJ'le-zT'. > /4 . ul / /? t-- * . J2- , / INDUSTRIAL. HYOICNE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVCNUK riTTteUSQK, FA. HBBB-0010380 October, 1941. Industrial Hygiene Foundation, 4430 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. DIGEST OF IISUSTPJAL HYGIENE Literature--Hews--Developments News Items > 795 Control of Chlorinated Solvents. Acting upon advices from the Department of Agriculture to the effect that the nation* s food supply was facing a serious threat as a result of shortages of certain chemicals used by farmers and food warehouses for fumigation purposes, Donald M. Nelson, Director of Priorities, has placed under rigid control all stocks of chlorinated solvents. These are defined in the order as: carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylcne, parcfclorethylene and ethylene dichloride. In cases of shortages of present materials, members are urged to consult with the Foundation before making substitutions. In this way, the use of hazardous materials may be avoided. 786 Priority Troubles. In recent months, management has found difficulty in obtaining necessary mater ials for the installation of industrial ventilation systems because of priori- tios. The results of this difficulty on the health of defense workers is ob vious and the following procedure has been suggested by the U.S. Public Health Service. The management of plants in which priorities materials are required for control equipment 3hould file an application with the Division, of Priorities, Office of Production Management, Washington, D.C., on Point PD-1. This form may be obtained from the offices of the Contract Distribution Division, Office of Production .Management, which ere located throughout the country in the various Federal Reserve Bank buildings. In addition, it would be helpful if the indus trial hygiene agency would prepare a written statement, on the importance of obtaining the required materials, which the plant management could attach to its application. 737 Recent Experience of a Large Defense Contractor. Defease plants speeding up production and working throe 3hifts in 24 hours often find an unbalanced accident frequency pattern when comparing one shift with another. The following table is reproduced from a report of a large defense contractor and shows clearly the difference in accident frequency rates between the third shift and others. Shift Hours Accident frequency rate 1 8 !:,m.-4 p.m.................. 7.96 2 4 p.m.-midnight............ 6.82 3 tlidnight-3 a.m........................... .15.00 It will be noted in the above tabic that there is little difference in frequency rates for the shift working from S a.m. to 4 p.m., and the one working from 4 p.m. tc midnight. From midnight to 8 a.m. the frequency rate shows a decided X 0 e VJA Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 2. increase. Similar reports have also been made from tine to time by field repre sentatives who find a variation in "third shift" not only affecting the frequen cy rate, but lowering production as well. Some of the more obvious factors which suggest themselves as perhaps causing this abnormal condition are: Less shilled employees on the third shift; fatigue due to daytime -activities, or in some cases, to a second occupation; less effective supervision on the third shift. Labor Standards, U.S. Dept, of Labor, 4, 67, (July-August, 1941). 738 ASA Considers Defense Standard on Concentration of Cadmium. The first American Defense Emergency Standard for a toxic dust or gas has just been started through the emergency procedure of the American Standards associa tion for approval. The emergency standard specifics the permissible concentra tion of cadmium which may be considered safe for workers. It is now being con sidered by the Safety Code Correlating Committee of the American Standards Association. If approved by the 3CCC, the proposed standard will be submitted tc the chairman of the Standards Council as provided in the ASA Defense flnergsn- cy i-i-ocedure. The proposed emergency standard was developed by the U. S. Public Health Service acting as an Emergency Technical Committee under the ASA Emergency Procedure. Industrial Standardization, 12_, 225 (September, 1941). 739 California State Board of Health to Prohibit Use of Morcury in Hatting Industry. At the July meeting of the California State Board of Health, a resolution was adopted prohibiting the use of mercurial carroting compounds in California hatters' fur cutting and fur felt hat manufacturing plants after December 1, 1941. This action is a direct result of the conference hold on May 19, 1941 by the Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service at which proposed State regulations governing the use of hatters' mercurial carroting solutions were unanimously approved in principle by representatives of The Hat Institute, Inc., The Hatters* Fur Cutters Association, and health and labor officials from a number of States. Other States which have adopted similar regulations are Delaware, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Vermont, Connecticut, and Michigan. Ind, Hyg., Nat'l. Inst, of Health. 1_, 5 (September, 1941). 790 Tost Toluene Drunkenness. Danger cf defense industry workers getting toluene drunk from inhaling the fumes ir. their work and causing accidents costly both in manpower and materials may be prevented by a new test announced by Dr. V.'olfgang F. VonOettingen, Dr. Paul A. Neal rnd Dr. Dennis D. Donahue, cf the U. S. National Institute of Health, to the American Public Health Association. Toluene poisoning, like alcoholic intoxication, reduces a man's powers of coordination and reaction time and even gives an exhilaration similar to that felt after taking two or three cocktails on an empty stomach, and finally puts him to sleep. The early stages of incoor dination and slowed reaction time, which might be fatally dangerous for a man working in a TOT factory, are not recognized by the victim of the poisoning. A chemical test which gives advance warning of the danger by showing how much toluene the worker is getting into his system has now been worked out by the federal health scientists. It consists in determining the amount of another chemical, hippuric acid, which is excreted. Along with this test the doctor can make a simple test of the worker4 s coordination, such as asking him to pick up and thread a needle. The victim of insidious toluene poisoning, thong** he may not appear to be an accidont-prone worker, would have trouble even picking up the needle. Exposure for eight hours to as little as two hundred parts per million of toluene produces definite impairment of coordination and reaction time, the federal scientists reported. Highor concentrations, such as may occur under defense-increased industrial activities, may be damaging within three hours exposure. Science News Letter, October 25, 1941. HHBB-00I0381 HU6B-Q010382 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 3. Motjoes of Hew Books 65^ 731 Accidental Injuries -- The Medico-Legal Aspects of Workmen's Compensation and Public Liability. Henry H. Kessler, &i.D.,Ph.D. Lecond Edition, pp. S03. oc- 31C.00, Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, 1941. v=J] This bock is not only written for physicians, but for lawyers, insurance com panies, employers, industrial accident boards and personnel managers. Because there have been no major changes in the princ- les underlying the administration SLn of the medical aspects cf workmen's compensation claims, the original arrange ment has been retained, and the basic factors which are the foundation of the evaluation of permanent disability have been emphasised. However, the entire book has been completely revised and enlarged, while special attention has been 0 given to the chapters on traumatic neuroses ana rehabilitation. The book is . based or. the author's orporionco covering more than 100,000 cases examined at the Mew Jersey Rehabilitation Clinic and the Now Jersey Workmen's Compensation Bureau. It concerns itself mainly with the physician's responsibility in the & interpretation of problems such es the determination of the relationship between injury and disease, of the period of temporary disability and the evaluation of permanent disability. It is well printed on good paper and has extensive author 0 and subject indexes. 79 The 1941 Year Book of Public Health. Edited by J.C. Geiger, M.D., Dr.P.H. i.p. 544. v3.QQ. The Year Book Publishers, Chicago. 1941. Tc one, part of whose job is to scour the literature on industrial hygiene, it seems that Dr. Geiger has presented an excellent summary of the year's activi ties in the field in only 37 pages. Every article selected represents a defin ite contribution or activity in the problem of industrial health conservation. Industrial hygiene is, of course, only one of the many fields of public health represented in this book, but is probably the one of most interest to our readers. There are excellent subjoet and author indexes. 793 Trauma end Disease. Edited by Leopold 3rahdy, k.D. and Senuel Kahn, M.D. Con tributions by Twenty-four Authorities. Second edition, pp. 655. $7.50. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, 1941. Certain chapters of the first edition have been only slightly changed; others have been rewritten entirely, in order to incorporate additional data and the newer concepts of tho relationship between an injury and an ensuing disease. To one who follows the legal course of only the industrial aspects of trauma and disease, the growing importance is daily becoming more apparent. This is espe cially true in the case of pulmonary tuberculcsis where the relationship has not been clearly defined. Hardly a month passes, however, without a case being filed for compensation or damages for tuborculosis in which the alleged causa tive or aggravating factor is dust or noxious fuses. This facot of the problem is discussed in Chapter TV of this book, Tho bcok is well printed and bound and has extensive author and subject indexes. The contents fcllow: Trauma in the Etiology of Disease -- Trnuae and Heart Disease -- Trauma and Peripheral Vascular Disease -- Trauma end Pulmonary Tuberculosis -- Trauma and Pulmonary Diseases -- Trauma and Disease of the Gastrointes tinal Tract -- Trauma and Gonito-urinary Diseases -- Trauma in Relation to Obstetrical and Gynecological Conditions -- Trauma and Mental Dis orders -- Trauma and Neurosyphilis -- Trauma and Diseases of tho Nervous System -- Trauma and Diseases of tho Bcnos -- Trauma ;ind Chronic Diseases of the Joints -- Trauma and Diseases of the Spine -- Trauma and Neoplasms-- Trauma and Diabetes -- Trauma and Diseases of the Tiyroid Gland -- Trauma and Septicemia. -W so M-r. i/- J e> fo V5' Digest cf Industrial Hygiene - 4. 794 Control of 'Velding Hazards in the Defease industries. __ A new special bulletin issued by the Division of Labor Standards, United States Department of Labor, in Washington. This publication, which is the fifth in a series of special bulletins dealing with safety and health of defense workers, has been prepared by Drof. i-'nilip Drinker, cf the Department of Industrial Hygiene, Harvard School of Public Health. Typical health hazards associated with welding, according to the bulletin, are: 1. Eye injuries from the effect of the brilliant light of the arc. 2. Burns of the skin from the arc or turns from mclten metal, 3. Burns from handling hot objects, such as wires, tools and rods. 4. lietsl-fume fever and metal poisoning caused by lack of adequate ventilation in welding. The bulletin outlines briefly the various preventive measures which should be taken by employers and which should be used by workers ir. controlling the hazards mentioned. A portion of the bulletin deals with welding in confined spaces such as those found in ship construction and certain other types of oper ations. The need for adequate ventilation in such spaces is stressed, both from the standpoint of removing harmful gases, fumes, suid smoke, and also of provid ing adequate fresh air. Ir. case3 where local ehiiaust ventilation cannot be readily applied, the publication recommends the use of approved supplied-air res pirators in order to provide welders and cutters with an adequate supply of fresh air. The bulletin concludes -- If attention is not paid to such matters as ventilation, adequate eye protection, respiratory protective equipment, or if welding and cutting operations are improperly screened such jobs may cause trouble. Intelligent precautions such as those outlined above give reasonable assurance that those jobs can be done safely. Both the employer and the worker have definite responsibilities which if observed will insure safety to those engaged in welding and cutting operations. For sale by Supt. of Documents, 'Washington, D. C. Price 10 cents. Legal Developments 795 Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers* Compensation Act. Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Contracting of Disease from Co-employee. Sufficiency of Evidence. The plaintiff, an employee for several years of the intervener, Wm. Hahn & Com pany, contracted pulmonary tuberculosis and mode claim for such as an injury occasioned by her employment under the provisions of the Employee's Compensa tion Act. The defendant, Commissioner, denied this claim. He determined that the plaintiff did not have direct or immediate contact with her co-employee, Myers, from whom it is alleged she contracted the disease. The plaintiff brings this action pursuant to The Longshoremen*s and Harbor Viorkers' Compensation Act, which confers Jurisdiction upon this Court to sot aside a compensation order not made in accordance with lav/. The critical question involved is whether or not the plaintiff contracted pulmonary tuberculosis from Jerry Myers, a colored employee who had worked in the same store with the plaintiff during her period of employment, who vras hospitalized for tuberculosis shortly after the plaintiff discovered that she v:as so afflicted, and who died shortly thereafter from such disease. The determination of this question is necessarily grounded upon the extent of the contact between the two employees. While, under the evidence, the Commissioner might have come to a different conclusion from that which he did, it cannot be said that the conclusion which be did reach is not supported by substantial evidence. The motion to dismiss tho complaint i3 granted. Dansky v. Cardillo. U.S. Dist. Ct., Dist. of Col. Decided August 11, 1941.(CCH) ----Annual Meeting -- Nov. 12 and 13--- E8EOIQ0-fi8?1H BBBB-0010384 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 5. 796 Furnace Operator in Draft. The widow of a tampering furnace operator a .-plied for a death award, alleging that her husband's death v;as due to a severe cold contracted through exposure to a draft from an outside window while he woo perspiring from the heat of the furnace. The employer contended that the decedent had net been exposed to any lianard of his employment and that Ms de">th was due to natural causes. The in vestigation of the claim brought out that the decadent had worked at the job for eight years and that the conditions surrounding his employment were about the same at all tines, although claimant alleged tnnt the decedent ind closed a vrin- VS--n dev: t: shut off a cold draft and other employees had opened it. The medical department could sec- no relation oetween the death of the decedent and any expo sure in the course of Ms employment. Affidavit of an employee who worked on an adjoining machine va_s to the effect that the decedent complained about a severe cola but did not mention anything about the draft bothering Mm. The Commission held that proof of an injury sustained in the course of and arising cut of decedent's employment was lacking and ordered that the claim be disallowed. Chic Ind. Comm. Monitor. 14, 153 (October, 1941). 797 Rheumatic Fever in let Sander. a In this cose the claimant was employed as a wet sender on coach bodies and he asked compensation for (liability due to an attack of rheumatic fever. His duties required him to work constantly with sand paper wetted in water and then used to smooth enamel. He- wore rubber boots and a rubber apron and his clothes did not ordinarily become wet, but he developed acute rheumatic fever, with arthritis involving both wrists and hands. The claims reviewer, basing his ; pinion on the medical report that claimant's condition could reasonably be due to exposure to water almost continuously in the course of his employment, thought the claimant should have the benefit of the dcubt, especially since the employer agreed with this conclusion. The Commission found that claimant suffered from a compensable 'occupational disease and ordered that the claim be allowed. Ohio Ind. Ccnm. Monitor. 14, 153 (October, 1941). 79S Tenosynovitis in Soda Clark. In this cnee the claimant was a y:ung w-man employed as u clerk at a soda foun tain. She based her application for compensation from the Occupational Disease Fund on the allegation that she was suffering from tenosynovitis, a compensable occupational disease. The investigation of the claim disclosed that the claimant had worked for throe months at the fountain and that she.developed what she des cribed as t. sprain of the tendons of one arm but which was diagnosed by tho attending physician as tenosynovitis -and which was due, the medical report said, to the continuous dipping of icc cream. The claims reviewer was of the opinion that the claim should be allowed and the Commission so ordered. iiio Ind. Coram. Monitor. 14, 153 (October, 1941). 799 Bookkeeper* s Allorgy. A feminine employee of t hardware company filed application for compensation for disability quo to an eye condition which, she alleged,arose from the conditions of her employment. The investigation revealed that tho claimant had worked as a bockke-opcr for the past tMrtCL-n years. She worked in a room 25 foet long and 8 feet wide, enclosed by glass windows ana heated by a small, radiant type gas Mater. She had worked in this room from April 1, 1940 until September 22,1940, when she developed an inflammation of tho cuter edge of tho right oyo, being dis abled until November 7, 1940. The diagnosis of the attending physidan was an -Mlorgy affecting the tissues, membranes and skin surrounding both eyes. The medical investigator to whom the claim was referred considered it improbable that the conditions of claimant's employment or the fumes from a radiant boater V G-r. 0 mhJ.Bo <: ; -.a Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 6. could have caused the disability and the claims reviewer recommended disallow ance. The Commission held that proof woo lacking that claimant's disability was due to a compensable occupational disease and ordered that the claim be denied. Chic Ind. Comm. Monitor. 14., 153 (October, 1941). 50C Solar Retinitis. The- claimant in this case, a fireman on a heat-treating furnace, had applied for compensation alleging injury to his eye as a result of intense light to which he v;a3 subjected in the performance of his duties. The claim was considered and denied but the claims referee s'-ggested the possibility that the claimant might have contracted an occupational disease. An O.D. claim was then filed but after investigation it was disallowed on the ground that claimant's disability could net bo ascribed to an occupational disease. The claimant then exercised his statutory rights under 3qc. 1465-oQd, Effective May 26, 1939, and applied for a review of his application by a Medical Board of Review. The caso was hoard be fore a medical board at Cleveland end it found that "in the absence of known or proven etiology, from a physical standpoint one cannot deny the possibility of a solar retinitis, the result of exposure to intense light." The board recommend ed allowance of the claim and the Commission followed the board's finding, allow ing compensation for a total loss of vision of onetye. Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor. 14, 133 (October, 1941). 301 Pneumonia in Sign Pointer. Display sign painter for a department store who worked indoors was assigned to new quarters in another bxiilding. Consequently, one day in January, he moved his brushes and paints into the other building. In order to do this it was necessary for him to go through a tunnel connecting the two buildings and use an elevator to she third floor. The tunnel was heated but the elevator shaft was not hooted. Said sign painter contracted a cold which developed into lobar pnoumonia and resulted in death five days later. His widow filed a claim for death benefits alleging that her husband contracted the cold when moving and while riding up and down a nixaber of times in the drafty and cold elevator. Decision (1) that the evidence did not indicate that anything extraordinary or catastrophic occurred to justify a finding of accident and (2i that the disease :~as not an occupational disease inasmuch as tho pneumonia was not the natural -nd unavoidable result of the conditions of the employment, upheld. Disallow ance affirmed. Y.estbrook v. Edwards & Sons. 262 App, Div. 785. N. Y, State Dept, of Labor Ind. Bull., 20, 213 (July, 1941). 802 Blisters and Callouses. A lettor directed by Chairman Will T. Blake of the Ohio Industrial Commission to help John D. Goodrich, supervisor of the Claims Section, says: "The question of whether or not blisters and callouses caused by employment should be considered as injuries or occupational diseases has been presented to the Commission. It is the opinion of tho Commission that if blisters and callouses can bo attributed to one specific act they should be considered as injuries. However, if callouses cr blisters cannot be attributed to one specific act but result from the work performed by the claimant, they should be considorcd as occupational. Medical expense and compensation for diability resulting from callouses r-nd blisters, or the infection thereof, should be paid as in other claims." Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor. 14, 140 (September, 1941). ' --Remember the Meeting, Nov. 12-13---- Ki)B6-0Q1B38S L""j VJ--_U" Sg2 digest of Industrial Hygiene - 7. 8C3 Silicosis as Cause of Hernia, In this case compensation has been allowed claimant for disability due to sili cosis contracted in the course cf his employment. The award was made for temporary total disability from August 3, 1940 to November 2, 1941. Under-date of February 13, 1941, the claimant notified the Coisnissicn'that he had developed a hernia as the result of a violent coughing, speli and asked that treatment for the condition be included in his claim. The medical department reported that there could have boon a direct relation between the hernia and the violent cough ing spell to which silicotics are sometimes subject, as it developed immediately after the attack. The claims referee considered the claim compensable and the Commission ordered that the hernia be recognised as a part of the claim. Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor. 14, 157, {September, 1941). 804 Review by Medical Board. This was an occupational disease claim which was hoard by the Commission on January 3C, 1941, end disallowed on the ground that proof was lacking that the claimant's disability was the result of a compensable occupational disease con tracted in the course of his employment. Subsequently claimant exercised his statutory rights and filed an application for review of his claim by a Medical Beard of Review as provided for in Sec. 1465-^3 D, effective May 26, 1939. The ease was reviewed before a three-man board at Cleveland on April 25, 1941, which held that the claimant's disability vras due to the aggravation of a pre-existing condition as the result of irritating fumes. Since the Commission, under the statute, is bound by the decision of the Medical Board of Review on medical questions, the claim was ordered allowed. Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor. 14. 136, {September, 1541), ---Jumucl Meeting - Nov. 12 and 13--- Fatigue as Accident Hazard.The father of the decedent filed, the application, alleging that death was due to an injury sustained in the course of his employ ment. From the report of the investigation, it appears that the decedent had uorkad on shift ending at 4:36 AJ4.< and accepted the option of working another shift beginning at 7:00 A.M., spending the few hours intervening sleeping in a chair at home. As he concluded the second shift after sweeping up the shop, he was seen to spin around and fall to the oesaont floor. When picked up he was bleeding at the mouth, his eyes were act ana his head was jerking. The evidence indicated that nothing was likely to have caused him to fall other than an attack of some kind, although one witness said there was a small spot of water on the floor near where he fell. The claims reviewer theorized that since the decedent had worked 18 hours, his attack may have bean due to fatigue. He was of the opinion that this long stretch might be considered a hazard of his employment and recommended an award of 10Q0 to the father as a prospective dependent. The Commission however, held that proof failed to show an injury sustained in the course of andarising out of employment and ordered that the claim be denied. Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor. 14, 137, (September, 1541). 806 Death as a Result cf Silicosis Contracted in the Course of Enploynent. Applica tion for Modification of Award, Dismissal, Mandamus Proceeding, Constitution ality of Section 1465-68A. The Columbus Malleable Iron Company employed Lourin, the husband of the relator. From 1930 to 1937, while working for such company, in the course of his employ ment as a bench molder, making molds from sand, Lourin was exposed to dust, which resulted in his contracting silicosis. He died in 1938 from silicosis. The commission made an order that the maximum amount of compensation payable herein HWBB-0B10386 HM&B-0B10387 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 8. according to the provisions cf Section 1465-63a, General Code, is $551; and that the commission grants the maximm amount. In 1339, relator filed an application for a modification to the effect that the compensation for the death claim should have been allowed and paid in accordance v.ith Section 1465-! Subsection 2, General Code, instead of the latter portion of Section 14S5-Sa, General Code. The application was dianissed. It is alleged that that portion cf Section 1465-68a, General Code, which provides certain limitations on the award to the dependent of one dying from cn occupational disease is unconstitu tional under Section 26, Article II of the Ohio Constitution, and of Section 1, Article XIV, Amendments of the United States Constitution. Relator desires that mandamus issue requiring the commission to award her compensation as the widow of her coceased husband, under Section 1465-82. Respondent, the Industrial Commission, demurs to the petition for a writ of mandamus on the ground that it does not state facts sufficient to show a cause of action entitling the relator to the remedy therein sought. Relator assarts that she is not accorded the same protection as is accorded to other porsens cf the same class, that is, claimants for compensation or benefits arising out of occupational diseases. For quite a period the Legislature neglected to exercise its power to provide compensation for occupational diseases, and the question was never raised that under the Constitution it was obliged to provide such relief or to fix the rate. Under the constitutional provisions, the Legislature has a right to pass such legislation as to provide such compensation and death benefits as may soam just. That portion of the section claimed to be unconstitutional is not violative of the provisions of the Constitution. Demurrer sustained. State, ex rol. Lourin v. Industrial Commission of Ohio. Ohio Ct, of App. Decided January 38, 1941, iCCII). 807 Tuberculosis Contracted by Repairman for Electric Refrigerators. Sulphur Dioxide Gas. Sufficiency of Svidence. The appellee, Stribling, brought this action to recover damages for an injury suffered by him while a servant of defendants, and recovered judgment in the sum of $30,000. The evidence was conflicting to the extent that the jury would have boon justified under the law in finding a verdict either way. Strib ling testified, ana he was substantially supported, that in repairing refriger ators which was his work, it was generally necessary to first purge them of the gas, make the repairs and then replace the gas; that if no protection therefrom was used the gas was highly inflammatory to the nose, throat and lungs; that the plaintiff wa3 not aware of the dangers and the defendants did not warn him of them and furnish him protection against them, as they could have done at little cost; that the result was he contracted tuberculosis causing him permanent disability. The position of the defendants is that they are not liable in dam ages for the injury to the plaintiff caused by tuberculosis because they had no notice either by experience or otherwise that the inhaling of the gas might reasonably result in that disease. However, plaintiff made out his case by show ing that serious injury might result without his putting his finger on the par ticular serious ham. On the other hand, it was reversible error that a cousin of one of plaintiff* s counsel was a juror. Reversed and remanded. Mississippi Power Co. et al. v. Stribling. Miss. Supremo Ct. Decided September 22, 1941. (CCH). 808 Dermatitis from Creosote Poisoning and Poison Ivy Proves Fatal. The deceased employee, a bridge worker, contracted poison ivy and creosote poi soning from handling timbers which were treated with creosote and had been lying in poison ivy. A dermatitis dovelopod which proved fatal. The defendant claimed --Foundation'5 Sirth Annual Meeting: Pittsburgh, Nov. 12-13--- 88E0I00-80HH Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 9. that the employee did not die from the dermatitis, but that the death was due to arsenical poisoning which resulted from injections of nearsphenamine given to the amployae in the mistaken belief that he was suffering from syphilis. The testimony showed the creosote poisoning and the poison ivy to bo the chief fac tors, or at least the largest contributing factors to the fatal results. Since the poisoning sustained by the employee was "accidental," the death was hold to be compensable. This was eo even though the injections administered to the employee may have contributed to the death. Woodward vs. Kansas City Bridge Co. vO (Louisiana) 153 So. 2nd 221 (June, 1941). Occup. Hazards, 4_, 33 (October, 1941). (\ 809 Failure to Provide Modern Dust Control Eculgnent Results in Silicosis Awards. Six cases involving disabilities resulting from silicosis were heard together, the facts in all of the cases being fundamentally the same. The claimants wore r=f\ y=> miners employed in the company's mine. Operations included blasting as well as drilling. The company had installed wet drilling apparatus, but nevertheless much dust was present and the claimants developed silicosis. Other than the wet drilling equipment the mining company had done little to improve conditions. Its failure to do so resulted in awards to the claimants. The Court stated that an injury caused by conditions which science and industry have learned to con trol and eliminate cannot be classed as an occupational disease. It stated that there is no cure for silicosis but that hope in standing the disease lios in preventive measures. The company had failed to provide any mechanical ventila tion, had not installed exhaust pipes or filters, and had not supplied masks for the underground workers. The neglect to take these preventive measures resulted in a finding by the Court that the silicosis was not a non-compensable occupa tional disease under the Compensation Act, but a compensable injury. Howard vs. Texas Owyhee Mining & Development Co. and flvo other cases. (Idaho) 115 Pec. 2nd 749 (July, 1941). Occup. Hazards, 32 (October, 1941). 810 Ohio Silicosis Record. Since silicosis was made a compensable occupational diseaso in Ohio, 738 compen sation claims based on this disease had been filed with the Industrial Commission up to July 31, 1941. Out of the total of claims filed, 132 originated in foun dries, 70 in iron foundries, 32 in non-ferrous foundries and 30 in steel foun dries. The 95 cases charged to the ceramic industry are distributed as follows: floor and wall tile, 24, tableware 30, glass house refractories 10, insulating brick and electric insulators 6 each, silica brick 5, silica sand and diatomaceous earth 4, stoneware end enamels 3 each, glass, sanitary ware, fire brick and building brick and tile, 1 each. There were 19 claims filed by cut stone workers, 14 being in monument work, 4 in building stone and 1 in quarries. Polishing, buffing and grinding iron and steel led to 5 claims, coal mining pro duced 2, and miscellaneous sources 2. A total of 255 claims have been allow ed, 352 deniod and 131 are still pending. The July record was 20 claims allowad and 15 disallowed. L.M. Merritt, Ohio Ind. Count. Monitor. 14, 126, (August, 1941). 811 Revised Occupational Disease Rating in Ohio. The inclusion of silicosis and other disease has so increased the claim obliga tions that the two cent flat occupational disease rate was producing inadequate premiums. In order to increase the disease premiums and also to provide an incentive for disease prevention in industries where disease hazard is prevalent, the law was emended, to provide for a general disease rate of at least two cents for all classifications and in addition higher disease rates in those classifica tions where the disease hazard is prominent. Therefore occupational disease rates have been established varying from a minimum of two cents in classifica tions with little or no indicated disease hazard to fifty cents where exception ally high disease costshave developed. In order to indicate the disease C V/ 0 0 10 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 10. portion included in the basic rate, a symbol specifying the amount of the dis ease portion is shown for those classifications where the disease rate is higher than two cents. For example: Oil distributors, coal mines (electrified), lime quarries, and bakeries, 10 cents extra; painting, coal mining (not otherwise classified), planing mills, 15 cents extra; brick manufacturing, structural steel erection, iron foundries, 20 cents extra. Ohio lad. Comm. Monitor. 14, 118, (August, 1941). Papers on Dust, Gases and General Industrial Hygiene 812 Educational Qualifications of Industrial Hygienists. C.D. Selby. Report of Sub-Committee. Am. J. Pub. Health. 31. 728-730 (July, 1941). The industrial hygienist should receive the general training for personnel in public health plus special courses to acquaint him with hi3 particular field, such as instruction in industrial medicine, hygiene, and sanitation. A report dated March 1, 1941 indicated that there are 4981 physicians engaged or who have had experience in industrial practice. Less than 1000 of these are on a full time basis and more than 2000 are on a part-time basis. Of the 23,705 public health nurses, 3271 were listed as industrial. As of the midyear 1940 there wore in the state and local health departments 37 trained medical industrial hygienists, 81 engineers, and 37 chemists. The Public Health Service bad 51 trained industrial hygienists, of whom 15 were physicians. The committee does not feel it desirable to suggest an inflexible curriculum or even a basic out line of a course in industrial health at this time. 813 Historical Milestones in Occupational Medicine and Surgery. A.H. Whittaker. Ind. Med., 10, 331-333 (August, 1941). A continuation of the author's series, the first of which dealt with the first printed book dealing exclusively with occupational diseases. This discusses the writings of Isbrand de Diemerbroeck, as published in 1696. The book deals only briefly with the pathology of occupational disease, but this brief des cription illustrates clearly the transition from anatomical repetition of the writers of many conturies to the writings of accurate clinical observation. This article quotes an interesting description of the autopsy of "Stone-Cutter's Asthma" done in 1649. 514 Industrial Health Service for the Small Plant in the Ceramic Industry. H. Williams and others. Bull. Amor. Cer. Soc., 20. 285-287 (August, 1941). An outline is given for securing and applying industrial hygiene service to the small plant in the cercmic industry. The use ef engineering and medical princi ples to conserve and promote the health of the employees is also discussed. 815 Industrialization and Public Health with Special Reference to the Tuberculosis Problem in the Philippines. W. Niederland. Acta.med. Philippine, 2, 79 (July, September, 1940)! There seems to be a relation between the mortality from tuberculosis and occupa tion for the beginning of industrialization was associated with an increase in mortality from that disease. Much of this may be due to lowering of living standards for after a time the rate begins to improve. The author believes that the Philippines are in this early stage of industrialization and have the high tuberculosis rate associated with it. --Annual Meeting - Nov. 12 and 13-- 68E0IB0-B8H HW88-0010390 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 11. ^ 3-ia 816 The Function of Public Health in Defense, T. Ftirran. J*A.M*A. 117, 186-188 (July 19, 1941). The importance of public health efforts is evidenced by the figure of 350 million man-days lo3t last year owing to illness and accidents among workers -- the equivalent of 1,000,000 men working a full year. This is a much greater loss than that caused by labor troubles. The author also discusses the problem of men rejected for military service because of correctable defects -- he urges government aid in rehabilitating these men for use in industry. Nutrition prob -"j lems, difficulties caused by the heavy influx of now workers to small communities: the supply of physicians, are other topics discussed, 61? Industrial Hygiene in the National Defense Program. J.J. Bloomfield, Annsls of C=f\ Int. Mod., 15_, 1P5-171 (August, 1941). Ind-,istrial mobilization in recent months has greatly eugr.ented industrial health problems, Nov: workers arc being taken on in increasing numbers, many of than not as physically fit as those they are replacing, and unless the working envir onment is made safe for thorn, marked rises in accident and disease rate may be expected. The problem of fatigue will appear as a result of the speed-up in production, Nov: and hazardous chemicals will come into use. Recent research and organization find us better prepared to cope with these arising problems than ever before, A program has been outlined for the purpose of developing a nation wide effort in industrial hygiene in defense industries. The responsibility of the medical profession in this program Is discussed. 818 Medical Plans for Industry. K. Roberts and M.W. Brown. Advanced Management. "in 6ir~(Aprii-June, 1941)7 Absenteeism due to illness is costing industry more than $60 por employer per year. It is costing employees more. Strikes in 1940 resulted in a loss of about two hours per worker per year; absenteeism due to illness, which never makes the headlines, resulted in a loss of approximately eight days per worker. The total of illness has been estimated at 400,000,000 mca-days per year. This article discusses various means of reducing this high toll. Several plans are described and discussed in detail. The objectives of a proper program are throefold: (1) improved health of the working force; (2) security for the obployee against the financial hazards of illness; (3) increased efficiency and raised production levol. 819 The Public Health Administrator's Responsibility in the Field of Occupational Dispose Legislation. J.J. Blocmfiold and W.U. (iafafer. Pub. Health Repts., 56, 2033-2041 (October 17, 1941). This is an attempt to emphasize some of the responsibilities and opportunities confronting public health administrators in the development. enactment and ad ministration of occupational disease legislation. These are discussed and an example of certain procedures given by citing the Utah Study. Here, the results helped materially to establish the nature and extent of the industrial health problem in that State, furnishing basic infoimation to the Occupational Disease Commission on which to formulate a comprehonsive compensation law for occupa tional diseases. The study also provided data on which to base a permanent industrial hygiene program, which is now in progress. 820 The Industrial Medical Department: Quarters and Equipment. Council on Indus trial Health. J.A.M.A. 117, 34-35 (July 5. 1941). Floor plans are presented for four rather elaborate industrial medical depart ments. For as-little as $150, a smaller one can be designed and equipped, but a more satisfactory result is obtained for $350. The general requirements are outlined and a check list of equipment shown. UtBTBB-aetlH Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 12. 821 Respiratory Infections -- Their Control in Industry. H.M. Hall, Ind.Med.. 10. 376-379 [September, 1941). Respiratory diseases are the first concern of the industrial physician. They may be controlled not only through education, and early detection, through periodic physical examinations, but also through the employment of "routine epidemiologic procedures"; in other words, by encouraging the use of single service paper cups and utensils, or of thoroughly sanitized glass and tableware, in all eating places patronized by workers, inside as well as outside the plant area, to block the route of travel of respiratory diseases. GL-. 822 The Industrial Medical Service of the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey and Affiliated Companies. Anonymous^ J.A.M.A.. 117, 542-543 (August 16, 19411. The Standard Oil Company of Now Jersey has maintained a medical service for its 0 employees all over the world for 23 years. One hundred nine full time physicians arc employed, and, in the tropics, operates 32 hospitals with 1041 beds. The service renders care to 186,344 employees. Placement and periodic physical ex aminations arc emphasized; records are kept showing the causes for all disability lasting one or more days. Baployees in this country average 6.31 days' disabil ity a year, significantly lower than that given for the country as a whole. Interesting differences are shown for U.S., European, and tropical employee groups. Sanitation and tropical diseases are being investigated, and a spocial study of 800 persons with hypertension is underway. 823 Industrial Health Marches On. C.D. Selby. J.A.M.A., 117, 159-161 (July 19, 1941'. Morbidity statistics from two large companies ?how that the greater part of lost time is caused by non-industrial accidents and diseases. In one company the ratio of non-industrial to industrial causes is 300 to 1. High on the list of causes of absence are appendicitis, non-ooccupational injuries, genito-urinary diseases, and influenza. Thus tho role of the physician in treating workers falls into tho field of preventive modicine and public health. 824 Iron Pneunoconiosi3 in Electric Weldors. F. Koelsch. Arch, f. Gewerbepath., 10, 519-528 (1941). (German). - Forty welders who worked with plain steel rods were examined. Eighteen showed no dust deposits in the lungs, 18 showed light deposits, 3 had a more marked e* effect and one a very definite pncuaoconiosis. This last man has been working for seven years. His chest x-ray showed shadows up to the size of a lentil, of moderate density and with sharp borders. There is a tendency in this condition toward bronchitis and irritation of the upper respiratory tract. 825 Complicated Intrathoracic Lymph Silicosis, A Compensable Disease According to the German Regulation. J. Hagen. Arch. f. Gewerbepath., 10. 502-518 (1941). (German) I Five cases with more or less severe silicosis, in which complications, starting with silicotic lymph glands, proved fatal: diverticulum of the esophagus duo to traction by the shrunken silicotic lymph glands with a break in tho lower lobe of the lung, tho mediastinum or the main bronchus; perforation of a softened lymph nodo into the main bronchus; abscesses around the glands at the bifurca tion, with fistula to tho esophagus. Cases in which the intrathoracic lymph node glands are involved such as these are compensable without regard to any pulmonary changes. . 826 Pulmonary Asbestosia. P. El]man. Proc. Roy. Soc. Med., 54. 557 (July, 1941). This woman worked for a period of one year, thirty-one years ago sewing asbestos mattresses. Her sputum still contains asbestosis bodies. She has had dyspnea, lassitude, cough and loss of weight. There is impairment at the base of both lungs, crackling rales end diffuse basal fibrosis, with some mid-zone involvement. 'i.-'iis ?3 Digest of Industrial %giene - 13* 827 Drilling Pu3t Problems and Their Solution. G. Hildick-Snith. J. Chern. Metal. Min. Soc. So. Africa, 41, 427-473 (May, 1941). Results of a critical study of the factors involved in dustiness produced by jackhamer drills in mine work. The long piston machine was found to be more satisfactory. The standards necessary to ensure that a hammer machine drill cannot in operation produce dust in dangorous quantities (provided it is not doing so by atomization through the exhaust port) arc that not more than 500 cc./min. of air should pas3 down the borer end that the velocity through the exhaust port should not exceed 2000 f.p.m. 828 Effect of Silicic Acid on Phagocytosis. E. Zanetti and L. Piccioli. lied, del lavoro, 32, 19-28, 39-45 (l94l). (Italian). Adjaixture of fine silica dust in tiny doses to blood seems to first diminish and then augment phagocytosis. Dissolved in blocd, it incroases phagocytosis up to 130$. This increase is brought about by stimulation of the leucocytes which increases cither the msaber of phogocytosad bacilli or the number of phogocytozing leucocytes. 329 Silicosis and Silicosis with Tuberculosis. K.K. Taylor and K. Alexander. Ind. Med., 10, 565-373 (September. 1941 K~ A report of 16 casos of silicosis and silicosis associated with tuberculosis, together with two atypical cases. Of the 16, exposures ranged in length from two to 44 years with an average duration of 15. A number of industries ware represented and a history of the use of a Jackhamer, compressed air drill, dynamite or Query wheel v/as obtained in every instance. Pour of the 16 bad un complicated silicosis whereas the remainder had associated tuberculosis. The article is illustrated by x-rays of all the cases with a brief histoiy. 830 Ultramicroscopic Examination of Asbestos Dust and A3bostotic Lungs. J. Kuhn. Arch. f. Geworbcpath.. 10 , 473-465"!1941). (Goman). Interesting pictures of different kinds of asbestos and asbestos dust from lung tissue are presented. Magnifications ere from 10,300 to 29,000 tines. Very small needle-shaped particles up to 6 millimicrons in diameter and 400 milli microns in length have been found in the lungs. These particles seem to be homeblende -- serpentine seem3 to be dissolved. Filters of respirators do not exclude particles less than 0.2 micron and hence cannot prevent these tiny par ticles from reaching the lungs. 331 Electrolytic Poposltion of Lead from Biological Material. K. Bambach and J. Cholak. Ind.~"Eng; Chcm., (Anal. Ed.), 13, 504-505 (July 15, 1941). The solution of ashed material is electrolysed directly, without previous separ ation of the lead. The electrodes can be washed and other metals can be coplexed, so that the lead deposit on the cothode is almost entirely free from other substances. The lead can then be determined by the use of dithizone, the polarograph, or by other methods. 832 The Dropping Mercury Electrode for Lead Analysis. E.C. Barnes and H.W, Speicher. Jour. Ind. Hyg., 23, 397-407 (October. 1941). The operation of the dropping mercury electrode is described. Necessary precau tions for the accurate determination of small quantities of materials and the use of the Fisher Electropodo for determination of load are given. Good accuracy was attained in the analysis for lead of fmnes from soldering operations. The time required for such analysos is quite small in comparison to other methods. ---Remember the Meeting, Nov. 12-13---- HKB3-0010392 L.i g 0 & m Cs Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 14. 833 Foundry Dust Control. Part I. Melding. Anonymous. Foundry Safety, Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., 1941. The dust exposure encountered in the molding operetions of most foundries can be traced to the following sources: (a) Dust entering the area from adjoining deportments. (b) Dust from operations other than molding being curried on in the molding area. (a) Dust from poorly kept floors and gangways which is stirred up by foot traffic or shop transportation. (d) Dust released by miscellaneous methods from air.settled accumula tions on shop fixtures, storage, building structures, etc. (e) Dust arising from miscellaneous operations incidental to molding such as the use of blow-off hose, parting compound, etc. The major consideration to be kept in mind when analyzing a molding exposure is that the actual operation of molding is not dusty and that the problem is to protect molders from a dust condition resulting from the miscellaneous inciden tal or outsida dust sources. Dust control, therefore, in the ordinary molding area can be summarized as follows: (1) Where practicable, the molding area should be physically separated from other departments in which dust is produced and is not adequately controlled, (2) Molders' benches, work stations, etc., should be carefully arranged to minimize as much as possible unnecessary shop fixtures, shelves, racks, etc., which act as dust collectors on which air floated dust will settle only to be thrown back into the air whenever objects on them are moved about or the dust otherwise disturbed. (3) Parting compound should be of the generally approved type, that is, containing less than 3& free silica. (4) The use of compressed air with blow-off guns or hose in many instances definitely add3 to the dust contamination in a molding depart ment. The air blast in addition to picking up dust by its actual use also in "scouring'' nearby accumulations sets additional dust free. Some relief can be obtained by reducing the pressure available by measuring eiscs in the individual hose lines cr by reduced pressure lines, Vaccrn systems are also a possibility in seme instances where a relatively large amount of material is being handled, such a3 in cleaning of large dry 3and molds before closing, etc. (5) Floors and gangways should be kept as free of dry, dusty coverings as possible. (a) Hard surfaced floors (concrete, wood block, etc.) should be cleaned frequently to prevent the building up of a dry coating which is easily "scuffed up." Sweeping and cleaning of floors should preferably be done outside of regular working hours. (b) Sand floors should be tempered frequently to reduce dryness of surface. Floors, gangways, etc., however, may be sprinkled as required during working hours to maintain them in good condition. ^ 834 Determination of Load in Biological Material. A Mixed Color Dithizone Method. F.L. Kozelka ana E.F. Kluchesky! Ind.Eng.Chem.. (Anal. Ed.) 15. 492-494 (July 15, 1941). This method eliminates the necessity of removing the excess dithizone or prepar ing standard dithizone solutions. Consistent recoveries of 4; 1 gamma of lead are obtainable. The material is acid ashod and treated with sulfurous acid, to re duce the iron and oxidize the tin which would otherwise cause interference. HifBB-0010393 Hffiii-0010394 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 15, 655 An Electrostatic Method for Collecting Bacteria from Air. C.M. Berry. Pub. Healtn Septs., 56, 044-2051 {October 17, 1041). 'is The electrostatic method has been applied to the Holiaender-DallaValie "Funnel device" for the bacteriologic examination of air. Pertinent structural changes in the "funnel device" for the application of the electrostatic method are give in detail. A greater relative sampling efficiency is shovm by the now arrange ment. In an appendix, the author makos suggestions for the adaptation of both current and %ction in a portable foim by utilizing the Mine Safety Appliances Company's electrostatic precipitator. 836 Leucopenia in Hepro Wortanan. Vi.K. Fortes and others. Am. J.lied.Sci., 2C1. 4C7-412 (March, 1941}. leucopenia was shown by healthy Negro shore croppers in Mississippi although white sharecroppers in the same district, living a similar life, showed normal values. The average number of leucocytes among the Negroes was 4830 per cu. mm., while that of the whito men was 760C. The Negroes' rod blood cell count and (g) oxygen carrying capacity was slightly lower than normal. The two groups' diets were nearly the some. A group cf IS Negroes was split into three divisions having average leucocyte counts of 3440, 3300 ind 3290 each. The first served a as control, the second received iron, and the lest iron and liver extract. By the fifth day of medication, the white cell count of the latter groups had in creased on an average of 63$ and 39$ and on the 16th day, these percentages were practically the some. One man in each group of six showed no rise. The authors find no explanation for the difference between the Negroes and whites: either low leucocyte counts are normal for these people or the iron made tip for a deficiency in their diet. One Negro (with a 4000 leucocyte count) was taken to Boston but showed no blood change there, despite change of climate, diet, etc. Two white persons in Boston, having persistent low white cell counts showed no response to iron therapy. Of the Negroes studied, 75$ had malaria; figures on this disease are not given for the white men examined. 837 Vital Capacity of the Lung3 in Middle Age. Results of Periodical Examinations of Men of Sedentary Occupation. J.II. Arnett. Arch. Int. Med., 67, 1129-1131 (June, 1941). On During annual physical examinations of men of sedentary occupation ranging in age from 31 to 60 at the first examination, vital capacity measurements were made. This group showed a greater standard deviation than did a group of college students. If a loS3 of 250 cc. is taken as c rough criterion to be expected in early tuberculosis, this test would be roliable for only 54 of the 100 working non, contrasted -.Tith 68 of the 100 students. The older non averaged a loss of 33.7 ce., the students gained 66.9 cc. per year. The periodic test is "a ueoful diagnostic procodure, providing its potentialities and limitations are understood." 838 Comparative Value of Bocntgen-Photographlc Methods. R.E. Plunkett and others. Am. J. Pub. Health, 31i 772-776 (September, 1941). The rc3ult3 of this study show that by using 4x5 in. film, 98,3 per cent of all cases of clinically significant tuberculosis would have been found while by using the 35 mm., only 91.8 per cent of the cases would have been diagnosed. In the case of minimal lesions, the 4x5 in. films were accurate in 96.9$, and the 35 mm. in 82.0$. Both were 100 $ accurate in diagnosing moderately advanced and far advanced cases. Stereoscopic 4x5 in. films should enhance the value of small films for screening without appreciably increasing the cost. Technics to provide 35 mm. steroscopic films have also been developed. --Foundation's Sixth Annual Meeting: Pittsburgh, Nov. 12-13--- irtf- 0HBB-0010395 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 16. 959 Prophylaxis Against Lethal Effect of High Altitude by Means of a Digitalis Glycoside (Gitalin). E. Fischer. Am. Heart J., 21_, 545-550 (May, 1941), When, mice were given doses of Gitalin, 5 to 10 gamma per gram intraperitcneally, a high prophylactic effect was noted against the severe, acute anoxemia produced by low atmospheric pressures corresponding to altitudes of 30,000 to 34,000 feet The protection is at its height for a period of 16 to 30 hours after injection. The protection afforded increases with the- altitude, and reaches nearly 905i at 34,000 feet. * 340 Weil's Disease, A Report of 51 Cases Occurring in Puerto Rico and the United States. C.L. Larson. Pub.Health Hepts., 56, 1650-1656 (August 15, 1941;. The occurrence of Weil's disease is more common in this country than is supposed. A review of tho literature chows only 27 fully described cases and 20 presump tive cases here. The author ados 51, of which 33 arobased on clinical and laboratory data and 7 on laboratory findings only --- tnese seven were anicter ic -- the blood contained specific anti-bodies but there had been no jaundice. 341 Epidemiology and Laboratory Diagnosis of Infectious Jaundice (Weil1s Disease). J.G. ilclnor and J.A. Kasper. Am.J.Pub.Health., 31_, 945-950 (September, 13411. a A wet environment favors the propagation of Leptospira so that the incidence of leptospirosis is more prevalent among miners, bargemen, garbage workers, abattoir workers, soldiers in trenches, ana rice field workers. Six cases, three of which proved fatal, were encountered among poultry workers. Laboratory proc^ duros tc aid in the diagnosis of this disease are discussed in detail. 842 Ohio Occupational Disease Record. Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor, 14, 119 (August,1941). A summary of the occupational disease claims filed during the year 1940 shows an increase over the preceding year, the total number of claims filed being 1,976, making an increase of 263 claims. This increase seems to have been due largely to two causes, dermatitis and silicosis. It is also probable that many of the new claims were filed because of the recent amendment to the law which became effective May 26, 1939, making all occupational diseases compensable. It should be noted, however, that these figures are based upon claims filed and not upon those actually found compensable after investigation and a hearing by the s Commission. During the year, an analysis by Medical Investigator Dr. W.E, Cbetz shows, 1,210 claims were filed for some form of skin disease; this was an increase of 149 aim3 over the previous year. When classified according to the probable cause a_ shown by the application, it is found that 36 were due to oils, 207 to cutting compounds, 446 to some fona of industrial dust, 439 to liquids, 20 to chemical fumes and vapors, 37 to chromium compounds, and the remaining 25 to miscellaneous causes. Skin disoases are prevalent throughout the year but seem to be most numerous after the month of May, continuing through the summer and fall seasons. As indicated above, most of these cases are due to contact with some irritating substance, such as plating solutions, chemicals, washing powders, scap3, oils, cutting compounds etc. The prevention of skin irritation is best accomplished by protecting the skin in avoiding such contacts and proper clefmsing to remove these irritating substances befere skin inflammation develops. Duripg the year, 71 cases of lead poisoning were reported, or a reduction of 11 claims over the preceding year. As usual, lead poisoning scans to bo due largely to the inhalation of load dust or vapors or the ingestion of lead with food or from the hands which have not been properly cleaned. Care should be taken to avoid these load hazards since it is known that exposure to excessive amounts of lead is almost cortain to result in lead poisoning if continued ex posure persists. Tenosynovitis, which is an inflammation of the tendons espe cially of the wrists and forearms was reported m 147 claims, and bursitis, commonly called "housemaid's knee" was reported in 49 claims. During the K-T. 0 J~PL!7')l Digest of Industrial Hygiene -17. year, 226 claims were filed for silicosis but it is possible that a nuaber of claims which were placed inmther classifications, such as tuberculosis or bronchitis, may have been found to be silicosis upon investigation. In addigj tion to the above claims which constitute the classifications in which the largos est numbers were filed, a group Of 25 claims were found duo to miscellaneous ^ exposure as follows: benzol or its derivatives 6; brass or zinc ; volatile jjg petroleum products c; sulphur dioxide, potassium cyanide, carbon dioxide, mer- a: cury, 1 each, with 6 claims attributed to contact with miscellaneous chemical compounds. From tho standpoint of prolonged disability and fatalities sili cosis is by far the most important of all occupational diseases. Many claims now being filed are tho result of years of exposure to dust hazards which exist ed prior to the enactment of tho law making silicosis compensable. It is well known, however, that dust containing high percentages of silica is the chief cause of silicosis and for this reason every effort should be made to eliminate dust hazards, especially those with a high silica content. During the past year all claims in which silicosis is thought to exist have been investigated. Many plants have been inspected and recommendations mado for the installation of dust controlling equipment. It is believed that a continuation of these investiga tions together with the cooperation of employers in eliminating dust hazards will result in a marked reduction of the nimber of claims filed for silicosis thereby preventing much sickness and death from silicosis and tuberculosis. 843 Study of Absenteeism in a Hat Manufacturing Plant. L.G. Simon and C. Byington. Ind. Med., 10, 320-321 (August, 1941). A study of absences of three days or over and under 56 days in a group of 20O employees of a hat manufacturing plant. The period studied was from May, 1940 to May, 1941. Tho total number cf workers absent was 820; of theae, 497 were male and 323 female (no data as to population by sexes are given}. The average annual nuaber of days lost per worker was 12.7. This is interesting in view of lower figures based on longer absences. 844 Frequency of Disabling Morbidity by Cause, and Duration, Among Male and Female Industrial Workers During 1940, and by Cause Among Males During the First Quarter of 1941. W.M. Gaf&fer. Pub. Health RcotsV. 56, 1848-1852 (September 12, 1941). In a comparison of the frequencies for males during 1940 with the corresponding frequencies for 1935-1939 the following differences arc of interest: tho 21 per cent increase in bronchitis, the 38 por cent increase in pneuaonia, and the 22 per cent increase in appendicitis. A comparison of the frequoncies for females for the same time periods shows over a 50 per cent decrease for diseases of the stomach, except cancer. Although the total frequency for 1940, 1939, or 1935-39 Is from 60 to TO per cent greater among the females than among the males, there are certain causes and cause groups that show for each of the 3 time poriods lower rates among the females; these are pneumonia, diseases of the stomach ex cept cancer, hernia, diseases of tho heart, and rheumatiaa. The morbidity ex perience among males for the first quarter of 1941 compared with the correspond ing period for 1940 and 1939 shows on increase of 30 per cent in 1941 for in fluenza and grippe, being sufficiently large to indicate an epidemic. 845 Disabling Morbidity Among Industrial Workers, Second Quarter of 1941, With a Note on the Occurrence of Pnomonla Among Iron and Steel Workers. W.M. Gafafer. Pub. Health RcptsI', '56," 2052-2053 (October 17, 1941^ While the frequencies for all sickness 3how no sensible changes for the second quarter and first half cf 1941, there are several causes for which increases in frequency are notable. For the second quarter these causes are bronchitis, dis eases of the phaxynx and tonsils, pneumonia, and infections and parasitic dis eases, for the fitst half the causes are influenza and grippe, reflecting tho \.-7 L---- J 3 0 ^'J3 < - ,si Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 13. or****. epidemic of the first quarter of 1941, and pneumonia. The frequency of pneu- g monia per 100C iron and steel 'workers for the second Quarter has increased from ^ 3.4 in 193S to 3.8 in 1940, and to 5.7 in 1941, while the corresponding frequen- uies for workers not -engaged in this work show a tendency to decrease, as ^ follows, 3.1 to 3.0 to .9. Factors ir. those changes may be attributable to theta largo influx of now employees, the population change for the second quarter of jjE 1940 and 1941 representing an increase of over 30$ in the iron and steal groups reporting; among workers not employed in those industries, the corresponding population change represents a decrease of 4$. 646 Germany. Regulation of the Minister of Labor Regarding Compensable Occupational Diseases. Keichsgesundheltsbl.. 15, 494-505 (1940). (Genuan). Leaflets have been prepared with the help of modical inspectors of factories giving the most important clinical symptoms end laboratory findings of occupa tional diseases in such a way as to be very useful to the practitioner. In addition to the usual poisonings, there are described compensable occupational diseases corresponding to the schedule law of Decanter, 1936; carcinoma, derma titis, danger to bones and joints by use of pneumatic tool3, pneanonia caused by Thomas slag, deafness caused by noise, etc. 047 The Necessity of Including Silicosis in Compensable Occupational Diseases. G. Pancheri. Med. ael lavcro., 32, 53-62 (1941). (Italian). Ph'.phasis is placed on the frequency of silicosis in Italy and the experience of other countries in making this disease compensable. The author urges that it be included in the schedule of compensable diseases in Italy. 848 Frequency and Course of Minors' Nystagaus Observed Over a Long Period of Time. J. Ohm. Graefes Arch. Opthal., 141, 604-C2G~( 1940). tGerman). An attempt is made to draw physiological conclusions from the author's theories on miner's nystagmus. One important statement is made, namely, that recovery from nystagmus after ceasing all work for cao-half year is complete in about two years. In serious cases, in which nystagaus has existed for 3 or more years, a retrogression finally begins, as evidenced by decreasing amplitude and increas ing frequency. 849 Harmful Substances Cau39 Disability in 2747 Cases in 1940. N.Y. State Dept, of Labor, Indust. Bull., 0. 167-168 iJuno, 1941), In New York Stnto, compensation was paid for 972 accidental injuries and 1775 cases cf occupational disease amounting tc $859,342, an increase of 15$ over 1939. There wero 820 cases of dermatitis; 386 cases of disability due to con tinuous rubbing, vibration or harmful position; 274 cases of systemic poisoning {injurious substances, etc.} and 295 cases of 3ilicosis, contagious end infec tious diseases, hernia, etc. Two cases of radim poisoning cost $6225 each, nad *1467 was the average paid for 16 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, $1112 for 85 cases of lead poisoning, and $2085 for 64 cases of silicosis and other dust uisenses. . 850 Anthrax of the Kidney: Clinical Study. R. Ercole and A. Fort. Anal, de Cirugin. _6, 263-297 (September, 1940). Renal anthrax is more frequent than is believed. The diagnosis is be3t arrived at by pyelography, which reveals the tumor or abnormalities in the renal pelvis and renal caiices or displacement of the structures by compression. The treat ment consists of either partial or complete nephrectomy or enucleation of the tumor. Nophroctomy is indicated when the tumor occupies a considerable portion of the renal parenchyma or is situated centrally. ----Annual Meeting - Nov, 12 and 13--- it- G--. 0 fe _ *. <_= Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 19. 851 Symposium on Anthrax. Dept, of Health, Comm, cf Penna. pp. 45, (April, 1941). This bulletin contains papers which were presented at a symposium on anthrax held on November 19, 1940 at the Philadelphia County Medical Society Building, Among the subjects presented were: An Epidemiological Study of Anthrax in Philadelphia. by Wm. B. Fulton and others. A Twenty Year Survey of Anthrax in the U. S. by Henry Field Synth. The Treatment of Anthrax. by Pascal F. Lucchesi and Nathaniel Gildersleeve. Anthrax in the Fur-Felt Inaustry. by Ivor Griffith. The Enforcement Problem. by Harry Immel. Discussion. by 0. F. Hcdloy. ( 852 Caisson Disease, A Study Based an Three Hundred Cases Observed at the Sue Midtown Tunnel Project, 1938. I.J. Thorne. J.A.M.A.. 117 , 585-588 (Aug. 23.1941). Of these 300 cases, symptoms appearod in 95$ within 2 hours. All but 6 of the 30 men who suffered vertigo had accompanying symptoms such as vomiting, nystag mus, tinnitls, etc. Cases presenting neurological symptoms are the most serious as permanent injury often ensues. Of 25 eases of nervous system involvement In this series, all recovered but one who was paralyzed in both legs. Differential diagnosis is simple if the worker is conscious and can describe his work or if he is wearing his identification tag. If these clues are absent, however, the condition may be difficult to differentiate from drunkenness, acute abdominal trouble, etc. Choice of men, prompt recoapression at the first sign of trouble, the use of oxygen or oxygen and hcliua and exercise are chief factors in pre vention. No fatal cases resulted from working on this project. B53 Influence on the Circulation of Man of Breathing Through Gas Masks. H. Hofer. Ca oiogica, , 331-360 (1940). ' A review of the literature and a discussion on the effects of gas masks on res piration and the heart. The author reports on his own investigations on 42 men and 8 women, ranging in age from 16 to 55 years. Breathing through a gas mask involves a bodily overloading and the borderline of efficiency is reached more quickly. Changes of pul30 rate, blood pressure make it possible for latent in jury, such us coronary illness, to become manifest suddenly. No specific effect on the circulatory system could bo detected. 854 A Simple Optical Appliance for Use with Respirators. P, Kinmont. Brit. J. Ophth., 25, 122-124 (March, 1941). A discussion of the difficulties experienced with the usual procedures for adapt ing spectacles to the common breathing mask. This article describes a fitting which has been devised to wear outside the mask eyepiece. The advantages of the device are discussed. 855 Economical Air Velocities for Mechanical Air Filtration. F.B. Rowley and R.C. Jordan! Heating. Piping and Air Cond.. 13. 524-529 ^August, 1941). A discussion of the relationship between filter resistance and air velocity. The face air velocity chosen in the operation of a filter has a marked effect on the life and dust-holding capacity. Equations between the yearly cost factors and air velocity. The method by which the optimal filter velocity is obtained is analyzed. HWB8-00i0398 K_ 0 & i -a - Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 20. 856 Defense Work of Industrial Hygiene Engineering Unit. J.li. DallaV&lle. N.Y. State Labor Dept., Ind. Bull., 0. 227 (August, 1941). Many new problems have been created. A large variety of new processes and oper ations have boen introduced for which no information is available regarding cither the hazards associated with them, or possible methods for their control. It is necessary from time to time to study proposed control methods in experi mental form, and apply the knowledge thus guined to the problem at hand. The realization by defense industries that spoed of production depends in part upon effective control of industrial health hazards will help considerably in making progress possible. 857 Ventilation of Plating Tanks. A.D. Brandt. Heating, Piping and Air Cond., 15. 434-438 (July, 1941). A study of the velocities of a plating tank 6* X 2' showed that the velocity at the centerline varied as the width to the 1/2 power. An equation for this is given. For double slot hoods, the velocity variation seems to be essentially the same, i.e., as the width to the 1/2 power. Also discussed is the control of extraneous air currents by the use of a double hood. 958 Correction of Malnutrition among Industrie! Workers. V.F. Sydenstrickor. llilbank Fund Annual Conference, /on.J.Pub.Health, 31^ 977-983 (September, 1941). The nutritive system is labile, reacting readily to numerous adverse factors. Of those, insufficient or improper diet is the commonest. In times of plenty, the national diet is not exemplary. During economic depression, it is much in ferior and presents a real problem. As the call goes out for the unemployed to return to the ranks of labor, many will show the effects of prolonged dietary deprivation and periodic illness. It will be imperative that they bo returned to full efficiency as soon as possible, 859 The Effect of Trauma with Relation to Tuberculosis. Pneumonia. Pernicious Anemia, and Related Conditions^ A.H.'^Terry, Ind. tied., 10. 334-337 (August, 1941). For the purpose of illustration, trauma is overemphasized as a cause of those diseases -- at most, it is only the initiating factor, the predisposing factors being hereditary, habits, etc,; the real cause, the pneumococcus, streptococcus and tubercle bacillus and company, plus the X or "P.A." factor in pernicious anemia -- but trauma can administer the coup de grace. 8 Effects of Crovfded Housing Upon Health. R.H. Britten. Lab. Infoim. Bull., 8, 5-M July, 1941). The pneumonia frequency rate, among, others, was found to be 60% higher for re lief families with more than 1-1/2 porsons per room than for those with 1 person or less per room. The rate for low income, non-relief families in congested house was 49% greater than in less crowded homos. Influenza rates were also definite ly higher in these homes and tuberculosis in children was 170% higher. Common childhood diseases struck earlier, aggravating the seriousness of the disease. Homos without inside flush toilets showed more of certain diseases: typhoid fover was twlco as common as it was in houses with modern toilot facilites. 861 Improved Vision in Machine Tool Operations by Color Contrast. A.A. Brainerd end Denning. Presented at Convention of Illumin. Eng. Soc,, Atlanta, Ga., (September, 1941). A beginning study of an unexplored phase of the problem of providing the best natural seeing conditions indoors. It appears that suitable attention to color contrasts and brightness is essential if the best results are to be obtained from any lighting system. The most significant feature which was achieved by this investigation ,is the three-dimensional effect secured by controlled color conirasts. The work in machines so treated stands out in stereoscopic cloarness that cannot be achieved by brightness contrasts alono. rfWBB-0010399 'C'-C' 5_n 0 @ n. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 21 862 Noise In Industry. C. Pharris. Coon. Health Bull., 55, 254-255 (September,1S41 Noise is not the least important among the various environmental conditions which do or may adversely affect the health of industrial workers. Too often noise is looked upon as an indispensable nuisance which must be tolerated. It has been found, howevor, that certain noisy occupations are conducive to hearings impairment. The influence of noise on the proficiency of workers has been SJ demonstrated very graphically. For example, as the result of a reduction in th^e noise level by 14.5 per cent in a large insurance office, the efficiency level was raised by 8.S per cent and errors of typists and machine operators were re duced 29 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. Furthermore, as a result, employee turnover dropped 47 per cent and absenteeism 57.5 per ce*-. In another large office the output of workers was increased 12 per cent foll-.ving a reduc tion of the noise level from 75 to 5C decibels. Preventive measures are dis cussed briefly. 863 Causes and Effects of Fatigue Antony Interstate Truck Drivers. R.R. Sayers and others. Pub. Health Bull., No. 265 U.3, Pub. Health Service. For sale by Supt. of Documents, Washington, D. C. This report describes the results of a study into the problem of fatigue and hours cf work of drivers of commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce. The principle purpose v/as to establish a basis for the regulation of the daily and weekly hours of drivers. In tests of seven functions, men who had not driven had the highest, men who had drivon less than 10 hours the next highest, . and men who had driven over ten hours had the lowest average efficiency. The conclusion is rather obvious -- "It appears that a roasonable limitation of hours of servlca of interstate truck drivers would reduce the number of drivers on the road with low functional efficiency." 864 Effort, Trauma, Occupation and Compensation in Heart Disease. A.U. Master. N.Y. Acad, of Medicine Bulletin 17, 778-795 lOctober, 1941). The relation of effort, occupation and trauma to heart disease frequently offers a difficult problem and each case must bo carefully considered. Symptoms may be due to preexisting pathology and the effort or trauma coincidental. Yet they may aggravate -- effort does not damage a normal hoart. The effort is signifi cant if it is unusual and not routine, and if symptoms arise immediately or soon after. The latter is al30 true of trauma. Those factors, however, play so part in coronary occlusion. Carbon monoxide poisoning occasionally results in damage to the heart, or aggravates a preexisting condition, but it does not lead to coronary occlusion. Most casos of cardiac involvement attributed to carbon monoxide are based on insufficient evidence. 865 Fatigue. Its Effects oa Industrial Injuries. Anonymous. Fenaa. Lab. & Ind. Rev., pp. 93-99 (July, 1941). Industrial accidents that occurred in 1940 in Pennsylvania are summarized. A riso in accidents with the number of hours worked is shown; the tables break It down by difforent industries. After 3 hours cf work, one peak is reached, another after seven hours, indicating a close relationship to fatigue. By dis covering the best time for rost periods for their particular kind of work, in dustries can profit in the attempt to prevent accidents. 866 Evaluation of Circulatory Function in Extremities. M.B. Ferderber. Ind. Med., 10. 321-324 (August, 1941). A comparison was made of the most common methods of circulatory evaluation for peripheral vascular diseases. The absonco of the dorsalis pedis or anterior tibial pulsation is not indicative of vascular disease, and the presence of a ----Remember tho Meeting, Nov, 12-13--- lo w ie e Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 22 pulsation does not rule out the existence of vascular pathology. The oscillometric index of the leg is not markedly altered in arteriosclerosis, and normal akin temperatures do not exclude the possibility of vaculer disease. The 'w arteriovenous siastomoses are offered as an explanation for the variations that normally occur in skin temperatures. The colorimetric method of blood flow determination after Stewart, indicates that the volume in patients with vascular** disease averages about two-thirds of that in normal subjects. Means of indue- * ing reflex heat by saturated air is offered as safe and flexible. sri-p Papers on Industrial Poisons, Cancor, Dermatitis, etc. 667 Hematological Changes in Aniline Poisoning. C. Seglinl. Med. del lavoro. 327 29-39 (1941). (Italian). An extensive review of tho material on blood changes in aniline poisoning and a brief report of tho author's experience on rabbits, showing that the acid base balance is of little if any importance in this type of poisoning. 868 Late Damage to the Loucopoetlc Bone Marrow Junction by Benzene and Pyramldon. R. Stodtmoister. Dtsch. med. Wchnschr. 67. 263-265 (1941). (German). Blood disorders caused by benzone may occur several days to weeks after cessa tion of exposure. This reported case showed new exacerbation of the bone marrow one and one-half years after cessation of the exposure. Another case is mention ed in which aplastic anemia developed 10 years after exposure stopped. 869 Low Concentrations of Carbon Tetrachloride Capable of Causing Mild Narcosis. H. Hciaann and C.B. Ford. N.Y. State Dept, of Labor Ind. Bull., 20, 209-210, 226 (July-August, 1941). . It is felt that exposure to carbon tetrachloride in the amounts indicated pro duced both mild narcosis and gastric irritation. It is also felt that the narcosis, as manifested by the feeling of fatigue and the gastric irritation, arc symptoms of toxicity due to the exposure to carbon tetrachloride in rela tively low concentrations, the average boihg 79 p.p.m. The examined men were required to live relatively abnormal lives due to their occupation. Mild narcosis is also a liability to the employer as workers so affected are less efficient and liable to accidental injury. The authors believe the present permissible concentration of 100 p.p.m. too high. 870 Twenty-Four-Hour Output of Certain Urinary Constituents in Persons Exposed to Lead Arsenate Spray Residue. S.H. Webster. Pub. Health Kept., 56, 1910-1919 (September 26, 1941). The average 24-hour urine voliae for 177 adults was nearly 1.3 liters. Large variations in those values wore found to occur both between individuals and in identical individuals during difforont days. Daily calcivm and phosphate out puts for all the individuals studlod were within the normal range. Lead and arsenic outputs were higher among the orchardists than for the other groups studied. A comparison of urinary lead concentration values for different in dividuals when derived from fractional-day samplesgave little information re garding relative daily outputs. Twenty-four-hour specimens gave more complete information regarding individual daily outputs. First morning specimens are satisfactory substitutes, whore it is impossible or impractical to obtain 24-hour specimens. --Foundation's Sixth Annual Meeting: Pittsburgh, Nov. 12-13--- fe,.. , >r* -n L--J (F3 :^3 I'Z? Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 23. 071 Lead and Arsenic Ingestion and Excretion in Man. S.H. Vr'ebster. Pub. Health Eepts., 56, 1359-1368 (July 4, 1941). Report of an investigation to determine the maximal quantities of lead and arsenic ingested and excreted daily by orcbardists eating apples that had been sprayed with lead arsenate. Analyses of the fruit showed a daily intake of 1-26 rag. lead and 0.34-6.8 rag. arsenic per person. Daily analyses of urine and feces showed an output of 22.3 rag. and 2.43 mg. load and arsenic respectively, per man, with wide variability in the quantities excreted by different individ uals. 872 Diurnal Variation of Urinary Lead Excretion. S.H. Webster. Pub. Health Repts., 56, 1834-1848 (September 12, 1941). The occurrence of diurnal variation in urinary load excretion is demonstrated -- it appears to occur independent of previous exposure of the individual or the time of yoar. A wide daily variation is shown for urinary lead concentration measurements as well as for the rate of load excretion tin micrograms per hour) and for the total volume with all of the individuals studied. The total daily urinary outputs were, however, remarkably constant for any one individual. An increase in the rate of urine excretion was generally paralleled by an increase in the rate of lead excretion for those specimens whose specific gravity was greater than 1.010. Marked diuresis wa3 found not to increase greatly the rate of lead oxcretion nor the total quantity. For a given individual an increase in the amount of urinary phosphorus per sample was usually accompanied by an in crease in the quantity of lead excreted. First morning specimens have bees shown to be representative of the corresponding 24-hour specimens. Fractionalday samples give no measure of tho total daily outputs. Neither the urinary lead concentrations nor the rate of urinary lead excretion can be used as a measure of lead absorption when they are based on short-time measurements. 873 Peripheral Circulatory Disturbances in Chronic Arsenic Poisoning. K.H. Butzcngeigor. Klin. Wchnschr. 19. 523-527 (1940). tGoman). Among 180 cases of chronic arsenic poisoning seen in vineyard workers, there were 15 cases with objective circulatory disturbances in the extremities. Gangrene developed in six. No objective signs were present in 27 other cases beyond sensations of cold in the hands or feet, permanent or temporary, or blanched or cyanotic fingers or toes, especially in winter. It seems conclusive that these circulatory disturbances are a consequence of chronic arsenic poison ing. 874 Contribution to the Problem of Lead Porphyrinuria (Investigation on the Urine of HrrhiTorfnm Anitnlin). W. Gabel. Arch. f. exp. Path. u. Pharm., 195 . 365-382 {1940}. (German). The author concludes that the symptom of porphyrinuria is of no value In herbi vorous animals. 875 Evaluation of Lead Content of the Liver {Investigations of Herbivorous Animals Injured by Lead)i W." Gabel. Arch.f.exp.Path.u.Pharm.. 195 . 383-388 (1940). rGeman)" The average amount of lead in the liver increases in summer, decreases in autumn, rises sharply in November and fall3 during the winter. 876 The Deposition and Removal of Lead in the Soft Tissues. (Liver. Kidneys and Spleen). L.T.Fairhall and J.W.Miller. Pub.Health Repts., 56. 1641-1650 (August 15, 1941). Animals kept on a load and then lead-free diet showed decrease of 50# lead in liver and kidneys but increase of 10# in bone. Blood calciua values were higher in animals after rest from lead diet. Examination showed rather severe damage HWB8-0010402 0 rs3 '-zj ^3.51 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 24. to the renal convoluted tuhule cells but this was greatly repaired after a two week lead-free period. Regeneration of the spleen was shown. 37V A Study of the Relative Toxicity of the. Molecular Components of Lead Arsenate. L.T. Fairhall and J.W. Miller. Pub. Health Rents., 56, lelO-1625 (August 3,1941] An investigation to determine whether the toxicity of lead arsenate was due to the lead radical, to the arsenate, or to both. The decreasing order of toxicity of the compounds studied was found to be ealcitm arsenate, lead arsenate, and lead carbonate. Load compounds seem to damage the kidneys while blood destruc tion was greatest with the calcium and lead arsenates. Using bone deposits as the index, it appears that the arsenate radical either decreases absorption or increases load excretion. 876 "Surgical Glove" Dermatitis. J.F. Eurgess. Caned. Ued. As30C. J., 45, 222-223 t September, 1941). Three cases of skin disease were traced to rubber gloves. Positive results wore given by tests with the gloves, but the reactions were delayed for from 48-72 hours. The author considers the dermatitis to be different from that reported hero previously, in which dopigmentotion was seen. When latex gloves wero sub stituted, no more trouble occurred. 879 / Skin Hazards in Airplane Manufacture. L. Schwartz and J.P. Russell. Pub. Health Repts.. 56. 1581-1593 (August 8. 1941). The process of airplane manufacturing and the 3kln hazards met in each operation ore described. Skin trouble was caused by an oil used for metal coating. Chrom ates, chromic acid and dichromates in the anodizing department were offenders. In degreasing with triehlorcthylcno, the vapors are another source of trouble. Dermatitis can be caused by the dopes and paints, welding fluxes, and cutting oils. Recommendations arc given for protective equipment, methods and ointments. 880 Amyl Nitrite. A Method for Its Quantitative Determination and Some Observations on its Decomposition. R.G. Horswell and L, Silverman. Ind. & Eng. Chat., (Anal. Ed.) 13. 555-558 (August 15, 1941). A method for the quantitative determination of amyl nitrite, adaptable for vapor- air and liquid analysis, is based on the fact that a color is produced when a compound containing an -- QNO radical is combined with phenol and copper sulfate in acid solution. The method will detect amyl nitrite in air within an average deviation of 10$. The advantage of this method is that the amyl nitrite vapor can be absorbed directly in the color-producing reagent. This eliminates the need for a separate solvent for amyl nitrite and simplifies the procedure because the reagent from the sampling vessel can be poured directly into a colorimeter tube and read; when determining unknown concentrations, the development of' a color in the sampling tube indicates that nitrite is present and gages the length of timo required to collect on adequate sample; and although the test does not compare in sensitivity with many of those already described, it has certain advantages for sampling a largo voltmc of vapor at a low concentration for long periods. Amyl nitrite has boon determined at concentrations of 5, 10, 20 and 100 p.p.m. Ariyl nitrite is stable in air and relatively stable when exposed to artificial light, but decomposes within 2 hrs. when exposed to direct sunlight. --Annual Meeting - Nov. 12 and 13---- BB-00i0*03 HMBB-0010/104 V\\,, fia_n *_r \J----li m S .~4 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 25. 881 Sensitivity of the Skin to Fluorescent Light. A.P.R. Jcmes. Arch. Derm. & Syphil.. 44. 256-257 (Auru3t, 134l). " Two young women, one a brunette, developed skin disease on exposure to fluores cent light at their work. The dermatitis was most marked on the eyelids, but appeared also on other parts of the face. The other woman, a blond, was only :.ble to resist the exposure by applying tanr.ic acid solution to the exposed skin and by wearing Polaroid glasses. In view of the increasing use of this new type of lighting, it is possible that now cases may be appearing soon. A new tube has been developed which emits additional red rays. 382 Radiation Protection in Forty-Five Hospitals. L.A. Scheele and D.B. Cov.ie. J.A.M.A., 117. 583-591 (Auguat~e3. lfrSF. Many of the hospitals visited showed inadequate protection from radiation. The radiologists were frequently unaware of conditions in their own establishments. Compliance with the best methods of prevention permitted busy men to keep expo sure down to 0.02 r a day; carelessness led in some instances to exposure of many persons to more than the o.lr/day considered to be the safe limit. There was ignorance or carelessness in handling radian. Much of the equipment did not afford the protection quoted by the manufacturer. Twenty per cent of the radiologists showed some effects of radiation. 833 Ethylene Dichloride Poisoning. W.D. McNally and G. Fostnedt. Ind. Med,, 10, 373-374 (September, 1941). Report of two cases of chronic poisoning with ethylene dichloride. All previous ly reported were of acute poisoning, either from ingestion or a four-hour expo sure. Those individuals had been exposed to the vapors of ethylene dichloride for two and five month periods. They showed signs and symptoms of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, drowsiness, tremors, nervousness and nystagnus. What is the role of employee health in industrial relation^? Are any new health hazards arising in this period of emergency production? What* s new in the study of aluminun powder? What ore the latest logal trends? What is the audit of sick absented sc showing? . For the answer to those and scores of other pertinent questions in the field of employee health, plan to attend the Foundation* 3 nnmmi mooting Nov. 12-13. Lr HWBB-0010605 'O'C' c=(! fi-n 0 r--1 <: - ~ Air Sampling bacterial 335 Amvl nitrite determination 880 Aniline S67 Anthrax 850, 351 Arsenic poisoning 373 Asbestosis 826, 830 Benzene 368 Book Notices 791,792,793,794 Caisson Disease 852 Capacity, vital as index 837 Carbon Tetrachloride 869 Dermatitis airplane manu facturing 879 fluorescent light 881 rubber 878 Disease, industrial compensable 847 signs and symp toms 846 Disease, respiratory Disease, vascular diagnosis 866 Dust control drilling foundry 827 . 833 INDEX October, l?4l Ethvlane dichloride poisoning 833 Fatigue 563, 865 Filters, air velocity 855 Gas J.iasks effects on cir culation 853 Housing SCO Illumination 361 Industrial hygiene education 812 in defense 316, 817, 356 history 813 Iron Pneumoconiosis 324 Lead determination 831, 832,834 excretion 370 871,872,374,875,876 toxicity 877 Legislation occupational disease 819 Leucopenia 836 , Medicine. Industrial 814,318,820,822,323 Noise 862 Nutrition 858 Nystagmus, miners 348 Pressure, abnormal 339 Radiction 382 Respirators optical fitting Silicic Acid 823 354 SiliCQ3iS and tuberculosis intrathoracic 829 325 Statistics absenteeism 843 morbidity and mor tality 344, 845 occupational disease claims 842, 849 Trauma in heart disease 864 Tuberculosis 815 Ventilation plating tanks 857 Weil* s disease 340, 841 X-Ray comparison of methods 838 rfIe.ET.'--- -