Document NNKvK3opXExMrB9dpqzkwaJ28

Air Hygiene Foundation of America, Inc 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Fa March 23, 1939 REFERENCES TO RECENT LITERATURE ON INDUSTRIAL DISEASES (A) New3 Items 165 OCCUPATION AND HEALTH, Supplement. International Labor Office, Geneva, 96 pp., (September, 1938). Obtainable from International Labor Office, 734 Jackson Place, Washington, D.C. Price $5.00 per 500 pages. Supplements to the two volumes "Occupation and Health" are issued biannually. The present work, the second supplement of 1938, contains eleven brochures on various subjects. Abstracts of nine of the important papers are included in this Bulletin. 166 INCREASE IN NUMBER 0? OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE CLAIMS IN OHIO DURING 1937. Anonymous. Ohio State Med. Journal, 35, 329, (March, 1939). The numbor of claims increased from 1,388 in 1936 to 1,694 in 1937. As usual, skin diseases wore responsible for a large percentage of the claims filed. There was an increase of 95 claims for load poisoning, largely from 3 plants manufacturing automobile bodies, where ground lead was used to fill cracks and soams in tho bodies. Six claims for silicosis (made compensable on July 31, 1937) were considered as within the provisions of the law; an unstated number were classed as non-compensable for various reasons. (B) Papers on Dust, Dust Diseases and General Industrial Hygiene. 167 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE SYMPOSIUM. Northwestern University Medical School, Department of Industrial Medicine, Chicago, 111., September 26-27, 1938. Proceedings published January, 1939, Prico $3.00. The following items are abstracts of tho papers presented at the symposium which ore published in one volume obtainable from the above address: THE PRESENT STATUS OF OmUSTRIAL MEDICAL EDUCATION. Carl M. Peterson. The number of industrial physicians has almost doubled in the past 10 years and the number of graduates coming in contact with industrial phases of medicine is increasing annually. In reviewing the present status of occupational disease education in the medical schools, it is noted that thi3 type of instruction is on tho increase. THE SCOPE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE RESEARCH FR0HL2I. Philip Drinker. Research is needed as a guide towards regularly obtaining better statis tics and batter reporting of industrial disabilities of all kinds. Indus trial processes are not eliminated because a process is in some way harm ful to the workmen; prevention, bused on research, must bo practiced, and this prevention always takes a little time to catch up with toxicology. 004376 References to Recent Literature - 2. TRAUMATIC NEUROSIS. Lewis J. Pollock. Traunatic neuroses are those forms of disability caused, not by any real injury, but by shocks or by certain repeated processes. It is a type of hysteria, not always imaginary, which has significance in industrial hygiene practice. Diagnosis, treatment and compensation of cases of thin type aro discussed. THE PLACE OP PHYSICAL EX2MESATI0N IN INDUSTRY AND THE PLACEMENT OP THE EMPLOYEE IN RELATION TO HIS PHYSICAL STATUS. C. D. Solby. Physical ozaninations, if worth doing at all, are worth doing completely. The industrial physician should be entirely familiar with all processes in his plant so that he may be able to advise the employment department in placing men especially adapted, or particularly unfit, for certain positions. By doing his work well and completely the industrial physician can be of great benefit to his employer and to the men in the plant. INDUSTRIAL MEDICAL SURVEYS. J. G. Cunningham. A very good general description is given of the procedure and methods usually followed in these surveys. They are the first essential step in an efficient program of industrial health improvement. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH AMD SAFETY AND THE PRACTICING PHYSICIAN. Stanley J. Seeger, The practicing physician should attempt to orient himself in the vast, com paratively new field of industrial medicine so that he understands the viewpoint of those more closely connected with it. The industrial physician must also admit his dependence upon the practicing physician. PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE HI INDUSTRY. Edgar 7. Allen. Peripheral vascular diseases aro defined as the diseases of the blood vessels other than those of the heart itself. Most of the discussion is devoted to hypertension (high blood pressure) and its prominence as a major cause of death in this country. Very little has boon done to study the particular causes or the significant incidence in the past and pres ent. The discussion is more or less philosophical regarding it3 connect ion with industry and modern industrial life. CARDIAC DISEASE IN INDUSTRY. James G. Carr. The degrees of disability of those persons afflicted with heart disease is difficult, to define. This paper, together with the discussion which fellows, discusses the employment of those persons in industry. In cer tain cases their work my be so changed that they are able to continue without serious effect, to the benefit of both employeo and aaployer. 168 STUDIES ON THE SOLUBILITY OP QUARTZ AND SILICATES. C.C. Lucas and M.E. Dolan. Can, Med. Assoc. Journal, 40, 126-04, (February, 1939) (Canadian). This paper deals only v/ith the chemical side of the solubility problem of quartz and silicates. Water, salt solutions, urine and blood serum all dis solve small amounts of silica from quartz. The "apparent solubility" of quarts is usually much greater than its real solubility, because of the pre sence in the native quartz mineral of impurities which are either more soluble in themselves or render the quartz more soluble. This was the conclusion reached by resuspending some of the quartz dusts. The action of water, and aqueous solutions in general, upon silicates, is not one of simple solution but of differential Icacning; removal* of the base, leaving a rosiduo richer in silica is tho usual result. O '* 0: References to Recent Literature - 3 169 THE PREVENTION OP SILICOSIS BY METALLIC ALUMINOM. II. J.J. Denny, W.D. Robson and D.A. Irwin. Can. Med. Assoc. Journal, 40, 213-23, (March, 1939) (Canadian). The article will also be published in Industrial Medicine in April, 1939, issue. Reprints of the article are being obtained by Air Hygiene Foundation and will be enclosed with the Abstract Bulletin in the near future. In their first paper on the subject (see Abstract 390, 1937), the authors showed that tho addition of small quantities of aluminum almost completely inhibited the solubility of siliceous material in a beaker and that animals dusted with quartz plus 1 per cent aluminum powder did not develop silicosis, while those dusted with the same quartz alone did develop silicosis. Tho present paper reports on the further progress of this investigation. It has been found that the aluminum, on being converted to hydrated alumina in solution, reduces the toxicity of quartz in three ways, (a) by flocculation; (b) by adsorbing silica from solution; but (c) chiefly by coating the quartz particle with an insoluble and impermeable coat ing. This coating is a gelatinous hydrated alumina and has been definitely identi fied as such. The amount of aluminum dust necessary to form this coating and to prevent fibrosis has been found to bo about 1 per cent of the total dust in sus pension. It may, in addition, be inhaled independently of the siliceous dust. Investigations as to the industrial application of aluminum dust in tho prevent ion of silicosis are being carried out. 170 EFFECT OP CERTAIN IMPINGEMENT DOST SAMPLING INSTRUMENTS ON THE DUST PARTICLES. E.L. Anderson. Journal Ind. Hyg. & Tox., 21, 39-47, (February, 1939). It had been suggested in the past that the impingement of dust particles in cer tain dust counting methods fractured the larger particles giving higher counts than actually existed. Certain experiments had tended to prove that this was true. The author here reports on a series of carefully conducted tests which prove that thero is fracturing of particles by at least threo common types of instruments -- the Greenburg-Smith impinger, the Bausch and Lomb ssnplor and the Owens jot counter. Simultaneous samples were taken of an artificially generated dust and particle size distribution graphs made for each of tho three in addition to the original dust and a settled sampla. Median sizes of tho throo "counted" samples were significantly less than those of the dust or of the settled sample. 171 DUST INVESTIGATIONS IN THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY. PART I, EARTHENWARE POTTERS' SffiPS. W.A. Bloor, K.L. Goodall and H.W. Webb. Trans. Brit. Car. Soc., 38, 1-25, (January, 1939) (British). This paper describes a series of dust counts made in three earthenware pottery shops selected to represent those in which the cleanliness, ventilation, lay-out, etc., were respectively good, modorate, and poor. The method selected for count ing was the thermal precipitator, which is briefly described. The concentrations found by thi3 method are expressed in particles per cc., and because of this, together with other differences, it is impossible to correlate the results with those of the Greenburg-Smith impinger counts used olmost exclusively in America. In the present survey the counts taken are those of the general room air and not those in the immediate vicinity of the workers. Tho values found were: a maxi mum of 70 particles per cc. in the good shop; 90 particles per cc. in the aver age shop and about 200 per cc. in the poor shop. Particle size distribution was studied closely and was found to vary from 0.3 to 1.6 microns. During intervals for rest periods the median particle size tended to be less as the larger parti cles settled out more rapiuly. It was found that the value of ventilation lies in reducing the concentrations, not in merely reducing the concentration of those particles below the dangerous size (5 to 10 microns). It is thought that a threshold limit of 100 particles per cc. can be reasonably attained in this type of shop, but it i3 not known whether or not thi3 concentration is safe from a health noint of view. _ r* 0 A ^ 7 f References to Recent Literature - 4 172.DUST INVESTIGATIONS IN THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY. PAST II, EARTH2JWAEE WHITE TILE MAKING SHOPS AND DUST PREPARATION. K.L. Goodall, and ff.A. Bloor. Trans. Brit. Cor. Soc., 38, 26-65, (January, 1939) (British). The earthenware white tile shops present a greater dust problem than the shops where general earthenware pottory is made. (See preceding abstract). In the latter, the ware is made from a plastic body while in the white tile shops tho ware is made directly from a finely ground dust. Tho surrey described in Part II is similar to that in Part I in that three plants were studied, representing good, moderate, and poor dust control. The method of counting was tho same. In this surrey, howerer, the concentrations shown arc those near the operators thenselves, not those of the general room air. In the one shop which was classed a3 being good, the pressors and fettlers worked under well designed exhaust hoods and the concentrations in their vicinity, and even in the general room air, v/ere comparatively low (51 to 77 particles per cc.). Similar concentrations in the other two shops were much higher and emphasized the necessity of working in pro perly designed hoods. Low general atmosphere concentrations in the "good" shop emphasize the value of good housekeeping, adequate space and general arrangement. All processes in the storage bins and crushing room areas were extremely dusty in all the plants visited. 173 DUST INVESTIGATIONS IN THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY. PART III, SOME CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CERTAIN CERAMIC DUSTS. W.A. Bloor and H.W. Webb. Trans. Brit. Cer. Soc., 38, 66-74, (January, 1939) (British). Some dust from one of the plants described in Part II (preceding abstract) was collected on a filter bed of finely crystallized salicylic acid for chemical and petrographic analyses. Chemically, the composition of the total dust was found to be approximately the some as that of the body of tho tile from which tho dust arises, indicating that there was no preferential air flotation of silica. In an arrangement of two filters in series, the first caught the larger particles plus a few of the amallor ones and the aocond caught only those below 2 microns in.size. Chemical analyses of the two samples disclosed less silica (free and combined) on the second filter, suggesting that a large part of the silica, probably the flint or quartz, is coarser than the other constituents (clays and feldspar). It was impossible, petrographically, to dotermine between free and combined silica in those particles less than 5 microns in size. The results suggest that the most dangerous dusts are those between 2 and 5 microns, and it is significant that some 70-80 per cent, by number, of the particles in the total dust, are below 2 microns* 174 PROGRESS IN DUST CONTROL IN ONTARIO MINES. Clifford S. Gibson. Trans. Can. Inst. Min. & Metal., 42, 18-28, (1939) (Canadian). This paper reports on the progress of the work being done by the Technical Sili cosis Research Committee of the Ontario Mining Association (see Abstract 203, 1938}. There is no doubt that the mining industry as a whole is becoming more con scious of the necessity for controlling dust dispersal. Markod progress is evi dent at both old and new mines, and the early consideration of the problem by tho latter will undoubtedly play an important part in future reductions in the inci dence of silicosis. Many of the improvements which have been effected are simple in nature and have entailed littlo expenditure, and companies are beginning to got away from the idea that they cannot afford to control tho dust. Brief des criptions ore given of the methods in use and those being investigated. Most notable are: increase of wet drilling methods, restriction of all blasting until the end of an 8-hour shift, and the increase in tho use of artlfical ventilation fans. Another major activity of mine management is in thorough education of em ployees regarding significance of dust and its control. 00437 References to Recent Literature - 5 175 ANTHRACO-SILICOSIS 0? ANTHRACITE MINERS. R.R. Sryors. Occupation.uni Hyalth, Supplement No. 2, 12 pp., International Labor Office, (September, 1938). This brochure contains most of the data published in U.S. Public Health Bulletin Ho. 221, of which Dr. Sayers is senior author. It describes the survey made among anthracite miners in Pennsylvania several years ago. The study included complete physical examinations, concentration and composition of the dust expos ure and a correlation between exposure and pulmonary changes. Definite and distinct pulmonary changes were found among the various classes of anthracite miners. Pre vention is best accomplished by reduction of dust concentrations, tho degree of reduction depending upon the percentage of free silica in the dust. 176 SILICO-TUBERCULOSIS. H.C. Sweeny. 111. Med. Hournal, 74 , 520-5 (December, 1938). Sillco-tuberculosis is treated in this paper not as a disease entity but as a "blend" of the two diseases. The author discusses the development of tuberculos is in silicotic individuals. Two types of cases, with case histories, are des cribed: one in which tuberculosis is contracted after exposure to silica, the other in which silicosis is superimposed upon tuberculosis. Clinically the former case was diagnosed as tuberculosis, pathologically it was found to be silicotuberculosis. A history of sufficient exposure to silica was questionable. In the other cases, tuberculosis was supposedly present before the patient was ex posed to silica. 177 REPORT ON TUBERCULOSIS SURVEY OP 480 TEACHERS AND CAFETERIA WORKERS IN ROANOKE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. K.D. Graves. Virginia Med. Monthly, 65 , 738-9 (December 1938). Tuberculin tests were positive in 51.7 per cent of tho white workers and in 69.5 per cent of the colored. Three active tuberculosis cases wore found. An earlier test in 1937 of the school children showed 23 per cent as positive. 178 INFLUENCE OP BODILY WORK ON THE MINUTE VOLUME IN HEALTHY PERSONS AND IN SILICOTICS. A. Bohme. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 9, 22-42, (1938) (German). Healthy and silicotic persona performing certain standard types of work (knee bending, stair climbing, bicycle riding) show differences in the volume of air inspired per minute during and after work. Severe silicotics show a higher minute volume during and after 1-2 minutes' knee-bonding, but still higher values are obtained from normal excited subjects with tachypnea, voluntary or otherwise. The differences between the normal and silicotic subjects arc variable and the number of subjects used is too small to warrant employment of means and deviations Severe silicotics sometimes require twice the volume of air while doing the same work as a normal Individual; mild cases of silicotics sometimes show no differ ences. The important source of error is the voluntary or involuntary tachypnea (extremely rapid breathing). 179 SLATE. E. Streignart. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. International Labor Office, 8 pp., (September, 1938). Slate is a sedimentary rock formed of clay which has undergone considerable change due to extreme heat and pressure. It is largely aluminum silicate. Underground mining is more conmoa than open mining, now abandoned in most countries. The free silica content of slate varies greatly, most results being from 5 to 20 per cent, with an occasional value nearly 40 per cent. Clinical and x-ray examina tions have shown a high incidence of tuberculosis and silicosis, not as high, however, as in certain other trades. The tuberculosis of slate workers is of a silicotic type tending to occur at more advanced ages. It is pointed out that all slate has some free silica content and that dust control in slate industries is essential. 00 K O C *f v References to Recent Literature - 6 180 SILICOSIS FROM DIATOMACEOUS EARTH. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE. W. Estler. Arbeitsschuts, pp. 229-31 (193S) (German). The author elves a survey of the use of diatonaceous earth in Industry. Research shows that this dust has many particles under 10 microns and some under S microns. Some authors report that they do not find silicosis in exposed workers, but Adler-Herzmark, Legge and Rosencrantz have found serious cases of silicosis. 181 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PROGRAM IN A STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. Carl A. Nau. Journal Aaer. Public Health Assoc., 29, 151-7, (February, 1939). Tho author discusses the general aspects of a program for an Industrial Hygiene Division of a State Health Department. Bo considers it not only from the aspect of the prevention of the well-known occupational diseases, but also with, the idea in mind of improving the health of industrial workers generally. Ho favors regu lar medical examinations and use of the collected data in outlining a broad pub lic health program. 182 A REVIEW OF TEE MEDICAL SUPERVISION OF INDUSTRY BY THE STATE. J.C. Bridge. Journal Royal Inst. Public Health & Hyg., 1, 911-22, (December,1938) (British). In this 3hort interesting paper the author"tells the story of factory legislation in Great Britain. Starting with the first Factory Act of 1833 he traces the de velopment of State supervision of working conditions and concludes by giving a short summary of the Factories Act of 1937. The paper cannot be adequately ab stracted; those interested in tho history of industrial hygiene should read the original. 183 REHABILITATION OF THE PHYSICAIXY HANDICAPPED. H.H. Kessler. Arch. Phys.Therap., 19, 753-6, (December, 1938). Crippled and handicapped persons can be made useful and happy by intelligent treatment. Where surgery is necessary, the ultimate object must always be kept in mind -- restoration of employability. Wherever it i3 possible, every effort should be made to return a man to his usual trade; new work usually involves a lower economic status and in every way puts a sevoro strain on the worker's morale. 184 CONSTITUTIONAL FACTOR AND OCCUPATION. G. Pieraccini. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. International Labor Office, 9 pp., (September, 1938). The paper is a theoretical discussion of vocational selection of workers on the basis of morphological, humoral, physiological, and mental criteria, that would direct thorn to work in trades which would not be harmful to their health. Tho author has in mind an extensive application of the theory but admits that it is impossible under present conditions. It may be applied, however, in certain special cases that are more prominent in industrial hygiene work. An evidence of this is the increasing application of physical examinations in industry* 185 TO WEAT EXTENT IS THE HEALTH OF INDUSTRIAL WORKERS DEPENDENT ON OCCUPATION? H.H. Vernon. Occupational Physcology, 13, 10-24, (January, 1939) (British). The recently published Registrar General's Occupational Mortality Supplement for England and Wales shows that the mortality rate3 of men employed in different occupations differ widely. While the figures suggest that occupation has much in fluence on health, tho Registrar General considers that this any be moro indirect than direct, that it is "influenced more by the conditions of life implied by various occupations than by tho direct occupational risks entailed". Taking into account all cases of silicosis, asbestosis, lead poisoning, accidents, and other occupational hazards, ho attempts to evaluate the rolativo importance of heredity, direct occupational effects, and the social environment (including nutrition) as References to Hecent Literature - ? regards their effect on health. Assuming that everyone possesses one average degree of intelligence he puts the inportance of heredity at 10#, occupation at 20# to 30#, and social environment at 60# to 70#; while when he takes into ac count the indirect effects of intelligence he puts horedity at 40#, occupation at 10# to 20#, and social environment at 40# to 50#. 186 EVALUATION Of THE INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PROBLEM IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. Division of Industrial Hygiene, Texas State Department of Health, Austin, 46 pp., {1939). This Bulletin presents the results of a preliminary investigation, similar to those made in other states, to determine what hazards, if any, exi3t in indus trial plants in the Stato of Texas. The survey included the study of 1700 plants selected at random from a list of 12,000 companies employing 5 or more persons. It was found that large numbers of employees were exposed to organic dusts, silica dust, lead, acids and alkalies and other potentially dangerous substances. The results indicate that compensation for occupational diseases is anticipated. Although most of the large companies had full time or part time medical service, the physicians treat only cases of traumatic surgery and do not practice indus trial hygiene in a broad sense. 187 PHYSICIANS DUTIES AND RELATIONSHIPS IN INDUSTRY. A.J. Tronstein. Ohio State Medical Journal, 35, 281-7, (March, 1939). The physicians duties and relationships in industry are discussed under the fol lowing headings; pre-employment examinations, ambulatory illness, accidents, sanitation and hygiene, group insurance, and patients common to private and indus trial practice. The major problems of the doctor are pointed out. These doctors should not allow their medical judgment to be subjugated by economic, political, social or legal pressure, nor should they attempt to extend their fields of ac tivity to such a point that they compoto with privato practice. 188 MAN AND LABOR. P. Gorens. Ztschr. d. Ver. deutsch. Ingen., 82, 1037-42, (1938) (German). The euthor writes of the interactions between work and workers, stresses the necessity of adapting the work to the man, also, the man to the work. He em phasizes the importance of the right vocation and good professional instruction, which can be best given in the workshop. 189 INFLUENCE OF DUST ON THE TEETH OF GEM POLISHERS. H. Schmittner. Arch, f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 9_, 123-40, (1938) (German). The study covered 243 men engaged in the grinding of precious and semi-precious stones, and 250 men of the same age groups, not engaged in this work, all living in the seme community. Tho grinders showed a greater wearing down of the front teeth but fewer paradental changes in that region; also less wearing down of the side teeth and fewer paradental changes in that region. The same incidence of dental caries was seen in both groups. 190 MEASUREMENT OF QUARTZ BY DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL ANALYSIS. F.M. Trorabe. Compte. rend, do I'Acad. des Sei., 207, 1111-3 (December 5, 1933) (French). A method is described for determining percentages of quartz in mixtures of quartz and vitreous silica by measuring the temperature differentials when the mixture is heated to the conversion temperature for quartz (573C). 191 SOME BASIC ASPECTS IN THE RECOGNITION OF FLO'tf AND DEPOSIT OF DUSTS. 0. Brandt. Kolloid Ztsch., 85, 24-32, (October, 1938).(German). It is claimed that dust particles do not have an adherent air layer and that this fact is demonstrated by actual experiment. The author set3 up tho conditions gov erning the suspension, settling, and flow of dust. The behavior of dust is repro duced by simple experiments, and gas pressure is shown not to affect its charac- References to Recent Literature - 8 teristies. Tho article is highly theoretical. The real relationship of particle si.:e to the behavior of the particles in a gas is not mentioned. 192 COLLECTING AND EXAMINING DANGEROUS DUST KITE SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SILICOSIS. J.W, Matthews. Oster. Chem.-2tg., 41, 174-9, (1938) (German). Two instruments for collecting dust are described: in one, salicylic acid is used as the filtering medium, the other is the labyrinth. Both are probably less suitable than either the Owens jet counter or the impinger. Methods for chemi cal analysis are then described. Tho author concludes that "dust is dangerous when it liberates silicic acid and that the simultaneous presence of alkali intensifies the daaago done to the lung." 193 NFJ REGISTERING KONIMETER FOR CONTINUOUS COLLECTION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF INDUS TRIAL DUST. F. Lowe. Chem.--Ztg., ^2, 537, (1938) (German). The author describes very briefly a new apparatus which withdraws dust continu ously from tho intake air and precipitates it on the ordinary Konimeter disc. It con be usod In any position and is independent of a source of electricity or compressed air. 194 DRAGER FINE DUST RESPIRATOR K2B AND THE QUESTION OF RESISTANCE TO AIRFLOW. E. Naujoks and E. Thiel. Dragerheft, 197, 3892-3, (1930) (German). A recently improved German respirator is described, the filtoring efficiency of which is stated to be 99 per cent for dust below 3 microns. Its resistance to 150 l.p.m. is les3 than 50 mm of water end resistance to expiration is less. The mask can be fitted closely to tho face. The authors point out that resistance to expiration must be less than resistance to inhalation and should, of course, be as low os possible. (Note: the maximum resistance as allowed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines for 85 l.p.m. is 50 mm. water on inspiration, 25 mm. on expiration). 195 TEE FLOW OF AIR AND ITS DISTRIBUTION THROUGH DUCTS. Part 1. Frictionless Flow and Velocity Head. J.S. Swickl. Heating * Ventilating, 36, 15-17, (February 1939) The first of a series of six articles by the author which arc to appear in Heat ing and Ventilating. In the first paper the equation of flow is developed and certain elements of it discussed. Then the theory and development of required air horsepower is followed through. The equations discussed ore basic in the hydraulics of air and a thor ough knowledge of them is essential in understanding the theory of pipe design. 196 MAIN FAN INSTALLATIONS AT COAL MINES. Mine Safety Board Recommendations. U.S. Bureau of Mines, Inf. Circ. No. 7050, 2 pp., (January, 1939), It is recommended that all active underground coal mines, whether working or idle, have one or more fans in continuous operation. The capacity and the in stallation should be such that the entire mine workings are adoquntely ventilated at all times. They should be located at the surface in fireproof buildings offset from the lino of the main opening. For mines that liberate gas, the fan should have two independent sources of power immediately applicable. In the absence of continuous attendance, automatic warning devices that operate when the air flow is reduced should be installed. In general, it is preferable to operate the fan exhausting, although reversing fan3 are recommended. 197 MINE VENTILATION. D. Harrington. U.S. Bureau of Mines, Information Circular No. 7047, 16 pp. (January, 1939), Obtainable free from Supt. of Documents,Washington. Ventilation in nines is tho most important factor in fire protection and prevent ion, health, safety, and efficiency. Fifteen to twenty years ago much was learn ed about mine ventilation, but tendencies in tho recent past have indicated that some of the lessons learned have boon forgotten. One clangorous trend is tho plac ing of the main fans underground in coni mines, or in placing' them on the surface ^ * a oi References to Recent Literature - 9 in direct line with the opening. They should he placed on the surface, but off set at least 25 feet in a fireproof housing, to prerent damage in cose of r.n ex plosion. Another trend is to use the working shafts as the return air shafts, a practice that would be extremely hazardous in case of a fire or explosion. 198 DEAD ENDS. Robert B. Northrup. lad. Bull., 18, 16-7, (January, 1939). Indus trial Bulletin is a monthly publication of the New Toxic State Department of Labor, Albany, Price $1.00 per year. In designing an exhaust system for dust control, it is not good practice to connect two branches at the end of a system into a main pipe of uniform diameter. A balanced system, with changes in tho size of the main for every branch connect ion, on the other hand, insuros a uniform high velocity with a minimum of eddies and turbulence. This means less danger of clogging, less friction, lower pev/er cost and batter operating efficiency generally. (C) Papers on Industrial Poisons. Cancer. Dermatitis, etc. 199 FLUORINE COMPOUNDS. K. Roholm. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. International Labor Office, 7 pp. (September, 1938). Free fluorine seldom plays a part in toxicology, because the element immediately reacts with water forming hydrogen fluorido. From a practical toxicological point of view fluorine compounds are divided into four groups: (1) gaseous fl uorine compounds, very toxic; (2) solutions of hydrofluoric acid and bydiofluosilicic acid, extremely toxic; (3) relatively easily soluble fluorides and fiuosilicates, fairly toxic; and (4) almost insoluble fluorine compounds, a3 cryolite and cal cium fluoride which aro only moderately toxic. There are throe forms of poison ing: (a) local corrosion of the skin or mucous membranes; (b) acute poisoning through ingestion of the easily soluble compounds: and (c) chronic poisoning as demonstrated by degenerative changes in teeth and bones. Fluorine compounds occur quite extensively in industry: in the mining of fluorspar and cryolite; in the manufacture of aluminum and copper; in the iron and steel industries, as a fxux; in certain brick works, in glass and enamel works; and in certain chemical plants. Fluorine compounds are used extensively in the preservation of food. Damage to vegetation in the vicinity of certain industrial plants has been reported. Extreme care should be exercised in the use of any of the compounds of fluorine. 200 SELENIUM. A. Stassens. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 8. International Labor Office, 6 pp. {September, 1938). The author presents a good review of the properties and pathology of selenium and its compounds. The degree of toxicity is one of controversy. Certain of <ts com pounds, particularly those of organic origin, are highly toxic. Meat cases of death from selenium or selenium compounds ore probably accidental. It3 presence has been detected in urine (where it is normally absent) in workers with no ex treme symptoms. The use of any of the compounds, however, requires extreme care. 201 NICKEL CARBONYL. A.J. Amor. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. Inter national Labor Office, 5 pp., (September, 1938). Nickel carbonyl is formed by passing cold carbon monoxide over the finely divided metal in the process of it3 extraction from ores. Investigations as to its tox icity are rendered difficult because of its tendency to be decomposed readily into the metal and carbon monoxide and under conditions of its manufacture carbon monoxide is always present. Nickel carbonyl has been shown to bo five times as toxic as carbon monoxide. Pathologically, nickel carbonyl when inhaled as a gas. passes into the blood stream unchanged, with little or no dissociation in the lungs. Microscopic examination of tho lungs in fatal cases discloses an acute vascular congestion with marked capillary engorgement. In non-fatol cases the 004384 References to Recent Literature - 10. symptoms are divided into two groups -- immediate and remote, separated by a period of 12-18 hours when recovery seems complete. Symptoms fire dyspnoea, cyanosis, and severe soreness in the chest. Complete recovery is possible in all but the most severe exposures. 202 PNEUMATIC TOOLS. L. Teleky. Occupation and Health, Supplement Ho. 2. International Labor Offico, 12 pp., (September, 1938). The author presents a revlow of the literaturo on the hazards in the uso of pneu matic tools. Tho most noticeable symptom is a vascular disturbance in the blood vessels where the tool i3 held, causing a restriction of the blood flow at that point. Injuries to the bone joints are common and are demonstrable by x-ray. Other more minor injuries have boon demonstrated. In certain Europoan countries injuries from the use of compressed air tools are compensable. 203 TOXIC GAS; INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION AGAINST. L. Dautrebaude. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. International Labor Office, 12 pp., (September, 1938). This article is devoted to an account of the principles which should be observed in the construction of gas masks. Most masks are efficient neutralizers of any gas that may be encountered, but their characteristics from a respiration and physiological aspect are generally inadequate. The three main elements of the disadvantages to overcome are: discomfort, dead space within the mask where carbon dioxide may accumulate, and resistance to respiration. Most manufacturers of mask3 have standardized on methods for removing each gas. Tho difficult problem is to procure efficient chemical removal and still maintain low resistance to breathing. 204 INTOSTRIAL NOISE. R. Causse. Occupation and Health, Supplement Ho. 2. International Labor Office, 10 pp., (September, 1938). Tho influence of noise on tho system is discussed. It has been 3hown that effi ciency of employees has boen increased greatly by noise reduction. The incidence of occupational deafness in certain industries is extremely high, and is com pensable in some countries. Tho simplest typo of prophylaxis is the uso of vaselined cotton wool or some plastic substance in tho ears. Other elements of noise reduction, most of them recent developments, are discussed. 205 ACTION OF INDUSTRIAL POISONS OH THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS. E. Gonzales. Rev. del Trabajo, 3,, 55-70, (September, 1938) (Mexico) (Spanish). This is a review article, dealing chiefly with the detoxifying ability of the suprarenals. Effects of fatigue and of various poisons such as lead, arsenic, mer cury, phosphorus, etc., are described. Much of the work already done gives such contradictory results that the author pleads that basic experiments be made to clarify the complex problems involved. 206 DERMATITIS -- A GUIDE IN REPORTING. Occupational Disease Prevention Division, Dept, of Labor and Industry, Pennsylvania, Safe Practice Bulletin Ho. 12, 12 pp., (January, 1939). This bulletin comprises the text of an address before one of the "Safe Practices" conferences held for 3afoty engineers of Pennsylvania industries. Deraatiti3 cases comprise a very large percentage of all occupational diseases and it is im portant that an accurate knowledge be obtained of their incidence. Much of the reporting of cases is done by safety engineers or other non-medical persons and this bulletin was devised to aid them in providing more accurate descriptions. A brief discussion is given of tho various agents causing dermatitis and the princi pal items used in diagnosis. A standard form for use in reporting is suggested. c-c ** \3J p `'-J1 References to Recent Literature - 11 20? FUNGUS INFECTION OF LUNGS SIMULATES TUBERCULOSIS CLOSELY. Adelaide R. Smith. Industrial Bulletin, 18, 15-6, (January, 1939). The molds, including fungi end yeasts, are simple filamentous plants of simple structure, which, having no chlorophyl, cannot synthesize food from carbon dioxido, must obtain it from other organisms, living or dead. They have wide dis tribution and are found largely in decayed or slightly decayed vegetable matter and in the dust from such material; certain susceptible individuals working in these dusts may become infected with them in various ports of the body. A des cription is given of a few cases of proved pulmonary infection from fungus, which in this form produces changes much the sane as those in tuberculosis, detectable only by cultural methods. The inference is drawn that infections of this type may be much more common than is generally suspected. 208 REPORT OF THE USE 07 BIOPHJTOMETER AND VITAMIN A THERAPY IN INDUSTRY. O.H. Schettlcr, R.P. Bisbco and S.K. Goodenough. Journal Industrial Hygiene & Toxicology, 21, 53-5, (February, 1939). For many years workers matching whiteness of porcelain were unable to do so with reasonable accuracy. After many experiments to improve results had failed it was found possible by the use of a biophotoneter to measure the patient's ability to 3e light and his response to dark adaptation. Therapy with vitamin A, known to be essential for good vision, was begun and the result has been a decrease of 75 per cent in number of rojoctions of matched whito porcelain over a period of a few months. 209 THE FEET OF THE INDUSTRIAL WORKER. SYMPOSIUM. E.P. Cat heart, C. Lonbrinudi, W.S. Creer, W. Blood and H. Bradley. Lancet, pp. 1480-6, (Dec.24,1938} (British) Flat-foot is one of the troubles that most concern industrial workers. Footwear worn at work is much more important than that worn in leisure hours. Some of the defects of modem shoos are pointed out by the authors and remedies to correct then arc suggested. It is true that the shoo manufacturers are becoming more alert to tho problem and are beginning to give moro cooperation to industrial medical officers. 210 OCCUPATIONAL CANCER. L. Teleky. Acta d. intern. Ver.f.Krebs., _3, 253-75, (1938) (German). The author discusses the mein industries in which lung cancer is found or expect ed. The silicosis literature points to tho fact that lung cancer is seldom found among silicotics. The high incidence of lung cancer among Schneeberg miners (radioactive minos) is no basis for assuming that othor miners are similarly en dangered. Among metal grinders carcinoma is two and one half times as great as in tho general population. Exposure to asbestos, perhaps because it irritates the lungs, may be conducive to lung cancer -- at least tho incidence is fairly high. Exposure to chromate dust seems to favor lung cancer as well as cancer in other organs. There are isolated cases of lunc cancer among generator workers, among workers exposed to cool dust, tar and tar distillates, nickel workers, but the numbers are not large. Exposure to radium emanations and radioactive substances is very dangerous. 211 DOES V/OHK WITH COMPRESSED AIR TOOLS RESULT IN ENDAHGITIS OBLITERANS? A. Fikentsch er. Arch.f.Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 9_, 65-79 (1938) (German.) The study described covered 250 workers in tho iron industry who had used pneu matic tools from 2 to 40 years. The chief signs and symptoms of ondnngitis ob literans (threatened or actual gangrene, absent pulse3, intermittent claudication, trophic disturbances, alarming pains, pijpaentation of linbs) could not be demon strated in any of tho subjects. Tho circulatory disturbances so often observed in workors with compressed air riveters, hammers, etc., are thoreforo of other origin than an endangitis obliterans. 004386 References to Recent Literature - 12 212 JAUNDICE IN THE TIN WORKS OF WILHZHJ5BURG, AN EPIDEMIC HEPATITIS. K. Holm. Arbeitsschutz., pp. 257-0, (1938) (German). Seventy-four cases of jaundice were found among 512 employees of a certain plant during the summer of 1937. Further investigations to determine tho occupational origin showed that 20 per cent of a group of school children were affected and that in certain other schools about 10 per cent were afflicted. The disease occurred in all groups at about the same time, and it was concluded that tho cause of the jaundice was not occupational. 213 INFECTION. M.R. Mayers. Industrial Bulletin, r7, 577-8 (December, 1938). The author points out tho possible oxtremo danger of small cuts, abrasives or puncture wounds and cites a few cases of workers who suffered partial incapacity because of small cuts. Workers should be taught the value of prompt treatment for even tho moat, minor wounds. __ 214 A NEW SURGICAL MASK: A BACTERIOLOGIC AIR FILTER. L. Arnold. Arch, of Surg., 37, 1008-16, (December, 1938). Tho study of bacterial respirators has attracted tho attention of many invostigators but is still in on undeveloped stato. Tho author has tested with the We11s centrifuge various materials and thicknesses of material for the transmission of bacteria. It was found that a suitable mask must contain the proper filtering material and must fit tightly against the face, since bacteria escape above the mesh on each side of tho nose. The material suggested is callucotton. It was also stated that a moist material is loss efficient than a dry one, which seems erron eous because a moist material generally has greater resistance. This article is the first of a series on bacterial masks. 215 MASON'S ECZEMA. W. Burckhardt. Arch. f. Dermat. u. Syphil., 178, 1-44, (1938) (German). This is a very complete work based on numerous cases, experiments, and clinical experiences. Patients sufforing from mason's eczema showed a diminished skin re . sistance to lye which paralleled the hypersensivity to the alkaline substances. Calcium oxide is considered as the chief toxic agent in ordinary lime, and it acts also in cement where the calcium and aluminum oxides offer most damage to tho skin. The diminished resistance to the alkalies seemed to be the predisposing factor in all cases, based on the retarded neutralization of these substances. The disease arises usually after contact with large Quantities of the materials and after re peated exposures a chronic eczema sometimes prevails. 216 OBSERVATIONS ON WEIL'S DISEASE IN SAAR MINES. E. KrauSS. Dtsch. Arch, f. klin. Med., 183, 39-53, (1938) (Goman). ' Weil's disease is on acute infectious disease characterized by jaundice, fever, muscular pain and enlargement of the liver and spleen. It is usually of 10 days to two weeks duration, although fatal cases are quite common. It is well known that miners in Scotland, Japan and clecwhero have bocomo infected. Description is given horo of tho contraction of eight cases of the discaso in the Saar mines in Germany whore the disease is recognized as a compcnsablo accident. No other mines in Germany wore offooted during this period except the Saar mines. The method of contraction is not known. 217 THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIAL SPRAY 300THS. Carleton Cleveland. Metal Industry, 37, 63-7, (February, 1939). The author presents an interesting account of the development of spray booths from the small wooden cabinets to the efficient water wash booths of the present day. The now spray booths are highly efficient, reduce firo hazards, permit reclaiming of pigments, and remove objcctionablo an3. somotimes poisonous fumes. 004337 V References to Recent Literature - 13. 218 MEANING OP BLOOD CHANGES IN SPRAY P/INTERS. G. Lind. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gev/erbehyg., 9>, 141-66, (1938) (German). In a survey to" study the blood changes in paint sprayers, blood samples from 230 paint sprayers and 200 controls from other industries were taken. In both groups the seme incidence of relatively low hemoglobin levels, leucopenia, leucocytosis, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis and shift to tho left was seen. More than 35 per cent lymphocytes were present in 48 per cent of the control group. The substances to which the sprayers were exposed, according to the supply firms, are ethyl, butyl, and amyl acetates; ethyl and butyl alcohols; ethylene glycol; acetone; toluene; xyleno; benzine; solvent naphtha and mineral turpentine* Benzene 13 so longer nsec 219 INFLUENCE ON BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT OF INHALING VOLATILE SUBSTANCES IN SPRAY PAINT ING. B. Siegmund. Doutsch. ztschr. f. d. ges. ger. Med., 30, 151-5 (1938) German) After an automobile accident, tho driver's blood showed 1.79 por cont alcohol. He was a spray painter by trade and said he had taken no alcohol, but blamed the blood change on tho volatile substances he inhaled during work. Tests were made at his place of work and at othor spray painting establishments (without ventila tion) , but no increase of reducing substances could be detected in the blood by Widmark's method. 220 INDUSTRIAL ARSINIC POISONING IN VINEYARD WORKERS. W. Frohn. Much. med. Wchnschr., 95, 1630,5,(1938) (German). Some cases of arsenic dermatosis in a clinic gave rise to an inquiry in certain villages near tho vineyards and 23 cases of poisoning were found. Uranium green, sllesia green and arsenic carbonate are the most commonly used arsenic compounds* The greatest danger come3 in May and Juno and in the autumn when the vines are sprayed. Absorption through tho respiratory tract seems the most important mothod of entry. The first symptoms aro nausea, throat pain3, smarting of the eyes, melanosis. The leuconychia arsenicalis on fingers and toes is important for diagnosis. Prevention consists in substitution of a non-toxic spray, instruction of tho workers and good medical supervision. 221 ARSENIC PARALYSIS OF ARMS AND LEGS WITH A RARE LATE SYMPTOM. Duncker. . Ztschr. f. Orthop. u. Grenzgeb., 68 , 300-8, (1938) (German). In a suicide attempt with 5 g. of arsenious oxide the following symptoms were noted: flaccid paralysis with shrinkage of tho muscles of legs and arms, hyper algesia of soles and palm3, and gastrointestinal symptoms (which soon disappeared). Symmetrical whitish stripes on all fingernails were striking. 222 A CASE OF FATAL GAS POISONING IN VENDING IN A CLOSED TIM.. R.J. Wright-Smith. Journal Industrial Hygiene & Toxicology, 21, 24-26, (January, 1939). Description is given of a case of fatal poisoning which occurred following weld ing in a closed tank. After one day's work in tho tank tho man complained of sickness, about an hour later he began to cough, vomit and gasp for breath. He was taken to the hospital and died tho next morning. Postmortem showed death by a poisonous gas, the nature of wfcich v/as not exactly determined, although tho symptoms indicated that it was most likely nitrou3 fumes. The tank had formerly contained salt water and the decomposition of the sodium, chloride together with any carbon monoxide present might cause the formation of phosgene and the possi bility of death from this substance cannot be excluded. 0 04 38 C References to Rocent Literature - 14. 223 SMOKE, FUMES, AND GASES WHICH OCCUR IN ELECTRIC WELDING, ESPECIALLY IF MANTLED ELECTRODES ARE USED. H.J* Weber and G. Jende. Arbeitsschutz, pp. 224-9, (1933) (German). The German government has instituted investigations into the problen of gases, fumes, and smoke from electric welding processes, and this is the first report. Plain and mantled electrodes were analyzed, wire and mantle separately. While electrodes wore welded, the ensuing fumes 'wore caueht and analyzed by especially developed methods. The greater pirt of the fume was iron oxide (69-75^), and most of the rest vras freo silica (18-21?$). Thero were also small amounts of man ganese and calcium oxides. Statements in the literature that oxides of nitrogen arc not formed were found to be false. Further research will follow. 224 PSNUMOHITIS CAUSED BY GASEOUS NITEOGIU OXIDES. G. Cromer. Arch, f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 9_, 1-2, (1938) (German). The breathing of"nitrogen oxides results in a pneumonitis which in sovere cases goes on `to pulmonary edema end death. In othors, a miliar;'- broneho-pneumonia develops, characterized by varying quantities of fibrin, red ;ind white cells in the alveoli, as woll as by large syncytial cells which are regeneration forms of the alveolar epithelium. This miliary pneumonitis may, but not always, end fatal ly. It is dctectablo by x-ray at any stage. The author considers it possible that these gases may give rise to lobar pneumonia as well. The pneumonitis is due chiefly to nitrogen dioxide. 225 INJURY TO THE LIVE?. AND THYROID FUNCTION AS A SIGN 0? WELDERS' DISEASE. H. Wanick. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gev/erbehyg., j), 113-22, (1933) (German). The material studied includes the observation of 80 subjects, examined for the first time in 1936, again in 1937-8, with tho addition of 23 new subjects. The men were engaged in autogenous or electro welding or both. Tho examinations were on the basis of urinary excretion of galactose over a 4 hour period following galac- toso ingestion. On the basis of the results, no significant relation between "welders" diseasie'hnd livor and thyroid function exists. 226 THE SYSTEMIC EFFECTS RESULTING FROM EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS. L. Greenburg, M.R. Mayers, and A.R. Smith. Journal Industrial Hygiene Toxicol ogy, 21, 29-38, (February, 1939). Chlorinated naphthalenes and diphenyls, because of their electrical,heat and moisture-resisting properties, and because they ore non-inflommable, aro used ex tensively for insulating wire and in the manufacture of electrical condonsers, On the whole thoir toxicity increases the higher the chlorination. The action of the materials is usually on the liver, with skin eruptions usually preceding ser ious involvement. Threo fatal cases oro described and it is hoped that they will help acquaint physicians with the symptoms so that proper diagnosis and handling of the cases may be accomplished. 227 METAL DEGREASING 3Y SOLVENT PROCESSES. A.L. Brooks. National Safety News, 39, 34-6, (February, 1939). The author discusses the hazards in connection with the extensive use of degreas ers in industry. Extreme caro should be practiced in their use and the properties of each should be known. In recent years tho use of more powerful degreesers as benzol, carbon tetrachloride and other chlorinated hydrocarbons has increased the dangers in connection -with these processes. 004339 References to Recent Literature - 15. 228 FjYT.1L POISONING FROM 7RICHL0RETHYLENE. A.M. Man and K. Langecker. Samm. v. VerGift., 9., 49-56, (1938) (German). A worker was employed ranking a paint v.lth rubber dissolved in trichlorethyleno in a cylindrical tank. lie was found dead after having been alone in tho tank for between 30 and 60 minutes. The autopsy excluded illness of any other kind. Although chemical analysis of lungs and blood did not dotoct trichlorethylene,the expert nevertheless assumes death from that substance. He regrets that tho brain was not sent for analysis since trichlorethyleno would bo more likely to bo found in the brain than in the lungs or blood. 229 A MODIFIED METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF BENZOL IN AIR. J. Siegel and Yto. J. Burke. Industrial Bulletin 18, 17, (January, 1939). Industrial Bulletin is a monthly publication of the New York State Department of Labor, Albany. Price $1.00 per year. - A modification is described of the microcolorimotric method of benzol determina tion developed at tho Bureau of Mines by Schrenk, Pearce and Yant. The modifica tion was found necessary in permitting larger numbers of samples to be taken in one day and experience with it has proved satisfactory. Instead of bubbling the sample through nitrating mixtures at tho point of sampling or in the laboratory, the samples are collected in separatory funnels of varying sizes depending on the oxpected concentration, then taken to tho laboratory for analyses. All subsequent operations with each sample are conducted in the funnel and the chance for errors is then reduced. The nitrating mixturo is introduced into tho funnel, mixed well, left overnight, and analyzed the following morning by the seme method as that followed hy Schrenk and his colleagues. By this improvement it was possible to analyze simultaneously 15 to 20 samples. 230 DIAGNOSIS AND PATHOLOGY OF EARLY STAGES OF CHRONIC INDUSTRIAL BENZENE POISONING. K. Fellinger. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 9_, 88-96, (1938) (German). Early detection of chronic mild benzene poisoning i3 best accomplished by depend ing upon the granulopenia which has regularly been found to appear as the first sign. Bone marrow biopsies on 5 patients with benzeno poisoning showed a decrease in total white cells, a groat increase in early forms of tho myelcytic series, a decrease in the naturo granulocytes, no change in mono- and lymphocytes, no or 3light changes in the erythropoietic series. Cells of the myelocytic series often showed degenerative changes, the "toxic granulations", as well as vaculization of the protoplasm and disproportions between the stages of development of tho nucleus and the cytoplasm. 231 CLINICAL EVALUATION OF MARROW AND BLOOD CONDITIONS. IV. THE MARROW AND BLOOD PICTURE IN CHRONIC OCCUPATIONAL BENZENE POISONING. R. Stodtmoister. Deutsch. Arch. f. klin. Med., 182, 459-66, (1938) (German). A man, now 38 years old, contracted chronic benzone poisoning in 1935 when work ing in benzene-containing dyes. The blood changes are still serious at the pres ent time and in 1937 there was a relapse. The blood shows: 25 per cent hemoglobin, erythrocytes 760,000, leucocytes 2600, bleeding time 7 minutes. The patient is not supposed to have worked with benzene since 1935, but the relapse might have been due to minor exposures from other processes near him. 232 BENZENE AND GONADS. I. Hett and E. Mask. Klin. V/chnschr. 17, 1376, (1938) (Gerr.cn In mice to which the authors have given injections and inhalations of benzene in relatively large amounts, they have seen degeneration of the germinal epithelium in the testicle end greatly augmented atresia, especially of the larger follicles of the ovary. These changes were seen before any alteration in body weight or general well-being wore noticed. CO 3jC0> References to Recent Literature - 16 233 ACUTE BENZENE POISONING AND ITS PREVENTION. H. Symanski. Med. Welt., 12, 12-18-9, (1936) (Geimon). The author describes 3 cases of benzene poisoning which occurred in cleaning out boilers in an iron works. Ho emphasizes the fact that the drunkenness and euphoria can delude the endangered person and that vapors can escape from the falling crusts for several day3 after a boiler has been blovm out by compressed air. Abundant fresh air must bo introduced during the work and other precaution ary measures taken. 234 THE OCCURRENCE OF AN EPITHELIOMA HI ION AFTER EXPERIMENTAL V.'0RK WITH BENZPYRENE. E. Klar. din. V*chn3chr. 17, 1279-80 (1938) (German). On the dorsal side of the left forearm of the author, there developed an epithel ioma 3 months after he performed ommol experiments with benzpyrene. Although this experience may be accidental, it should'serve as a warning to others. 235 CRIMINAL THALLIUM POISONING. K. Boinner, Deutsch. Stschr. f. d. ges. gor. Med., 30, 146-50, (1938) (German). A man died after having boon given (homicide) small, amounts of thallium (1.241 g. altogether) in his food over a period of 4 weeks. Arsenic poisoning was sus pected but arsenic vra3 not found in the tests and tho final diagnosis was brain tumor. His early symptoms wore vomiting, severe stomach aches and pain in the legs. Joint pains and toothache developed, along with numb fingers, loss of hair and dull kidney pains. The fatal course as it developed in 4 weeks' hospitaliza tion, is described. 236 THE EFFECT OF SODIUM FLUORIDE ON EXPERIMENTAL OSTEODISTROPHY AND ATROPHY FROM INACTIVITY. I. Marx. Bruns. Beitrage z. klin. Chir., 168 , 261-6,(1938) (German). The author, as a result of experience with cryolite workers, attempted to find out if skeletal changes could be produced by administering sodium fluoride and if development of atrophy from inactivity could be prevented. The rosults were en tirely negative and produced only serious ulcerative gastritis. 237 AN UNUSUAL CASE OF CYANIDE POISONING DURING FUMIGATION. C.L. Williams. U.S. Public Health Reports, 53, 2094-5, (November 25, 1938). In most cases of cyanide poisoning by inhalation, the individual dies promptly or recovers rapidly and completely. The case described is unuavuil because of its prolonged duration and treatment. The fumigator wa3 overcomo in the usual manner and given artificial respiration and oxygon. At the hospital, tho antidotes ad vised by Chen were administered: 20 cc, of solution containing 0.6 g. sodium nitrite, followed immediately by 100 cc. of solution containing 50 g. sodium thio sulfate. Tho patient remained unconscious for 3 duys and over this period oxygen was administered. During treatment tho patient was irrational and somotines violent. He was reported 25 days after the accident as much improved but still showing mental symptoms. A still more recent report tells that he is now fully re covered and has rosumed his full-time dutios. 238 DANGERS IN THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION OF CHLORINE BY THE AMALGAM PROCESS. I. Brachnann. Arbeitsschutz, pp. 255-7, (1938) (German). The electrolytic method of producing chlorine is based on the decomposition cf sodium chloride by means of an electric current. Mercury is used for the cath ode, whore it combines with tho sodium, liberating chlorine. The author investi gated two plants, and in one, in which every precaution against poisoning was taken, there were no signs of mercury poisoning or chlor acne. In the other plant nearly all workers showed signs of mercury poisoning as well as the skin trouble. References to Sec Literature - 17. 239 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION AGAINST MERCURY. E. Grosskopf. Draperheft, 197. 3895-6, (1938) (German). In testinc different gas mask3 for their efficiency against mercury it was found that one gas filter which is U3ed on war gases, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, also gives complete protection from mercury. 240 THE BASOPHILIC AGGREGATION TEST APPLIED TO C3IEHT WORKERS. P.E. Holden and C.E. Ralston. Journal Industrial Hygiene & Toxicology, 21, 5~6> (February,1939). Claims have been mado in the past by foreign authors that exposure to cement dust caused an increase in the stippled blood cell count, similar to that produced in lead poisoning. The interpretation may be made also that tho basophilic aggrega tion test of McCord, used widely in tho estimation of lead absorption, would be similarly affected, thus reducing the value Of these tests in the diagnosis of load poisoning. The authors hero report on a series of examinations of 63 men who were exposed for an average of 10 years to cement, limestone and shale dust. As controls they also examined 73 men who had had no record of dust exposures. They found no evidence to indicate that the increased stippled cell counts obtained by the foreign authors is paralleled by a similar increase in basophilic aggregation counts made on cement workers in the United States. No cell pathology suggestive of the picture obtained in lead poisoning was found; tho average basophilic ag gregation of the cement workers was the same a3 that of the workers in aon-dusty areas. 241 THE METABOLISM AND RETENTION OP LEAD IN GROWING AND ADULT RAIS. J.B. Shields,. H.H. Mitchell, and W.A. Ruth. Journal Industrial Hyg. is Tox., 21, 7-23, (Jan.,1939 An extensive series of experiments was conductod with albino rats to determine rates of absorption and retention of lead at different stages of maturity. During periods of rapid growth, lead is absorbed readily at very low levels of intake and increases about proportionally with increased intake. It i3 retained largely, in the skeleton. Mature animals will not accumulate lead in the body until cer- ' tain critical concentration of lead in the food is reached (between 52 and 48 mg. per kg. of dry food). Tho concentration of lend in the body cf mature rats could not bo raised above 9.0 or 9.5 p.p.m., while that in young animals could be raised to two or three times thi3 value, and tho latter is in a much moro stable condi tion than that of the mature animals. Load is not absorbed from the stomach, but largely through tho small intestines, cecum and colon. Excretion is 90 per cent through the foces, 10 per cent through the urine. 242 CORRELATION STUDIES 0? BASOPHILIC AGGREGATION AND RETICULOCYTES IN VARIOUS CLINI CAL CONDITIONS. M.D. Paarlman and L.R. Limarzi. Am. J. Clin. Path. S_, 608-17, (November, 1938). A study of the basophilic aggregation test (used in the diagnosis of load poison ing) resulted in the following conclusions: (1) tho basophilic aggregation test is unreliable as a routine laboratory procedure; (2) it is apparently another method for staining reticulocytes and shows a strong correlation with counts made according to a "vital" staining method; (3) the basophilic aggregation tost is not uniquely diagnostic of load absorption or intoxication. It is the index of marrov response; and (4) tho basophilic aggregation test should be abandoned in favor of the "vital" method for staining reticulocytes. 243 THE LEAD HAZARD OF SOLDERING AND GRINDING IN AUTOMOBILE 2CDY PLANTS. K.Humperdinck Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 9_, 13-21,(1938) (German). Of 400 employees in an automobile body plant who were engaged in soldering and grinding off solder, 20 were suspected of lead poisoning and were studied in de tail. Two had a typical subacute load poisoning, eight had a high blood load con tent and low hemoglobin and rod cell count. Load fumos were not a factor in H f> A 0 T " References to Recent Literature - 18 these poisonings since the solder is never heated beyond the consistency of dough. Dust samples token near tho work showed high lead contents, but these were due to coarse partialea rather than fine lead dust. Intake of lead in these cases ap peared, howover, to bo chiefly through tho respiratory tract, secondarily by in gestion froa dirty hands. Cases were more numerous where sanitary arrangements wore poor. 244 LEAD HAZARDS AMONG AUTOMOBILE BODY WORKERS AND ITS PREVENTION. E. Truby. Arbeitsschutz. pp. 253-4, (1938) (German). The solder used on sheet metal and joints in automobile bodies contains 73 por cent lead. After it hardens, it is polished by hand or by power driven wheels. Hand filing produces coarse dust, tho machine grinding produces a dangerous fine dust. The solder should be heated only until it has a paste-liko consistency, not to the point where it becomes volatile, and grinding wheels should not be used. The danger could be avoided by replacing tho solder by a coat of cement-like material. 245 THE RELATION OF LEAD POISONING AND PARATHYROID. K. Reinhart. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbohyg., 9_, 80-7, (1938) (German). The changes in the blood in chronic lead poisoning, as exhibited by 15 patients exposed to load for from 2 months to 12 years, resemble those resulting from adenomata of tho parathyroid: the serum 3hows increased calcium and decreased inorganic phosphate levels. The most severe case of lead poisoning did not show any alteration in mineral metabolism. The author thinks that in this case tho presenco of a groat amount of lead checked the.parathyroid*s action. 246 LEAD GOUT. L. Remond. Presse med., pp. 1231-2, (1938) (French). An Italian, 37 years old, worked for 12 years at boiler cleaning. He has had 3 attacks similar to lead colic and for some years has suffered from typical gout attacks in tho Joints of tho big toes. He does not show other signs of lead poisoning or lead absorption. The author states in a long but not convincing ex planation that this is a caso of load gout. 247 MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECT OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS EFFECT ON TEE HEART. H.G, Beck. Am. Journal Med. Jurisprudence _1, 177-81, (November, 1938). The author maintains that there is such a condition as chronic carbon monoxide poisoning and that its non-recognition gives rise to many injustices. Vascular changes are listed. Encephalitic symptoms are caused by brain lesions and fre quently develop into a chronic Parkinsonian type. Persons who survive an acute poisoning develop secondary symptoms and eventually may die of cerebral or cardiac trouble. Literature on chronic carbon monoxide poisoning, especially tho effocts on tho heart, is discussed and a few cases are described. 2-48 VASCULAR REFLEXES IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. K.W. Kayser. Arch, f. exp. Path, u. Pharm., 190, 219-20, (1933) (German). By squeezing tho carotids, pressure in tho sinuses falls and as a reflex the blood pressure and pulso rate rise. This reflex did not occur in cats poisoned with carbon monoxide. The author, supported by additional experiments, supposed that this lack of reflex is caused by an aujpaented irritability of tho vagus center. Squeezing the carotid lessens the blood supply to tho brain and this loss can, in control animals, be compensated by rise of blood pressure and pulso increase. . 004393 Reforeaces to Recent Literature - 19. 249 PARKINSONISM FROM CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. TREATMENT WITH NDMRURG 630. W. Plath. Deutsch. med. Wchnsehr., 64, 1543-4, (1938) (Genian). Description is given of a case report of a fire brigade captain, aye 53, who was froo.uently exposed to carbon monoxide in. tho course of his work. Slight symptoms began in 1920 with a pain on the ulnar side of the forearm, sensations of anxiety, disturbances of sensitivity. Improvement took piece gradually except for short intervals when the symptoms increased slightly In 1937, after an acute exposure very severe disturbances of will, thinking, and speaking, and fever were noticed. Treatment with Homburg 680 was successful. The author beliovea the disease to be a "chronic carbon monoxide poisoning intorruptod and aggravated by an acute accident". 250 SYMPTOMS OF POISONING IN DDE DRIVERS. G. Castrovilll. Med. del lav., 29, 235-46, 269-63, (1939) (Italian). . Cases of the poisoning are quite frequent among workers in the bus garages, but are rare among the men in other services. The general characteristics of the poisonings are: general indisposition, weakness, loss of appetite, headache, pallor, light cyanosis, hyperacidity, slight irritation of the respiratory tract, slight increase of blood sugar and kyperelobulia. Carbon nonoxide is the chief cause of these symptoms but carbon dioxide may also play a part. 251 MASS POISONING WITH CARBON MONOXIDE. H. Ottel. Samm. v. Vergift., _9, 77-80, (1938) (German). ~ Fourtoen persons were poisoned by illuminating eas on entering a houso. On t'noir arrival at the hospital, four, of whom throe were children, wero dead. No red color of the skin or xucous membranes wa3 seen and diagnosis was made by blood analysis. Since the amount of oxygon available was insufficient, treatment con sisted chiefly in giving injections of cardiazol and lobeline. Speed of recovery varied widely and did not depend upon the blood carbon monoxide concentration. Two patients with more than 20 per cent carbon monoxide hemoglobin could be dis missed, while others with 11--16 per cent lay in deep coma. The speed of recov ery seemed to depend chiefly on the duration of the preceding anoxemia. 252 THE EFFECT OF THE INHALATION OF GASES WITH A LOW OXYGEN AND AN INCREASED CARBON DIOXIDE TENSION ON THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD FLOW IN MAN. E. Gollhorn and I.E. Stack. Am. J. Physiol., 124, 735-41, (December 1, 1938). The authors studied the effects of inhaling excessive carbon dioxide or oxygenpoor air mixtures on the central nervous system, by observing blood flow changes in the human hand kept at constant temprature in a water bath. Rich carbon dioxide mixtures (4-5.4%) decreased the blood flow through the hand by as much as 50 per cent in some instances and there was no compensatory increase of flow on reverting to air inhalation. With oxygen-poor mixtures tho results were variable and were usually followed by a compensatory phase on reverting to normal air. It is concluded that a study of peripheral blood flow under the influence of a high carbon dioxide tension in tho blood is a more suitable test for the presence or absence of sympathetic impulses, than studies involving oxygon lack. 253 THE IN3ENSIVITY OF DIVING ANIMALS TO CARBON DIOXIDE. L. Irving. American Jour. Physiol., 124, 729-34, (December 1, 1938)* In contrast to mammals, the respiration, heart action and peripheral blood circu lation in the beaver and muskrat are shown to be relatively unaffected by inhala tion of air containing 10 per cent carbon dioxide. Yet the respiratory adjust ments of these diving animal.? to sudden asphyxia are prompt and effective. On these premises, the role of carbon dioxide as the most important stimulus of respiration ts questioned, and the mechanism of action in response to sudden asphyxia is discussed by comparison of diving animals and land animals. 004394 References to Recont Literature - 20. 254 INCREASE OF RESISTANCE TO OXYGEN WANT IN ANIMALS ON CERTAIN DIETS. J.A. Campbell. Quart. J. Exp. Physiol., 28^, 231-41, (1938). Conpared with the nonual diet, a pure carrot diet gives definite protection against oxygen want, in the case of the animals tested (rats.nico). A synthetic non protein diet with almost no fat and containing rice-starch 70 per cent, yeast 3 per cent, salts 1.5 per coat, and cellulose 25 per cent, gives similar protection. If the cellulose is replaced by a similar percentage of kaolin or agar no protect ion is gained. Proteins enhance the effects of oxygen want, opposing the action of carrots. It is possible that a detoxicating action in the intestine or else where may ploy some port in the protection, and the anaerobic fermentation of cellulose may also be indirectly concerned. 255 GAS EXCHANGE WHILE TRAVELING IN HIGH ALTITUDES. W. Wilbrandt, R. Wilbrandt andB. Steixanaim. Pfluger*s Arch. f. d. ges. Physiol., 240 , 698-707,(1938)(German). The oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were measured in several men and women while subjected to pressure changes in a chamber and during the rail joumoy up and down the Jungfrau. In the chamber experiments little change in oxygen consumption was noted until tho pressure dropped to an equivalent of that at 4000 meters altitude. With further decrease oxygon consumption increased; the average at 5,000 to 7,250 m. was 21 per cent. On the rail journey (from 2000 m. to 3450 m.) an average increase of 18 per cent was noted end tills is thought to be extremely high for such moderate altitude. It i3 possible that tho method of analysis (interferometer) might not have been accurate. 256 THE THERMAL INSOLATION OF BUILDINGS. I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. NOTE FROM THE IN FORMATION BUREAU OF THE BUILDING RESEARCH STATION. Journal Inst. Heat. & Vent. Engrs. Lond., _$, 485-92 (November, 1938) (British). The thermal insulation value of a structure is measured by the amount of heat that will pass from the air on one side to the air on the other side of the struc ture. It is expressed in terns of B.t.u.'s of heat that will pass under steady conditions in one hour across an area of 1 sq. ft. in a direction perpendicular to the area, when the difference between the air temperatures is 1F. This value is the air-to-eir thermal transmission coefficient. Adequate insulation reduces heating or cooling'costst but the increased cost of building entailed by providing additional Insulation must be weighed against the econoaios in fuel or power to be anticipated. Apart from the saving which results from insulation, condensation trouble may be minimized, since good insulation lessens surface cooling. 257 THE CONTROL OF INDOOR ENVIRONMENT BY AIR CONDITIONING WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TEE TROPICS. G,P. Crowden and T.C, Angus. Journal Inst. Heat. & Vent. Engrs. Lond., Jj, 442-68, (November, 1938) (British). The paper describes experimental work on air-conditioned cubicles designed to furnish a comfortable indoor climate for residents in the tropica at an economic cost. In a discussion of the physiology of the problem, stress is given to tho relative influence of radiation in tho dissipation of body heat and on the con sequent need for controlling wall temperatures -when air-cooling is rosorted to. Tosts were conducted in a small cubicle 10 ft. x 7 ft. x 6 ft. 2 in., with walls of a double thickness of pressed wood and so constructed that the parts could be shipped and assembled without tools. It was assumed to reduce the temperature from 100dry bulb, 90 wet bulb to 92 dry and 77 wet (50$ relative humidity). Under these conditions tho total heat to be removed is 2900 b.t.u. per hour, allowing, for two persons, a fresh air supply of 1200 cu. ft. per hour. 004395 Air Hygiene Foundation of America, Inc. 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. March Zz\ 1939. REFERENCES TO RECENT LITERATURE ON INDUSTRIAL DISEASES (A) Ker/3 Items 165 OCCUPATION AND HEALTH, Supplement. International Labor Office, Geneva, 96 pp.,. (September, 1933). Obtainable from International Labor Office, 734 Jackson Place, 'Washington, D.C. Price $5.00 per 500 pages. Supplements to the two volumes "Occupation and Health" are issued biannually. The present work, the second supplement of 1933, contains eleven brochures on various subjects. Abstracts of nine of the important papors arc included in this Bulletin. . 166 INCPEATE IN HUSOES OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE CLAIMS IN OHIO DUPING 1937. Anonymous. Ohio State Med. Journal, 35, 329, (March, 1939). The number of claims increased from 1,333 in 1936 to 1,594 in 1937. As usual, skin diseases were responsible for a large percentage of the claims filed. There was an increase of 95 claims for lead poisoning, largely from 3 plants manufacturing automobile bodies, where ground lead was used to fill cracks and scams in the bodies. Six claims for silicosis (made compensable on July 31, 1937) were considered as within the provisions of the law; an unstated number were classed as nan-compensable for various reasons. (B) Papers on Dust, Dust Diseases and General Industrial Hygiene. 167 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE SYMPOSIUM. Northwestern University Medical School, Department of Industrial Medicine, Chicago, 111., September 26-27, 1938. Proceedings published January, 1939, Price $3.00. The following items ere abstracts of the papers presented at the symposium which are published in one volume obtainable from the above address: THE PRESENT STATUS 0? INDUSTRIAL MEDICAL EDUCATION. Carl M. Peterson. The number of industrial physicians has almost doubled in the past 10 years ana the number of graduates coming in contact with industrial phases of nedicine is increasing annually. In reviewing the present status of occupational disease education in the medical schools, it is noted that this type of instruction is on the increase. THE SCOPE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE RESEARCH PROBLEM. Philip Drinker. Research is needed as a guide towards regularly obtaining better statis tics and better reporting of industrial disabilities of--edl kinds. Indus trial processes are not eliminated because a process is in some way harm ful to the woricaen; prevention, busod on research, must bu.practiced, and thi3 prevention alr/ays takes a little tiao to catch up with toxicology. references to Recent Literature - 2 TRAUMATIC NEUROSIS. Lewis J. Pollock. Traumatic neuroses arc those forms of disability caused, not by any real injury, but by shocks or by certain repeated processes. It is a type of hysteria, not alv/ays imaginary, which has significance in industrial hygiene practice. Diagnosis, treatment and compensation of cases of this type arc discussed. THE PLACE OF PHYSICAL EQHEWnoM IN INDUSTRY AND TEE PLACEMENT OF THE EMPLOYEE DI RELATION TO HIS PHYSICAL STATUS. C. D. Selby. Physical examinations, if worth doing at all, are worth doing completely. The industrial physician should be entirely familiar with all processes in his plant so that he may be ablo to advise the employment department in placing men c3pocirtlly adapted, or particularly unfit, for certain positions. By doing his work well and completely the industrial physician can be of great benefit to his employer and to the mtn in the plant. INDUSTRIAL MEDICAL SURVEYS. J, 0. Cunningham. A very good general description is given.of the procedure and methods usually followed in these surveys. They are the first essential stsp in an efficient program of industrial health improvement. DIDCSTRIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AND THE PRACTICING PHYSICIAN. Stanley J. Seeger. The practicing physician should attempt to orient himself in the vast, com paratively new field of industrial medicine so that he understands the viewpoint of those more closely connected with it. The industrial physician must also admit Ms dependence upon the practicing physician. PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE III INDUSTRY. Edgar V. Allen. Peripheral vascular diseases are defined as the diseases of the blood vessels other ta^n those of the heart itself. Most of the discussion is devoted to hypertension {high blood pressure) anu its prominence as a major cause of loath in this country. Very little has been done to study the particular causes or the significant incidence in the past and pres ent. The discussion is more or less philosophical regarding its connect ion with industry and modern industrial life. CARDIAC DISEASE IN INDUSTRY. James G. Carr. ` The degrees of disability of those persons afflicted with heart disease is difficult, to define. This paper, together with the discussion which fellows, disenss-vs the employment of those persons in industry. In cer tain cases their work may be so changed that they ore able to continue without serious effect, to the benefit of both employee and employer. 168 STUDIES ON THE SOLUBILITY OF QUARTZ AND SILICATES. C.C. j.ucas and Jf.E. Dolan. Can. Med. Assoc. Journal, 40, 126-34, (February, 1939) (Canadian). This paper deals only with the chemical side of the solubility problem of quartz and silicates. Water, salt solutions, urine and blood serum all dis solve small amounts of silica from quartz. The "apparent solubility" of quartz is usually much greater than its real solubility, because of the pre sence in the native quartz mineral of impurities which arc either more soluble in themselves or render the quartz more soluble. This was the conclusion reached by resuspending some of the quart?, dusts. The action of '.vater, end aq\ieous solutions in general, upou silicates, i3 not one of simple solution but of differential leaching; removal of tho base, leaving a residue richer in silica is tho usual result. References to Recent Literature - 3 169 THE PREVENTION 0? SILICOSIS BY METALLIC ALUMINUM. II. J.J. Denny, W.D. Robson and D.A. Irwin. Can. Med. Assoc. Journal, 40., 213-2a, {March, 1939} (Canadian). The article v/ill also be published in Industrial Medicine in April, 1939, issue. Reprints of the article are being obtained by Air Hygiene Foundation and will be enclosed with the Abstract Bulletin in the near future. In their first paper on the subject (see Abstract 390, 1937), the authors showed that the addition of e-^~'t quantities of aluminum almost completely inhibited the solubility of siliceous material in a beaker and that animals dusted with quartz plus 1 per cent aluminum powder did not develop silicosis, while those dusted with the sane quartz alone did develop silicosis. The present paper reports on the further progress of this investigation. It has been found that the aluminum, on being converted to hydrated alumina in solution, reduces the toxicity of quartz in three ways, (a) by flocculation; (b) by adsorbing silica from solution; but (c) chiefly by coating the quartz particle with an insoluble and iapcitnecble coat ing. This coating is a gelatinous hydrated alumina and has been definitely identi fied as such. The amount of aluminum dust necessary to tom this coating and to prevent fibrosis has been found to bo about 1 per cent of the total dust in sus pension. It may, in addition, be inhaled independently of the siliceous dust. Investigations as to the industrial application of aluminum dust in tho prevent ion of silicosis are being carried out. . 170 EFFECT OF CERTAIN IUPDIGHIENT DUST SAMPLING INSTRUMENTS ON THE DUST PARTICLES. E.L. Anderson. Journal Ind. Hyg. & Tox., 21, 39-47, (February, 1939). It had been suggested in the past that the impingement of dust particles in cer tain dust counting methods fractured the larger particles giving higher counts than actually existed. Certain experiments had tended to prove that this was true. The author here reports on a series of carefully conducted tests which prove that there is fracturing of particles by at least three common types of instruments -- the Greenburg-Smith impinger, the Bausch and Lorah sampler and the Owens jet counter. Simultaneous samples were taken of an artificially generated dust and particle size distribution graphs made for each of the three in addition to the original dust and a settled sample. Median sizes of tho three "counted" samples were significantly le3s than those of the dust or of the settled sample, 171 DUST INVESTIGATIONS IN THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY. PART I, EARTHEITCARE POTTERS' SHOPS, W.A, Bloor, E.L. Goodall and K.iY. Webb, Trans. Brit. Cer. Soc., 38, 1-25, (January, 1939) (British). This paper describes a series of dust counts made in three earthenware pottery shops selected to represent those in which the cleanliness, ventilation, lay-out, etc., were respectively good, moderate, and poor. The method selected for count ing was the thermal precipitator, which is briefly described. The concentrations found by this method are expressed in particles per cc., and because of this, together with other differences, it is impossible to correlate the results with those of the Greenburg-Smith impingcr_counts used almost exclusively in America. In the present survey the counts taken are those of the general room air and not those in the immediate vicinity of the workers. The values found were; a maxi mum of 70 particles per cc. in the good shop; 9d particles por cc. in the aver age shop and about 200 per cc. in the poor shop. Particle size distribution was studied closely and was found to vary from 0.3 to 1.6 microns. During intervals for rest periods the median particle size tended to be less a3 tho larger parti cles settled out more rapialy. It was found that tho value of ventilation lies in reducing the concentrations, not in merely reducing the concentration of these particles below the dangerous size (5 to 10 microns). It is thought that a threshold limit of 100 particles per cc. can be reasonably attained in this type of shop, but it is not known whether or not this concentration is safe from a health point of viow. References to Recent Literature - 4 172.DUST INVESTIGATIONS IN THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY. PART II, EARTHENWARE WHITE TILE MAXING SHIPS AND DUST PREPARATION. K.L. Goodall, and W.A. Bloor. Trans. Brit. Cer. Soc., 38, 26-65, (January, 1939) (British). The earthenware white tile shops present a greater dust problem than the shops where general earthenware pottery is made. (Soc preceding abstract). In tho latter, tho rare is rnr.de from a plastic body while in the white tilo shops the ware is made directly from a finely ground dust. Tho survey described in Port II is similar to that in Part I in that three plants were studied, representing good, moderate, ana poor dust control. The method of counting was the same. In this survey, however, the concentrations shown aro those near the operators thenselves, not those of the general room air. In the one shop which was classed as being good, the prossers and fettlers 'worked under well designed exhaust hoods and the concentrations in their vicinity, and even in the general room air, were comparatively low (51 to 77 particles per cc.). Similar concentrations in the other two shops were much higher and emphasized the necessity of working in pro- . perly designed hoods. Low general atmosphere concentrations in tho "good" shop emphasize the value of good housekeeping, adequate space and general arrangement. All processes in the storage bins and crushing room areas were extremely dusty in all the plants visited. 173 DUST INVESTIGATIONS IN TEE CERAMIC HIDCSTHY. PART HI, SOME CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OP CERTAIN CERAMIC DUSTS. W.A. Bloor and H.|f. Webb. Trans. Brit. Cer. Soc., 38, 66-74, (January, 1939) (British). Some dust from one of the plants described in Part II (preceding abstract) was collected on a filter bed of finely crystallized salicylic acid for chemical and petrogrqphio analyses. Chemically, the composition of the total dust was found to be approximately the seme as that of the body of the tile from which the dust arises, indicating that there was no preferential air flotation of silica. In an arrangement of two filters in series, the first caught the larger particles plus a few of the smaller ones and the second caught only those below 2 microns in size. Chemical analyses of the two samples disclosed loss silica (free and combined) on the second filter, suggesting that a large part of tho silica, probably the flint or quartz, is coarser than the other constituents (clays and feldspar). It was impossible, petrographically, to dotermine between free and combined silica in those particles less than 5 microns in size. The results suggest that the most dangerous dusts are those between 2 and 5 microns, and it is significant that some 70-80 per cent, by number, of the particles in the total dust, are below 2 microns. 174 PROGRESS IN DUST CONTROL IN ONTARIO MINES. Clifford S. Gibson. Trans. Can. Inst. Min. &. Metal., 42, 18-28, (1939) (Canadian). This paper reports on the progress of the work being done by the Technical Sili cosis Research Committee of the Ontario Mining Association (see Abstract 203, 1933). There is no doubt that the mining industry as a whole is becoming more con scious of the necessity for controlling dust dispersal. Marked progress is evi dent at both old and new mines, and the early consideration of the probloa by tho latter will undoubtedly play an important part in future reductions in the inci dence of silicosis. Many of the improvements which have been effected axe sinpie in nature and have entailed little expenditure, and companies are beginning to got away from the idea that they cannot afford to control tho dust. Brief des criptions ore given of the methods in use and those-being investigated. Most notable are: increase of wet drilling methods, restriction of all blasting until the end of an 8-hour shift, and the increase in tho use of ortifical ventilation fans. Another major activity of mine management is in thorough education of em ployees regarding significance of dust and its control. References to Recent Literature - 5 175 ANTERAC0-SILIC05IS 0? ANTHRACITE MINERS, 'R^ Sryors." Occupation* ani- Health, Supplement No. 2, 12 pp., International Labor Office, (September, 1938). This brochure contains most of the data published in U.S. Public Health Bulletin No. 221, of which Dr. Sayers is senior author. It describes the survey made <imrtg anthracite miners in Pennsylvania several years ago. The study included complete physical examinations, concentration and composition of the dust expos ure and a correlation between exposure and pulmonary changes. Definite and distin< pulmonary changes were found among the various classes of anthracite miners. Pre vention is best accomplished by reduction of dust concentrations, the degree of reduction depending upon the percentage of free silica in :ho dust. 176 SILICO-TUBERCULOSIS. H.C. Sv/eany. 111. lied. Eoumal, 74 , 520-5 (December, 1933). Silico-tuberculosis is treated in this paper not as a disease entity but as a "blend" of the two diseases. The author discusses the devclopaont of tuberculos is in silicotic individuals. Two types of cases, with case histories, are des cribed: one in which tuberculosis is contracted after exposure to silica, the other in which silicosis is superimposed upon tuberculosis. Clinically the former case v/as diagnosed as tuberculosis, pathologically it was found to be silicotuberculosis. A history of sufficient exposure to silica v/as questionable. In the other cases, tuberculosis was supposedly present before the patient was ex posed to silica. 177 REPORT ON TUBERCULOSIS SURVEY OF 480 TEACHERS AND CAFETERIA WORKERS IN ROANOKE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. K.D. Graves. Virginia Med. Monthly, 65, 738-9 (December 1933). Tuberculin tests were positive in 51.7 per cent of the white ?/orkers and in 69.5 per cent of the colored. Three active tuberculosis cases wore found. An earlier test in 1937 of the school children showed 23 por cent as positive. 178 INFLUENCE OF BODILY WORK ON THE MINUTE VOLUME IN HEALTHY PERSONS AND IN SILICOTICS A. Bohne. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 22-42, (1938) (German). Healthy and silicotic persons performing certain standard types of work (knee bending, stair climbing, bicycle riding) shov/ differences in the volume of air inspired per minute during and after work. Severe silicottes show a higher minute volume during and after 1-2 minutes' knee-bonding, but still higher values ore obtained from normal excited subjects with tachypnea, voluntary or otherwise. The differences between the normal and silicotic subjects arc variable and the number of subjects used is too 1 to warrant employment of means and deviations Severe silicotics sometimes require tv.lce the volume of air while doing the sane work as a normal individual; mild cases of silicotic3 sometimes show no differ ences. The important sourcs of error is the voluntary or involuntary tachypnea (extremely rapid breathing). 179 SLATE. E. Streignart. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. International Labor Office, 8 pp., (September, 1938). Slate is a sedimentary rock formed of clay which has undergone considerable change duo to extreme heat and pressure. It is largely aluminum silicate. Underground mining is more common than open mining, now abandoned in most countries. The free silica content of slate varies greatly, most results being from 5 to 20 per cent, with an occasional value nearly 40 per cent. Clinical and x-ray examina tions have shown a high incidence of tuberculosis and silicosis, not as high, howover, as in certain other trades. The tuberculosis of slate workers is of a silicotic type tondieg to occur at moro advanced ages. It is pointed out that all slate has some free silica content and that dust control in slate industries is essential. References to Recent Literature - 6 130 SILICOSIS FROM DIATOMACEOUS EARTH. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE. W. Estler. Arbeitsschutz, pp. 229-31 (1923) (German). Tho author give3 a survey of the use of diatonaceous earth in industry. Research shows that this dust has many particles under 10 microns and some under 5 microns. Some authors report that they do not find silicosis in exposed workers, but Adler-Eerzmaxk, Legge and Rosencraatz hare found serious cases of silicosis. 181 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PROGRAM IN A STATS HEALTH DEPARTMENT. Carl A. Nau. Journal Aner. Public Health Assoc., 29, 151-7, (February, 1929). The author discusses the general aspects of a program for an Industrial Hygiene Division of a State Heclth Department. Ho considers it not only from the aspect of the prevention of the well-known occupational diseases, but also with the idea in mind of improving the health of industrial workers generally. Ho favors regu lar medical examinations and use of the collected data ir outlining a broad pub lic health program. 182 A REVIEW OF THE MEDICAL SUPERVISION OF INDUSTRY BY THE STATE. J.C. Bridge. Journal Royal Inst. Public Health 3o Eyg., 911-22, (December, 1938) (British). In this short interesting paper the author tells the story of factor:/ legislation in Great Britain. Starting with the first Factory Act of 1833 he traces the de velopment of State supervision of working conditions and concludes by giving a short summary of the Factories Act of 1937. The paper cannot be adequately ab stracted; those interested in the history of industrial hygiene should read the original. 163 REHABILITATION OF TEE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED. H.H. Kessler.. Arch. Phys.Therap. , 19, 752-6, (December, 1938). Cripplod and handicapped persons can be made useful and happy by intelligent treatment. Where surgery is necessary, the ultimate object must alv/ays be kept in mind -- restoration of employability. Wherever it is possible, every effort should be made to return a man to his usual trade; new work usually involves a lovror economic status and in every way puts a severe strain on the worker* s . morale. 184 CONSTITUTIONAL FACTOR AND OCCUPATION. G. Pieraccini. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. International Labor Office, 9 pp., (September, 1938). The paper is a theoretical discussion of vocational selection of workers on the basis of morphological, humoral, physiological, and mental criteria, that would direct them to work in trades which would not be hcnnful to their health. The author has in mind an extensive application of the theory but admits that it is impossible under present conditions. It may be applied, however, in certain special cases that are more prominent in industrial hygiene work. An evidence of this is the increasing application of physical examinations in industry. 185 TO WHAT EXTENT IS THE HEALTH OF INDUSTRIAL WORKERS DEPENDENT OH OCCUPATION? H.M. Vernon. Occupational Physcology, 13, 10-24, {January, 1939) (British). The recently published Registrar General's Occupational Mortality Supplement for England and Wales shows that the mortality rates of men employed in different occupations differ widely. While the figures suggest that occupation ha3 much, in fluence on health, the Registrar General considers that this may be more indirect than direct, that it is "influenced more by the conditions of life implied by various occupations than by the direct occupational risks ontniled". Taking into account all cases of silicosis, asbestosis, lead poisoning, accidents, and other occupational hazards, ho attempts to evaluate the rclativo importance of heredity, direct occupational effects, and the social environment (including nutrition) as References to Recent Literature - 7. regards their effect on health. Assuming that everyone possesses one average degree of intelligence he puts the importance of heredity at 10$, occupation at 20$ to 30$, and social environment at 60$ to 70$; while when he takes into ac count the indirect effects of intelligence he puts horedity at 40$, occupation at 10$ to 20$, and social environment at 40$ to 50$. 186 EVALUATION OF THE INDUSTRIAL HYGHNE PROBLEM IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. Division of Industrial Hygiene, Texas State Department of Health, Austin, 46 pp., (1939). This Bulletin presents the results of a preliminary investigation, similar to those made in other states, to determine what hazards, if any, exist in indus trial plants in the State of Texas. The survey included the study of 1700 plants selected at random from a list of 12,000 companies employing 5 or more persons. It v.as found that large numbers of employees were exposed to organic dusts, silica dust, lead, acids and alkalies end other potentially dangerous substances. The results indicate that compensation for occupational diseases is anticipated. Although most of the large companies had full time or part time medical service, the physicians treat only cases of traumatic surgery and do not practice indus trial hygiene in a broad sense. 187 PHYSICIANS DOTIES AND SELATIONSKIPS IN INTUSTHY. A.J. Tronstein. Ohio State Medical Journal, 35., 281-7, (March, 1939). The physicians duties and relationships in industry are discussed under the fol lowing headings: pre-employment examinations, ambulatory illness, accidents, sanitation and hygiene, group insurance, and patients common to private and indus trial practice. The major problems of the doctor are pointed out. These doctors should not allow their medical judgment to be subjugated by economic, political, social or legal pressure, nor should they attempt to extend their fields of ac tivity to such a point that they compoto with private practice. 188 MAH AND LABOR. P. Gorens. Ztschr. d. Ver. deutsch. Ingen., 82, 1037-42, (1938) (German). The author writes of the interactions between work and workers, stresses the necessity of adapting the work to the man, also, the man to the work. He em phasizes the importance of the right vocation and good professional instruction, which can be best given in the workshop. . 189 INFLUENCE OF DUST ON THE TESTE OF GEM POLISHERS. H. Schmittner. Arch, f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbelyg., 9., 123-40, (1938) (German). The study covered 243 men engaged in the grinding of precious and semi-precious stones, and 250 men of the same age groups, sot engaged in this work, all living in the seme community. The grinders showed a greater wearing down of the front teeth but fewer paradental changes in that region; also less wearing down of the side teeth and fewer paradental changes in that region. The same incidence of dental caries wa3 seen in both groups. 190 MEASUREMENT OF QUARTZ BY DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL ANALYSIS. F.M. Trorabe. Cocpte. rend, do I'Acad. des Sci., 207, 1111-3 (December 5, 1933) (French). A method is described for determining percentages of quartz in mixtures of quartz and vitreous silica by measuring the temperature differentials when the mixture is heated to the conversion temperature for quartz (573C). 191 SOME BASIC ASPECTS IN THE RECOGNITION OF FLOW AND DEPOSIT OF-DUSTS. 0. Brandt. Kolloid Ztsch., 85., 24-32, (October, 1938),{German) .' It is claimed that dust particles do not' have on adherent air layer and that thi3 fact is demonstrated by actual experiment. The author 3ets up the conditions gov erning the suspension, settling, and flow of dust. The behavior of dust is repro duced by simple experiments, and gas pressure is shovm not to affect its charac References to Recent Literature - 8 teristics. The article is highly theoretical. The real relationship of particle si.;e to the behavior of the particles in a gas is not mentioned. 192 COLLECTING AIID EXAMINING DANGEROUS DUST 3TH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SILICOSIS. J.tf. Matthews. Oster. Chea.-Ztg., 41, 174-9, (1938) {German). Two instruments for collecting dust aro described: in one, salicylic acid is used as the filtering medium, the other is the labyrinth. Both ore probably less suitable than either the Owens jet counter or the impinger. Methods for chemi cal analysis are then described. The author concludes that "dust is dangerous rhea it liberates silicic acid and that tho simultaneous presence of alkali intensifies the damage done to the lung." ' 193 NT.7 REGISTERING KQHHIETER FOR CONTINUOUS COLLECTION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF INDUS TRIAL LUST. F. Lowe. Chem.-Ztg., 62, 537, (1933) {German). The author describes very briefly l new apparatus which ?.ithdraws dust continu ously from the intake air and precipitates it on the ordinary Konimeter disc.. It can be used in any position and is independent of a source of electricity or compressed air. 194 DRAGS FINE DUST RESPIRATOR K2S AND THE QUESTION OF RESISTANCE TO AIRFLOW. E. Naujok3 and K. Thiol. Brcgerheft, 197, 3892-3, (1933) (German). A recently improved German respirator is described, the filtering efficiency of which is stated to be 99 per cent for dust below 3 microns. Its resistance to 150 l.p.m. is less than 50 nn of water and resistance to expiration is less. The mask can be fitted closely to the face. The authors point out that resistance to expiration must be less than resistance to inhalation and should, of course, be as low as possible. (Note: the maximum resistance as allowed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines for 85 l.p.m. is 50 ma. water on inspiration, 25 na. on expiration). 195 TEE SLOW OF AIR AND ITS DISTRIBUTION THROUGH DUCTS. Part 1. Frictionless Flow and Velocity Head. J.R. Swickl. Heating & Ventilating, 56, 15-17, (February 1939). The first of a series of six articles by the author v/iiich arc to appear in Heat ing and Ventilating. In the first paper the equation of flow is developed and certain elements of it discussed. Then the thoory and development of required air horsepower is followed through. The equations discussed are basic in the hydraulics of air and ?. thor ough knowledge of them is essential in understanding the theory of pipe design. 196 MAIN FAN INSTALLATIONS AT COAL MINES. Mine Safety Eoard Recommendations. U.S. 3ureau of Mines, Inf. Circ. No. 7050, 2 pp., (January, 1939). It is recommended that all active underground coal mines, whether working or idle, have one or more fans in continuous operation. The capacity and the in stallation should be such that the entire mine workings are adequately ventilated at all times. They should be located at the surface in fireproof buildings offset from the line of the main opening. For mines that liberate gas, the fan. should > have two independent sources of power immediately applicable. In the absence of continuous attendance, automatic warning devices that operate when the air flow is reduced should be installed. In general, it is proforable to operate the fan exhausting, although reversing fans aro recommended. 197 MINE VENTILATION. D. Harrington. U.S. Bureau of Mines, Information Circular No. 7047, 15 pp. (January, 1939). Obtainable free-from Supt. of Documento.VAushinstoa. Ventilation in nines is tho most important factor in fire protection and prevent ion, health, safety, and efficiency. Fifteen to twenty years ago much was learn ed about mine ventilation, but tendencios in tho rocent past have indicated that some of the lessons learned have boon forgotten. One dangerous trend is tho plac ing of tho main fans underground ia coal mines, or in placing them on the surface References to Recent Literature - 9 in direct line with the opening. They should be placed on the surface, but off set at least 25 feet In a fireproof housing, to prevent damage in case of an ex plosion. Anothor trend is to use the working shafts as the return air shafts, a practice that would be extremely hazardous in case of a fire or explosion. 198 DEAD ENDS. Robert B. Northrup. Ind. Bull., 18, 16-7, (January, 1939), Indus trial Bulletin is a monthly publication of the New York State Department of Labor, Albany, Price $1.00 per year. In designing an exhaust system for dust control, it is not good practice to connect two branches at the end of a system into a main pipe of uniform diameter. A balanced system, with changes in the size of the main for every branch connect ion, on the other hand, insuros a uniform high velocity with a minimum of eddies and turbulence. This means less danger of clogging, less friction, lower pev/er cost and better operating efficiency generally. {C) Papers on Industrial Poisons. Cancer, Dermatitis, etc. t 199 FLUORINE COMPOUNDS. K. Roholm. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. International Labor Office, 7 pp. (September, 1938). Free fluorine seldom plays a port in toxicology, because the element immediately reacts with v/ater forming hydrogen fluoride. From a practical toxicological point of view fluorine compounds are divided into four groups.* (1) gaseous fl uorine compounds, very toxic; (2) solutions of hydrofluoric acid and iydzofluosilicic acid, extremely toxic; (3) relatively easily soluble fluorides and fluosiiicr.tes, fairly toxic; and (4) almost insoluble fluorine compounds, as cryolite and cal cium fluoride which are only moderately toxic. There are throe forms of poison ing-' (a) local corrosion of the skin or mucous membranes; (b) acuta poisoning through ingestion of the easily soluble compounds; and (c) chronic poisoning as demonstrated by degenerative changes in teeth and bones. Fluorine compounds occur quite extensively in industry; in the mining of fluorspar and cryolite; in the manufacture of aluminum and copper; in the iron and steel' industries, as a flux; in certain brick works, in glass end enamel works; and in certain chemical plants. Fluorine compounds are used extensively in the preservation of food. Damage to vegetation in the vicinity of certain industrial plants has been reported. Extreme care should be exercised in the use of any of the compounds of fluorine. 200 SELENIUM. A. Stassens. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. International Labor Office, 6 pp. (September, 1938). The author presents a good review of the properties and pathology of selenium and its compounds. The degree of toxicity is one of controversy. Certain of its com pounds, particularly those of organic origin, ore highly toxic. Most cases nf death from selenium or selenium compounds axe probably accidental. Ita presence has been detected in urine (where it is normally absent) in workers with no ex treme symptoms. The use of any of the compounds, however, requires extreme care. 201 NICKEL CARBONYL, A.J. Amor. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. Inter national Labor Office, 5 pp., (September, 1938), Nickel carbonyl is formed by passing cold carbon monoxide over the finely divided metal in the process of its extraction from ores. Investigations as to its tox icity are rendered difficult because of its tendency to be decomposed readily into the metal and carbon monoxide and under conditions of its manufacture carbon monoxide i3 always present. Nickel carbonyl has been shown to bo five times as toxic as carbon monoxide. Pathologically, nickel carbonyl when inhaled as a gas, passes into the blood stream unchanged, with little or no dissociation in the lungs. Microscopic examination of tho lungs in fatal casos disclosos an acute vascular congestion with marked capillary engorgement. In non-fatal cases the References to Recent Literature - 10 symptoms are divided into two groups -- Immediate and renote, separated by a period of 12-18 hours rhen recovery seems complete. Symptoms are dyspnoea, cyanosis, and severe soreness in tho chest. Complete recovory is possible in all but the most severe exposuros. 202 PNEUMATIC TOOLS. L. Tcleky. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. International Labor Office, 12 pp., (September, 1938}. The author presents a review of the literaturo on the hazards in the use of pneu matic tools. Tho most noticeable symptom is a vascular disturbance in the blood vessels --here tiie tool is held, causing o. restriction of the blood flow at that point. Injuries to. the bone joints are common and are demonstrable by x-ray. Other rxire minor injuries hnvo been demonstrated. In certain European countries injuries from the use of compressed air tools are compensable. 203 TOXIC GAS: INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION AGAINST. L. Dautrebaude. Occupation and Health, Supplement No. 2. International Labor Office, 12 pp., (September, 1938). This article is devoted to an account, of the principles which should be observed in the construction of gas masks. Most masks are efficient neutralizers of any gas that nay be encountered, but their characteristics from a respiration and physiological aspect are generally inadequate. The three main elements of the disadvantages to overcomo are: discomfort, dead 3paco within the mask where carbon dioxide nay accumulate, and resistance to respiration. Most manufacturers of nask3 have standardized on methods for removing each gas. Tho difficult problem is to procure efficient chemical removal and still maintain low resistance to breathing. - 204 INDUSTRIAL NOISE. R. Causse. Occupation and Heulth, Supplement Ho. 2, International Labor Office, 10 pp., (September, 1938). The influence of noise on the system is discussed. It has been 3ho'.vn that effi ciency of employees has been increased greatly by noiso reduction. Tho incidence of occupational deafness in certain industries is extremely high, and is com pensable in seme countries. The simplest type of prophylaxis is the use of vaselined cotton wool or some plastic substance in the oars. Other elements of noise reduction, most of them recent developments, are discussed, 205 ACTION OP INDUSTRIAL POISONS ON THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS. E. Gonzalez. Rev. del Trabajo, , 55-70, (September, 1938) (Mexico) (Spanish). This is a review article, dealing chiefly with the detoxifying ability of the suprarenals. Effects of fatigue and of various poisons such as loud, arsenic, mer cury, phosphorus, etc., are described. Much of the work already done gives such contradictory results that the author plead s' that basic experiments be made to clarify the complex problems involved. 206 DERMATITIS -- A GUIDE IN REPORTING. Occupational Disease Prevention Division, Dept, of Labor and Industry, Pennsylvania, Safe Practice Bulletin No. 12, 12 pp., (January, 1939). This bulletin comprises the text of an address before one of the "Safe Practices" conferences held for safety engineers of Pennsylvania industries. Dermatitis cases comprise a very large percentage of all occupational diseases and it is im portant that an accurate knowledge be obtained of their incidence. Much of the reporting of cases is done by safety engineers or other non-medical persons and this bulletin was devised to aid them in providing more accurate descriptions. A brief discussion is given of the various agents causing deimatitis and the princi pal items used in diagnosis. A standard form for use in reporting is suggested. Rcforeaces to Recont Literature - 11 20? FUNGUS INFECTION OF LONGS SIMULATES TUBERCULOSIS CLOSELY. Adelaide R. Smith. Industrial Bulletin, IS, 15-5, (January, 1939), The molds, including fungi end yeasts, are simple filamentous plants of simple structuro, which, haring no chlorophyl, cannot synthesize food from carbon diox ide, must obtain it from other organisms, living or dead. They haro wide dis tribution and are found largely in decayed or slightly decoyed vegetable matter \ni in tho dust from such material; certain susceptible individuals working in these dusts may become infected with then in various parts of the body. A des cription is given of a few cases of proved pulmonary infection from fungus, which in this form produces changes much the some as those in tuberculosis, detectable only by cultural mothods. The inference is drawn that infections of this type nay be much more common than i3 generally suspected. 208 REPORT OF THE USE OF BIOPEDTOMETER AND VITAMIN A THERAPY IN INDUSTRY. O.H. Schettlcr, R.F. Bisbce and B.H. Goodenough. Jounal Industrial liygieno k Toxicology, 21^ 53-5, (February, 1939). For many years workers matching whiteness of porcelain were unable to do so with reasonable accuracy. After many experiments to improve results had failed it was found possible by the use of a biophotometer to measure tho patient's ability to see light and his response to dark adaptation. Therapy with vitamin A, known to bo essential for good vision, was begun and the result has been c decrease of 75 per cent in number of rejoctioas of matched whito porcelain over a period of a few months. 209 THE FEET OF THE INDUSTRIAL WORKER. SYMPOSIUM. S.P. Catheart, C, Lanbrinudi, W.S. Creep, W. Blood and H. Bradley. Lancet, pp. 1480-6, (Dec.24,1938) (3ritish) Flat-foot is one of the troubles that most concern industrial workers. Footwear worn at work is much more important than that worn in leisure hours. Some of the defects of modern shoes are pointed out by "he authors and remedies to correct them are suggested. It is true that the shoo manufacturers are becoming more olort to tho problem and are beginning to give more cooperation to industrial medical officers. 210 OCCUPATIONAL CANCER. L. Teleky. Acta d. intern. Ver.f.Krebs., _3, 253-75, (1938) (Gorman). The author discusses tho main industries in which lung cancer is found or expect ed. The silicosis literature points to the fact that lung cancer is seldom found among silicotics. The high incidence of lung cancer among Schneeberg miners (radioactive minos) is no basis for assuming that other miners are similarly en dangered. Among metal grinders carcinoma is two and one half times as great as in tho general population. Exposure to asbestos, perhaps bocauso it irritates the lungs, nay be conducive to lung cancer -- at least tho incidence is fairly high. Exposure to chromate dust soems to favor lung cancer as well as cancor in other organs. There are isolated cases of lung cancer among generator workers, among workers exposed to coal dust, tar and tar distillates, nickel workers, but the numbers are not large. Exposure to radium emanations and radioactive substances is very dangerous. . 211 DOES WORK WITH COMPRESSED AIR TOOLS RESULT IN ZND/JCITIS OBLITERANS? A. Fikentsch- er. Arch.f.Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 65-79 (1938) (Gezman.) The study described covered 250 workers in the iron industry who had used pneu matic tools from 2 to 40 years. The chief signs and symptoms of endongitis ob literans (threatened or actual gangrene, absent pulses, intermittent claudication, trophic disturbances, alarming pains, pifpaentation of limbs) could not be demon strated in any of the subjects. The circulatory disturbances so often observed in workors with compressed air riveters, hammers, etc., are thoreforo of other origin than an cndangltis obliterans. References to Recent Literature - 12 212 JAUNDICE IN THE TUI YfORKS OF WILHELLISEURG, AN' EPID2MIC HEPATITIS. K. Holm. Arheitsschutz., pp. 257-3, (1938) (German). Seventy-four coses of jaundice were found among 512 employees of a certain plant during the sunnier of 1937. Further investigations to detemino tho occupational origin showed that 20 per cent of a group of school children were affected and that in certain other schools about 10 per cent were afflicted. Tho disease occurred in all groups at about tho same time, and it was concluded that the cau3o of the jaundice was not occupational. 213 INFECTION. II.P.. Mayers. Industrial Bulletin, 1, 577-8 {December, 1933). The author points out tho possible extrema dohger of small cuts, abrasives or puncture wounds and cites a few cases of workers who suffered partial incapacity because of TMni3 cuts. Workers should be taught tho value of prompt treatment for* even tho most minor wounds. 214 A NET,' SURGICAL MASK: A BACTEHIOLOGIC AIR FILTER. L, Arnold. Arch, of Surg., 37, 1008-16, (December, 1938). The study of bacterial respirators ha3 attracted tho attention of many investiga tors but is still in an undeveloped stato. Tho author has tested with the Wells centrifuge various materials and thicknesses of material for the transmission of bacteria. It was found that a suitable mask must contain the proper filtering material and must fit tightly against the face, since bacteria escape above the mesh on each side of the noso. The material suggested is cellucotton. It was also stated that a moist material is loss efficient than a dry one, which seems erron eous because a moist material generally has greater resistance. This article is the first of a series on bacterial masks. 215 MASON'S ECZEMA. V<. Burckhardt. Arch. f. Dersnat. u. Syphil., 178. 1-44, (1938) (German). This is a very complete work based on numerous cases, experiments, and clinical experiences. Patients suffering from mason's eczema showed a diminished skin re sistance to lye which paralleled the Uypersensivity to the alkaline substances. Calcium oxide is considered as the chief toxic agent in ordinary line, and it acts also in cement where the calcium and aluminum oxides offer most damage to tho skin. The diminished resistance to the alkalies seemed to be the predisposing factor in all cases, based on the retarded neutralization of these substances. The disease arises usually after contact with large quantities of the materials and after re ' pasted exposures a chronic ec2emn sometimes prevails. 216 OBSERVATIONS ON Y/ETL'S DISEASE IN SAAR MINES. S. Krauss. Dt3Ch. Arch, f. klin. Med., 183, 39-53, (1938) (German). ' Weil's disease is on acute infectious disease characterized by jaundice, fever, muscular pain and enlargement of tho liver nnd spleen. It is usually of 10 days to two weeks duration, although fatal cases cro quite common. It is well known that miners in Scotland, Japan and elsewhere have bocomo infected. Description is given horo of tho contraction of eight casos of tho disease in the Saar mines in Germany whoro tho disease is recognized as a compensable accident. No other mines in Germany wore offooted during this period except the Saar mines. The method of contraction is not known. ' 217 THE DEVELOPMENT 0? INDUSTRIAL SPRAY BOOTHS. Carleton Cleveland. Metal Industry, j37 63-7, {February, 1939). The author presents an interesting account of the development of spray booths from tho small wooden cabinets to the efficient wator wash booths of the present day. The now spray booths are highly efficient, reduce fire hazards, permit reclaiming of pigments, and rcaovo objoctlonablo nnd somotimes poisonous fumes. Reforeaces to Recent Literature - 13 218 MEANING 0? BLOOD CHANGES IN SPRAT PAINTERS. G. Lind. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Ge?rerbehyg., 9., 141-66, (1938) (German). In a survey to study the blood changes in paint sprayers, blood samples from 230 paint sprayers and 200 controls from other industries were taken. In both groups the same incidence of relatively low hemoglobin levels, leucopenia, leucocytosis, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis and shift to tho left wa3 seen. More than 35 per cent lymphocytes were present in 4S per cent of the control group. The substances to which the sprayers were exposed, according to the supply firms, are&hyl, butyl, and amyl acetates; ethyl and butyl alcohols; 'ethylene glycol; acetone; toluene; xyleno; benzine; solvent naphtha and mineral turpentine. Benzene is no longer usee 219 INFLUENCE ON BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT OF INHALING VOLATILE SUBSTANCES IN SPRAY PAINT ING. B. Siegaund. Deutsch. ztschr. f. d. ges. ger. Med., 30, 151-5 (1938) German) After an automobile accident, tho driver's blood showed 1.79 por cent alcohol. Ho wa3 a spray painter by trade and said he had taken no alcohol, but blrmed the blood change on tho volatile substances he inhaled during work. Tests were made at his place of work find at other spray painting establishments (without ventila tion) , but no increase of reducing substances could be detected in the blood by Widmark's method. . 220 INDUSTRIAL ARSENIC POISONING IN VINEYARD WORKERS. W. Frofcn. Much. med. Wchnschr., 95, 1630^5,(1938) (German). Sone cases of arsenic dermatosis in a clinic gave rise to on inquiry in certain villages near tho vineyards and 23 cases of poisoning were found. Uranium green, silesia green and arsenic carbonate are the most commonly used arsenic compounds. The greatest danger com3 in May and June and in the autumn when the vines are sprayed. Absorption through tho respiratory tract seems the most important meth od of entry. The first symptoms aro nausea, throat pains, smarting of the eyes, melanosis. The leuconychia arsenicalis on fingers and toes is important for diagnosis. Prevention consists in substitution of a non-toxic spray, instruction of the workers and good medical supervision. 221 ARSENIC PARALYSIS OF ARMS AND LEGS WITH A RARE LATE SYMPTOM. Duncker. Ztschr. f. Orthop. u. Grenzgeb., 68 , 300-8, (1938) (German). In a suicide attempt with 5 g. of arsenious oxide the following symptoms were noted: flaccid paralysis with shrinkage of the muscles of legs and aims, hyper algesia of soles and pclxu, and gastrointestinal symptoms (which soon disappeared). Symmetrical whitish stripes on all fingernails were striking. 222 A CASE OF FATAL GAS POISONING IN Y/ELDING IN A CLOSED TANK. R.J. Wright-Smith. Journal Industrial Hygicno tt Toxicology, 21, 24-26, (January, 1939). Description is given of a case of fatal poisoning which occurred following weld ing in a closed tank. After one day's work in tho tank tho man complained of sickness, about an hour later he began to cough, vomit and gasp for breath. He was taken to the hospital and died tho next morning. Postmortem showed death by a poisonous gas, 'the nature of which was not exactly determined, although the symptoms indicated that it was most likely nitrous fumes. The tank had formerly contained salt water and the decomposition of the sodium chloride together with any carbon monoxide present night cause the formation of phosgene and the possi bility of death from this substance cannot be excluded. References to Recent Literature - 14. 223 SMOKE, FUMES, AMD OASES WHICH OCCUR IN ELECTRIC WELDING, ESPECIALLY IF MAI'JTLZD ELECTRODES AES USED. 2LJ- Weber end G. Jende. Arbeitsschutz, pp. 224-9, (1933) (German). Tbs German government has instituted investigations into the problem of gases, fumes, and smoke from electric welding procosses, and this is the first report. Plain i'nd mantled cloctrodes were analyzed, wire and nnntlo separately. '"hile electrodes wore welded, the ensuing fumes 'wore caught and analyzed by especially developed methods. The greater p?irt of the fume was iron oxide (69-75?), nnd most of the rest was free silica (18-21#). There were also small amounts of man ganese and calcium oxides. Statements in the literature that oxides of nitrogen aro not formed v/ere found to be false. Further research will follow. 224 PENCUOiHTIS CAUSED BY GASEOUS NITROGEN OXIDES. G. Cromer. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gev/erbehyg., 9., 1-2, (1938) (German). . The breathing of nitrogen oxides results in a pneumonitis which in severe cases goes on *ta pulmonary edema and death. In othors, a miliary broncho-pncumonia develops, characterised by varying quantities of fibrin, red and white cells in the alveoli, as well as by largo syncytial cells which are regeneration forms of the alveolar epithelium. This miliary pneumonitis nay, but not always, end fatal ly. It is detoctahlo by x-ray at any stage. The author considers it possible that these gases may give rise to lobar pneumonia as well. The pneumonitis is due chiefly to nitrogen dioxide. 225 INJURY TO THE LIVE? AND THYROID FUNCTION AS A SIGN 0? WELDERS' DISEASE. H. Y/anick. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewcrbehyg., 9_, 113-22, (1938) (German). The material studied includes the observation of 80 subjects, examined for the first time in 1936, again in 1937-8, with the addition of 23 now subjects. The men were engaged in autogenous or electro welding or both. Iho examinations were on tho basis of urinary excretion of galactose over a 4-hour period following galac tose ingestion. On tho basis of the results, no significant relation between "welders" diseas'e'hnd liver and thyroid function exists. 226 THE SYSTEMIC EFFECTS RESULTING FROM EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS. L. Graenburg, M.P.. Mayers, and A.R. Smith. Journal Industrial Hygiene <i Toxicol ogy, 21, 29-38, (February, 1939). Chlorinated naphthalenes find diphenyls, because of their electrical,heat and moisture-resisting properties, and because they arc non-inflammable, arc used ex . tensively for insulating wire and in the manufacture of electrical condensers. On tho whole their toxicity increases the higher tho chlorination. The action of the materials is usually oh the liver, with skin eruptions usually preceding ser ious involvement. Threo fatal cases arc doscribod and it is hoped that they vh.ll help acquaint physicians with the symptoms so that proper diagnosis and handling of the cases may be accomplished. -. 227 METAL DEGREASING 3Y SOLVENT PROCESSES. A.L. Brook3. National Safety News, 39, 34-6, (February, 1939). The author discusses the hasaris in connection with the extensive use of degreus ers in industry. Extreme euro should be practiced in their use and the properties of each should bo known. In recent years the use of more powerful degreasers as benzol, carbon tetrachloride and other chlorinated hydrocarbons has increased the dangers in connection ith these processes. References to Recent Literature - 15. 229 FATAL POISONING FROM TRICHLOKETHFLEN2. A.M, Marx and H. Largecker. Sanaa, v. Vergift., 9_, 49-56, (1923) (German). A workor was employed making a paint with rubber dissolved in trichloretbylene in a cylindrical tank. lie was found dead after having been alone in the tank for between 30 and 60 minutes. The autopsy excluded illness of any other kind. Although chemical analysis of lungs and blood did not dotoct trichloretbylene,the expert nevertheless assumes death from-that substance. He regrets that the brain was not sent for analysis sines trichlorethylene would be more likely to bo found in the brain than in the lungs or blood. 229 A MODIFIED METHOD .FOR THE DETERMINATION OF BENZOL IN AIR. J\ Siegel and i'to. J. Burke. Industrial Bulletin IS. 17, (January, 1939). Industrial Bulletin is a monthly publication of the Mew fork State Department of Labor, Albany. Price $1.00 per year, A modification is described of the microcolorlnctric method of benzol determina tion developed at the Bureau of Mines by Schrenk, Pearcs and Yant. The modifica tion was found necessary in permitting larger numbers of semples to be taken in one day and experience with it has proved satisfactory. Instead of bubbling the sample through nitrating mixtures at the point of sampling or in the laboratory, the samples arc collected in separatory funnels of varying sizes depending on the expected concentration., then taken to the laboratory for analyses. All subsequent operations with each sample are conducted in the funnel and the chance for errors is then reduced. The nitrating mixture ia introduced into the funnel, mixed well, left overnight, and analyzed the following morning by the stale method as that followed by Schrenk and his colleagues. By this improvement it was possible to analyze simultaneously 15 to 20 samples. 230 DIAGNOSIS AMD PATHOLOGY OF EARLY STAGES OF CHRONIC INDUSTRIAL BENZINE POISONING. K. Fellicger, Arch. f. Gevterbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 9_, 83-96, (1938) (German). Early detection of chronic mild benzene poisoning is best accomplished by depend ing upon the granulopenia which has regularly been found to appear as the first sign. Bone marrow biopsies on 5 patients with benzene poisoning showed a decrease in total white cells, a great increase in early forms of tho myelcytic series, a decrease in the maturo granulocytos, no change in mono- and lymphocytes, no or slight changes in the erythropoietic series. Cells of the myelocytic series often showed degenerative changes, the "toxic granulations", as well as vaculization of the protoplasm and disproportions between the stages of development of the nucleus and the cytoplasm. 231 CLINICAL EVALUATION OF MARROW AMD BLOOD CONDITIONS. 17. TEE MARROW AND BLOOD PICTURE IN CHRONIC OCCUPATIONAL BENZENE POISONING. R. Stodtacister. Deutsch. Arch. f. klin. Med., 192, 459-66, (1938) (German). A man, now 38 years old, contracted chronic benzene poisoning in 1935 when work ing in benzene-containing dyes. The blood changes are still serious at the pres ent time and in 1937 thoro was a relapse. The blood shows: 25 per cent hemoglobin, erythrocytes 760,000, leucocytos 2600, bleeding time-7 minutes. The patient is not supposed to have worked with benzene since 1935, but the relapse might have been due to minor exposures from other processes near him. 232 BENZINE AND GONADS. I. Hett end H. Maak. Klin. V/ehnschr. 17, 1376, {1938) (German Ia mice to which the authors have given injections and inhalutioas of benzene in. relatively large amounts, they have seen degeneration of tho germinal epithelium in the testicle and greatly augmented atresia, especially of the larger follicles of tho ovary. Those changos were seen bofore any alteration in body weight or general well-being were noticed. . References to Recent Literature - 16 233 ACOTE BSKZEE POISONING AND ITS PREVENTION. H. Synoaski. Med. Welt., 12, 1243-9, {1933) (German). - Tie author describes 3 cases of benzene poisoning which occurred in cleaning out boilers in an iron v;ork3. He emphasizes the fact that the drunkenness and euphoria can delude the endangered person and -chat vapors can escape from the falling crusts for several days after a boiler has boon blown out by compressed air. Abundant fresh air oust bo introduced during the work and other precaution ary measures taken. 234 THE OCCURRENCE OP .MI EPITHELIOMA IN MAN AFTER EXPERIMENTAL WORK NETR EEHZPXHENE. S. Klar. Klin. '.Ynhnschr. 17, 1279-80 (1933) (Geiman). On the dorsal side of the left forearn of the aut.cor, there developed an epithel ioma 3 months after he performed animal experiments with benzpyrene. Although this experience may be accidental, it should serve as a v.*aming to others. 233 CRIMINAL THALLIUM POISONING. K. Bohmer. Deutsch. Ztschr. f. d. ges. ger. Med., 30, 146-50, (1938) (German). A man died after having been given (homicide) small amounts of thallium (1.241 g. altogether) in his food over a period of 4 v/eeks. Arsenic poisoning was sus pected but arsenic wa3 not found in the tests and the final diagnosis was brain tumor. His early symptoms were vomiting, severe stomach aches and pain in the legs. Joint pains und toothache developed, along vdth numb fingers, loss of hair and dull kidney pains. The fatal course as it developed in 4 weeks' hospitaliza tion, is describod. 256 THE EFFECT 0? SODIUM FLUORIDE ON EO'EPJLSNTAL OSTBDDISTROPHY AND ATROPHY FROM INACTIVITY. I. Marx. Bruns. Beitrage z. klin. Chir., 163, 261-6,(1933) (German). The author, as a result of experience with cryolite workers, attempted to find out if skeletal changes could be produced by administering sodium fluoride and if development of atrophy from inactivity could be prevented. The rosults were en tirely negative and produced only serious ulcerative gastritis. 237 AN UNUSUAL CASE OP CYANIDE POISONING DURING FUMIGATION. C.L. Williams. U.S. Public Health Report3, 53, 2094-5, (November 25, 1938).- In most cases of cyanide poisoning by inhalation, the individual dies promptly or recovers rapidly and completely. The case described is unusual because of its prolonged duration and treatment. The fml gator was overcome in tho usual manner and given artificial respiration and oxygen. At the hospital, tho antidotes ad vised by Chen were administered: 20 cc. of solution containing 0.6 g. sodium nitrite, followed ianediatoly by 100 cc. of solution containing 50 g. sodium thio sulfate. Tho patient remained unconscious for 3 days and over this period oxygen was administered. During treatment the patient was irrational and sometimes violent. He was reported 25 days after the accident as much improved but still showing mental symptoms. A still more recent report tells that he is now fully re covered and has resumed his full-timo duties. 238 DANGERS IN THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION OP CHLORINE BY TEE AMALGAM PROCESS. I. Brachnann. Arfceitsschuts, pp. 255-7, (1938) (German). The electrolytic method cf producing chlorine i3 based on the decomposition cf sodium chloride by means of an electric current. Mercury is usod for the cath ode, where it combines vdth tho sodium, liberating c'llorine. The author investi gated two plants, and in one, in which every precaution against poisoning was taken, there were no signs of mercury poisoning or chlor acne. In the other plant nearly all workers showed signs of mercury poisoning as well cs the skin trouble. References to Recent Literature - 17 239 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION AGAINST MERCURY. E. Grosskopf. Dragerheft, 197, 3895-6, (1938) (German), In testing different gas masks for their efficiency egainst mercury it was found that one gas filter which is used on war gases, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, also gives complete protoction l'rcm mercury. 240 THE BASOPHILIC AGGREGATION TEST APPLIED TO CEMENT 'WORKERS. F.R. Holden and C,E, Ralston, Journal Industrial Hygiene & Toxicology, 21, 5-6, (February ,1933). Claims have been made in the past by foroign-authors that exposure to cement dust caused an increase in the stippled blood cell count, similar to that produced in lead poisoning. The interpretation may be made also that tho basophilic aggrega tion test of McCord, used widely in tho estimation of lend absorption, would bo similarly affected, thus reducing the value of those tests in the diagnosis of Iced poisoning. The authors hero report on a series of examinations of 63 men who were exposed for an average of 10 years to cement, limestone and shale dust. As controls they also examined 73 non who had had no record of dust exposures. They found no evidence to indicate that the increased stippled cell counts obtained by the foreign authors is paralleled by a similar increase in basophilic aggregation counts made on cement workers in the United States. No cell pathology suggestive of the picture obtained in lead poisoning was found; tho average basophilic ag gregation of the cement workers was the sane as that of tho workors in non-dusty areas. 241 THE METABOLISM AND RETENTION OF LEAD IN GROVHNG AND ADULT RATS. J .B. Shields,. H.H. Mitchell, and W.A Ruth. Journal Industrial H73. & Tox., 21, 7-25, (Jan.,1935 An extensive series of experiments was conductor with albino rats to determine rates of absorption and retention of lead at different stages of maturity. During periods of rapid growth, lead is absorbed readily at very low 1eve-Is of intake and increases about proportionally with increased intake. It is retained largely, in the skeleton. Mature animals vri.ll not accumulate lead in the body until cer tain critical concentration of lead in tho food is reached (between 32 and 48 mg. per kg. of dry food). Tho concentration of load in the body cf nature rats could not bo raised above 9.0 or 9.5 p.p.m., while that in young animals could be raised to two or three tines thi3 value, and tho latter is in a much mere stable condi tion than that of tho mature animals. Lead is not absorbed from the stomach, but largely through the small intestines, cocun and colon. Excretion is 90 per cent through tho feces, 10 per cent through the urine. 242 CORRELATION STUDIES OF BASOPHILIC AGGREGATION AND RETICULOCYTES IN VARIOUS CLINI CAL CONDITIONS. M.D. Pearl man and L.il. Limar2i. Am. J. Clin. Path. j3, 608-17, (November, 1938). A study of tho basophilic aggregation test (used in the diagnosis of load poison ing) resulted in the following conclusions: (1). tho.basophilic aggregation test is unreliable as a routine laboratory procedure; (2) it is "Apparently another method for stainins reticulocytes end shows a strong correlation with counts made according to a "vital" staining method; (3) the basophilic aggregation tost is net uniquely diagnostic of load absorption or intoxication. It is the index of marrov. response; and (4) tho basophilic aggregation test should be abandoned in favor of the "vital" method for staining reticulocytes. 243"THE LEAD HAZARD OF SOLDERING AND GRINDING IN AUTOMOBILE BODY PLANTS. K.Humperdinck Arch, f, Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg. 9_, 13-21,(1938) (German). Of 400 employees in an automobile body plant who were engaged in soldering and grinding off solder, 20 were suspected of lead poisoning and were studied in de tail. Two had a typical subacute load poisoning, eight had a high blood lead con sent and low. hemoglobin and rod cell count. Lead fumes were not a factor in References to Recent Literature - 18 these poisonings since the solder is never heated beyond the consistency of dough. Du.:t acopies taken noer tho work showed high lead contents, but these were duo to coarse particles rather than fine lead dust. Intake of lead in these cases ap peared, however, to be chiefly through tho respiratory tract, secondarily by in gestion from dirty hands. Cases were more numerous where sanitary arrangements were poor. 244 LEAS HAZARDS AMONG AUTOMOBILE 3017/ WORKERS /ID ITS PREVENTION. E. Truby. Arbeitsschutz. pp. 253-4, (1938) (German). The colder used on sheet metal and joints in automobile bodies contains 75 por cent lend. After it hardens, it is polished by hand or by power driven wheels. Hand filing produces coarse dust, tho machine grinding produces a dangerous fine dust. The solder should be heated only until it h-is a paste-like consistency, not to the point -where it becomes volatile, and grinding wheels should not be used. The 'longer could be avoided by replacing the solder by a coat of ccnont-like material. -. 245 THE RELATION OF LEAD POISONING AND PARATHYROID. K, Reinhart. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gawerbohyg., 80-7, (1938) (German). The changes in the blood in chronic lead poisoning, as exhibited by 15 patients exposed to lead for from 2 months to .12 years, resemble those resulting from adenomata of the parathyroid: the serua shows increasod calcium-and decreased inorganic phosphate levels. Tho most severe case of lead poisoning did not show any alteration in mineral metabolism. The author thinks that in this case tho prcsenco of a great amount of lead checked the parathyroid's action. 246 LEAD GOUT. L. Remond. Presse med., pp. 1231-2, (1938) (French). An Italian, 37 year3 old, worked for 12 years at boiler cleaning. He has had 3 attacks Similar to lead colic and for some years has suffered from typical gout attacks in tho joints of the big toes. He does not show other signs of lead poisoning or lead absorption. The author states in a long but not convincing ex planation that this is a case of load gout. ' 247 MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECT OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING ?/ITH SPECIAL. REFERENCE TO ITS EFFECT ON THE HEART. H.G. Beck. Am. Journal lied. Jurisprudence 1_, 177-81, (November, 1938). The author maintains that there is such a condition as chronic carbon monoxide poisoning and that its non-recognition gives rise to many injustices. Vascular changes are listed. Encephalitic symptoms are caused by brain lesions and fre quently develop into a chronic Parkinsonian type. Persons who survive an acute poisoning develop secondary symptoms and eventually may die of cerebral or cardiac trouble. Literature on chronic carbon monoxide poisoning, especially the effocts on tho heart, is discussed and a few cases are described. 248 VASCULAR REFLEXES IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. K.W. Kayser. Arch. f. exp. Path, u. Phaim., 190, 219-20, (1933) (German). By souse sing the carotids, prossure in the sinuses falls and 33 a reflex the blood pressure and pulse rate rise. This reflex did not occur in cats poisoned with carbon monoxide. The author, supported by additional experiments, supposed that this lack of reflex is caused by an augmented irritability of the vagus center. Squeezing the carotid lessens the blood supply to the brain and this loss can, in control animals, be compensated by rise of blood pressure and pulse iacroase. References to Recent Literature - 19 249 PAHEDEONISt PROM CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. HRZUBSENS VISE HCM3URG- 630. ft, Plath. Deutsch. med. Wchnschr., 54, 1543-4, (1938) (German). Description is given of a case report of a fire brigade captain, age 53, who was frequently expose! to carbon monoxide in tho course of his v/ork. Slight symptoms began in 1S20 with a pain on the ulnar side of the foreaim, sensations of anxiety, disturbances of sensitivity* Improvement took place gradually except for short laterals when, the symptoms increased slightly In 1937, after an acute exposure very severe disturbances of will, thinking, and speaking, and fever v/cro noticed. Treatment with Hamburg 680 was successful. Tho author believes the disease to be a "chronic carbon monoxide poisoning interrupted 'Uid aggravated by an acute accident". ' 250 5Trf?TOM OF POISONING JSf BUH DRIVERS. G. Castrovilli. Med. del lav., 29, 535-46, 269-83r (1939) (Italian). Cases of the poisoning are quite frequent among workers in the bus garages, but are rare among the men in other services. The general characteristics of the . poisonings are: general indisposition, weakness, los3 of appetite, headache, pallor, light cyanosis, hyperacidity, slight irritation of the respiratory tract, slight increase of blood sugar and hyperglobulia. Carbon monoxide is the chief cause of these symptoms but carbon dioxide may also play a part. 251 MASS POISONING HITS CAP-SON MONOXIDE. H. Ottel. Samm. v. Vergift., 9_> 77-80, (1928) {Gorman). . Fourteen persons were poisoned by illuminating eas on entering a house. On their arrival at the hospital, four, of whom throe were children, were dead. No red color of the skin or mucous membranes was seen and diagnosis v/as made by blood analysis. Since the amount of oxygon available was insufficient, treatment con sisted chiefly in giving injectiona of cardiazol and lobeline. Speed of recovery varied widely and did not depend upon the blood carbon monoxide concentration. Two patients with more than 20 per cent carbon monoxide hemoglobin could be dis missed, while others with 11--16 per cent lay in deep coma. The speed of recov ery seemed to depend chiefly on tho duration of the preceding anoxemia. 252 TEE EFFECT OF THE DIHALATION OF CASES WITH A LOW OXYGEN AND AN INCREASED CARBON DIOXIDE TENSION ON THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD FLOW IN MAN. E. Gellhorn and I.E. Steck. An. J. Physiol., 124, 735-41, (December 1, 1938). Tho authors studied tie effects of inhaling excessive carbon dioxide or oxygenpoor air mixtures on the central nervous system, by observing blood flow changes in tho human hand kept at constant temprature in a water bath. Rich carbon dioxide mixtures (4-5.4$) decreased the blood flow through the hand by as much as 50 per cent in some instances and there v/as no compensatory increase of flow on reverting to air inhalation. With oxygen-poor mixtures -the results were variable and ?/ere usually followed by a compensatory phase on reverting to normal air. It is concluded that a study of peripheral blooa flow under the influence of a high, carbon dioxide tension in the blood is a more suitable test for the presence or absence of sympathetic impulses, than studies involving oxygen lack. 253 THE UoENSr/ITY OF DIVING ANIMALS TO CARBON DIOXIDE. L. Irving. American Jour. Physiol., 124, 729-34, (December 1, 1938). In contrast to mammals, tho respiration, heart action and peripheral blood circu lation in the beaver and muskrat are shown to be relatively unaffected by inhala tion of air containing 10 per cent carbon dioxide. Yet the respiratory adjust ments of these divinG animals to sudden asphyxia are prompt and effective. On these premises, the role of carbon dioxide as the most important stimulus of respiration 13 questioned, and the mechanism of action in response to sudden asphyxia is discussed by comparison of diving animals and land animals. References to Becont Literature >20. 254 INCREASE OF RESISTANCE TO OXYGEN WANT IN ANIMALS ON CERTAIN DIETS. J.A. Campbell. Quart. J. Exp. Physiol,, 28 , 231-41, (1938). Compared, with the normal diet, a pure carrot diet gives definite protection against oxygen want, in the case of the animals tested (rats,aice). A synthetic non protein diet with almost no fat and containing rice-starch 70 per cent, yeast 3 per cent, salts 1.5 per cent, and cellulose 25 per cent, gives similar protection. If the cellulose is replaced by a similar percentage of kaolin or agar no protect ion is gained. Proteins enhance the effects of oxygen want, opposing the action of carrots. It is possible that a detoxicating action in the intestine or else where may play some part in the protection, and the anaerobic fermentation of cellulose may also be Indirectly concerned. 255 GAS EXCHANGE WHILE TRAVELING HI HIGH ALTITUDES. W, Wilbrandt, R. Wilbrandt and B. Steinmann. Pfluger's Arch. f. d. ges. Physiol., 240 , 698-707,(1938)(German). The oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were measured in several men and women while subjected to pressure changes in a chamber one during the rail Journoy up and down the Jungfrau. In tho chamber experiments little change in oxygen consumption was noted until tho pressure dropped to an equivalent of that at 4000 meters altitude. With further decrease oxygon consumption increased; the average at 5,000 to 7,250 a. was 21 per cent. On tho rail Journey (from 2000 m. to 3450 m.) an average increase of 18 per cent was noted and this i3 thought to be extremely high for such moderate altitude. It is possible that tho method of analysis (interferometer) might not have been accurate. 256 THE THERMAL INSULATION OP BUILDINGS. I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES. NOTE FROM THE IN FORMATION BUREAU OF THE BUILDING RESEARCH STATION. Journal Inst. Heat. & Vent. Engrs* Lond., 6, 485-92 (November, 1938) (British). The thermal insulation value of a structure is measured by the amount of heat that will pass from tho air on one side to the air on the other side of tho structuro. It is expressed in terms of B.t.u.'s of heat that will pass under steady conditions in one hour across an area of 1 sq. ft. in a direction perpendicular to the area, when the difference between the air temperatures is 17. This value is tho air-to-air thermal transmission coefficient. Adequate insulation reduces heating or cooling costs, but the increased cost of building entailed by providing additional insulation must be weighed against the economies in fuel or power to be anticipated. Apart from the saving which results from insulation, condensation trouble may be minimized, since good insulation lessens surface cooling. 257 THE CONTROL OF INDOOR ENVIRONMENT BY AIR CONDITIONING WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE TROPICS, G.P. Crowden and T.C, Angus. Journal Inst. Heat. & Vent. Engrs. Lond,, _6, 442-68, (November, 1938) (British). The paper describes experimental work on nir-conditioned cubicles designed to furnish a comfortable Indoor climate for residents in the tropics at an economic cost. In a discussion of tho physiology of the problem, stjgsso is given to the relative influence of radiation in the dissipation of body heat and on the con sequent need for controlling wall temperatures when air-cooling is resorted to. Tests wore conducted in a small cubicle 10 ft. z 7 ft. x 6 ft. 2 in., with walls of a double thickness of pressed wood and so constructed that the parts could be shipped and assembled without tools. It was assumed to reduce the temperature from I00dry bulb, 90 wet bulb to 92 dry and 77 wet (505c relative humidity). Under these conditions tho total hoat to be removed is 2900 b.t.u. per hour, allowing, for two persons, a fresh air supply of 1200 cu. ft. per hour. .