Document K6Vqk68gERjgQypR76OqJrKKx

HUBti-UUU/6M T. Lyle JO. - . : ;-aCr<3- ' " - ~ M '.... < "\ -- Indusi --' O X N, DT3 o igest Hiteiatuie Gbstiacts MEDICAL ENGINEERING LEGAL decisions and trends Uniustiial Health Tlews .'uwd Won<A<r 6* INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH. PA. 0SI1S200 P HHBB-0007652 Industrial Hygiene Digest Hiteiatule Gbshacts MEDICAL ENGINEERING LEGAL -- decisions and trends tfndustlial fiealtli Tlews MoAtAjy By INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA. ogiis^o f FOUNDATION FACTS Vol. 5. July, 1943 Foundation Facts la a monthly nowa-lottor i**ud to industrial concern* holding membership in Industrial Hygiene Foundation. The Foundation is a combined research and service institution to protect the health of workers in industry. K. B. Heller Dr. H. B. Meller, formerly managing director of Industrial Hygiene Foun dation and a world authority on air pollution and smoke prevention, died in a Pittsburgh hospital on Sunday evening, June 27. He was 65 years old. Burial was made at Altoona, Pa., on July 1, Formerly Dean of the School of Mines at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Meller had headed Mellon Institute's air pollution investigation since 1923. He became managing director of Industrial Hygiene Foundation when the organization, was formed in 1935 and directed the Foundation until last September when failing health forced him to relinquish active management. He had continued as a Consultant. His direction accounted in a large measure to the upbuilding of the Foundation during its formative years. Through his work at Mellon Institute for two decades, Dr. Meller became known internationally as a specialist on air pollution. Also, through these efforts, Pittsburgh adopted an anti-smoke ordinance which became a model for other cities throughout the country. He headed Pittsburgh's Bureau of Smoke Regulation from 1920 to 1938. As an indication of his contribution to air hygiene, and at a time when the field was little known, Dr. Meller published some 30 articles and was senior author of a dozen other articles written with associates. These were exclusive of the scores of papers which he presented before distinguished groups through the years, including such organizations as the New York Academy of Medicine, the Franklin Institute, the American Chemical Society, the American Public Health Asso ciation and the National Safety Council. Bora in Altoona, Dr. Meller first went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a clerk. In 1900 he became dork and later secretary of the faculty of the Department of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. After attending the University and the Michigan College of Mines he joined the University of Pittsburgh faculty as an instructor in 1910. He became Dean of the School of Mines in 1914 and held that position 'until 1923 when ho came to Mellon Institute. 03118231 lOUSTRlAt. HVQiCNC FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVCNUC FITTF' w July, 1943. Vol. VII. No. 7. .1 vC Industrial Hygi an* Foimdation, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. aq aa 1 INDUSTRIAL HY~GI3tE DIGEST Literature and News News Items >> 0 642 Hydrogen From Water At Fires. Bulletin 166 by the Cosmttee on Fire Prevention and Engineering Standi the National Board of Fire Underwriters discusses the foiaation of hydro< water decomposition by fires. The danger of hydrogen accumulating 1*. cal. The gas burns as fast as it is fonaed. The almost lntnnlMMfnMf^ tlon of a large volume of steam has often been mistaken for a .sr4- plosion. 643 Safety Equipment. The March issue of National Safety News is devoted entirely to safety evSlMttt, - Several signed articles of a general nature are followed by brief aanMHi discussions of various mechanical and hyglonic safety feature# olaesOlhil U the following general sections: (1) personal protection; 12} mi(iTmirt eel jtplfr' ment; (3) fire and plant protection; (4) first aid and medloal seztleei ftireMdtary equipment and supplies, and (6) miscellaneous services and profclgM* The subsections on "Respiratory Protective Equipment" under the first heaAnfe and "Industrial Ventilation" under the second, were given brief notleee la tki Fuse Digest, and Sections 4 and 5 axe briefly abstracted in this xaatber. The satire issue, however, is worth reading for a sunmary of a complete .safety pM* 644 Flammable or Infl*iffnble? ` Thore has always been a certain amount of confusion when gasoline or othip sol vents are referred to as inflammable materials. When we reftt to a subetante as being incombustible, we mean that it will not easily bum, whereas, ewetag bee established the use of the word "inflammable" to mean something that eegpt easily be ignited. In Webster's Dictionaiy, the words "inflasmable* and id#" are defined as follows: Inflammable capable of boing easily set on fixe; easily enkindled; combustible. Flammable - capable of being easily Ignited; igfijmmehle. In order to clarify this texainolofir, the National Fire Protection Association has recommended that we eliminate the use of the word "inflmmable,* Ttay rweom- mend that the word FLAMMAHLE be used to indicate ready combustibility sad tt- FLAMMABLE for materials which are not easily ignited or set on fire, Xt is rather difficult to change our habits, but in the future we should refer to materials as being either FLAMMABLE or NON-FLAMMABLE to assist in establishing a proper under standing of the characteristics of certain matorlals. -- I.C. Banes* Safety News, Y.'estinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company. 03USS&3 F Industrial Hygiene Digest - 2. 'O s 645 VfoaV 3 Wrong With Safety Traialnfi. In the "help wanted" columns of a daily paper the following jobs were advertized^ recently: Production engineer - $450; Mechanical engineer - $400; Safety engine eer - $175. Alfred M. Cooper in the February issue of "Engineering For Safety"* asks if there is a direct correlation between the discrepancy in salary and the new all time high accident rate experienced by industry? As a rule, we get what wo pay for, in merchandise or manpower. In today's labor market one cannot ob tain a good safety engineer for $175 per month, nor for any figure within double that amount. - Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor, 16, 51 (April, 1943). 645 Corsmic Tubes in Dust Collectors. To save steel, the Prat-Daniel Corp., Port Chester, N. Y., is constructing tubes of special fire clay in Theraix ceramic tubular dust collectors. These tubes are sufficiently thick and rugged to be proof against fracture and broakage from normal handling or from changes in temperature, yet they weigh no more than stoel. The ceramic tubes are mounted in a concrete or brick casing above cox^ crete bins, entirely eliminating the use of steel. - Chan. & Eng. News, 21. (March 25, 1943). 647 Federal Government Safeguards Worwinp Youth, Safeguards for the health, welfare, and education of American youth whose ser* vices arc being demanded by the war program have been advanced by a statesfgt of policy just approved by the War Manpower Commission. This policy, fonulflgt in cooperation with the Children's Bureau of the U. S. Department of Labor o$ni matters relating to the enforcement of school attendance and QhlHlabSKMWgi the employment of youth under 18 years of ago, provision for tbs sdaMjjSHEV program of those who take employment, transportation of young people flPndl work and assurance that suitable living conditions are available If the walk re quires that young people live away from home. The policy also states that say youth interested in work in another area should first register for mpUpset at the nearest local office of the IT. S. Employment Service or such other sgpmsy as may be designated by the War Manpower Commission* After presenting evidstbs of parental consent, he will be referred to a spedflo job opening wbsrs hr tag. be lawfully employed, and where there are suitable arrengmenta fbr housing* -- Labor Inf. Bull., March, 1943. 648 Safety and Health Efforts Aid in Greater Production* Some examples of the activities of agents of the National Coslttee tat the 0o> serration of Manpower in War Industries are the unooverlng of hazards to health and safety of workers. New England industrial landmarks, now centers of renewed activity, were badly in need of repair. A high labor turnover in a pisad mom* facturing assy tents was found to be due to illness caused by the solvent wed on the cloth* The formula was discontinued. Provisions for a noon meal wre made in a shoe factory, whose employees had become ill from eating hot dogp ml the only available eating place. Two illustrations of tbs woPe of thb Cfemdttee in promoting safety programs are given* -- Labor Inf. Bull*, March, ltd^ 649 War Industries Urged to Save Workers' Eyesight. Industrial concerns should give much more attention to workers' eyesight, "not only for hunane reasons, but to Increase production, to reduce spoilage, sad to add manpower," C.P. Tolman, consultirg engineer for the National Society for tbs Prevention of Blindness, declares. At least one fourth of industrial workers, he estimates, have defective, but correctible, vision* Mora than three fourths of 50 typical plants studied make no effort to detexxlne what rlsaaX requirements are necessary or acceptable to qualify a worker for say particular' job* These plants do not know how many men with defective vision can be utilised, while, on 03118299 r iD D l !.!>)( HBBB-000/656 Industrial Ifcrgiene Digest - 3. the other hand, they may be employing men whose vision is a hazard oi uler job* For example, a crane operator who could not judge the heig, ment of a erene load vrould be a menace to life and property, whereas o which his eyesight is suited, be could carry on safely and effectively. Science Hews Letter, (March 13, 1943), 650 Reducing Blackout Hazards. Hew developnents plus experience gained during the past year are helping reduce the hazards of blackouts and dim-outs and are making these protective measures more effective, according to S.G. Hibben, noted lighting authority. Mr. Hibben, who is director of applied lighting at the Westinghouse Lamp Division, Bloomfield, N. 7., predicted a greater reduction in the accident toll during blackouts and dim-outs once full advantage is taken of modern lighting and safety devices* "We have learned much about blackout technique during the past year," he declar ed. "...It is quite possible to have a complete exterior blackout without sacri ficing adequate interior illumination in home or factory." "...In case of air raids -- people should be prepared to carry on vital work without intsm^tic..." Present day industrial architecture represents the ideal in industrial pmtmrtlnm It provides such important features as windowless construction, ihntterprrwf ' 0 glass, minimum of sky lights, neutral exterior coloring, and light interior ing. "Even in older industrial plants not so equipped, it Is possible to such protection by making full use of the most modern lighting and safety' devices..." Ono of the most interesting developments in blackout tschail been that of phosphorescent end fluorescent materials* Mr. Htbbos use of luminous markers and signs to denote exits, doors and also described its use on clothing and autemobile exteriors, sal phorescent coatings may be used to outline door loobs, switches, ings, paths to air raid shelters and in many other locations- -- Building Man., April, 1943. 651 Protein Allergy Attacks Workers in Castor Plants. A' new danger to the health of workers in an important war indurttf before the Detroit meeting of the American Chemical Society 1* two 9*3*^ ment of Agriculture research men, J.R. Spies and B.J* Coulee* VIM is the extraction of castor oil, now needed in huge quantities far recoil cylinders of heavy guns, and other important uses. Vaaker* pomace or pulp left after the oil has been extracted sometimes develop and other allergic symptoms* Even when ricln, a deadly protein polSM removed, the pomace is still capable of causing allergic reaction*. VI discovered allergy-producing protein is, as yot, known only by a eel d CB.-lA. Something closely resembling it in chemical and physlologleel has also been isolated from cotton seed. -- Science Nows Letter, 653 Health Hazard. It 19 essential that all persons engaged in the business of pistil* manufacturing or distributing utensils and equipment which i indirectly in contact with food or drink be again warned eonseniaf th* to public health involved in the use of deleterious metals la lMl The Sanitary Code of the City of New York definitely prohibit* the lead or other deleterious metals in the construction of food SfolpM* clefts* sils. A simple field test for the rapid detection of o&dml* Is eveilattftpoft request at the office of the Bureau of Food and Drugs, PaperImaut of belt! of tbs City of New York. -- Products Finishing, 7, 55 (May, 1948) 031188*4 `w: Industrial Hygiene Digest - 4 Legal Developments i'rG> cs scsIos ca 653 Tuberculosis Reactivated. Whether Accidental Injury Accelerated Disease. This is an appeal in a compensation from a judgment sustaining a demurrer to the petition and dismissing the suit. Petitioner, a man twenty-nine years of age, was suffering from tuberculosis contracted some tine bofore his employment by the Procter St Gamble Company, insured by the Travelers, but which it was alleged had been arrested prior to his employment and that, as the result of Inhaling gaseous fumes and fine particles of dust thrown out in the operation of the de partment in which he worked, the old scars or lesions loft on his lungs had been disturbed and broken and the disease re-activated. The trial Judge was of opin ion that petitioner was suffering from a disease, not the result of accident. To be within the Compensation Act the injury must be "unforeseen, unexpected fortuitous. An element of unexpected casualty must be present." In the instant 0 case the resultant condition of which petitioner complains could not, it would socm, have been unexpected. On the contrary, it was a natural and forseaable result. The court is constrained to agree with the trial Judge that the declar ation failed to state a case of liability in that no accidental injury 1* shown to have resulted in either causing or accelerating the disease from whies It Is alleged petitioner is suffering. The judgment is affirmed. lors Insurance Co. Tenn. Supraae Ct. Decided May 8, 1943. (CCH). ' * 654 Death of Sand-Blaster Resulting Pram Inhaling Silica Sand Dust. Prejudicial Error in Instruction to Jury. The death of plaintiff's decedent was allegedly due to the negligence of defend ant in failing to provide decedent with a safe place in whlah to parfoB Ms woiky and failing to provide him with proper equipment to protect his from inhaling silica sand dust and particles, while employed by defendant as a sandblaster, whereby he contracted the disease of silicosis, which culminated in his death* Defendant in his answer affirmatively alleged that it complied with Its duty to the deceased by furnishing bia with the properly equipped respirator; but it was further alleged that decedent refused to wear the respirator, by reason of which he contracted the disease resulting in his death. The court rendered Jud^ent for plaintiff. The grounds urged for a reversal are: (1) Srroneous instruc tion No. 1 given to the jury, and (2), that the defendant's motion for a peremp tory instruction should have beon sustained, on the ground that tba evidence shorn* ed conclusively that deceased refused to wear the respirator while he mas engaged in his work. Instruction No. 1 still contained grounds upon which the Jury could return a vordict against defendant, although it did furnish an efficient respirator and defendant wore it while at work. Such suablsslotts to the jury constituted false and immaterial issues, which instruction So. 2, did not elimin ate. The testimony on the issues of defendant's failure to furnish an effi cient respirator or on the issue of defendant's failure to appropriate it wham performing his work did not create such a failure of proof as to render a find ing by the jury cither 'way as being flagrantly against the evidence so as to re quire the giving of a peremptory instruction. The error in instruction So. 1, as above pointed out, was prejudicially erroneous, requiring a reversal of the judgment, and It is so ordered, with directions to set it aside and for proceed ings consistent with this opinion. Peerless Manufacturing Corporation . Mackey. Ky. Ct. of App. Decided May ?, 19437 (CCH). 03118296 F Industrial Ifygiene Digest - 5 ,, y~i 655 Scissors Buffer Breathes Mineral Dust. Aggravation of Pre-Existing BronchiectaiN sis.__Disability. Sufficient Evidence for Award. ^ Appellant's appeal is from the judgaent of the circuit court affirming an award by the Ccamnission in favor of appellee. Appellee, who suffered from a cough* aa considerable expectoration, soreness of his lungs, dryness and heat sensations s in the bronchial tubes, loss of weight, and pain in his shoulder and bach, wort?5 cd in the buffing department where minute particles of the lime and nickel matte a cloud of dust which fills the room and he became disabled by aggravating a pre existing condition of bronchiectasis. Appellant contends that there was not sufficient competent evidence in the record to sustain the finding of facts made by the ccmrdssion. Medical testimony has shown that the air which appellee was forced to breathe while doing his wortt was strongly impregnated with mineral dust which aggravated a diseased condition of his bronchial tubes, and resulted in disability. Judgment affirmed. Solid Steel Scissors Com.nr.ny y, Kennedy. Ark. Supreme Ct. Decided May 31, 1943. (CCH), 656 Death From Tuberculosis Following Contraction of Silicosis. Liability of BnpToy- er. Propriety of Instructions. Admissibility and Exclusion of Evidence. Offi cials' Non-Liability. Coburn was employed by defendant as a "grinder" in the manufacture of refractory brick. Coburn developed silicosis, and he died from tuberculosis. Cobum's ad ministratrix brought suit for his death, alleging that it had been direct$y aad proxircately esusod by the negligence of the defendants. The court bolow ^rar- ruled the Company's motion for a directed verdict* but sustained a aimllodf motion on behalf of the individual defendants* officials in the plant. The jurjr^ how* ever, found for the Company, and this appeal is from the judgment dlatMlag the petition. As grounds for e reversal, appellant contends, inter alia* that the Court erred in its sixth instruction to the jury; in rejecting material ooapetent evidence offered by the appellant, and in admitting incompetent evidence offered by the Company; and in directing a verdict for the individual defendant#> Loigbow and Cartroll. Instruction No. 6, stated that death was directly caused by - tuberculosis. But tho jury was told not to find for plaintiff unless it found that silicosis was the proximate cause of tho tuberculosis which caused his death, and that "Proof that silicosis predisposes to tuberculosis and that the decedent might not have had tuberculosis if he had not contracted silicosis, is not sufficient of itself to establish that the silicosis was the proximate cause of the tuberculosis." The court holds that there was no error in the instruction. Appellants insisting that tho quoted sentence was tantamount to an instruction to find for appellees. Since most of tho medical testimony went no further than to establish that silicosis prcdlsposos to tuberculosis, appellees were entitled to have tho jury cautioned that such testimony "of itself," which phrase is equiv alent to "standing alone," was not sufficient to supply the necessary link In tha ' chain of causation. The preponderance of testimony was to the effect that Cobum's silicosis was in the first, or, at most, the second of the three or four stagos into which the authorities usually attempt to divide it, and wes, of It self, not sufficient in intensity to seriously disable him, much less, cause his death. As for the excluded testimony, its exclusion was not projtdioiei to appellant, since he obtained tho full benefit of the testimony that tha great majority of persons who contracted silicosis subsequently developed tuberculosis. With respect to the medical testimony admitted over the objection of appellant, and relating to dust conditions at the plant, in cases of this magnitude, espe cially where the conditions giving rise to the claimed injuries and tha nature of these injuries axe obscure, tho testimony, if the truth is to be ascertained, must be allowed to tatto a wide range. This court cannot say that tha testimony complained of was incompetent, or its admission prejudicial to appellant's sub stantial rights. Tho proof for appellant does not show acts or omissions on 03118296 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 6 *r.*on. the part of the individual appellees which would render them personally liable2 There was much evidence indicating that at least good faith efforts had been made by the Company to comply with the Statutes requiring the installation of sa draft and suction apparatus to ranove the dust. Judgment affirmed. Coburn 2 v. North American Refractories Co,. et al. Ky. Ct. of Appeals. Decided June * 25, 1943. (CCH). 657 Partial Disability from Silicosis Not Compensable. Total Disability Resulting After One-Year Statutory Period Also Not Compensable. This is an appeal by an employer and its insurance carrier from an award of the State Industrial Board in favor of claimant for total disability compensation covering the period from May 24, 1941 to December 25, of the same year. Claim ant, an iron chipper, employed by the appellant, filed a claim in June, 1938, for compensation in which he stated that ho terminated his employment on December 16, 1937. He was examined on July 26, 1938, and found to be partially disabled due to silicosis. The referee disallowed the claim on the ground that partial 0 disability as a result of silicosis is not compensable and the Industrial Board subsequently affirmed the referee*s decision. On claimant* s application the case was later reopened, and on October 10, 1941, claimant was found to be total ly disabled. The referee made the award under review which was subsequently 0 affirmed by the Industrial Board. Zt is undisputed that claimant ceased work on December 16, 1937 and in its decision the Industrial Board found that she last injurious oxposure occurred on that date. The Board also found that claimant became disabled as a result of silicosis on or about Decanber 16, 193? aj* os or about July 26, 1938. The record contains no evidence whatsoever to SCQgeH the finding of total disability as a result of silicosis on December 16* JflflVk ClaJ^ ant is not entitled to benefits for the reason that the alleged totOi*nbility did not result until approximately three years and five months after the date of the last exposure. Claimant is in a very unfortunate situation. There osn be no doubt that he is now permanently disabled as a result of silicosis. The record^ discloses that he has not been employed in any gainful occupation since be ceased to work for this employer. In view of the findings of the Board, however, this court is powerless to aid him. It nay be that if given the opportunity he nay be able to submit proof as to the permanency of his disability within the statu* tory period of one year from the date of the last exposure. Award reversed. Matter of Rapkiewicz. N.Y. Supreme Ct. App. Div., 3rd Dept. Decided at April Tem, 1943 {CCH). 658 Silicosis From Breathing Llnostone Dust Over Long Period of Tine not a Compens able Injury. Appellee, Phillips, filed his application for compensation against appellant, Kentucky Stone Company, with the Workmen* e Compensation Board, claiming that he "suffered permanent impairment of his lungs and body by reasoncf breathing lime stone dust.* The application was apparently based on the contraction of silico sis. The Board overruled the referee's ruling that there was a Dump**ithle lxw jury and dismissed the claim. The court trial held that tha case should be re- | manded to the Board. This appeal follows. Appellee, while employed toc 15 C years in appellant's quarries, inhaled limestone dust and dust from mwry wheels. On a day in 1938, he got very hot, and went up on top of the crusher where be * breathed limestone dust and cooled off quickly, started choking up, eaugbt cold J and could hardly breathe. He was off from work for several days, and lost over f SO pounds. Even If tho court assumes that breathing of dust causes physical { injury to the lungs of some people, and that the breathing of the dust over a period of years by the appellee resulted in trauaatic injury to his, there yet remains the question whether such injury was accidental within the niwtwing of tho statute. It seems incongruous to say that an injury caused by breathing dust over a period of years is an accidental injury. To hold such an injury accidental r * ttfl6 -a a a /6 6 u Industrial Hygiene Digest - 7 would practically nullify the statute in this regard and open the door to coo* pensation of occupational diseases, a result clearly not contemplated by the statute. The Board correctly denied compensation and dississed the claim even though the evidence may be said to have established that the claimant was suffe ing with a disease which was in fact attributable to his employment, since such disease was not compensable. Reversed with directions to set aside the order rc-nanding the case to the Board and to enter judgment affirming the Board's find ing. Kentucky Stone Co. v. Phillips ot al. Ky. Ct. of Appeals. Decided Juno 4, 19431 (CCH). 559 Blacksmith Injured by Breathing Fimoa Caused by Acids Used in Course of Saploy- niont. ,,Inhalation of Vapors as Constituting Accidental Injury Within Act. Statutory Requirement of Written Notice Excusable by Commission. Respondent was employed by petitioner as a blacksmith helper. On the date of the alleged injury, he was in the blacksmith step using cyanized gas and acids. The mixture reached boiling point strong fumes and flame came from and around the mixture. The fumes, flame and smoke shot up in his face. Respondent alleged that by breathing them, he sustained his injury. The Wortanen's Com pensation Law is not confined to cases of traumatic injury; inhalation of vapors, gas or dust may constitute an accidontal injury. The medical testimony sustained the finding of the Commission that thoro was an accidental injury and resulting disability. It was next argued that thoro was a failure to comply wit4 the statute as to giving the statutory written notice. The statutory writtentaotlce may be excused by the Commission. The Commission entered its finding th^ the petitioner was not prejudiced by a failure to give the statutory erltteg fetlee and there is competent evidence to sustain such finding. Award sustained. Tho Eagle-Picher Mining & Smelting Company ?. Loyd, et al. Okla. Supreme Ct, Decided June 1, 1943) . (CCH). Book Reviews 660 National Fire Codes for the Prevention of Dust Explosions. National Fira Protec tion Assoc., 60 Batterymarcb St., Boston, Hass. 160 pp. (1943). $1.00. This is the latest contribution of the Committee on Dust Explosion Hazards of the National Eire Protection Association. Tho committee was foxmod In 1922 in cooper ation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and has functioned continuously to date. In 1926, the Committee became s sectional conalttoe of the American Standards Association. The Codes include a section on fundamental principle* for tho prevention of dust explosions and separate sections on the following dusts: alu&inum bronze powder, coal, flour and feeds, pulverized fuels, spices, starch, sugar and cocoa, sulfur, grain (elevators and storage), and wood. The use cf inert gas for preventing explosions is also described. The records of dust explosions in the United States up to September 1, 1942 are also presentod. 661 Physiology in Aviation. C.L. Geamaill. C.C. Thomas, Publisher, 220 E. Monroe St., Springfield, 111. 124 pp. (1943). *.2.00. An elementary treatment of physiology prepared primarily for aviators, covering mechanics of respiration, oxygenation of the blood, normally and at high alti tudes, acceleration effects, etc. For industrial hygienists interested in the subject it would serve only as easily read introduction to the subject. There is no bibliography. 03118298 W Industrial hygiene Digest - 8 > retss GceIaa9 662 Epidemiologic Aspects of Anthrax In Massachusetts* I.R. Tabershaw and G.E. Morris. New England J. Med.. 228. 92-93 (January 21, 1948.) It appears to be impossible to destroy anthrax at its source. Sporadic cases of native origin will always occur. It is extremely difficult to disinfect hides and skins. The anthrax spore undoubtedly survives the first two or three pro- cesses in tanning -- that is, washing, fleshing and liming -- but probably can not survive the entire process. No significant improvement in the method of killing anthrax spores has been evolved in tie last twenty years; and even if it were possible to disinfect hides and skins, it is doubtful whether this would be warranted, especially at the present time. Therefore the method of control Bust be chiefly one of education and sanitary precaution until the bides have passed through the tanning process. The more severe cases aoi the most frequent deaths have occurred in truckmen and longshoremen, who are not aware of the possibilities 0 of this infection, and who neglect to report for treatment early. The prompt diagnosis and treatment In tannery workers seen in large meaeure respo the lessened mortality and morbidity then. Physicians treating eous infection in a tannery worker or truckman should bear in mind the of anthrax and should culture material from the lesion. In order tm disease in check effectively, an educational program must ha truckmen, tannery workers, longshoraaen and all others who from thoir arrival in this country to their conversion into findshad Authors' summary. 663 Tripoli and Silicosis. C.P. McCord and S.?. Meek and G.C. Herrold. Xflfe Bad.,-- 12. 373-377 (June, 1943). '. The mineral tripoli contains approximately 98$ free silica, and is woridj la a <C : finely divided state. Proliferative reactions may be produced aXk VlBtst&n# of true tripoll. However, cases of human 3ilicosls from tripoli are nW* The authors have sought the causes of this behavior and have oom to the ftUola| conclusions: (1) the high porosity of tripoli gives a large surfaee tree psv unit of mass; (2) this high specific surface favors adsorption phMcaflfc, ln eluding presence of hygroscopic films; (3) tripoli has an unususl degVM of di polar electric attraction, causing many partidee to cohexs; end (4) an addition al artificial factor is that tripoli must be waterproofed before nee as a foundry parting to prevent the hygroscopic films. The waterproofing onmyrngdi fVe physiologically inert as their molting points are well above body tOBtMtare and they are not easily removed. The extent of physiologic Inertness gfetll to de pend on the efficacy of the coating process. Not all particles belem b microns are coated. 664 The Dust Hazard in Tromolite Talc Mining. Including Roentseaol< Talc Workers, w. Siegal, A.R. Smith and L. Greenbuxg. An. J. Bo 11-29 (February, 1943). ' This is a report on a study of atmospheric contamination in the mining and mill ing of tremclite talc in Northern New York State. It is notable that although the free silica content in all cases was found to be less than one per cent, an incidence of 14*5 per cent of advanced fibrosis was found (32 out of 281 exposed) All cases occurred among men exposed to traaolite talc for 10 years or longer. The authors report that the pathology associated with this exposure suggests a 0311829$ 9 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 9 po* special diology, and in addition there is evidence that there is an increased .. susceptibility to tuberculosis. The fibrosis found was a "fine diffuse type wjm a roentgenographic appearance of granulation or nodulation on a hazy background It tended to be disabling in character and was frequently accompanied by dyspn cough and fatigue.* The study includes a review of the literature on both exp* imontal,studies and clinical reports on the effects of talc dust. There is a * complete discussion of the mineralogy and mining and milling operations in the Northern New York mines. Twelve X-rays and aloven case histories are given to gether with a detailed discussion of roentgen findings. 665 Minimum Standards for the Health of Workers In the Brick Manufacturing Industry. Educational Health Circular, Industrial Health Series, No. 3. State of Illinois, Dept, of Public Health. Pamphlet, 14 pp. No date. Pert I of the circular is devoted to a discussion of Material and Processes and of Health Hazards. Exposure to silica is the greatest hazard found in brick making plants; therefore dust prevention is of paramount importance. Factors to be considered in deteimining a dust hazard are given. The necessity of fre quent air sampling by competent personnel is indicated. The minimus permissible dust content is stated, and measures for controlling a dust hazard are consider ed. Other health hazards discussed, with health measures and precautions to be /C5\ observed are: Dampness - temperature variations; weather exposure - extrose dry heat; extreme light glare; gases and fuses. Pert II presents alnlmua standards for the health of workers in the Brick Manufacturing Industry, as suggested by the Division of Industrial fygiene of the State (Mass.) Department of Putlie Health. Subjects covered are: Lighting; ventilation, temperature and fcfeidlty; sanitation; dust, fumes and gasos; personal protective equlpumt; bouMfctoplng; building equipment; notices and instruction; inspection; medical aid; physical examinations; reporting diseases. 666 Chemical Pneumonia in Workers Extracting Berylllua Oxide. H.S. Van OstranA, R. Hughes and M.G. Carmody. Cleveland Clinic Quarterly. ^0, 10-18 (Jan*, 1943)._ Three cases of chemical pneumonia occurring in a war industry manufacturing " beryllium oxide are presented. The chaaical formula or agents used in this pro* cess have not been made known by the manufacturer. The 3 cases reported bad identical symptoms and roentgen findings. The characteristic symptom* consisted of dyspnea, a relatively non-productive cough with occasionally blood-tinged ex pectoration, and a low grade fever. The roentgen changes in the chest which appeared about 3 woeks after the onset of symptoms revealed a diffuse haziness of both lungs, prominence of the peribronchial markings, soft Irregular areas of infiltration, and discrete small nodules. These changes were dependent on the stage of the disease. The 3 patients recovered with a complete return of the lungs to normal on chest X-ray. Additional studies are being made to deter mine the specific inhaled etiologic agent in this industrial disease attendant to the war effort. The loss of time from work in these 3 cases averaged. 3-3/4 months. - Authors* summary. ' 667 v4hist Free Grinding. F. Schoeffler. Nat. Safety News, 47, 18, 19, 84 (May,1943). A description, with illustrations, Is given of the modern grinding room equipment installed by the Lodge and Shipley Machine Tool Company of Cincinnati to provide healthful, dust-free surroundings for employees. Increased production with lower labor costs has resulted from the installation. 66S Toxic Hazards in Munitions Plants. C.E. Gault. Calif. Safety News, 7. 5 (March, 1943). This short article describes the symptoms of 1VT and tetryl poisoning. The most important precautions to be observed to. prevent poisoning are listed briefly. 03118300 f HBBB-0007663 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 10 669 Hazards of the Printing Industry, Travelers Standard, 30 , 81-88 (May, 1942). The dangers from lead poisoning In printing establishments are considered, with methods for their prevention. Cases, from which type is set by hand, should be cleaned by vacuum oquiintent to prevent the dust from being inhaled by the work ers. Exhaust hoods should be placed over linotype and monotype machines to carry off the lead fumes that are given off from the melting pots. Personal cleanliness is highly important, and adequate toilet facilities should be pro vided. Vacuum systems should be installed wherever practicable. If floors must be swept, precautions should be taken to avoid raising dust. 670 Health Aspects of* Welding. A.G-. Cr&nch and B.L. Vosburgh. 31at National Safety Congress Transactions 11942). Health hazards in welding ney be divided into "real" and "unreal." If precau tions are taken to guard against the real hazards, the unroal will disappear entirely. The real hazards are usually easy to recognize and effective preven tive measures are available. No reliable evidence has been presented to show that welding operators have any poorer health and accident records than other tradesmen working in the same environment, or that they show any characteristic typo of illness which could be associated with their work. That health hazards due to welding exposures are not great and can be well controlled is evident from the CQ.OTB3GUS incroc.se in wedding and its applications without a corresponding in crease in illness. a. 671 Spraj' Painting Creates Health Hazards. Illinois Labor Bull., J3, 14-15 {Marofcfc* Spray painting adds new health hazards besides magnifying the dangers of dip painting. These hazards are discussed and it is pointed out thafr MJttHpr . which show no immediate toxicity have a narcotic action which make* the wotftef ; more prone to accidents. Health safety limits for solvent vapors are usually at least a ten times lower concentration than the explosive limits {which nags in whole per cents). The remainder of the article discusses control measure** (1) In general, if the sprayer must enter the spray area he oust have In addition to exhaust ventilation an air-supplied respirator and additional protootins olotl^ leg. (2) The booth must be large, deep { to prevent excessive becklashi ejt fireproof. (3) Exhaust and spray disposal. An air velocity of 150 linear fast per minute into all openings is recommended, as well as a water wash system or collector plates. (4) Spraying practice. The spray must not be under i--enesfmry pressure and should be directed toward the exhaust. Vertical artleles thcwM be placed at an angle. (5) All drying methods should have good exhaust ventilation* . {6) Dermatitis can be prevented by adequate clothing and the use of skin areas* (7) Fire protection. Host important here are good housekeeping and safe, storage of materials. 672 The Toxicity of Lead Azide. L.T. Fairhall and others. U. 3. Public Bsaltk Repts., ^ 607-617~(April 9, 1943). An investigation of lead azide as an industrial hazard has indicated that the storage and distribution of lead in the tissues following the iagestlo* of this compound are in general similar to that of other lead salts. The scuta toxic effect of this substance, however, is associated with the anolnide radical rather than with the lead. Further evidence confirming this was obtained fxcft obser vations of the effect of administering sodiisa azide intraperitoneally, subcutan eously, and orally in comparison with similar experiments with lead azide* The minimum lethal dose of soditmt azide following injection lies betmen 36 sad 38 mg. per kg. of body weight, while up to 150 mg. per kg. of body weight of lead azide could be injected intraperitoneally without causing death. This Is equivalent in amount to 66 mg. of sodium azide. The effect of exposure to hydrazoic acid 03118301 W Industrial Hygiene Digest - 11 vO9 fVNO. gas by inhalation was determined at various concentrations and it has been sho^ to be invariably fatal to rats in emounts beyond 1160 p.p.m. when breathed for 1 hour. The results of this investigation indicate clearly that hydra2oic acidi should be considered a dangerous gas* -- Authors' summary. as 673 Occupational Disease Considerations. E.R. Hayhurst. Ohio State Bar Assoc. Kept., 16, 87-93 (May 10, 1943). -i The author compares various definitions of occupational disease, including Sappington*s, Goldberg's, his own and those established in the courts of New York and Illinois, and Ohio. The methods and sources of reports and complaints are next discussed. The sources include the examining physician, the plant physician, labor union officials, fellow employees, and industrial hygiene sur veys. The prinicpal occupational diseases in Ohio in 1931-40 and in 1942 are then tabulated* The hazards of Industrially new substances arc discussed and some essentials in the handling of medicolegal cases are presented. The latter subjoct includes careful investigation of physical condition, personal and family history, examination of the work place. Finally the cost of establish ment of claims and tho question of who shall pay that cost is discussed, con cluding with a suggestion that a State Occupational Disease Institute be founded, 0 with the immediate function of investigating all occupational diseases reported under tho law. This institute should also have the broader function of investi gating all new manufacturing procedures before they are put into operation* The institution should be in a strictly impartial research center, should vroie in cooperation with state officials, and should be well supplied with funds sad personnel. - 674 The Iron Metabolism In Lead Poisoning. A, Tomaselli. 2. gee. exptl* Mad,, 109. 594-603 (1941). "(GemanT In lead poisoning in dogs the blood iron and hematocrit values decreased acre or less rapidly in all casos. The serum iron decreased in the milder, more chronic poisonings, but increased in severe acuto poisonings. The iron values of the _ liver, bone marrow and lungs increased In lead poisoning. The movement of the total iron in the organism is discussed on the basis of those and other findings. 675 Blood Changes in Experimental Lead Poisoning As Studied by the Fluorescent Micros cope. K.L. Pesch and E. Lanka. Arch. Gcwerbepath. Gewerbehyg., 10, 674-31 (19411 The stippled erythrocytes were not exhibited by the fluorescence microscope in the blood of guinea pigs, rabbits or man in lead poisoning. The basophilic granules of stippled erythrocytes arc apparently not nuclear remnants, because the nuclei of nucleated red blood cells (as in the blood of birds or in hunan red bone marrow) absorb definite fluorochrome light. In simple and clear manner stippled red blood cells were demonstrated by the Morin-Manson dye. The stain ing technique is presentod. 676 Industrial Manganese Poisoning. L.T. Fairhall and P.A. Neal. Nat. Institute of Health Bull., No. 182. 24 pp. Federal Security Agoncy. U.S- Pub. Health Service. Chronic manganese poisoning has been known for over a hundred years, and seme 353 cases of nanganisa have been reported since 1837. Its relative rarity con sidering the manifold technical applications is explained by the following cir cumstances: (1) Relatively few people have tho constitution for tbs development of chronic manganiea; (2) apparently not all compounds of manganese can produce chronic poisoning; (3) tho chronic condition can only arise where manganese or lt3 compounds are inhaled or swallowed in sufficient amounts for a sufficiently long time. The maximum permissible concentration of manganese has not been deter* mined, but as a result of investigation and environmental studies, it baa been tentatively placed at 60 mg. per 10 cu. m. of air. A brief treatment is given of Tho Uses and Occurrence, Tbs Physico-Chemical Properties, and The Analytical 03118302 P =\ -^r Industrial Hygiene Digest - 12 Evaluation of manganese. Under Toxicology, industrial, experimental and chronin industrial manganese poisoning are discussed. Changes in the central nervous 9 system with the development of the parkinsonian syndrome are the most important pathological changes due to manganese, but manganese pneuaonia frequently occur*, alto. Symptoms, differential diagnosis, pathology end treatment of chronic manganese poisoning are considered. The importance of early diagnosis is strcAed as these cases recover spontaneously if placed in a dust free environment.* For more advanced cases there scans to be no effective treatment. Periodic nod ical Inspection of wrkers and engineering control mothods are measures for the control of industrial manganese poisoning. A ton page bibliography is Included in the bulletin. 677 Bone Marrow and Peripheral Nervous System in Chronic Manganese Poisoning. H. Voss. Arch. Gewerbepath. Gowerbehyg., 10, 550-568_(194l). (Goman). In two cases of chronic manganese poisoning changoe in the bone marrow and in the peripheral nervous system were found. In one case the atypical course of the poisoning was manifested clinically as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with bulbar symptoms. Anatomical findings existed corresponding to the malfunction* ing observed. In another case there were certain pyramidal tract symptoms. Anatomical study showed mainly extensive degeneration of the right pyramidal tract and of both sciatic nerves with pronounced vessel changes in the affected areas. 678 Dangers From Carbon Monoxide in the Homo. L.B. Berger and H.H. Sehrenk. U, S. Bur. of Mines Inf. Giro., No. 7238 8 pp. Mimeographed. (April, 1943). * . The purpose of this publication, as stated by the authors, is to topkuftJb tfe* dangers of carbon monoxide and to suggest safeguards against tbgft gfr every day life. The properties of carbon monoxide and its actloft are discussed. Suggestions for the safe use of the various typos 01 feMftffeftld heating appliances are given. Some precautions against unsafe practises arm listod. First aid measures aro indicated. 679 Carbon Monoxide Asphyxia. A.G. Hammer and E.H. Carleton, Hooky Mt led* 7,, 40 , 234-240 {AprilT 1943). The authors present the essential facts about carbon monoxide asphyxia* In*1"*- ing cause, location, symptoms, pathologic changes and treataent. . 680 The Carbohydrate Metabolism During Carbon Monoxi^* j. Tarody* Urion. Med. WchsT. 92. 121-2 (1942). ^Goiman). Studies on 15 patients revealed a hyperglycemia in severs carbon monoxide poison ing. After administration of 50 g. glucose, the blood sugar curve raalned high for 30-60 minutes, and even after 2 hours it did not drop balow the initial hypcrglyccnlc value. The insulin secretion was not affected' In castes aoaoxids poisoning. 681 Effects on Man of Severe Oxygen Lack. S.M. Horvath and others. Ae,7.Plgr*iol., 158. 659-68 (1943). Schizophrenic patients were subjected to severe anoxia over a period of sovaral minutos either up to the point of unconsciousness or In seas oases wtsnrtlig In to unconsciousness. Anoxia of severe degree produces no bensficiel offsets on the mental condition of these patients. Anoxia severe enough to produce brief periods of unconsciousness has no lasting harmful effeots on the central nervous systau Respiratory stimulation by anoxia Is strong and sustalnsd oven during unconsciousness. There is a rapid return to normal when either air or 140t caqrgen is supplied. A mixture of 4.2# oxygen with nitrogen is equivalent physiological ly to an altitude of about 31,000 foot. It should be possible to descend with an opened parachute from 31,000 feet altitude without oxygen equipment with no ill effects from anoxia. 03118303 W J^Ko)W05:ii.ii!il':)!:> ;il v,D^j) Industrial i^giene Digest - 13 682 Diagnosis of Carbon. Disulfide Poisoning, Rodenacker. Med. Klin., (August, 1942). vO 828-83IS cs ?*) The comparative rarity of carbon disulfide poisoning since industrial process* bare succeeded in keeping the air concentrations within the danger limit, has^ rendered its diagnosis more difficult. Acute mental disturbance with deliriufi nay be caused by throo months' exposure to a concentration of 0.5 to 2 mg. pe* liter of air. The mental effect disappears after 3 weeks1 removal from exposure. Pathologically the result of poisoning is disturbance of the lipoid metabolism, which in turn affects the cells of the mid-brain. Another effect is carbon di sulfide neuritis, especially of the peronous nerve, and affection not only of the medullary sheath of the nervos but .also of the corresponding ganglion cells of the central nervous system. Complete recovery on removal from exposure is of diagnostic importance. A measure of the extent of carbon disulfide poisoning is the xanthogenate content of the blood, which can be determined by simple tests which are described. The xanthogenato content is not related to the total carbon disulfide in the blood but shows a decided increase whenever mental disturbance is present. Figures are presented in support of that view. 683 Leukemic Myelopathy Caused by Benzene Poisoning. N.T. Rosso. Minerva mod., 32. >0-2 (194lV. (Italian). ' A few cases of hoactologically proven nyolopathic leukemia following benasas poisoning are reported. * 684 Fatalities in Trlchlcrethyleno Degreasing. N.Y. State Ind. Bull., 22, (March, 1943). Two fatalities of persons employed at degreasing operations la nhftsfc tijAftorethy- lone was the degreasing agent, have been reported to the Hew Yoafc JtflSHS*# Industrial Hygiene. These fatalities have not been coson, and eetfj(pstn de tails cf the cases will be published later. The deaths occurred su&dstiljr about 1 hour after the end of the 8-hour work period. The Division of Industrial Hygiene wishes to remind persons interested in these operations, that if t*4- __ chlorctbylene degreasing is not properly controlled, serious consequence* aeqr ~ result. 5 Poisoning by Chlorinated Naphthalene. E, Collier. Lancet Mo. 6829, 9ftVI (January 6, 1943.) Poisoning by chlorinated naphthalene may result in chloracne of the face* partic ularly of the sides of the face; 12 such cases arising emong worteact vht wore ex posed to the fumes or dust of chlorinated naphthalene ore reported. Zt nay also produce acute yellow atrophy or necrosis of the liver. In a typioal ease with systolic effects, the liver is usually the only organ showing daaagS* One fatal case is described fully. If cases of poisoning are to he prevented, the wax must not bo overheated, and the fumes and dust must he propet&g sorted away by exhaust ventilation. Workers must be instructed in tho important* of personal cleanliness, and must be medically examined every week for alga* of sens or jaundice. -- Author's sumr-ary. 68 6 Chemical Casualties. K.W. Hazard. Cozrn. State Med. J., 364-871 (1848). The following topics arc considered: nature of chemical agents, lung, irritants (ammonia, phosgene, "nitrous fumes," chloroplcrin, chlorine, sulfur dioxtd*) artificial respiration after irritant gases, lacriaators and sternutmtors {chloroacotophenone (usually with some chloroplcrin), broxaobenzyl cyanid*, diphcnylchlorcarsine, diphenylaminchloroarsine), systemic poisons (carbon moz>oxide, hydrogen cyanide), incendiary agents (white phosphorus, thermit, magne sium) , vesicant agents (mustard. Lewisite) and the problem of decontamination. ; 03118304 A &LdJ P HWflB-0007667 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 14 68? Psychic Symptoms in Poisoning by Modern Industrial Solvents* P.J. Knabenhans. Schweiz, Arch. g Neurol, u. Psychiat., 48, 232-271 (1941); 128-164 (1942). There are six essential factors determining the neurotropic action of a solvent vapor: (1) fat solvent action, (2) chemical composition and metabolism in the body, (3) rate of absorption and excretion, (4) air concentration (volatility), (5) time factor (acute or chronic symptoms) and (6) variability of individual reaction (susceptibility). Acute poisoning for most solvent vapors is charac terized by symptoms of narcosis terminating in death or recovery. In case of tho latter there usually appear symptoms of epileptiform seizures, emotional in stability, intellectual deterioration, loss of initiative, disturbances of sleep and amnesia. Chronic poisoning is usually characterized by a gradual appearance of oxcitability, emotionalism, epileptiform and schizophrenic symptoms; some times there is apathy, exhaustion and drowsiness; often there is a disturbance of sleep rhythm, diminution of sexual potency, alcohol intolerance, and addiction. Toxic symptoms are given for chronic and acute poisoning with various aliphatic, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, also alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, special solvents and chemically related organic substnees. 688 Industrial Dermatitis - 481 Cases. H.J. Davis. Ind. Med., 12, 381-383 (Juno, 1943). " e The author introduces a report ^.ving the experience of the company with which he is associated to help substantiate the statement that dermatitis can bm less ened by proper control, prevention and treatment. With no new buildings, |sv machinery nor now methods for combating doxmatitis they have been able toffceep their period of time lost for a compensable dermatitis case at 8*3 days* storess the average is 70 days. The average compensation paid is $100 for edl.MM, their figure is $18.10; the average medical cost for each compensable is 390, their figure is $23.75. Sterilization of oil and tho institution oi an original, complete method of studying, recording and treating dermatitis caused a marked reduction in the number of cases. The factor of cleanliness of ths worker is also of importance. The author considers the present an opportune time to study the many million new war workers from a dermatitis standpoint* The number of man hours that can be saved by proper protection, control, and treat ment is cf great importance. 689 Dermatitis Due to the Formaldehyde Resins - Prevention and Methods of Control. K.E, Markuson and others. Ind. Med., 12, 383-366 (June, 1943). A study was made of a severe dermatitis outbreak due to formaldehyde resins. It involved four plants employing 2,370 workers, 355 of whom had developed dermati tis. Information is limited to tho most critical field, the toxic nature of phenol and urea formaldehyde. The use and composition of these resins is given* Mention is made of the frequent substitution of cresol for phenol, which may, in some- degree, be responsible for tho recent outbreak in phenol formaldehyde der matitis. The action of the resins is explained and predisposing faotore are discussed, briefly. Description of the skin rash, complications, body distribu tion, immunity, duration, nedication, sensitiveness to formaldehyde fxaee are subjects of short paragraphs. Preventive measures are listed under two headings:. I. Medical, which includes personal hygiene, protective, clothing, protective creams and ointment, operative techniquo, and oducation; and II. Engineering. The principal control measures are: (l) enclosure of mixing operations; (2) ven tilation in grinding and sanding operations; (3) enclosure of operations which require tho heating of the material containing the resin, and the provision of exhaust systems; (4) segregation of operations requiring the heating or drying of tho material; (5) mechanical installations, wherever possible; (6) regular periodic removal of dust accumulation. 03118305 p .v lu j)'\v `(: 5!|u ii Industrial Hygiene Digest -15 ae 690 Trinitrotoluene (TNT): Its Effective Removal from the Skin by a Special Liq Soap* Under W.D. Norwood. Ind. Med., 12, 206-208 the present conditions of handling TNT (April, 1943). ~ in munitions works, it tends to es acctsaulate on the skin of exposed workers, because it cannot be relieved by woo ing with ordinary toilet soaps end water. TNI left on the skin is absorbed throughout the 24-hour period and adversely affects the health of workers. Pro fiting by the previous work of others, and aided by soap manufacturers, wo have developed an effective remover for T*T. It is composed of liquid soap to which is added 5 to 10% of potassium sulphate and 5 to 10% of an appropriate wetting agent, I believe that the use of such a soap will materially reduce the inci dence of toxic effects among exposed TNT workers. Information relative to com panies from whom tho special liquid soap may be -acured may be obtained from the office of Col. v>. J. McConnell, Medical Corps, ~.-Ice of tho Chief of Ordnance, 333 North Michigan Avq., Chicago. The soap has also proved effective in ro- meving tctryl from tho skin. A much more general use of Webster skin reagent is recommended. It is hoped that this article will stimulate others to work actively on this problem, as its effective solution is most important in main taining the good health of our munition workers. -- Author*s summary. 691 "Dural Poisoning" and Wound Infoctlons in Workers in Airplane Factories. ?.'. Anton. Muench. Mod. Wochschr.. 68. 886-8 (1941). (Poznan). Eczema caused by working with light-metal alloys (Duralumin, Electron) ^s rare. Superficial skin fistulas after injuries and surface suppurations which^wre slew to heal wore relatively frequently observed in thase who worked with Light metals. The treatment is described. 692 Denaatitis in Industrial Occupations. G. Hopf. Gesundh.-Ing,, 65, 44-46 (1942). (Gorman). Various harmful materials arc exhaustively described according to the typo of their reaction mechanism, the physical, chaaical viewpoint of their penetration into the skin as well as their occurrence in different trades and tho akin reac tions that they produce. The proper precautions for the prevention of industrial diseases are discussed; in particular, the problaa of cleansing the skin, and the protection of the skin, by industrial protective ointments is detailed. 693 Skin Injuries Through Chemical War Materials. Jonquieres. Parfumerle modern. 34 , 41-47'(1940). (French). Description of the physical and chemical prepertios of dlchiorodiethyl sulfide v-.nd of its effects on the eyes and skin, nervous system, respiratory organs and digestive apparatus. After penetration of the homy layer of the skis, dichloro- iicthyl sulfide is localized in the malphigian layor and is bydrollzed with for mation of thiodiglycol and hydrochloric acid. The products of hydrolysis form toxic complex compounds with the skin proteins and convert tho amino adds into toxic substances as histamine, tyromine and putrescine. Thorapy and prophylaxis of injuries from war materials must bo adapted to tho properties of the war mater ials and to the chemistry of their effects. Emulsions of oxidizing oils in water (prepared according to Gcttefosst) which penetrate into the deeper cutaneous layers and there form harmless conplex compounds with the poisons have proved useful. 694 Prevention of Skin Hashes - Practical Solution of the "Cutting-Oil" Problem. J.H. Birom. Ind* Med. .^12.^208-210 (April. 1943). Pashc-s due to deraatephytid infection w'ere cut down remarkably in several Connecticut arms manufacturing plants by changing the "cutting-oil" used on the machines every month. Possibly use of the machine in some way changos tho heavy "cutting-oil" and encourages growth cf tho rash-causing organises in the oil. 03118306 f Industrial Sygiene Digest ->16 O-o' 695 First Studies of the Action of 1.2-Benzopyrene on the Human Skin. G.B. Cottini^ and G.B. Mazzoni. Gazz. int. mad. Chlr.. 49. 8-18 (1940). (Italian). When normal human skin was rubbed dally with a 1% solution of 1,2-benzopyrene, for periods up to 120 days, erythema, pignentation, scale formation, wart formal tion, and infiltration were successively observed. All these disappeared rathe** quickly after cessation of treatment. Whether the treatment can lead to neo- * plasms could not be stated. Histological examination of the attacked skin sites confimed the macroscopically observed changes. A similar treatment was also carried out on luetic patients and those with ulcerative tumors. In the latter case, a certain favorable influence was observod after a short time of treatment in that the ulcoration and pain abated, and the development of the aon-ulcerated portion of the tutor was inhibited. Tho sensitivity of the skin depends on the age of the person; uncovered skin sitos are more sensitive than covered portions. The skin of luetic persons bohaves like that of old persons. The human skin seems to be more resistant to the carcinogenic action of benzopyrene than that of experimental animals. 696 Contact Dermatitis. H.L. Claassen. Ohio State Med. J., 39, 40-41 (January,1943). Tho allergic contact type, eczematous form of dezmatitis is most comton foxm of cutaneous sensitization encountered in industry. Those are all morphologically similar but differ etlologlcally. 7/orkers with a dry skin are usually sensitive to such conditions. The author lists conditions which might be co i contact dezmatitis and points out that clinical diagnosis is made poe by a complete history. Correctly used patch tests are confixmato^. trial physician should not only treat these lesions, but by tho pree^loy^nt examination should help in the placement of sensitive workers and sftMMkfBStruct the workers as to precautions against the hazards of their jobs. MlitotBt of contact dezmatitis is similar no matter what tho etiological factor. 69? A Film of Protection. C.A. Weslager. Nat. Safety News, 47, 22, 46-48 (June, 1943). " Since Pearl Harbor there has been an unprecedented increase in the use of brand- -- ed protective creams by American workers. A protective creaa gives physical protection by coating tho skin; it has no medicinal function. Tfcrie of tho best known types of creams are discussed and their constituents and applications are given. The most widely used is the water-soluble type, which is not permeated by non-aqueous solutions. These creams protect the skin, make cleansing of the skin easier and quicker and abolish the need for abrasive soaps. The second cream in wide use is the wator-rosistlng typo, which covers tbs skin and fills tho pores with a bland fat. It prevents the entrance of water-mixed cutting oils and similar irritants. Acid-resisting creams protect the skin fros add bums by virtue of physical protection. They are generally used in conjunction with gloves to protect the wrists and foreazms. If used without gloves, such creams should be tested. The use of croams has been demonstrated to be a factor in reducing skin troubles. They also give a feeling of security and are willing ly accepted by workers. Safety engineers must exercise vigilance over the kinds of cream supplied to workers. They should either be well established by past performance or be made by reliable manufacturers. Four requirements for protso- tivo creams are listed. The caution is given that these creams should not be usad against such highly toxic substancos as chlorinated naphthalenes, diphenyls, TNT, DOT, dynamite, mercury, lead compounds, and other chemicals known to cause systemic poisoning. 69i Sinllimum Interpretation of Certain Toxicological Phenomena Found in Industry. W. Dreyfuss and others. J.An.Inst.Bomeopathy. 36,77-84 (1943). A summary of the toxicological action of mercury, arsenic, benzene and carbon tetrachloride, in both chronic and acute poisoning. 14 references. 03118307 f Industrial Hygiene Digest - 17 ars. *e 699 Conserving America's Industrial Hands. C.A. Weslager. Occup. Hat., 5, 16, 17, 4^48 (April, 1943). ............- -- ^ x--.C-v In claims for compensation, hand and finger injuries lead all others, comprising 30$ of all claims. One in five compensable hand or finger injuries involves S infection, according to reports from 4 state compensation commissions. Preven-9 tive measures which can be used by safety executives and hygienists are considefE cd. The wearing of wrist watches and hand ornaments should be prohibited. Gloves and hand pads are indispensable in handling hot or hoavy materials. Gloves made of asbostos, leather, canvas, motal mesh, and rubber all have thoir specific applications. Gloves should not be worn to operate revolving machinery, where there is danger of the glovo tangling in the machine parts. Obviously, all mov ing parts should be equipped with guards. Education in the proper use of tools will eliminate injuries resulting from using wrenches as hammers, screw drivers as chisels, etc. Tools should be kept in good repair, with handles freo from splinters. All workers are susceptible to dermatoses, therefore, reputable hand soaps and cleaners, lotions, individual towels and industrial wash fountains are important in a safety program. Cleanliness of the worker, of his clothing and machine continue to be the chief methods of control against many dezmatoses causatives. The use of protective creams is compulsory in many plants, where the worker is furnishod a supply free of charge. 0 700 Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis. A Joint Report of the P. S. Public Bealth|Smr vice and the Committee on Industrial OphthftTmiiftffY of the Section of Qph1fe~ aology of the A.M.A. J.aTm.a7T~I21. Ii53 (April 3. 1943). J The incubation period of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis ranges fit* 5 to im 4*a. Clinical symptoms aro listed and arc mainly those of a forei&i befelRltBtloa. Both eyes arc usually involved, one 5 to 8 days after the first. OUMds involve ment occurs in the majority of the casos ana the amount of visual damage varies. Treatment is non-specific, including cleansing with boric add, 9 per cent sulfa- thiazole ointment, and X-rays for porsistent corneal infiltrates. Preventive .1 measures consist of complete isolation and scrupulous cleanliness of ell objects __ and people (medical personnel) that come in contact with the infected persons. The period of infectivlty is as yet unknown. 701 Effect of Experimentally Alterod Air Pressure in the Middle Ear on Soaring Aouity in Man. W.E. Loch. Ann. Otol. Shin. fcLaryng., 5^, 995-1006 (December, 1948) The influence on the hearing of positive and negative pressure In the middle oar, created by Valsalva's procedure, was investigated in normal subjects by means of audiomctric examination for the frequencies of from 32 to 16,364 cycles per second. Both positive and negative pressure Impairs the threshold for frequsncle# below 2900 by from 10 to 30 decibels, more in the lower freqnencies. Jot the higher frequencies, alight positive pressure improves the thresholds* but nega tive pressure impairs the thresholds. When pressure differences were decreased, tho scquonce of return of hearing acuity occurs in the reverse order of Its loss. 702 Atmospheric Pollution in Dublin During the Year 1941. A.G.Q. Leonard and others. Froc. Ray. Dublin Soc'.~, 23, 10-17' (1942). The results of an atmospheric pollution survey at several locations in Dublin during 1941 are presonted. Soluble solids deposited during the year varied from 45 to 74 tons per square mile, and insoluble solids, from 34 to 126 tons per square mile. The deposition does not differ much from that of 1940 but is lower by half then the average of the preceding 3 years, on account of shortage of cool. The number of deaths from respiratory diseases is also the. lowest recorded in the years of tho investigation. A graphical method for correlation of wind direction and velocity with suspended matter pollution is presented with results. The St. Louis smoke abatement ordinance is cited. 03118308 W fiflB-8t)07671 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 19 703 Treads in Occupational Disease. I. Gray. Ind. Med., 1, 202-206 (April,1943). This article surveys the field of occupational disease. Cases attributed to ~ Jis occupational disease have become more frequent in New York, since laws were pas ed there, making any disease which could be charged to occupation compensable. The occupational diseases aro listed and discussed briefly under the five head ings: (l) Dematitis - the most frequont of occupational diseases; (2} Poisons lead, benzene, and its derivatives, petroleum and its derivatives, arsenical com pounds, .<.ercurlal compounds, carbon monoxide, and other chemical gases and vapors arc mentioned, and the symptoms of the diseases that they cause described; (3) Abnormalities in air pressure - caisson disease of tunnel workers and "altitude sickness" of fliers are mentioned; (4) Infections not common. Anthrax in wool sorters, undulant disease in milk handlers; (5) Dust - silicosis, asbestosis, complicated by tuberculosis In late stages. $ Methods of Detection and Determination 704/ Microdetemination of Arsenic in Biological Material. J.A. Sultzaberger. Ind. Eng. Chem., (Anal. EdVT, 1, 408-410 (June 15, 1943). The authors have developed a method by which digestion of the sample with centratcd nitric acid and sulfuric add is followed by distillation of thb. arsenic as trichloride into dilute nitric acid solution in a Presaadus Qadfe The characteristic molybdonua blue color is developed from the eveporaSsS^fttS-* due and read in a photoelectric colorimeter. The range is 0 to 100 atorogm* of arsenic, and the accuracy is 0.2 microgran. 705 n/Determination of Benzene. Detection and Estimation of Benzene in the Presence of Toluene. Xylene, and other Substancos. 5.H. Dolin. Ind. & Sng. Chn., 1^. 242-247 (April 15, 1943). This article describes a colorimetric procedure for the determination of hesseae in the presence of other aromatic and aliphatic solvents. The procedure 900*1sta of nitration, extraction with ether, development of color with butaaono and alkali in alcoholic solution, elimination of the interfering colors by nestle acid addition and color comparison. Nitration is performed with a mixture of equal volumes of fusing nitric and concentrated sulfuric acids. A detailed pro cedure is given in the article. The analysis requires about 30 minutes tat a sample. The method is sensitive to 3.8 x 10-7 mgs. and can he used for inU air samples as well as solvent analysis. By decreasing the ether dilution the author believes that as small a concentration as 0.27 p.p.m. can he detected on a 10 ml. sample of air. 706 Determination of Small Amount of Benzene and Toluene in the Air. MJC. Alekseeva. Khim. Referat. Zhur. 4, 3^Tl941). (Russian). r The method of Schrenk, Yant and Pierce is the most effective of all methods studied for determining bonzeno and toluene. Dp to 0.002 cc. of benzene and 0.01 cc. of toluene can be detected in 10 cc. of air. Owing to the different oondi- tions for the nitration of benzene and toluene the method is also suitable for mixtures of benzene and toluono. The results are within about 10 per oent of the truth. 03118309 p Industrial Hygiene Digest - 19 eN 707 Photometric Detennination of Benzene, Toluene, and Their Nitro Derivatives. ^ H.D. Baornstein. Ind. & Eng. Cham. .15. 251-253 (April 15. 1943). " ^ This article describes modifications to the colorimetric method for aromatics using nitration and reaction with methyl ethyl ketone and potassium hydroxide.? The author bolievos that the colored compounds resulting are probably quinoids{ formed by condensation of the aci-nitro and enol forms with the elimination oF* water. Spectral absorption curves of butanone-nitro compounds are given as wofl as certain modifications for the quantitative procedures used for the determin ation of benzene and toluene. The use of 70 instead of 50 per cent alkali in creases the rate and amount of color production. Mixtures of benzene and toluene can be analyzed by oxidation of oinitrotoluene to what the author believes is dinitrobcnzoic acid which gives no color. TOfe A Simple Device for Detecting Small Concentrations of Organic Halide Oases in the Atmosphere. G.W. Jones and K.E. Kennedy. U.S. Bur. Minos, Rept. of Invost., No. 3697. 10 pp. Mimeographed. {April, 1943). Obtainable on request from Div. of Information, U. S. Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C, A simple tester for detecting low concentrations of halide gases in atmosphere is described. The tester, based upon the principle of the well-known halide lamp, employs absorbent charcoal to adsorb and concentrate the halide-containing 0 gases and thus greatly Increases the sensitivity of the tost. The tester is so constructed that tests may bo made (1) by aspirating the suspected atmosphere through it, (2) by suspending it in the atmosphere, or (3) by swinging 9 is the atmosphere to bo tested. Experiments wore conducted on 25 different halide gases; results have proved that concentrations of less than 1 part per Mlllon of any of these gases in air can be dotccted by swinging the tester la tt atmosphero for 30 seconds or longor, depending on tho particular halide gee involved. 9 Automatic Apparatus for Determination of Snail Concentrations of Sulfur Dioxide In Air. M.D. Thomas and others. Ind. & Eng. Cham., Anal. Ed., ^ 287-290 (April 15, 1943). __ The application of the automatic sulfur dioxido apparatus of Thomas to carbon disulfide, hydrogen sulfide, ethyl mercaptan, thiophonol and thiophene Is des cribed. The apparatus has been modified by the substitution of a simple multiple port valve (stopcock typo) for the poppet valvos of the previously described apparatus. A quartz tube furnace is used to convert sulfur compounds to sulfur dioxide and tho desired temperatures for conversion were determined by experiment. The method can also be used for chlorinated compounds which are converted to hydrochloric acid. No successful results could be obtain* cd with oxidation of nitrogen compounds to nitric acid. Some observations on the olfactory limits of sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and ethyl mercaptan are given. 710 Chemical Warfare. C.E. Beland. Can. Chem. Process lad., 26. 272 (1942). Five reagents for the detection of: (1) Chlorine and bromine, (2) phosgene, (3) hydrogen cyanide, (4) mustard gas and (5) lewisite are, respectively: (1) Baubigny or fluorescein reagent, (2) Harrison reagent, (3) cupric-benzidin acetate reagent (Solution I, cupric acetate, Solution II, saturated aquoous solu tion of benzidine acetate), (4) Schrotcr reagent and (5) Peronnot reagent. Tests (1), (2) and (5) arc specific; (3) is specific in the absence of chlorine, and (4) specific in the absence of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. Til The Number of Particles in the Atmosphore of tho City of Buenos Aires. R.A.Izzo and A.D. Marenzi. Pubs, centro invest. tisiolT, (Buenos Aires), ,5, 303-318 (1941). (Published 1942). An analysis of samples of organic and inorganic particles in the atmosphere of Buenos Aires included tho detennination of their amber, their size and chaic&l nature. The samoles were collected at 160 cm. above the ground, on dear and 03118310 r C'-''S' Industrial Hygiene Digest - 20 cn r*. sunny days, and placed on a plaque of quartz covered with a thin film of gelati^ The air was first filtered through a copper screen which allowed only the pass-5 ing through of particles smaller than 100 microns. The air current was maintain ed uniformly in all cases, and at a velocity of 86 m. per second. In the cento of the city the particles of organic origin predominated; this fact was attri- * buted to motor traffic, heating systems and factories. In the outlying distric* with less traffic and poor pavomcats, the particles of mineral origin predominated Control Methods 712 Ventilation for Control of Solvent Exposures in Fabricating Rubber Military Icuigaent. T.R. Thomas and B.D. Tebbens. Heat., Pip., It Air Cond., 1, 122 126 (March, 1943). Also under the heading Control of Solvent Exposures in the Rubber Industry. Ind. Med., 12, 255-259 (April, 1943). The hygienic problems connected with the use of solvents in the fabrication of rubber military equipment were studied. Effective control measures were observed not only where toxic solvents such as benzol, toluol and chlorinated hydrocar bons were used, but also where the less toxic solvents were used. Pet|dle\a naphtha was the chief solvent encountered in the coating of fabrics with natural rubber. Synthetic rubber coating involved the use of toluene or toluene eoa- taining petroleum products. Little benzol or chlorinated hydrocarbon* were used. Enclosure and ventilation of the drier is the obvious control measure in this case. Benzol, carbon tetrachloride, toluol and carbon bisulfide are among the solvents used in cementing sections of military balloons. Snail sections axe joined on benches and the larger sub-assomblies joined on the floor to make the whole balloon. The balloon is then inflated and cementing operations are ~ carried out inside. Ventilation of the table operations and thoso inside the balloon is necessary. Lateral and downdraft ventilated tables are described. Ventilation inside the balloon is easily obtained by running tho inflating blow er and letting air escape through a port. The floor operations are carried out in large open areas ;md do not require mechanical exhaust. Ethylene dichlor ide, ketones and petroleum naphthas arc used in the fabrication of self-sealing fuel tanks. Air samples taken in the summer during low production periods v/crc not indicative of concentrations that may be encountered. Two untried ven tilation arrangements are described. 71c Electric Air Cleaning Controls Oil Mist From Machine Tools. E.H.R. Segg. Heat., Pip., & Air Cond., 15, 242 (May, 1943)". Oil smoke and mist caused by high operating speeds of modern machine tools, such as automatic thread grinders and gear grinders result in a nuisance and accident hazard of major magnitude. An effective solution is described consisting in apulicating a local exhaust system connected to an electric air deanor which is so efficient in removal of anoke as well as oil mist that complete recirculation is practiced. (Editor1s Note: The Foundation's technical staff have studied similar installations end have found them highly effective.) 714 Ar. Investigation of Dust Suppression in the Pittsburgh Seam. D.H. Davis and G.R. Gardner. Am. Inst. Mining Mot. Ecgrs., Contrib. No. 125. 13 pp. (1942). Use of water on cool-cutting machines reduced dust 20#. Addition of wetting agents reduced dust as much as 7?. Unulsion-forming oil was most effective and cheapest. 03118311 W Industrial Hygiene Digest - 21 715 Disinfection with Moving Hot Air. H. Kliewe. Ztschr. f. Hyg. u. Infektionakr 123, 727.733 (May. 1942). (German). Cultures of five species of non-sporing and two of sporogenous bacteria were ? dried on filter-paper* and these were placed in linen bags which were distribu-fi} od among packages of clothing in a hot air sterilizer. Cultivation of these t^t objects after the maintenance of different temperatures for various periods shew ed that in order to be suro of destroying non-sporing bacteria it is advisable to use a temperature of 100-110C. for l- hours; tho temperature necessary for destroying spores (130C. sufficed for those testod) is such as would damage fabrics. Hat air sterilization is therefore unsuitable for clothing if total -T?\ disinfection is required* but the usual object is to destroy the ag6nts of infec tious diseases, which are non-sporing bacteria and viruses. As might be expected disontinuous heating for short periods on successive days was no more effective than continuous heating for the seme total period. 71b Heat and Ventilation in Air Raid Shelters. W,J. llcGuinnesa. Heat., Pip., L Air Cond. 15, 193-196 (April* 1943}. This article gives the requirements for heating and ventilating air raid sheltors. The various types of bombproof and splinterproof shelters are shorn. The bomb proof type is too expensive to construct, hence the most common type is tho 0 splinterproof. Shelter size is fixed by number of occupants. No more than 50 people should be placed in the same room. Space and volute requirementsJor overground and underground shelters are given in a teble. Heat requlrcafets are low because of the number of occupants* however, heat losses in Xngland different from ours because of climatic conditions. On this basis an un^ffrousd shelter is preferable for American climatic conditions because of tta lomW ground temperatures which aid in heat loss maintenance. Vontlletjem SeqnlT^ ments arc given and the various types of systems employed are illustrated* Mechanical systems with filtration are reccmmended. 717 Wartime Operations Emphasize Industrial Hydene P-mhiaM* of Asbestos Industry. _ Illinois Labor Bull., (3, 10* 11, 22 (February 38* 1943). The control of asbestosis must be an engineering control becauso there ame so medical means to detect the disease until much baa has been dons. Bagineeriag control consists of two important principles: (1) Adequate exhaust, (8) Good housekeeping. By experiment It has been estimated that if the air contains loss than 5,000,000 particles of asbestos per cubic foot there is small chance of the workers developing asbestosis. The article lists the procedures In the Manufac ture of rigid and of textile asbestos products and shows that further protective measures arc still needed in most plants. Industrial Medical Practice 03118312 7IB Industrial Health - Its War and Postwar Significance. C.O. Sappington. Ind. Mod., 12, 361-364 (June, 1943). The paper considers war and post war problems of industrial health, which are classified into those of medical administration, those of public health in indus try and in tho community and those relating to industrial hygiene and sanitation in the plant. Brief but rather comprehensive discussions of the follow!if prob lems arc presented: Venereal disease control; Nutrition, Xasunlzatlei; Preplace ment and periodic examinations; Women in Industry; Dezmatoses; Absented mi; f Lf> Industrial tygiene Digest - 22 >fc*s. Fatigue; Tuberculosis; Rehabilitation; Health Education; Processes and material* Postwar problems may be anticipated by postwar planning. There will be sons n^ problems and some old ones which will reach greater proportions. The author ao paraphrases the old adage by saying "la time of war prepare for peace." je 719 How the Small Plant Can Conduct a Health Program. M.H. Kronenberg. Illinois a. J. 33, 247.251 (April, 1943). This article is intended to help the owner of small industrial plants which now have little or no proper medical protection for their employees. It contains specific recommendations from the Division of Industrial Hygiene of the Illinois Department of Public Health, which acts as a clearing house of information for the industrialist. Suggestions include group health programs (with sevcrel plants cooperating), part-time sorvicee of a competont doctor and nurse. Any competent health program for industrial safety must be preceded by an adequatel furnished first aid room in the plant. Other considerations in the program are (1) Medical examinations, (2) Knowledge of environmental conditions in the fac tory and (3) The nature end adequate control of all toxic materials used in the plants. The value of a competent nurse is stressed. Her duties are outline Adequate records of sickness and accidents should be kept. Above all managers <=>\ of small plants whose medical services are limited to the care of emergencies only are urged to take a greater interest in developing health programs for their plants. ! 720 industrial Medical Facilities in Pennsylvania - Results of a County by C^atv Survey. J. Shilen. lad. Med., 12, 379-381" (June, 1943) * A total of 3,086 plants, in 24 counties, with 806,456 employees tea beam survey* ed, and data are given concerning the following points: nutter of physicians employed, nursing service, preemploymont and periodic examinational inspection for hazards, cases handled by the medical department, sick benefit and insurance plans, health talks, interest in industrial hygiene surveys, venereal disease control, dispensaries, and cafeterias. Only 7.9$ of the plants, but 46*4$ of ~~ the employoes are covered by a medical industrial health program* The author concludes that the facts set forth in the survey prove conclusively the necessity for inaugurating a program of industrial health in all industries. Hs advises that the medical profession, together with the State Department of Health through its Bureau at Industrial Hygiene asswe the leadership in organising such a program. 721 The Qrowth of Industrial Medicine as a Force in Public Health. H.T. Poyner. Texas State J. Med., 38, 563-565(January, 1943). A brief history of the growth of industrial medicine ia given* Compensation laws have made necessary tho existence of the safety engineer and the induetrial physician, end other protective measures now in oommon use. teployers have gradually realized that it is profitable to keep a trained employee in good health for as long as possible, and consequently industrial health now often has a purpose similar to that of public health, i.e., to deteot diseases in the early stages and then to tun the employeo over to treatment by his fadly physi cian. Texas compensation laws are now interpreted so that a pre-existing con dition of any type, if aggravated by employment, is compensable. This has caused more careful and frequent examinations, but has the disadvantage that many people arc refused employment because of the insurance burden they might become to the employer. Dr. Poyner recommends that the law bo changed so that the employer is no longer penalized for hiring these people. 722 Industrial Medical Service. Anonymous. Nat.Safety News, 47, 154,161 (Mar. ,1943). .. briof general discussion of mcdic&l and nursing service for plants of various sizes is presented. HWflB-0007676 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 23 723 Public Health and Industry. N. Millman. Ind. Med., 12, 378-379 (June, 1943). Public health doctors are interested in industrial health for several reasons; / (1) The industrial population is so large and forms such an integral part of the comnunlty; (2) The industrial population is so tied in with the war effort. The effect of sick absenteeism on production is important; (3) Because the iadu trial population is grouped it lends itself to public health methods of preven tion. The tremendous loss duo to absenteeism caused by general illness is em phasized, together with the need for a program of prevention. Plants surveyed by the National Association of Manufacturers in which an adequate health program is followed show substantial reductions in accident frequency, occupational dis ./C?\ ease, labor turnover, absenteeism and compensation insurance. Duties of the in dustrial physician and medical department are outlined. The use of the resources of modern medicine and public health offers a challenge to industry. 724 The Urgent Need for Better local Industrial Health Organization. C.M. Peterson. Illinois M. J., 83, 234-236TApril, 1943). 0 Competent industrial medical service pays good dividends. Such service should include a competent physician, nurses, industrial hygieno service and a health program. Employers, employees and the medical profession each has a direct res ponsibility in industrial health organization. The author is establishing Izw 0 dustrial health committees in state and county medical societies. These com mittees determine names of available physicians, hold conferences, advlse^cml consult with executives and labor organizations as to necessary health measures. Following preliminary organization the industrial health ccmittee will (B Xjw vestigate local causes of lost time in Industry, (2) Coordinate trial health facilities, (3) Educate tbe public in regard to the Tain* In dustrial health program, (4) Educate the medical profession. It is hoytC^fctt these measures will aid In solving industrial health problems through awmi com munity organization. 725 industrial Housekeeping. Washrooms and Lockers- Drinking Water- Anonymous* . Nat. Safety News. 47, 168-170, 178-182 {March, 1943). These three important items in industrial safety are discussed briefly* Dust removal and vacuum cleaning are given special attention in tbs first sect!OS* Tho fourth subject under the hoad of "Sanitary Equipment and Supplies,* is that on "Occupational Dermatitis," which is a condensation of one of the papers by Dr. Schwartz, abstracted in an earlier issue of this Digest. 726 Burns. J.J. Brownlee. Now Zealand Med. J.t 61^ 192-197 (October, 1942). The author first describes thd different degrees of burns. The factors involved in the pathology and physiology of burns are considered briefly. The treatment of bums Is outlined. Early treatment - morphia for pain, and application of painless dressings. Dressings arc described - especially those impregnated with sulfonamide. For plasma loss, in severe shock due to burns, the transfusion of plasma or serum by the drip method is necessary. Tho saline bath for surgical cleansing is advocated and outlined for later treatment. Tbs results of smofe treatment as compared with treatment with other methods, including tannic acid, and continuous irrigation with sodium hypochlorite, are compared, end tbs method advocated by this article seems more advantageous. ' 72.7 Thermal Burns. S.D. Gordon and R.A. Gordon. Canad. M.A.7., 48 , 302-309 (April, 1943). - ' ' The authors stress that local treatment of the burned area must be modified by the physiological condition of the patient. They then discuss the doteotion and treatment of primary and secondary shock and the decrease in plasma proteins and chloride. The authors do not start general treatoent until an hematocrit 03118314 V Industrial fygidae Digest - 24 rs. fN. reading is known, and then recommend 200 cc. to 400 cc. of twice concentrated'0 human serum to relieve haooconcentretion. This is more successful than tbo usual saline, serum or plasma* The concentrated plasma is followed by oral o intravenous glucose solution* The authors also deny a burn toxemia, saying never appears if adequate fluid is given early enough. Various local treatments were used, consisting mainly of tannic acid for first aid, and sulfonamide, t^le gras, and saline for medical treatment. Saline baths were found useful to cleans< extensive burns. Complications are also discussed, including pneumonia, jaundice, renal failure, granulocytopenia, and infections. 728 Treatment of Burns. J.S. Houck, N.Y. State J. Med., 43, 226-228 (Feb. ,1,1943). The article is a discussion of the routine treatment in Rochester, N.Y., of a large number of burns received at the same time. Fire houses arc the casualty units and first aid only is administered there. This consists merely of dress ing minor bums and giving adequate morphine to severe bums. At the hospital all severe bums must be treated with strict asepsis, and shock and infection must be combated. Morphine should bo used, and inhalation anesthesia avoided. Plasma should be given as soon as possible (no laboratory tests necessary) to :>> all severe burns to combat initial 9hock. Later use of plasma and fluids de pends on clinical judgment. Clothes should be removed with sterile instrw dents and debridement done gently with soap and water. Tannic acid and silver nitrate are used except on the hands, face- and genitalia. The patient is plaoed in a tent kept at 90F. and troated until a thin light brown eschar fom frQr- gen inhalation should be used for all lung involvements, large or amalll ietor treatment is routine, including removal of the eschar in seven to tea d%n sad grafting of third degree burns. , 729 Treatment of Phosphorus Burns: (With a Note on Acute Phosphorus Poinomlas.) I.M. Rabinowitch. Canad. M. A.J.. 48. 291-296 (April. 1943). The author first reviews the types, occurronce, chemical and physical properties, and the pathology of phosphorus. The article daals only with the active, poison ous, white phosphorus, which is soluble in organic solvents and which canblnes with the oxygen of the air with the production of light. Phosphorus flss can be put out with water, but reignite on drying; therefore bums oust be kept moist until all the phosphorus is removed. Phosphorus burns are very severe, worse than those caused by sulfuric acid, and the phosphoric acids released, tend to imbed in the tissues causing suppuration. First aid treatment of phosphorus burns consist of immediate removal of burned clothing, removal of all visible phosphorus particles, and soaking of the affected area in warm water. At the first aid station the burned area is washod with warm baking soda, then with a 1 per cent solution of copper sulfate, which changes any phosphorus Into black copper phosphido, which is then removed with forceps. Finally, the area is wash ed with antiseptic solution and a dressing applied. The medical treatment of the bums Is similar to the first aid treatment unless the phosphorus is mixed with an organic solvent, oil, or with rubber. In these cases a special solvent containing copper oleate and trichlorethylene is used which dissolves both the phosphorus and the organic substance. Directions for mattng this preparation are Given. . Details of medical treatment aro outlined, and the procedure used de pends on the type of inactivating agents available. Theso agents in order of preference are: (a) sodium carbonate or bicarbonate; (b) alkaline powder mixture (directions given); (c) coppor sulfate; and (d) oil-soluble copper preparation (directions given). Use is made throughout of examining the burn in the dark for the prese-:e of luminous particles. After the skin has been thoroughly cleaned and cuialialzed, subsequent treatment is the same as for choalcal burns In general. The article also contains "A Note on Acute Phosphorus Poisoning." The lethal dose, signs, symptoms, pathology, and post-mortem appearance# are des cribed. Treatment consists of prompt gastric lavage with warm potaseli* 03118315 P Industrial Hygiene Digest - 25 Nx**O- permanganate solution until the color of the returning liquid is unchanged. Diuresis is encouraged and acidosis combatted. Copper sulfate should not be S3 usod as an emetic, and under no circuastances should oil or fatty materials, as^ milk, be administered to alleviate the gastric irritation, as these aid in the absorption of phosphorus. je 73D Phosphorus Burns. The Lancet No. 623 6, 312 (March 6, 1943). "Once the phosphorus has been completely removed, a phosphorus burn may be treated like any other burn. But until it is certain that no phosphorus remains in the tissues it is unwise to use oily or greasy applications, which may dis solve phosphorus and thus aid its absorption. Kocuntly Dr. Obeimer proposed the use of amyl salicylate for the dressing of such burns; and it should perhaps be pointed out that emyl salicylate Is a solvent and therefore ought not to be applied until one is certain that all phosphorus has been removed. The advan tages which have been claimed for amyl salicylate in burns are that it relieves pain, promotes granulation, and lessens oxudate; and its use has been advised for large mustard-gas bums which pour out fluid. Whether it is suitable for phosphorus burns at any stage is doubtful, for the secretary of the burns sub committee of the Medical Research Council inforats us that experimental phosphor us burns treated with amyl salicylate healod more slowly than those treated by other methods." 731 Experimental Chemotherapy of Burns and Shock. III. Effects of Syatanic T1 or. Early Mortality'. S.M. Rosenthal'. Pub. Health Repts., 58, 513-522 (Mafttfc 26, 1943). ' Employing a standardized procedure for the production of bums fatal t* within 46 hours, the effects of systsnlc therapy havo been studied. 9b benefit was observed from epinephrine, posterior pituitary extract, adrenal cortical ox- tract, or desoxycorticosterone acetate injected subcutaneously following the burns. Sodium chloride by mouth or lntreperltoneally caused a significant reduction in the mortality. Intravenous administration was less effective. Iso tonic sodium chloride by mouth was superior to hypertonic solutions. Fotnsslua chloride caused on acceleration in the time of death, and when administered with sodium chloride it antagonized the effects of the latter. Calciia gluconate orally was without action. Isotonic glucose solutions orally showed alight therapeutic action. The administration of hypertonic glucose or water by mouth caused the animals to die faster than the controls. Sodita acetate, succinate bicarbonate, and lactate were as effective as sodium chloride. House sen* intravenously was slightly less active than equivalent voluaes of 0,9 per cent sodium chloride orally. Little effect was observed from the intravenous admin istration of a hypertonic solution of human serum albumin. - Author's suooary. 732 Shock. Exhaustion and Restoration in War. G. Crile and others. Cleveland Clinic '.uartorly, 10. 3-9 (January.~1943K The paper is largely a theoretical discussion of shock, based on the idea of the body as n bipolar mochonlsm. It has been demonstrated by nuaerous i exper iments that the brain is electrically positive as compared with tbs rest of the body and that the some exciting or depressing factors that caused a change in the potential gradient also caused destructive changes in the cells of the brain, the liver and the adrenal cortex, and changes in the temperature and electrical pro perties of the same cells. The author therefore suggosts that tho potential gradient between the brain and other organs Is an accurate indication of the de gree of shock. Depression or failure of organs is likened to polarization. The authors consider these conceptions to bo in hazmony with modern methods of pre vention and treatment of shock. . ______ 03118316 P ,-----s wi r^O *' 0 . .--. V. e . -' --'-r. - _v n-------- .--. - -ZZ.Z1 ;* --. - --. .--. . _lL' --' Air analysis benzene 1t toluene 706 organic halide gas 738 Air raid shelters heat & ventilation 716 Air pressure effect on hearing 701 Analysis arsenic in biological material 704 Anthrax 662 Asbestos industry wartime problems 717 Atmospheric pollution in Dublin 702 Ben2one determination poisoning 705-707 633 Benzopyrene effect on skin 695 Beryllium respiratory hazards 666 Book reviews 660-661 Brick manufacturing health hazards 665 Burns troatment 726 727-728 Carbon disulfide poisoning 682 Carbon monoxide homo hazards poisoning metabolism 678 679 680 Chlorinated naphthalene poisoning 635 Dermatitis cnee reviews cutting oil from resins prevention 692- 696 688 694 689 697-699 nrcst (July, 1943) Dichlordiethvl sulfide 693 Disinfection by hot air 715 Dural poisoning 691 Dust atmospheric determination control grinding coal mining 711 667 714 Industrial health organization war and postwar 724 718 Industrial housekeeping 725 Industrial medical services County survey (Ponna.J1720 Industrial medicine and public health 721 Keratoconiunctivitis 700 Lead azide toxicity 672 Lead poisoning blood changes 674-675 Manganese poisoning 676-677 Medical service 719-722 Oil mist removal from air 713 Occupational disease trends 673 703 Oxygen deficiency 681 Phosphorus bums 729-730 Poisons various 698 Printing industry hazards 669 Public health and industry 723 Shock from burns chemotherapy in war Solvents hazards tCsS 7&L T3tser> 687 Spray painting health hazards 671 Sulfur dioxide determination 709 Talc mining hazards 664 Toluene dotexmination 707 Trichlorethylene > dogroaslng J % Trinitrolpluag| i poisoning removal ttm Ala 6B4 668 690 Tripoli and silicosis 663 Ventilation solvent exposures War ftase* 686-710 Welding health aspects -712 / / A r 670 t 03118317 p G < m p HU88-0007649