Document KRz9JZQw9Oj6EKnVNRp8KZkpN
FILE NAME: Owens Illinois Library (OWL)
DATE: 1937
DOC#: OWL015
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Relevant Abstracts from The Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology
THE JOURNAL OF
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY
i&I
V O L U M E 19
JANUARY, 1937--DECEMBER, 1937
PUBLISHED BY
THE WILLIAMS & WILKINS COMPANY
Baltimore, Md.
242
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY
PiOI Air conditioning, odor concentration in
air conditioned structures (Gant
and Shaw)....................................... 97 conditioning, odor control with acti
vated coconut carbon (Munkelt) . . 205 conditioning, physical and physio
logical principles of, II. (Yaglou). 238
conditioning, rayon and (Lewis).......205 conditioning, use of silica gel in
(Patterson)..................................... 143
conditioning with lithium chloride
system (Knapp).............................. 185
contaminants that affect health
(Meller)........................................... 39
country and town, nature of dis-
persoids in (Coste)........................ 66
flow in exhaust systems, tentative
code for testing and measuring
(Allan)............................................. 90
isolation of pathogenic bacteria from
(Pressm an).......................
191
movement as stimulus to skin, reflex
effects on muscle tonus and blood
circulation; therapeutic baths
(Henderson, Oughterson, Green
berg and Searle).............
181
needs, hygienic, in ventilation of
work places (Liese)........................ 238 pollution in New York City (Pincus
and Stern).................................... ... 146 Alcoholism in development of arsenic
poisoning, significance of (Zimmer mann and Remy)........................... 110 Alcohols, hydrocarbons and, toxic vapors of (Raadsveld)................... 8 Alimentary tract, lead poisoning with symptomatology referring to
(Preti)........................................ 128 Alumina dust, clinical and radiological
examination of workers exposed to . 153 Aluminum, metallic, prevention of
silicosis by (Denny, Robson and Irw in).............................................. 197 American College of Surgeons, 1936 surveys of medical service in in dustry by (Newquist).................... 102 Anaphylaxis induced by picryl chlo ride and 2:4 dinitrochlorobenzene
(Landsteiner and Chase)............... 233 Anemia, caisson disease, rle of spleen
in (Kadykov and Lubimova)........ 137 methemoglobin, after ethylene nitrite
poisoning (Seggel).......................... 39
pernicious, in chronic carbon monox
ide poisoning (Berger and Grill)... 9
Angina pectoris after flue gas poison
ing (Kroetz).................................... 36
from inhalation of trichlorethylene,
two cases of (Gerbis)...................... 106
Akiline, allergic eczema caused by
dyed clothes (Nadel)...................... 68
dyes, acute poisoning from (Montel
and M orty)..................................... 38
dye plant, static electricity as fire
hazard in (Burke).......................... 179
effect of, on liver and on function of
pituitary and adrenals (Rudenko). 130
Aniline methemoglobin formation iron.
(Heubner and Schwedtkc).
v>
Ankylostomiasis, hookworm in Bel
gium ....*....................................... r,
hookworm in miners (Garin). . . in French mines (Villejean) ....... ~j Anoxemia, prolonged, cyanosis n!
extremities from severe carbon dioxide poisoning and? (Tager) . ljy
Anthracosilicosis and tuberculosis (Sokoloff).... .................................... i;.
Anthracosis and differential diagnosis from silicosis and other pneumo conioses (Hollmann)................ sn
anthracotic lungs, carbon content of (Muller).......................................... 117
pathology of pneumoconiosis (Auer bach).............................................. 87
Anthrax, external (Graf)................... y.'l external, treatment of (Andreev).. . l&j in man and animal in Switzerland (Riedmuller)................................... 105
Artichokes, industrial eczema from (Gougerot and Seringe)................ 47
Antimony, arsenic and, pharmacology of (Oelke)...................................... S2
Apraxia and other neurological bcquelae of carbon monoxide poison ing, case report (Nichols and Keller)............................................. 174
Arsenic and antimony, pharmacology
of (Oelke)............ ........................ 82 experimental investigation on effect
of, on lymphatic system (Bertschinger)......................... .............. 222 poisoning, chronic, occupational dis ease, not occupational accident.... 222 poisoning, significance of alcoholism in (Zimmermann and Remy)........ 110 small amounts of, in biological ma terial, determination of (Hinsberg
and Kiese)....................................... 100 urinary excretion of, I. Normal sub
jects. II. Influence of thiosulfate (Mattice and Weisman).................. 100 white, use of, in enamel industry (Dechigi)......................................... 110 Arseno-benzenbs, dinitrophenol, pyramidon poisoning due to (Danielopolu, Marcou, Petresco and Gingold)........................................... 62 Arsine, action of (Wolff)...................... 61 poisoning, chronic (Kiese).................221 poisoning, industrial (Garmsen). . . 150
"Asbestosis and prevention (Windel).. 112 and silicosis, relationship of, to
disability (Sayers)........................... 131
lung, dust content of, and nature of
asbestosis bodies (Sundius and
Bygden)..................................
227
pathology of pneumoconiosis (Auer
bach)...................
87
roentgenologic review of 71 cases (Shull).............................................. 41
severe, pathological and anatomical questions in pneumoconiosis........ 227
significance of nasal filtration of dust in (Lehmann)........................... 228
SUBJ
Pa
Asthma as industrial disease (Brach-
mann and Forker)......................... 2
lung changes in electrocution (Joer-
gensen).............................
2
symptoms in furriers due to sensi
tization to paraphenylenediamine. (Vallery-Radot).......".....................
Atmosphere, constancy of, with re
spect to carbon dioxide and oxygen content (Carpenter)...................... If Atmospheric pollution, investigation
of, report on observations in year ended March 31, 1936...................... 23 measurement of optical densities of smoke stains on filter papers (Hill). 6 nature of dispersoids in country and town air (Coste)............................. 6 present position (Opie).................... 9 prevention of smoke and dust emis sion from chimneys....................... 13 spread of smoke and gases from chimneys (Bosanquet and Pearson). 6 sulfuric acid as a disperse phase in
town air (Coste and Courtier)...... (i 25 yrs.' progress in smoke abatement
(Owens).......................................... 1.' Australia, Weil's disease in Brisbane
(Johnson, Brown and Derrick).... 19
Austria, investigations of silicosis in (Adler-Herzmark and Kopstein).. 15
Aviation, effect of flying on middle ear
(Armstrong and Heim)................... 23.' medicine (Vann)................................ 103 "pilot error" and oxygen want, new
oxygen face tent (Barach)............. 16! respiration in high flying (Marshall) 204 testing of fitness for night flying,
light sense (Ferree and Rand)...... 235 Ax polishing plant, silicosis and silico-
tuberculosis in (Frese).................. 80
Bacteria, pathogenic, isolation of, from air (Pressman)...................... 191
Bakelite, health hazards in plastic industry (Mayers and Silverberg). 22
Baking industry, personnel policies and working conditions in............. 77
Barbituric acid derivatives and car bon monoxide, poisoning by, effect of various stimulants in (Thiel)... 83
Basedow's disease, carbon monoxide(Baader)......................................... 10S
Bavaria, industrial poison hazards judged on basis of cases in, 19301936 (Lederer)................................ 197
Belgium, coal mining industry, pro
ductivity in (Schoenfeld)............. 170 health supervision of young workers
in (Langelez).................................. 103 hookworm in...................................... 5s inquiry regarding silicosis in............ 226 Belladonna, treatment of occupa
tional neuroses with (Chavany).... 125 Benzene injury, hematology in (Klima). 10S
nail changes in automobile driver, koilonychia (Toegel)...................... 130
poisoning, chronic, diagnosis of (Friemann)..................................... 107
wvmms
itoneal cavity throughout
>ds, but the nodules became4''''
and fine particles of du*t*K'
r rather extensive areas In * *
>y phagocytes.
'
tone, precipitated calcium
im and cement ex h ib ite d ^
lion.
4
i, and siliceous chert
itive reaction. : :"
al, bituminous coal, 'p n - p -
soapstone, talc, asbeetoe^S
site, feldspar, silicon ear* "
calcium phosphate `and
rt in reaction.
the peritoneal cavity `WF"'
to a dust introduced as a
d this response is of such a
t may be used as a basis
ttion of industrial dust*. ,
falls into three group*;
absorption, one of |>r0,
le of inertness,
ts animals were kept I
.s 360 days, the response If
narked in 90 days to
i reaction, and often"i
ached in 30 days, partk*
ion is one of absorption
he reaction elicited
nstant and uniform In |B
with that dust.
rained by the method
licate that some
en the types of
eritonea*l tissue by n6j ity of this dust to
type of pneumocoi
Uve reaction may
relatively harmless,'
eaction, charactei
tz) may be associal
produce a nodular
of the significance rt reactions is morCjllfe ars logical to aasUXnfWff
a tendency to re * d be considered though not as _danffWi
a proliferative resp** ical to assume, a n d I * ime extent in thU W ffF^ 1
l-*- ~ ,
V A
tory, that silica mixed with an inert dust causes a modified proliferative reaction.
With this biological method of classifica tion, which, in a number of instances, has Ivon correlated with clinical observations and industrial surveys, it is quite possible to use intraperitoneal injection methods to determine the pneumoconiotic potentialities of a dust in a relatively short time, usually tin days.--Authors' summary and con
clusions.
The rxEC-MoxocoNiosES in south w ales. .S, L. Cummins. J . Hyg. Camb., vol. 36,
o. -S8 (Oct., 19S6). hi the South Wales coalfield, cases of more or less disabling lung conditions are frequently met with which cannot con-<ientiously be fitted into the category of ' iiioosis" as defined at the International I' 'iiierence at Johannesburg in 1930. These i i-i s cannot be certified for compensation under existing Statutes. In this paper the ludinr indicates some of the pathological mid histological features of lung specimens examined by him at Cardiff. An attem pt is made to classify the pneumoconioses met Air:: in South Wales into four types. Exvi.nh sof Type 1are silicosis and asbestosis; T;.; 2 includes silico-anthracosis and silio-iderosis; in Type 3 comes the anthrarnsis of coal trimmers and screeners; and Type 4 includes the fibrotic aggregations of inert dust occasionally present in individual raws of all types of pneumoconiosis, but wpcciaily frequent in silico-anthracotic persons. All three main types show some degree of lung injury attributable to dust accumulation, though the amount of fibrosis it minimal in pure anthracosis. Pneumooniutir lungs of all types show appearances resting damage to the elastic structure U the lung, a finding which perhaps may l-.e a bearing on the emphysema and <T*pnen met with. The observations ap>r to justify the conclusion that the emphysema associated with pneumoMiii.ds in .South Wales is not necessarily ely a compensatory effect of lung fibrosis,
it mav be well marked in persons suf fering from pure anthracosis with only Liamfril fibrosis. The precise etiology of
type of emphysema invites further "tigation. Bronchitis is common in
silicotic anti silico-anthracotic cases, but seems to be the result rather than the cause of the pneumoconiotic state which ren ders the lungs specially liable to catarrhal infections. Ciliated epithelium is usually retained to the end, even in the worst cases of pneumoconiosis. The amount of fibro sis and lung damage in the pneumoconio ses of South Wales varies directly with the intensity and duration of exposure to siliceous dust as expressed in the silica content on analysis of dried lung, and the number of " bright particles" seen with crossed prisms. (The paper is illustrated with II plates.)--T. Bedford.
Asbestosis: A roentgenologic review o r 71 cases. H. R. Shull. Radiology, vol. 27, pp. 279-292 (Sept., 1936). The major emphasis is on roentgenologic
appearances although reports of two au topsies are included in the study. The group consisted of 56 white males, 6 white females and 9 negro males. The average age was 34.4 years. Of the total number of 71 cases 16 were classified as " slightly advanced" , 35 as " moderately advanced" and 20 as " markedly advanced" . In the first group the exposure period varied be tween 1j and 13 years with an average of 8+ years, and in the third group exposures varied between 1J to 20 years with an aver age of 8.7 years (9.1 years if one short exposure of 1J years is omitted).
Tuberculosis was not common; it was diagnosed in some degree, type not stated, in the following frequence: slightly ad vanced group 20%; moderately advanced, 11.4%; markedly advanced, 5%. The au thor does not believe that the operation played a significant rle in the development or prognosis of asbestosis. Twenty-one of the group were re-examined 15 months after discharge from the industry. In the first group there was little tendency to pro gression, in the second, there was some in 2 of 7 cases re-examined; in the third group 4 of 5 cases showed no improvement.
The author tabulates the radiographic findings characteristic of asbestosis as follows:
1. Emphysematous type of chest. 2. Flaring of lower ribs. 3. Trachea not displaced.
42
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY \h>
4. Diffuse fine to coarse fibrosis reaching the periphery, interstitial in character, differentiating from the roentgenologic ap pearance of silicosis.
5. Hazy ground-glass appearance of lung fields.
0. Increased density of all pleural mark ings.
7. Shaggy appearance of the cardiac out line.
8. Tendency toward right-sided cardiac enlargement.
9. Disproportionate rise of left dia phragm.
10. Degree of cardiac involvement is not consistent with that of pulmonary involve ment.
In his conclusions he states that " while the roentgenogram is the most reliable diagnostic aid, the interpretation and correlation with clinical signs and symptoms is often difficult. Without the history of exposure a certain number of slightly advanced cases will not be recog nized," that " a fair percentage of the slightly advanced and moderately advanced cases do tend to improve and the attendant disabilities to become lessened when re moved from asbestos dust," that " asbestosis does not predispose to tuberculosis" and that from his observations asbestosis is not a progressive disease.--Leroy U. Gardner.
P athology of the pneum oconioses. L. U.
Gardner. N. Y. Stale J . Med., vol. 36,
pp. 1377-1381 {Oct., 1936).
The paper summarizes the anatomic
changes produced by inhaled silica and
other dusts which give rise to various ro
entgenologic manifestations and the com
plications resulting from coexistent infec
tion. The clinical manifestations in each
stage are also discussed. The reactions are
discussed on the basis of the following
classification which was published in the
U. S. Public Health Reports for August 2,
1935.
Simple silicosis.
1. Discrete nodulation.
2. Conglomerate disease associated with
discrete nodulation.
*
Silicosis with infection.
The following manifestations of infection
are present upon a background
nodulation:
3. The primary complex ni
tuberculosis.
4. Localized foci of healed adu.
tuberculosis situated in the a|n \ . . ,r
portions of the lung.
5. Aspiration or bronehogei.i,
losis, either productive or exudsti d i:. t ,,%
6. Miliary tuberculosis.
1,1
7. Perinodular tuberculosis.
'
8. Chronic silico-tuberculosi-
The author's summary follow.-:
Accentuation of the linear
pulmonary roentgenogram does nm ,
tute a basis for a diagnosis of hh, ,
The change is non-specific and iar; ^
persons with a history of prolonged <
to silica, it may be due to other rau.-
Simple silicosis is manifested by
tion uniformly distributed through, mt i. <4
lungs. This condition does not in.
tate for work; it does not prodm - .......
toms. It is progressive to only a
degree. A person with this type ni n
may continue in his regular em!>i..*!:
although recognition of his coudr.
supposes that every effort will b,. :
reduce the dust in which he win.- ,
minimum concentration. He .-in .
subjected to roentgenographic exa-.u:
once a year to be certain that mi in
is developing in his lungs.
Simple silicosis may also bo m:u i .
by massive areas of conglomerate un
usually associated with generalizcu h:-
nodulation. Such cases usual
dyspnea and are definitely limited, i:
capacity to work. They should 1 .
lighter jobs commensurate with ti.- u
ties. To discharge them will only n
hypochondriac and a possible lisnn
Uncomplicated silicosis is not fat.
predisposition to infection, in an
stances tuberculosis, constitutes :h-
danger from this condition.
No person with open tuberculosis .
be permitted to work in an industry \\
silica dust is created. An old cin"|i-\
with closed silico-tuberculosis that do n i '
incapacitate him may be allowed I
light work in departments where no '
generated. Sanatorium treatment r...-
tried but it is often ineffective. A y-'U:v
rof. 19, no. 4)
ABSTRACTS
87
tas" (Oct.-Nov,, 1936) on silicosis and its incidence in Italy.--L. Teleky.
Pneumoconiosis caused b y t it a n iu m . L. Lenzi. lass, di med. appl. lavoro indust., col. 7, pp. S01-S18 (Oct. 1936). The author subjected 28 guinea pigs to
artificially produced titanium oxide clouds. Various groups of these animals were ex posed for periods ranging from 2 hrs. to 4 months. Pathological examination of the lung tissue indicated that titanium oxide penetrates deeply, causing an inflammatory reaction which continues for some time. Tlie author states that the pathology noted resembles that caused by exposure to pneumoconiosis-producing dusts, and propuses the name " titaniosis." --J. M. DallaYnllc.
'P athology of pn e u m o c o n io sis: sil ic o sis ;
mucosis and tuberculosis; asbesto sis;
miieko3i s ; anthracosis. 0. Auerbach. Indvst. Med., vol. 6, pp. 39-48, (Jan. 1937). in this article the author reviews briefly M>mo of the literature on pneumoconiosis. He considers first the etiological factors, presenting the pros and cons of the controvcr.-ial phases including the significance of m ite in silicosis. The evidence for the cciianical versus the physicochemical " (hanism in producing the injury giving to the progressive fibrosis is discussed, figures are quoted which indicate that the ir cth of time of exposure may vary from 11 months to 20 years. Following such rtposure. a number of years may elapse Wore clinical symptoms appear. One 'i.n> referred to was exposed for 4 months ml developed the first signs of silicosis 2 years later. Ten million particles per mbir foot of dust containing 35% free silica ty be tolerated for a short time without oner. The size of particles which are mmroiis range from 1-5^, the smaller
being most effective. A table of statu'-ics relating to the prevalence of silicosis *p-f 'lieosis and tuberculosis in various 4'iAtries is given. The gross and micror'r-pic pathology of the lung is described, * 'inch the author points out the spread ^ '!> dust by way of the phagocytic cells M 'he Ivinph system with resultant fibro** This fibrosis tends to be nodular.
Numerous photographs illustrate the lesion. A very brief description of the more diffuse asbestosis fibrosis and the character of asbestos bodies is given. In the considera tion of siderosis and anthracosis, the possi bility of a silica complication in the fibrotic process is considered.--R. Z. Schulz.
S andblasting and silicosis. W. Bergerhoff. Arch. /. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., vol. 7, pp. 156-181 (1936). The author has made clinical and x-ray
examinations of 175 workers employed on sandblasting and found 100 fit for the work and 75 unfit. In 24 definite pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed. The workers were divided into two large groups, those who had only been employed on sandblast ing and those who had previously been employed on other dusty work. On ac count of the ill effects from sandblasting mo9t of the workers give up the work after a few years: estimation of the dust hazard is therefore difficult compared with grinders and stone hewers who work for longer periods. There is no doubt that sand blasting is the dustiest of all occupations and methods for efficiently removing the dust have so far not been very successful.
Effective protection can be obtained by masks and special helmets that are supplied with fresh air.
The medium and severe degrees of sili cosis are far more frequently associated with tuberculosis than the early and slight cases. The diagnosis of silicosis caused by sandblasting is difficult. In the early stage it may be confused with diffuse fibrosis which is often found in quite healthy people. The physical signs of silicosis are surprisingly small. The x-ray picture shows extensive diffuse fibrosis and only coarse thickenings occur in severe cases. Simultaneous pulmonary tuberculosis changes the whole picture as in other kinds of silicosis. The blood picture affords no reliable grounds for differential diagnosis of silico-tuberculosis.
Susceptibility to silicosis has been shown to depend in large measure on the action of the nose. The worse the nasal filter is, so much the more silicosis develops, but observations on sandblasters have not confirmed this dependence; this may be
112 JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY
A study of dusts and silicosis was made in several porcelain factories, with special attention to the question whether sericite is a cause of silicosis. Chemical analyses of raw materials and products were made. Microscopic examinations and x-ray powder spectra are inadequate. The analyses in one factory where silicosis occurred showed no mica in any form, including sericite. On the other hand, the dust in two coal mines was found to originate from a calcareous sandstone containing considerable mus covite. However, the workers were free of silicosis. The author concludes th at mica is not the deleterious material.
Another factor in the causation of silicosis is the presence or absence of basic material. In the sandstone quarries in France and the Palatinate, where quartz and kaolin are abundant, silicosis is widespread, while it is rare in coal mines where the dust has similar composition. The author at tributes the difference to the presence of lime in the mines, and similarly accounts for the absence of silicosis in basalt quarries and its rarity among granite workers (which does not agree with American experience). He says, "The retardation of the effect of free silica by a base is not a mechanical action but prevents the chemical combina tion of the silica with the lung tissue. Mineralogy shows th at silica is easily dis placed from combination. In the same way, the presence of a base would prevent this combination from taking place." The question whether alumina has similar re tarding effect is then discussed, and the author's answer is that the prevalence of silicosis in potteries where the alumina content of raw materials is high shows that it has not.--Air Hygiene Foundation.
E tiology of silicosis. V. Reichmann. Med. Klin., vol. S3, pp. 6 -m (1937). The author challenges the statements of
Hollmann and Lochtkemper on silicotic changes resulting from inhalation of graph ite and rust dust since to date no roent genological, pathological or histological
proof has been presented. AK . , ^ agrees with the view of J o m , , .,,y* Of the 20,000 cases of silicotic lmi( , . ^ he has seen, he found none licit *,., ^ caused by several years' rxposun -t,, dust. Since he has for rears 1c 1: : . ___ th at only quartz causes the di.-. have been sent to him from all pjrn ^ Germany pictures of persons !. allegedly never exposed industruii, ^ quartz. Silicosis was seen in a but careful questioning revealed that ttj rr^ earlier he had had charge of unload::,* ^ A bath attendant with silicosis had f . ^ sand baths, and part of his work straining the sand. A zinc galvt,B worked in a room in which sandblasting done.
The decisive factors in a dust hazard u* the quantity, free silica content, and t y ness of the inhaled dust.--L. Teltk
S ilic o sis in Sp a in . A. Oiler. Arch /, Gewerbepalhol., vol. 7, pp. 383-3S7 jj, In the Spanish Rodalquilar gold none,
the gold is found in layers of qua-: i though no sericite is present. Tim- : , are dry drilled and have been in < for 6 years. In 1935, 10 workers do ; silico-tuberculosis. Of the entire ! In l . ers there were found 12 cases of siii - Stage 1,11 cases of Stage 2, and 9 o f .. i In a ceramic plant that employed lido ,, ... ers, 16 cases of silicosis were a.. Hygienic improvements have been u.:. : both industries.--L. Teleky.
Asbesto sis and its prevention, k ,
Arbeitsschutz, pp. 9-16 (1937). On behalf of the North Germ an riV\: Association, a survey was made of 11 a-n. at. . factories employing 385 workers. An in complete table (as the author point m;: , shows 22 cases of asbestosis and 13 drat..After a short description of the clinic;,; m.; x-ray picture there follows a careful dos'-n;tion with many illustrations of the c\ii:m-t systems needed for certain processes a:. 1 machines.--L. Teleky.
DUST, SMOKE, FUMES, AND VAPORS; TH EIR DETERMINATION AN ELIMINATION
P rotection against toxic gases in in d u s
try. J . D. Pratl. Paper to the Institute
of Chemistry (South-Eastern Com.: Section) February, 19,1936.
vol. 19, no. 5]
ABSTRACTS
131
Ch ron ic zinc in t o x ic a t io n . E. S. du Bray. J. A. M. A., vol. 108, pp. 383-885 (Jan. 30, 1937). This is a report of the ease of a man
who, it is contended, developed a certain degree of anemia together with gastric symptoms while exposed to the possibility of absorbing a weak solution of sine chloride through the skin. Since such exposure is not followed by the absorption of zinc and since no laboratory data are presented which to any degree substantiate the claims of the author, the contention that the case in question is one of chronic zinc intoxica tion is quite unfounded.--C. K. Drinker.
Injuries from l ig h t m eta ls. Kotzing. .1rbeilsschutz, pp. 77-78 (1937). The author who writes on the basis of
reviewing over 16,700 cases of light metal injury, adds nothing to what has already been frequently described in the literature. He recommends purification of the flesh around the wound with benzine and binding with a " bacteria killing" salve or sterile material.--L. Teleky.
F atal phosphine poisoning in fumigat
in g for corn w e e v il . 0. Gessner. Samml. v. Vergift., vol. 8 (Gutachten), pp. 13-18 (1937). Bags with 30 gm. of 60-75% aluminium phosphide (trade name " Delicia At P " ) were distributed throughout a granary. Phosphine in quite high concentrations was liberated by the humidity of the air and of the grain. In a house adjoining the ware house 12 persons fell ill with nausea, of whom one died.--L. Teleky.
DUST HAZARDS AND TH EIR EFFECTS
Discussion of industrial accidents and d iseases. 1935 convention of the in ternational ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL accident BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, ASHE
VILLE, north Carolina. U. S. Dept. Labor, Div. Labor Standards, Bull. no. 4,
me.
I'iscntials in the Diagnosis of Silicosis and Tuberculosis
L. V . Gardner (pp. 63-70)
Gardner begins by defining pneumoconio sis as " a condition of the lungs resulting from the prolonged inhalation of dust." Dnlv when serious changes producing ymptoms occur can the condition be cone-lcrcd as a disease.
Gardner then gives an outline of the types of dust that have been studied, em phasizes the point of ``adequate exposure," Lad the importance of a good occupational tiMory. The value of the x-ray is briefly ''-nissed. Following this Gardner, in his
concise and brilliant manner reviews pathology and the roentgenological '^t'lres of silicosis and of asbestosis, the ' i,>i;nown pneumoconioses producing dis-
A discussion of symptoms and Invention follow's.
Relationship of Asbestosis and Silicosis to Disability
R. R. Sayers (pp. 70-75)
Sayers after giving the standard defini tion of silicosis, as drawn up by the Ameri can Public Health Association, gives a personal definition of asbestosis. He then defines disability, including in the defini tion, " anincreased susceptibility to respira tory infection." He shows that there is increased lost time due to respiratory in fections among workers exposed to dusty, as compared to workers in a non-dusty atmosphere. In the granite industry it was found that the severity, when meas ured by the duration of cases lasting 8 days and longer, for the group of hand pneumatic cutters exposed to high concentrations of silica dust, was about four times as great as the same for a group exposed to the minimum amounts of industrial dust. He gives interesting tables of anthraco-silicosis and respiratory infection and mortality from respiratory tuberculosis.
In discussing the physical examination of suspected fibrotics, he suggests an exer cise test Buch as is used in determining heart function. In considering the stages of silicosis he feels that there is no dis-
132
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXK'oi .<11D
ability until the second stage, when the T he health o f cement m hum
disability is usually not great. In the third Curtis. Pit and (Jiinrr ..
Stage the worker is usually seriously and 19S7).
permanently crippled.
After giving a short rev:-.-
investigations, the autim:
Pneumoconiosis
results of several years' re.-
R. Hunt (pp. 83-91)
plants of the Portland C'emer : The study included throe K,.
Hunt explains " pneumoconiosis" as being of illness: (1) respiratory, i- K` a general term very broad in scope and and digestive, and (3) mis, , . v. ,
referring to presence of any dust in the eluding rheumatism, arthru:.- rr.
lungs. After reviewing the pathology of nary, eyes and dermatitis.
the pneumoconioses as a whole he gives the Owing to the very low emit-:.:
pathology peculiar to silicosis. He states silica (average about 2%). m
that " silicon dioxide is soluble in the weak processed, little silicosis \voul.;
body alkalies, and such reaction produces a pated, and physical examinato.
toxin or poison." The " poisonous chemi x-rays made by Dr. Gardner ft
cal reagent so alters the immediate sur showed little evidence of it. T: rounding tissue that it loses its resistance rate from tuberculosis am.
and becomes incapable of protecting itself workers was found to be o>
against the invasion of foreign bacteria." that for all males in the U. S.
In considering the exposure necessary to Area.
produce silicosis he says: " roughly speak Minor respiratory disease-
ing, it might be stated that an atmosphere fluenza, rhinitis, cloudy nasal ?
containing from 5 to 25 million dust par and pneumonia were comimw
ticles per cubic foot may produce silicosis be associated with dust e\;
in from 5 to 25 years."
matism and arthritis are the m-
He says that " it has been estimated that miscellaneous illnesses. Hi e :
25% of all dust workers will eventually made to eye troubles, derm:
contract the disease." The history, physi neuritis, neuralgia, muscle cr
cal examination, x-ray examination and trouble, cancer, etc.--.1. 1). hr
dust counts are briefly discussed.
After speaking of the progress of silicosis C onditions of work a m . y.
after exposure has ceased, he speaks of the AMONG WORKERS AT A TllOM - -I
amount of silica found in the lungs at A. G. Kalashian. Gioin, ?
autopsy. Incineration of the lungs may bezopasnosti, no. 6, pp. 0.1-u.:
yield a silica content varying from 2 to 50% The author describes com!-;.
e/V*
in relation to the total ash of the lungs. Thomas slag mill of the mctallm.
He quotes authorities as hesitating to call at Kerch. He found dust cum .
any amount less than 15% abnormal.-- very high--72.6-106.6 mg./L. a: ;
IF. I. Clark.
ers; 78.2-83.7 mg./L. at the eh \ . ml
37.8-42.1 mg./L. in the depan :
These papers are followed by discussions spiratory diseases among t!..-
of several aspects of pneumoconiosis; at are much more frequent than aim
the end of this section (p. 94) Dr. Lanza workers at the plant. He poiio
gives a careful and concise " Discussion the dustiness must be controlled
Memorandum."
ge6ts that workers should be
The remainder of the 200-page bulletin selected, and supervised medi.1: v !
is taken up with several papers on accident transferred at times to other c
prevention and workmen's compensation. work.--From the author's Englir. .
Dr. Kess er gives an excellent paper on
" The Curative Workshop and the De M anganese pneum onia. E . IF. /
termination of Capacity to Work" (pp. 142-- Aerzllich. Sachverstand. Zt.. tm.'. TT
150).--Helen Lawson.
75-81 (.1937).
226
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY [Dec. 1987
ten with pure lead oxide. Other cases were caused by smoking opium pipes which had pewter mouth pieces and bowl supports. Another group had warmed their wine in pewter jugs. Because of the widespread use
in China of low quality pewter, the authors suspect th at there is a good deal of lead poisoning which remains undiagnosed. Another of their patients was exposed to lead in a lead foundry.--Helen Lawson.
DUST HAZARDS AND THEIR EFFECTS
N ew docum ents on sil ic o sis. E. Martin. Md. du. Travail, vol. 9, pp. 149-186 (July, 1987).
I n q u ir y r eg a r d in g s il ic o s is in Belg iu m
ORGANIZED BY THE INDUSTRIAL MEDICAL
SERVICE. Pp. 157-164-
S ilic o sis: new radiographs and com
m e n t s. M. Conrozier and J. Magnin. Pp. 165-209. The whole July issue of La Mdecinc du Travail is devoted to silicosis. The French and Belgian experts and industrial in spectors have been compelled for years to wage a stiff fight against a small but power ful group of mining companies and their physicians to get recognized the existence or the specificity of silicosis or a t least its appearance in certain mining districts. This has delayed the adoption of protective measures and compensation of silicosis as an industrial disease. M artin in an intro ductory article tells the story of the long fight and presents an order of the French Under-Secretary of State for Mines who orders the industrial inspectors to require technical precautions against the dust hazard and medical examination of workers on the part of the owners. The second papier gives a short review' of the results of the Belgian inquiry, the investigation made of many different dusty industries and the more or less great number of caseB of pneumoconiosis seen in each. Conrozier and Magnin present 23 x-rays and short case histories on the basis of which they state the view', held by all experts, th at silicosis is a separate disease from tubercu losis and has a different picture. It is found only where quartz containing dust is inhaled. If the confidential physicians of the mining owners do not see this, it is only because "they have evidently not looked for it or because they are unable to recognize it." --L. Teleky.
A nim al experim ents on pathologic t is
s u e CHANGES FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS
INJECTIONS OF VARIOUS DUSTS. K. II. | Stoeckel. A rch .f. Hyg., vol. 118, pp. I l l - i 125 (1987). The author injected various dusts intra venously in rabbits a t intervals of from a | few weeks up to several months. The materials included steel-shot, quartz, lime, Thomas slag, argillite stone, chamotte, quartzite and argillite dusts. The tissue changes observed in different organs are described and illustrated. Different dusts, however, never show'ed a really character istic or specific action. Unfortunately data are lacking on the chemical constitu- ! ents of the steel-6hot dust, argillite stone | dust and argillite dust; only some on parti cle size are given from which it is seen that various dusts divide into different degrees of fineness, a condition w'hich, according to the author, explains many of the differences in his results.--L. Teleky.
D ust and tuberculo sis. E xperim ental
WORK ON THE EFFECT OF SERICITE AND
GRINDING WHEEL DUST ON TUBERCULAR
gu inea p ig s . H. Seller and P. Weiland. Arch. f. Gewerbepalhol. u. Gewerbehyg., vol. 8, pp. 71-82 (1987). Interested by Jones's assertions (already almost disposed of), the authors have inves tigated the effect on tuberculous infection in animals th at inhaled sericite and others exposed to "steel polishing d u st" (steel and emery dust). Some animals were infected w'ith weakly virulent bacilli, others with virulent ones; other animals were previously immunized with a weakly virulent bacilli and still others were super-infected with virulent material. They found that sericite is quite as damaging as the grinding dust. In order to prevent misunderstanding, the i abstractor adds that these experiments 1 supply no contribution to the question of sericitosis-silicatosis since in these animals no decided pneumoconiosis developed, still less silicosis. And on the other hand, the sericite effect is not comDared to that of
vol. 19, no. 10)
ABSTRACTS
227
quartz, which is what the steel grinders in mining countries and in Sheffield breath. Here the sericite is compared only with the steel and emery dust that causes no silicosis or severe pneumoconiosis in men.--L. Teleky.
P athological and anatomical questions in cases of pneumoconiosis: severe
asbesto sis. W. di Biasi. Med. Welt, vol. 11, pp. 1284-1287 (1937). The author gives a clear discussion of pathological and anatomical changes in the development of a case of pneumoconiosis (silicosis) and emphasizes the fact that up to now real pneumoconiotic changes-- nodule and scar tissue formation--have been seen only after exposure to quartz. In many hundreds of cases (the author lives in the Ruhr coal district) he has never found connective tissue growth in lungs completely blackened by coal dust unless rock dust was also present. Of the cases where coal dust or soot is said to have caused scar tissue formation (Lochtkemper, Hollmann), no autopsy findings have hither to been shown. Sometimes in judging the degree of silicosis, one finds a macroscopic examination at autopsy is inadequate-- only a microscopic examination of the lungs will suffice. In asbestosis, the growth of diffuse con nective tissue is greater in the lower part of the lung than in the upper. According to the author, this growth is caused by the mechanical action of asbestos.--L. Teleky.
Zinc f e v e r . P rophylactic resu lts. H. S. Natvig. Tidsskr. f. d. Norshe Laegeforening, vol. 67, pp. 466-466 (1987). Natvig, who is attached to the University
Hygiene Institute in Oslo, gives an account of his observations during the past 2$ years of zinc fever among workers employed in
brass foundries, bicycle factories and other workshops in which zinc is fused with cop per. He had no difficulty in finding more than 100 workers with a clinical history of typical zinc fever, which in 36 cases had recurred once a week or oftener for a long period. After giving an account of the clinical picture and noting that it is quite transitory and comparatively harmless, however disagreeable, he discusses its genesis. In his opinion it is due to the deposit of particles of zinc oxide in the lungs. These particles are so small that they penetrate to the alveoli of the lungs on inhalation. The boiling point of zinc being 930, and the melting point of copper being 1180, it follows that when the two are melted together the zinc gives off large quantities of zinc vapor, which is at once converted into zinc oxide on coming into contact with the oxygen in the air.
The prophylactic measures hitherto taken in the industries involved have proved dis appointing; no system of ventilation with fans, and no mask has afforded adequate protection. Natvig is convinced that the only rational and effective prophylactic measure is to prevent the zinc vapor from escaping into the air inspired by the work ers. The problem is complicated by the fact that the apparatus generating zinc vapor may have to be in operation in many different parts of a workshop; a fixed system of artificial ventilation would, therefore, not serve its purpose. Accordingly, a movable device was contrived, with a fun nel-shaped opening and a forced draught for the aspiration of zinc vapor at the point of its generation. In a factory provided with this device were 15 workers who, with out exception, had some time or another suffered from zinc fever. There has been no case of zinc fever since this contrivance was installed about 2 years ago, except on one occasion when it was not used.--Bull. Hyg.
DUST, SMOKE, FUMES, AND VAPORS: THEIR DETERMINATION AND ELIMINATION
D ust content of an asbestosis lung and
THE NATURE OF ASBESTOSIS BODIES. N. Sundius and A. Bygden. Arch. f. Gewerbcpathol. u. Gewerbehyg., vol. 8, pp. 26-70 (1937).
Very careful chemical experiments on the asbestos in the lungs and asbestosis bodies. Only the following points can be mentioned here: although in industry much more serpentine asbestosis is used than
228
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY [Dec, 1937
hornblende, the la tte r was found exclusively in the lungs examined. The asbestosis body sheaths are formed not only around asbestos but about rutile needles and also around a silica-free oxide with a similar type of crystal. No support has been made avail able to show th a t asbestos causes a chemical decomposition in the lung. The gel sub stance of the sheath consists of iron oxide (average 40%) phosphoric acid and an organic nitrogen and sulfur-containing substance (31%) which m ust be considered as a protein (Beger). This gel substance originates entirely from the body fluids and since the iron content is high, the most plausible suggestion is the blood. The cause of the sheath formation is not related to the chemical nature but to the rigid and sharp needle form. The authors also believe that the fibrosis can be blamed to this.--L. Teleky.
U ltramicroscopic silica in lung t issu e .
O. M. Faber. Staub, no. 5, pp. 572-585, (Oct., 1956). In a previous article the author showed the possibility of determining the presence of silica in portions of hardened lung by means of x-ray spectroscopy, and of forming some idea of the quantity by the degree of blackening caused by the deflected rays. He nowr points out some of the sources of error which may occur in this very delicate work. The formalin used for hardening the portion of lung will by itself cause a certain am ount of deflection, which has to be allowed for and portions of lung treated by aqua fortis or incineration give variable results. The x-ray spectrum from pieces of lung showed th at the silica was present in such exceedingly minute particles (from 100 to 10 m/i) as to suggest th a t it was in colloid form. The theory is put forward that silica becomes converted in the body into the colloid form and th at it is in that form the most injurious. I t is now' felt th a t it is necessary to know if silica is actually inhaled in the colloid form in any considerable quantity, or if the colloid silica found in the lung tissue is the result of a breaking down and dissolving of large particles. Further investigations are to be made on this p oint.--Bull. Ilyg.
T he silicosis problem and the necessity
OF RELIABLE METHODS OF DUST MEASURE
MENT. G. Hass. Zenlrlbl. f . Gewerbehyg., vol. 54, pp. 176-177 (1937). The author lists the dust problems still to be solved (some of which are solved already.--L.T.) and notes the need for ex act determination of dust concentrations and chemical constitution. Concerning the former he mentions the konimeter, Owens je t counter and the tyndall-metier. For determining the chemical character of the dust, he suggests the use of x-rays. Further working out of the methods are necessary.--L. Teleky.
Improved method for determ ining nasal
filtr atio n of d u s t . G. Lehmann. Arbeitsphysiol., vol. 9, pp. 669-671 (1937). The former method wras bothersome be cause of the excessive time used for counting the konimeter samples. The author now gives a photometric method that depends on the measurement of light reflected by the dufet. For this he employs the Zeiss Pulfrich photometer and a special stage. The apparatus must be calibrated for each kind of dust.--L. Teleky.
T he significance of nasal dust filtra tion in a sb e st o sis. G. Lehmann. Arbeitsphysiol., vol. 9, pp. 672-678 (1957). The author examined 73 workers in an
asbestos factory. Since most of them had not worked long, he found only one medium to severe case, 17 light ones, and 24 incipi ent ones. After determining their nasal filtering efficiencies, he concludes that, as in silicosis, this efficiency is significant in asbestosis. [There are, however, quite a few exceptions to this relationship.)--L. Teleky.
S ome n e w c h a ra c teristic pr o p e r t ie s of
CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL DUSTS. II. V. A. Briscoe, J . IF. Matthews, P. F. Holt and P. M. Sanderson. Bull. Inst. Min. it Metall., No. 595 (June, 1937). This paper describes a continuation of the work referred to by these authors in an earlier note (Bull. Inst. Min. & Metall. No. 391, Apr., 1937, these Abstracts, vol. 19, p. 176). The effect of varying conditions-- time, temperature, particle size, and the
vol. 19. no. 10]
ABSTRACTS
229
ratio of dust to solute--on the apparent solubility of quartz dust have been investi gated. It appears that a long period--100 days or more--would be required to attain a constant concentration of silica in solution at room temperature. At 80C. the solvent action of water on quartz dust has about as much effect in 5 hours as that attained in a month at 20C. Particle size has a marked effect. Solubility increases markedly with the proportion of dust subjected to the action of the solvent; this was found to be the case also with asbestos dust.
The solubilities of some dusts were exam ined. Asbestos on extraction with water may yield soluble silica greatly in excess of that given by quartz, and normally gives up alkali also, approximately in proportion to the silica extracted. Calcined flint dust increases in solubility with decreasing particle size; it yields alkali the amount of which may be taken as a measure of the lime dissolved from the dust. The solu bilities of the comparatively harmless cement and sillimanite dusts are of a lower order than those of flint and asbestos. The solubility of calcined flint is much lower than that of raw flint and is similar to that of quartz. When asbestos or quartz dust is mixed with an equal weight of lime or cement its solubility is greatly decreased. Calcium borate also depresses the solubility of asbestos considerably, calcium lactate and citrate do so to a small extent, but calcium carbonate has no effect. The presence of added sugar charcoal reduces the yield of soluble silica from quartz. Magnesia has an action similar to that of lime. Magnesium carbonate, alumina and zinc oxide have no apparent effect. Cryo lite diminishes the yield of soluble silica from flint and asbestos, but increases the yield from kaolin, felspar, cement and quartz.--T. Bedford.
T he sampling of industrial dusts by MEANS OF THE " LABYRINTH." H. V. A. Briscoe, J . IT. Matthews, P. F. Holt and P. M. Sanderson. Bull. Inst. Min. & Metall., No. S9S (June, 1987). In recent papers these authors have de
scribed the salicylic acid filter for sampling dusts. The filter has been used under various conditions and its design is now
settled. A scale drawing is given. The filter will pass 40 to 50 cu. m. of air in about 3 hrs. There are two practical difficulties in its use. Firstly, in factories it is often difficult or impossible to arrange for the necessary suction. Secondly, the recent experiments by the authors (Bull. Inst. Min. & Metall. No. 391, Apr., 1937, these Abstracts, vol. 19, p. 170) have demon strated the great reactivity and solubility of dust solids, so that even the solution of the salicylic acid in alcohol may bring about considerable changes in the collected dust. In addition, the study of solubilities re quires a fairly large sample of dust (at least 1-5 gm.). Hence some purely mechan ical method of dust collection was indicated.
To this end the labyrinth was designed. The baffles are a series of polished copper plates spaced and located by lengths of copper tube, and held together in a single assembly by long brass bolts and nuts. The assembly is contained iri'a casing, which is rectangular in cross-section in one form of the instrument, while another form is cylindrical. The labyrinth is 36 in. long, containing 32 baffles spaced 1 in. apart. It is connected to a suction duct and the dust is collected by impingement on the baffles. The bulk of the duct collects in the first 3 or 4 sections.
In one test, made in a flint-grinding plant, the labyrinth was run for 25 days, say about 500 working hours, and the total air flow was about half a million cubic meters. On dismantling the instrument was found to have collected 100 gm. of dust. Micro scopic examination of the dust from the several sections showed a distinct grading according to particle size, the larger parti cles being deposited near to the inlet end. The form of the mass-distribution curve suggests that the mass of dust escaping collection cannot be much more than 5%. Similar efficiencies were found in cement and sillimanite works, but with asbestos dust the efficiency was much less.
For the measurement of the particle size distribution of the dust in various sections, specimens were mounted on slides and the image of the dust was projected at a mag nification of 500 diameters on a white screen ruled in squares with a side of 1 cm. = 20i. A slight change of focus enabled aggregates