Document LJQ4ywYLLjD6YLn01wDd34J4g

BIRMINGHAM ET AL.--DERMATOSES IN FRUIT CANNING 63 Patch tests were made with grapefruit and orange pulp and juice on volunteers who were affected with dermatitis. The results coincide with those reported on previous studies, namely, that in the majority of cases "citrus dermatitis" does not occur on the basis of specific sensitization. The workers did not react to the pulp and juices of fresh grapefruit and orange. However, one employee reacted to alkali-treated grapefruit pulp, and another to alkali-treated orange pulp. These two positive reactions may mean that insufficient washing of the fruit after the alkali bath permits residuum of alkali which irritates the skin of some workers who are highly sensitive to alkali. Patch tests made with broken peel of grapefruit and orange on five volunteers verified that all persons show marked skin reaction to citrus peel oil, which is a primary irritant. Patch tests in which the dye was applied were negative. Operators of juicing machines showed little or no dermatitis, because the mechanical juicing machines minimize the contact with the citrus juices and oils. Recommendations for preventing occupational dermatitis among cannery workers are listed. 265 Newman Street. The Florida Citrus Canners' Association, especially Mr. C. C. Rathbun, secretary of that organization, and the canning companies cooperated generously in this study. - * i a a _;k ^I I