Document Ny7Q0VkXdV3XL3kEN4DpweOp

/- September, 1941. Industrial Hygiene Foundation, 44C0 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. dic-sst of industrial htgizsis Literature--News--Developments News Items 696 American Conference on Industrial Health Meets November 5 and 6. Under the auspices of the American Association of Industrial Physicians and Surgeons the American Conference on Industrial Health will hold its Second Annual Meeting on November 5 and 6, at Chicago Towers, Chicago. The opening session vail be a symposium on the technical problems of industrial health on the basis that health supervision in industry involves two great principles: (1) the adjustment of the vjorking environment to the employee; and (2) tho ad justment of the employee to the working environment, including also the human environment. The technical problems arc the result of ^he application of those principles, and run the whole gamut of public health as applied to industry. The afternoon session will be a symposium on the economics of industrial health, including: (1) organisation and cost of a health service, and (2) dis cussion on the value of industrial health service to the employer, the employee and the public. The morning of the second day will be given over to a symposiua on the social implications of industrial health, discussing hew far an indus trial health service should go; are hospital and medical care plans related to industrial health service in any practical way; does legislation play a part in this problem; and the evaluation of labor turnover, spoilage, and lack of train ed men, together v/ith the experiences of management and the interests of insur ance carriers in the medical and social problems presented. 697 Special Course in Industrial Hygiene Offered at University of Pennsylvania. In order to provide trained industrial hygienists to most the needs of expanding health and safety services in the defense industries, the University of Pennsyl vania offers a course of instruction, of twelve weeks duration, in Industrial Hygiene. The course will be given under tho auspices of the Engineering, Science and Management Defense Training Program of the U.S. Office of Education and is open to graduates in engineering, chemistry or allied sciences. Subjects covered in the course include: Principles of industrial hygiene, industrial hygiene laboratory methods, industrial ventilation, safety engineer ing, administration of industrial health services, industrial psychology and statistical methods. Presentation of the course is contingent upon the en rollment of a satisfactory number of students, (which will run from October 27, 1941 to January 17, 1942). Applications for admission to the course should bo addressed to: Theodore Hatch, Associate Professor of Industrial Hygiene, Department of Public Hcolth and Preventive Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 2 Legal Develonments o9S Inhalation of Vaporised Lend Pains. Lead Poisoning, Accidental Injury* Respondent worked heir a day with petitioner on July 28, 1940, and experienced some discomfort and requested a respirator which the petitioner furnished but which by reason of its age and condition, was only partially effective. Respond ent worked the following day and skipped a day on acco*mt of lack of paint and then worked three days mors with lead paint and tv days v/ith alusinua paint which had no lead content. The respondent testified that he began to have stomach cramps and muscular pains on the third da7 but that he thought that his difficulty was due to the confined space in which he ns working and'the intense heat. Respondent returned to his heme July 31st and his condition became such as to require medical attention. An injury to an employes engaged in a hazardous employment in consequence of exposure to and inhalation of vaporized lead paint discharged by pressure spray gun over a short period of time which results in acute lead poisoning is sufficiently certain and definite in point of time to constitute an accidental injury. Award of compensation for tem porary disability sustained. C.3C. Howard a: Co. ot al. v. McKay et al. Qkla. Supreme Ct. Decided September 9, 1941. ICCK). 699 Eye Burn Resulting From Exposure to Arc-Light Flashes. "Accident" V'ithin the Meaning cf the Act. Tii.ic of Occurrence cf the Accident. This controversy involves a claim for compensation fer an eye bum, "conjuncti vitis," resulting frem exposure to arc-light flashes while the employee wa3 working near some welders. The Industrial Commission found in favor of tho claimant and a?/ordcd ccmpensaticn. Nc permanent disability is involved, the matters presented being the happening of an accident, and the question as to which of two insurance carriers is liable should it be judicially determined that the employee sustained a compensable accidental injury within the meening cf the Yt'orkscn's Compensation Act. It is undisputed that the Croat American Indemnity Company, plaintiff in error, was the insurer of the employer for this hazard until noon, May 11, 1340. The company denies liability after this date, and asserts that the State Compensation Insurance Fund became the carrier of the risk. The Industrial Cocaission found that the accident occurred May 10, 1940. The points urged as requiring reversal are that there was no accident within the meaning of tho Workmen1 s Compensation Act; if there ?/as an accident the dis ability did not extend over ten days; the accident occurred some time after noon May 11, 1340, at which time plaintiff in error was not the carrier of the risk. Counsel for tho indemnity company first contend for nonliability, in that claimant suffered from an occupational disease rather than an accident. If claimant had been working as a welder thoro perhaps would be seme basis for the contention advanced. He was engaged in doing general work; nor was this injury, . under the circumstances, to be expected in'tho usual course of events. There is omplo testimony to support tho finding that the disability was compensable from June 5 to July 5, 1940. There is no dispute that- tho; injury Xor *'hich the em ployees sought compensation was present May 10. The commission was warranted, as a reasonable inference therefrom, in finding that claimant's eye condition resulted from an exposure to flashes incident to welding operations on that date, or within a reasonable time prior thereto. The judgment is affirmed. Groat American Indemnity Co, v. State Ccr.nonsr.tlon Insurance Fund ot al. Colo. Supreme Ct, Decidca September 2, 1941. {CCK). --Annual Meeting -- Nov. 12 and 13-- Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 3. 700 Death of State Highway Department Snnloyce from Lobar Pneunonia. Question Whether Death was Approximately Caused by the Daniorticat. McKinnon, while an employeo of the North Dakota state highway department as an engineer, died from lobar pneunonia. The plaintiff, his wife, applied to the bureau for compensation. From judgment for the plaintiff, defendant appeals. The deceased worked in snow prevention work. The deceased had a cold for sometime* He drovo in an automobile to his bene, a distance of approximately one hundred miles. The following day, the doctor diagnosed his case as pneumon ia* The solo question bsre is whether the plaintiff has shown the lobar pncuacnia was "approximately caused by the employment." In the caso at bar, there was nothing unusual in the work of the deceased. Just when he was inocu- lated by the goim no one could tell. The Workmans Compensation Act does net cover diseases contracted by an employee outside of his employment; and where compensation is sought on the theory that the aeath of the employee was caused by disease, it must bo shown that the disease was approximately caused by the employment. 7/here the alleged origin of such disease is purely speculative and the disease may equally well have been caused by factors unconnected with the employment, the burden of proof has not been sustained, and no compensation can be allowed. Tho plaintiff has failed to she?/ that the disease from which the worker died was approximately caused by his employment. Judgment reversed. McKinnon v. I;.D. V/crlgacn's Certsensation Bureau. N.D. Supreme Ct. Decided August 23, 1241. (CCHj. " TCI Silicosis. Poor Ventilation in Mine. Insufficient Equipment. Occupational,^ Disease. . Those are appeals by Howard, Connell, Johnson, Stevens, Vcight and Williamson from orders, respectively, of the Industrial Accident Board denying compensation. All six worked in the defendant company* s Mayflower Mine and subsequently sought workmen's compensation for silicosis suffered by reason of their employment prior to June 1933. The six cases wore consolidated for trial. The record presents one question, is the disease suffered, silicosis, an occupational dis ease, that is to say, ono which inheres in the particular employment, which can not be prevented by reasonable means? Tho evidence is undisputed, and the board found that blasting operations in defendant's quartz mine were generally carried on just before the close of each work shift; that blasting operations created much dust and smoke and fumes; that there was always more or less silica laden dust in the air in tbs vicinity whore drilling operations and blasting were carried on; that after the spring of 1938 the underground employees of tho com pany ate their lunch at the various station levels by the shaft. Here it is un disputed the Mayflower Mine wa3 not provided with any mechanical ventilation whatever after May, 1333; that the company did not install exhaust pvazps or fil ters of any typo; that in the absence of mechanical ventilation it did not pro vide masks for its underground workers, notwithstanding the fact that the air way was partially blocked and the natural circulation thereby impaired. The company previdod wet drilling equipment, but that, as the record indisputably shows, was, in and of itself wholly insufficient to protect the trarkers from silicosis. As to tho law in effect when the disease vras contracted, whether the contraction of silicosis shall, or shall not, bo deemed to bo accidental depends "on the particular circumstances of tho case and accidental fcaturos, or the absence thereof." There was accidental injury here. Silicosis is in iar.^e part preventable by one device or another. Claimant is clearly and unquestion ably ontitled to recover compensation. The causes arc remanded, with directions to tho Board to award compensation in accordance with the grade of disability it found claimants suffered. Howard v. Texas Owyhee Mining k Development Co. Idaho Supreme Ct. Dccidod July 177 1941. (CCH). Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 4. 702 Silicosis, Recovery of Common-Law Liability for Negligence. Attempt to P.eccvor from Insurance Carrier. No Accident. I: appears that the plaintiff, before the institution of the suit at bar, had secured a judgaent against his former employer, the National Iron Company, for damages on account of having contracted silicosis by reason of the negligence of the employer in its failure to obey and comply with certain statutes of the Stato of Minnesota designed for the safety and well-being of employees in cer tain types of industry. The plaintiff alleges his inability to collect his said judgment from his former employer, and brings this suit against the insurer. The defendant, on the other hand, contends that said policies only cover liability for injuries sustained by accident, and that plaintiff' s condition was caused by disease. Thoro are raised by the pleadings but two questions for the Court to determine on this notion: first, whether the policies cover liability for all injuries or only those sustained by accident, and, second, v:as plaintiff's injury sustained by accident. In the case of Golden v. Larch Bros. Inc., the facts are almost identical with those of this case. The Court in the Golden case said: "The recovery of Golden against his employers was not under the compensation law. It was exclusively on their common-law liability for negligence. That tort functioned harmfully, not through or because of accident, but rathor and exclusively by insidious and chronic disease, in the causation of which there was no accident." The Minnesota Supreme Court has determined the precise questions raised here, contrary to the contentions of the plaintiff. The motion of the defendant is granted. Schuiaan v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co. U. S. Dist. Ct., List, of Minn. Decided August 25, 1941. (CCK), 703 Occupational Diseases, Worknen* s Compensation Law Supplement, New York State Department of Labor, ?. 14, 1940 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. A mechanic who tested a large number of automobile motors each day in an ill-ventilated room became blind as a result of optic neuritis. The Industrial Board found that the blindness resulted from exposure to toxic amounts of CO from running motors and that the claimant's condition was an occupational disease covered by this paragraph. The finding v/as affirmed. "Any and All Occupational Diseases." The following diseases were held compens able under thi3 paragraph: Arthritis, tra*miatic, of the wrist, suffered by a pressor who used a 12 lb. iron, traaaatizaticn being caused by the repeated pressure involved. Award was based on the proportionate loss of the use of the hand. Bronchial astlaaa, suffered by an automobile spray painter. Bronchitis complicated with asttma contracted by a tunnel worker. 3eli's palsy suffered by the driver of an open truck and attributed to exposure to drafts, cold and wind, necessitated by his employment. Dupuytren1s contrac tion sustained by a marble polisher required to tighten and loosen clamps. 7C4 Slight Deviation from Duty. Annotations, p. 29, Workmen's Compensation Lav/, South Dakota, 1941. Not every slight deviation from an employe's duty will deprive him.or his depend ents of their right tc compensation under the Y/crksen1 s Compensation Lav/. There is a distinction between negligently doing an authorized act end doing an un authorized act or one beyond the employe's job. The first docs not deprive the employe of his right to compensation whereas the latter docs. If the injury or risk of injury is incidental tc employment, the right to compensation follows. (Stratton v. Interstate Fruit Co., 47 S. D. 452, 199 N.v;. 117). ---Romcnbor the Mooting, Nov. 12-13-- Digest of Industrial Hyg: i - 5 705 Disease: "Injury bv Accident." Annotations, p. 26, Workmen* s Compensation Law, South Dakota, 1211. Encephalitis, causing sudden collapse of a district manager after unusual exer tion, exposure and exhaustion, was held to constitute ''injury by accident." (Hanzlik v. Interstate Power Co. 67 5.D. 289 N.'.V. 589}. NOTE:It has been called to our attention by one of our member companies that in item #427, June, 1941 issue of the Digest, relating to the recent enactment in the State of Washington of Chapter 235, 1941, the wording is so framed as to be apt to give the erroneous impression that such act did not repeal the schedule of occupational diseases previously contained in the law {Sec. 7679-1 of Remington's Revised Statutes) and consequently that such schedule is still part of the law, whereas such act of 1941 expressly emended said Sac. 7679-1 of Remington's Re vised Statutes to read as correctly quoted in the first paragraph of item #427 in the Digest, with tho consequence, according to all rules of construction, that the said schedule is no longer lav;. Compensation is now payable in Washington for any "such disease or infection as arises naturally and proximately out of extra-hazardous employment" this tors being elsev;hcre defined in the statute. Pa-pors on Dust, Gases and General Industrial Hygiene 706 Prevention of Silicosis. Joottcn. Aluminium* 22, 575-578, 579, (November, 1940). Discussion of tho use of metallic alisainisa in the prevention of silicosis. 2xcerpts are given from the report in tho Reichsarboitblatt (vol. 20, No. 26,1340). An extensive bibliography is given. 707 Mincrdogical Examination of the Silicosis Question. H.J. Hcimers and H.Ndluft. J ahrbuch d. Preuss. Gcol. Landcsanstalt, Berlin, 59_, 727-754, (1939). (German). Scricite, kaolin and feldspar 7/ere tho most important substances found in the lung cf a silicotic miner. There was no quartz. However, the v/ash liquor con tained an important quantity of colloidal silicic acid. The authors think that the pH is most important in dissolving tho silica in tho tissues and so, corres pondingly, it plays an important pare in determining the course of the disease. The dissolved substances correspond to the physico-chemical reaction of the dust particles and the fluids of tho body, either eliminated without harm or produc ing callosities by precipitating out from silicic acid. 708 Structural Examination by Roentgen Rays of Pnemoconictic Lungs of Porcelain Workers. Part 4. H. Gartner. Arch. f. Gcwcrbcpatk., lOj 151-163 (1340). (German), Roentgen and chffiical findings are. presented of tho dust seen in the lungs of 10 porcelain workers and 1 fluorite workor. Kaolin and quartz lines v/cre seen, ea in every case in which dust was found, quartz v/as also shown by chemical analysis. The author states "....in tho diagram, interference rings of kaolin were to be found preponderantly or even alone," and further that "therefore it is obvious to say that tho sillimanito and kaolin may give silicosis without essential admixture of quartz." 709 The Question cf Serial Examinations cf Workers Exposed tc PustT bv Moans of Min iature Rccntrar.ograms. Z. snupo. .ireh. f. Gcv/ortcpath., 13, 93-96 (1940). (German) V . It is possible tc oxamino many men in a short time with miniature film -- the size most frequently used is 24 sq.smi. (0.95 sq.in.). Second stage silicosi3 is ` easily aeon with certainty and first 3tage can usually be recognized if tho technic is perfect. The method must bo improved and should bo follwed by large films in suspicious cases. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 6. 7X0 Siliciua, .Silicates, Silicosis* W, Giese. Klin, Wchnschr. 19., .558-560 (1940). pieman). Babbits were injected intravenously with finely ground silicate dusts: clay, feldspar, sericite. Deposits cf tie dust were found in the spleen, livor and lymph glands hut no increase in fibrous tissue. Opal (amorphous silicic acid) was also injected and the results were largo deposits of dust with many giant ceils, but no fibrous tissue. Opal is more soluble than quartz; therefore, the conclusion is made that the dissolved silicic acid is not the fibrous-producing substance alone. Quartz is the only substance producing silicosis. Dust taken from markedly silicotic lungs was also injected, and this again produced silico sis. A decrcaso in the amount of the injected dust could not be found. The author was able to show the formation of a covering, characteristic of asbcstcsis bodies, by feldspar, scricite and also opal, but in the smallest particles only, in the cellules. He concludes that dissolved silicic acid but not the quartz may produce this covering. Quartz shews no morphologically demonstrable appearance of dissolution; in the tissue the dust deposited in callosities re tains its fibrous producing effect. 711 Pulmonary Cancer Produced by Asbestos Dust in Experimental Animals. M. Ncrdnann and A. Sorge^ Zcltschr. f.'ICrebsforsch., 51. 168-132 (194lT. (German). Experimental work with nice inhaling asbestos dust over a period of from 47 to 90 days for 3-1/2 to 5 hours a day produced asbestosis bodies and pmounccd de grees of diffuse fibrosis after the 20th week. Proliferation of the bronchial cpitheliiza was found, such hyperplasia encroaching on neighboring alveoli. This was followed by a metaplasia to pavement cpitholiua v.ith cornification, which later seemed to be a transition to malignant neoplasm. The first ?/eil-devclopcd carcinoma was found after 240 days. 5y this time only 10 cf the mice had sur vived and 2 carcinomas were found among them. In the first series, 33 of 50 mice lived longer than 6 weeks; 14 shewed abnormal growth of the epithelium, 5 metaplasia and cancer. In the second series, 28 (of 50) lived more than 6 weeks 16 showed abnoraal growth, 5 metaplasia and comifying cancer. 712 A Case of Pulmonary Asbestosis Accompanied by Tuberculosis. H. Hannesson. Tubercle. 22, 40-44 (February, I34lK ~ During the period 1933-1939 inclusive, there were 90 known deaths from asbestos! in Great Britain, cf which 32 were associated v.ith tuberculosis. This reports the case of 44 year old man who had been an asbestos blower, supplying the mater ial to a cleaning machine. Although supplied with a respirator, he had never worn it. He was thin, had a high temperature, emphysema, and bilateral crepita tions over wide areas. Clubbing of the fingers was marked and the sputum con tained both asbestosis bodies and tubercle bacilli. Tbo roentgenogram showed "widespread progressive nodular tuberculous infiltration with cavitation in all zones cf the right lung fields and in the upper and mid-zonos of the left lung fields.... The right done of the diaphragn v/as elevated. There was no radio graphic evidence of pneumoconiosis." A diagnosis of asbestosis andr tuberculosis was mode. The patient died within a month of spontaneous pneumothorax. Pulmon ary findings showed both to have ertensivo fibro-caseous tuberculosis with cavi tation; nacroscooically they ware like those of pure tuberculosis. Microscopic ally there was roToalad aaaeoua tuberculosis with many tubercle bacilli and typical reticular fibrosis of asbestosis with thickened pleura. There is a dis cussion of the diagnosis of the pure and complicated disease. --Foundation's Sixth Annual Meeting: Pittsburgh, Nov. 12-13-- Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 7, 713 The L*g|S of Coal Miners in Ne?? South Wales, Chemical Analysis end Pathology. C. adhufl 2nd h*.3. Taylor. Studies in Ind. Hyg., No. 20. Report for year ended December 21st, 1939. Health Dept., New South Wales* A report of findings in a study of the lungs of 30 minors and other workers in the mines of Now South Wales# A brief case report is given for each individual, including occupational history, gros3 and microscopic pathology in the lung, cardiovascular end other complications, and chemical analysis of the lung. The findings are tabulated but analysis of the data is postponed for a later mono graph. The authors stato their views as to the formation of coal dust noculos, which they regard as "taking origin at the same site as tho early silicotic nodule, but owing to their mere diffuse nature, they early surround and include the terminations of respiratory bronchioles." They raise the question as to how far tnis reaction is duo to the inert dust and hew far to the small amount of free silica which accompanies it. They also believe "that very little of the dust breathed finds its way into the interstitial tissue of the lungs, and that very little of the relatively insoluble dust is eliminated by solution or by the lymphatics." 714 "Miners Lur.o" (Pneumoconiosis, Silicosi3, ^.nthmeosis). An Analysis cf 227 Cases. C.Cwili. Military Surgeon, 88, 264-282 II941J. Cases cf pneumoconiosis have been collected from the records and x-rays of a large Veterans* hospital for tuberculosis. Of the total 227 cases, 142 arc con sidered as 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage pneumoconiosis, 54 as 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage pneumoconiosis with tuberculosis and a final group of 31 cases on which autopsy was performed. These seven categories arc divided according to age group and to years spent in mining* In all cases of simple pnoistocoiiiosis, sputum samples were consistently negative. X-rays of one patient with 3rd stage pneumoconiosis v;ere taken over a period of 9 years with no progression visible on tho plate, although the symptoms increased in severity. A large number of the men had had comparatively short exposures, although one was as leng as 48 years. Of the 31 autopsies, 21 shewed no tuberculosis and the cause of death in most cr all of theso was a disease other than pneumoconiosis. Three cases diagnosed as pneumo coniosis showed no silicosis at autopsy. There is a discussion of diagnosis. 715 Study of Dust Conditions in the Tri-State Mining District of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. C.C. Dills. Am. J. Pub. Eealth, 31^ pp. 619-629 (Juno, 1941). A study of surface and underground dust conditions in the richer District has been in progress for 8 months. 1365 surface dust samples wore taken at 11 sta tions. The worst average dust concentration in the area was foxaad to be 3.3 million particles, and the average for all counts was 1 million per cu. ft. Con trol stations outside the field gave an average count of 0.35 million particles. Medical studies arc still being conducted so that safe limits can bo sat. Dust conditions in nines that had a routine sampling service were found to be better than in mines without this service. The average dust count for drillers in tho lattor was 6.6 million particles, compared with 1.6 million Cor tho fomer mines. The average dust counts for shovelers wore'4#3 and S'. 7 for mines .without and with sampling services. Collaring holes dry was found to be the worst source of dust. Dust control measures include wotting ruck piles, word ing faces and haulage ways, spraying headings and drifts and mechanical loaders, shooting off shift, collaring holes wet, and ventilation. Dust sampling in con fined places has indicated that where these dust control devices arc applied pro perly, dust concentrations con be maintained below 5 million particles. Discussion: Similar results were found in 10 mines in Oklahoma. Lov/or counts woro scon in mines with routine dust sampling than in mines without. Double shift operations increase the dust problem by keeping the dust from settling. Digest of Industrial -3 715 Control of Tuberculosis and the Tholevr.ent of a Tuberculous Individual in Indus try. A. Sav.yer. Ind. lied., 10, 221-226 (June, 1341). 1. Industrial medicine is primarily directed toward the discovery of incipient disease. 2. An example of this is the detection and control of tuberculosis amongst the employes of the Eastman Kodak Company v/hcrc the incidence has been reduced since 1921 from 2.3 per 1,000 to 0.2 per 1,000 in 1940. 3. A program of routine serial or annual stereoroentgenc(prans was mado an estab lished procedure in 1928. 4. An accurate and active follow-up technic is a basic requirement for tho success of any effort to curb tuberculosis. . 5. In a study of the cost of tuberculosis among ICO of these employes, average age 31 years, the average time lost from work per case was 595 working days or 2 years and 15 weeks. The total cost for these 100 cases was 40 6,162 cr an average per case of 34,062. Private agencies bore approximately 80$ of the cost, while public agencies (tax-supported) bore approximately 20. 6. Rehabilitation of the worker after ccnveloscencc must be considered if tho gains of treatment are to be maintained. 7. A survey of 219 industrial organizations by E. A. Hbch.no,user revealed the fact that 203 employers re-cmployed workers v.lth arrested tuberculosis. 8. The following factors must be taken into account in any consideration of the employment of an arrested case of tuberculosis: (a) The extent of the lesion; ' (b) Tho completeness of tho cure; (c) The character of the job; (d) The necessity for adequate medical supervision, after return to work. 9. It would seem safe to say that the employing of an arrested case cf minimal tubdrculosis on the proper job is not toe great a risk, provided such individuals are under adequate medical supervision. 10. Discovering and arresting tuberculosis is only successful if we make it possible for the individual to once again become a wage earner. 717 Infection by Tuberculosis in Working Places. Obligation of the Manager to Pre vent the Danger of Infection of Vvcrkcrs. btschr. f. artz. Fortbild., 37, 707 703 (1940). (German). The courts recognize the claim for compensation in cases ?;hcre one worker con tracts tuberculosis frea another worker in the factory. The supreme court stressed that the plaintiff need not prove the facts. ver7 strictly if there is a question of the managers having violated his duty of protecting the v.-orkmans* health. It is sufficient to prove that there were irregular and dangerous con ditions. 718 Resort of a Study of the Granite, Mica, Feldsoar and Foundry Industries in flew Hampshire* r\J. Vintinner and others. I-i.H. State Board of Health, Concord, ;.\H. pp. 72 (February, 1941). More of a troatiso on general subject of dust control than a statement of the findings in a detailed study. Illustrates tho difficulty of presenting a repre sentative picture of working conditions in an industry, when conditions vary considerably from plant to plant. ^ Export Opinion About Pneumoconiosis (Silicosis). E. Gaubatz. Bcitr. z. Klin, d. Tubcrc., 95,, 286-311 (1940). (German). Only "serious" silicosis is compensated in Germany. New connective tissue forma tion in tho lungs must diminish respiratory capacity and affect the circulation so that there is a considerable decrease in bodily efficiency. The author ha3 examined respiratory and cardiovascular function in 300 silicotics in the past five years. Thirteen cases and their conclusions are referred to in detail. Digest of Industrial Kygi--e - 9. 7?o Silicosis and Siiico-Tuberculosis.. II. Critical Examination of Roentgenograms. Differential liamesis Sef.vwon Silicosis ana Other rulmcnarv Diseases. v.Caubatn. Dtsch. Tuberk.-51., 15, 32-40 (1341). (German). A presentation of good description and reproductions of x-ray films of silicosis at different stages. Discussions cf differential diagnosis are given, illustrat ing the differences in films of silicosis, tuberculosis, miliary tuberculosis, cardiac lung, and carcinoma. 721 Subcutaneous Injections of Uryren in Thcracy of Lesions of Respiratory Organs Caused by Irritating Gases. l7i*J~3osnovijc. Govetsk. lied. No. 19 p. 22. (1940) . (Russian;. . A report of 61 case3 of toxic bronchitis, bronchiolitis and broncho pneumonia caused by irritant gases and treated with subcutaneous injections of oxygen. Among the irritants were nitric acid, phosgene, chlorine and chlorpicrin. Sub cutaneous oxygen was introduced in amounts varying from the initial dose of 20C cc. to 1000 cc. every other day; in eases of pneumonia and broncho pneumonia 10C0 cc. was injected daily. There was an immediate improvement subjectively, followed by diminution of cough, the sensation of tightness in the cho3t, dysp- nea and the amount of sputiaa. It is also of value as a supplementary measure in the treatment of acute and subacute bronchitis caused by irritating gases. 722 Disabling Sickness Among 2,000 VJhitc Male Glass Workers. Vf.2I. Gafafer. Public Health Reports,~56, 1791-1799 (September 5, 1S41.J ' . This report deals with sickness ana non-industrial injuries causing disability lasting 3 calendar days or longer among approximately 2,000 white male workers in the glass industry during the 3 years, 1920-34. The frequency of disibility by broad diagnosis groups compares favorably with that experienced by 170,000 male industrial workers. The nmber of days of disability because of rheumatic diseases was over 50# greater than the ataber accounted for by influenza and grippe. Grinders, outside workers, and finishers experienced frequency, dis ability, and severity rates well above the average for the entire groups of workers. It is cf interest to observe that the outside workers show all three indexes to bo relatively high for either the respiratory or the non-respiratory diseases. Finishers, on the other hand, show indexes below the average for the entire group of workers with respect to respiratory diseases but above the aver age for the non-respiratory diseases. Grinders yield indexes above the average with respect to non-respiratory diseases, and while this occupational group ex perienced a low frequency of respiratory diseases the disability and severity rates were above the average for the entire group of workers. Batch mixers, furnace and casting v^rkers, show a relatively low frequency of respiratory dis eases but a long average duration of cases. 723 Catching the Dust from a Hammer Mill. C.C. Ralston and J.2. Conley. U.S. Bureau of Hines, Report of Investigations 3523 {1941}. A dust catcher designed for use with a hammer mill is described and illustrated. This typo of mill probably exceeds all other types of crushers in the quantity of dust released into the surrounding air. This arises from the fact that the action of a hammer mill is closely anaiagous to that of a fan or blower. This emission of dust around a hamr.cr mill is checked by means of a bag enclosod with in a closed supporting frame that is provided with a flap door to permit the placing 0? a container to catch the crushed material. A pipe directs the air current from the top of the frame to a large can that contains the bag. This bag, in turn, rests in a wire net. The wire not is enough smaller than tho can so that a 2-in. annular ring remains around the net. This detail prevents the suction of tho blower from sealing the bag against tho wall of the can. About 99 per cent of the dust is cai^ht by this bag, and another bag - on the blow er - finishes tho job* Digest of Industrial Kygie - 10 724 Pnhila Otinlon Demands Removal of Oust from Cement Plants* Anonymous. Concrete (Ccnent~Ui.il Ed.)~49, 214-216 (August, 1941). A discussion of the various modem types of dust control equipment availabe for cement mill installation. According to the author, a 'Nell-isiovm cement plant superintendent," ...."The public demands the discontinuance of dusty conditions ?.lthin a cement plant, and in the atmosphere around a cement plant if it happens to be located in or near a city cr town, or in a rich farming coraunity." He has seen this public attitude developing and growing all through his 25 years of experience in cement manufacturing operations. 725 Ignoranco is no Excuse. L.R. Blocaenthai. Heating, Piping and Air Cond., 13, 564-555 (September, 1941). . V.'ith prolonged hours of operation and a constant-influx of now workers, due to the demands of tha defense program and the general rise in business activity, industrial health hazards are likely to increase, particularly in those plants where gases, dusts end fumes result from manufacturing processes. The author, an attorney, cites a niaaber of specific cases -which have come up in various states in this brief review of the subject. His selection of the material brings out a number of the legal principles involved. 726 P.esolutions of the German Corsiission on Protective Devices Against Dust. Arbeitsschutz. p. 407 (1941). T^erman) * Protective devices were tested by the cctmittee for the dust protection of the insurance associations. The results on 13 devices, together ?/ith descriptions and illustrations, are given. 72? Roentgen Findings of the Lungs in Mycosis Pun&oides. J. Werth. Arch. f. Berm, u. Syph., 181, 295-314 (1940). (German). The appearance of the x-rays in these cases seen like silicotic lungs with "more fibrosis than usual" and "coarsely mottled." The disease begins in the lungs -with a characteristic enlargement of th hilus, spreading out along the vessels to give a picture of increased fibrosi3. . 728 Hydrogen Phosphide Poisoning. I. Animal Sxporiments on Acute and Subacute Poison ing. Vi. Muller. Arch, exptl. Path. Phaimakoi., 195, 154-193 (1940). (German). In atmospheres containing 1:400,000 or more of hydrogen phosphide rabbits were injured or killed by prolonged exposure. The intoxication is cumulative and the prognosis is unfavorable. All important organs arc congested. The -worst damage is suffered by the respiratory tract, liver and kidneys. ?29 Occupational Dangers from Hydrogen Sulfide. G. Rodenacker. Med. Elia., 37, 215-217 (1941). (German). A discussion of the different health hazards of hydrogen sulfide -- acute poison ing, conjunctivitis, etc. There aro reports of interesting cases, the historical background of this industrial disease, and a discussion of theory. 730 Order of the (German) Minister of Labor Regarding the Protection of Suray Point ers, March 5, 1940. Roichsgcsunaheitsbl., 15, 2S3-364 (1940). The terms of reference of the insurance association for fine mechanical and cloctric technics for producing fresh air apparatus for spray painting arc pub lished. Spraying largo pieces and standing inside the spray booth, the painter tqn be protected only by supplied-air apparatus. This must fulfil the folio-wing requirements, among others: Compressed air supplied to tho workers from the main factory source must be cleaned of oil vapors by activated charcoal filters; tho compressed ,air must bo delivered in a single line to the worker's bench and hero it must be separated into spraying and breathing tubes. A half-mask or cap cay bo used but the stream of air must not go directly to the workers' face. Automatic regulation and hoatin* of the air ara not always n*c*ss*ry. Digest of Industrial Hygi' - U. 73^ Toxicology of Zrslosioa Gases. Bavaa. Z, ges. Schiess-u. Sprengstoffw., 35^ 131-152 (1940). (Geimaa;. ^plosion gases can be divided into 3 groups with respect to their toxicological action: (1) very poisonous: CO, nitrous gases, cyanogen compounds, HgS; (2) fairly poisonous: nitriles, CO2; (3) non-poisonous: Hydrocarbons, N, .igO. 'The amounts of CO found in the explosion gases from several explosives are: picric acid 61.05, TUT 57.Cl, nitrocellulose powder 46.37, carbonite 36.0, explosive gelatin 34.0 and ammonal 23.74ft. Toxicological action is described for CO, nitrous gases and HCI-I. The physiological action of explosion gases cannot be calculated from the toxicity of their components since these are not additive but synergistic. 732 Eolation Between Carbon Monoxide Concentration in Air end Carbon Monoxide Hemoglobin"Content* ILay. Arch, f. Gewcrbeoath., 10. 97-103 (154C). (German}. Three charts arc shov.n: one depicting the formation of CO-heaoglobin in nan over various periods of time if the inhaled CO concentration is betv.tron 0.01ft and ift, and if the person is sitting, walking, or working; the second one illus trates the CO-hcaoeiabin curves in nan (sitting, vrclking, working) for CO concen trations from 0.01-0.07$; the third chart shows tha decrease of CO-hemoglobin when the person inhaled pure air (these are based upon the author*s self exper iments). If the time during which an individual was working in CO air, the time elapsed between his removal and the taking of the blood sample, and the CO-hemo globin of the sample are all known, the approximate concentration to which he wa3 exposed can be estimated. ' 733 Photocclorimetric Determination of Fluorine in the Air with 2irconrjr.-Alizarin. Id.M. Raises and 5.7. Kazachkova. J. Applied Chen.-, (U.S.3.R.), 1, 153-156 (Russian with French 3umaary.) . Treat samples of air containing fluorine with 0.5 cc. each of Zr-alizarin indi cator, 3 N H2SO4 and 3 IT HC1 in a volumetric flask, Add water to the mark, heat to boiling under a reflux condenser and cool rapidly. After 10 min., determine fluorine with the photocolorimeter. To prepare the indicator, six equal volumes of Zr (1103)4 (0.78 gm per 100 cc of '.rater) and Na clizarinsulfcnate (0.17 per 100 cc of water). If interfering substances are present, fluorine should be dis tilled as KoSiJg from the solution after addition of the above reagents and the distillate should be treated again as above. For the determination of fluorine a standard curve should be constructed by using various amounts of fluorine solution of known concentration. 3y this method 0.001-0.002 mg of fluorine can be determined. . ?34 An Improved Air Sampling Device far Field 7/ork. F.E. Van Atta and C,H. McClure. Tech. Paper Uo. 2, Illinois Dept, of labor, April, 1941. A unit for sampling air for large inpingers is described. It consists of a case containing pump, flowaetcr, and impingcr rack. 735 Preservation of Health in the Rubber Industry. F. Wcroecke. Zbl. f. Gcwerbehyg., 8, 1-19 (1941). (German). ' An interesting description of the health hazards in the rubber industry and their prevention. Benzene and other solvents especially arc discussod and 3cno interesting facts about the dangers of "Buna" (artificial rubber) production arc brought to light. The escaping vapors, especially of styrol, irritate the skin. Individual processes and methods of decreasing their dangers are re- ported, and there are a large number of illustrations. ---Annual Meeting - Uov. 12 and 13-- Digest of Industrial Kygi ^ - 12 736 Mine Safety and Accident Prevention* H. Boone. Mines Mag., 31, 61-5 (February, Toil). This paper is one' of a series covering the subject of mine safety. In previous installments (November and December, 1940 and January, 1941), most of the con sideration is given to accidents, v.ith statistics, cost figures, safety rules, explosive and electrical hazards and gas and dust explosions. This paper deals with gas and dust hazards. Tho various gases found in nines, toev.n to miners as tiackdanp, firedamp, whitadamp, afterdamp, and stiniedamp, are described, and their effects and preventive measures arc discussed. Blackdanp is the gas most usually present, and consists of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen in various quantities, and its effects are those of oxygen deficiency. V/hitedaap is carbon monoxide, and afterdamp consists of carbon monoxide added to the constituents of blackdrmp. Firedamp is any inflammable gas, mostly methane, and stiniedamp is hydrogen sulfide. Tho known facts of the dust hazard are presented rather brief ly but adequately including tho principal results cf animal experimentation. The growth of the silicosis "racket" has been due to a concerted effort to hide the facts and to take as few preventive measures as possible. Health problems in the mining industry should ho handled essentially as have safety problems and cooperation between the management, the engineer and the physician is necessary in order to solve them. Pre-employment examinations, individual susceptibility, safe dust concentrations and preventive measures are discussed. In the March issue suggestions for reducing accidents are given, and in the concluding in stallment (May, 1941) safety organizations, rules and systems of reports are considered. 737 Air Douches as Means of Air Conditioning Yarm Vforkrooms. Y.\ Liese. Glastechnische Bcr., 19, 119-123 (April, 1941). (Gorman). This article presents the results of the author's experiments carried out in a glass plant to determine the effect of heat radiation on the skin of the face at different temperatures, and the effectiveness of air douches for alleviating disagreeable effects of heat radiation. (See Abstract Mo.209, March, 1940). 738 For. Formation in V'orking Chambers of Pneumatic Caissons. 0. . Froehlich. . Ingouiur 5, 395-95 (June 14. 1940). (Genian). This is an account of an investigation of the causo of fog formation in the work ing chambers of pneumatic caissons. Preventive measures are discussed at con siderable length. 739 local Ceding of 7/orkers in Hot Industry. F.C. Hbughten and others. Heating, Piping & Air Cond., 13, 42-4c5 (July, 1941). This paper discusses a study of two methods of local cooling applications, the results being limited to atmospheric conditions of appropriately 50 relative humidity and either a 2500 fpm blast of cool air from a 4-in. nozzle located close to the worker, or a cool air supply of approximately 20 cfm through a loose-fitting coverall suit. The study shows conclusively that workers may be kept free from body temperature rise, excessive increase in pulse rate, and from perspiration with either a blast of cool air or by ventilating their clothing v.ith cool air. 740 Spirochetosis Icterohemorvha.tica as an Occupational Disease. Stienne-Martin. Mod. du travail 12, 97-133 (1940). (French). In recent years this disease has appeared in only four mines with 31 cases, two of which were fatal. The disease only appeared in mines harboring infected rats. For prevention the author proposes eradication of rats, acidification of mine mud, prohibition of eating in mines, supplying pure drinking wator, hygiene cf the mines, and compulsory reporting of spirochetosis. Digest of Industrial Hygie-- - 13. 74^ industrial Health -- A Medical Opportunity. C.M. Peterson. Virginia Med. Monthly 08i 67-70 (1341), Industrial medicine should occupy a greater part of medical education. Physi cians should take a greater interest in vergers' health -- it would be of advan tage to them, to the worker and to the community. The widespread adoption of workmen* s compensation legislation makes it imperative for physicians to recog nize and report industrial diseases. Medical societies, both state and local, arc organizing committees for the improvement and dissemination of such work in their coiciunities. To achieve tho best results, all groups public and private, should collaborate. 742 Importance of Constitution and Pace in the Origin of Occupational Pisceses. N,Y. Jagic end H. oeyfried. Mod. Klin., 51., 1411-1413 (1340). (GermanJ. This is a discussion of tho differences between occupational diseases that are entirely independent of the personality and disposition to illness, diseases caused by heredity and constitution, and diseases depending on constitution and special disposition, but finally becoming manifest by environmental influences. . Tho authors stress the importance of constitution and race, citing examples, such as that asthenic persons have a higher susceptibility to poisons and to joint injury by pneumatic tools, and that pyknic persons have a higher suscepti bility to dust diseases. Consideration of race and constitutional type are of value not only in giving expert opinions on occupational diseases, but also in prevention. 743 Orrunic Angina Pectoris Electrics. S, Kocppen. Munch, ned. Wchnschr., 87, 1289-1232 (November 22, 1340). (German). The author concludes that an electric injury to the heart can be accepted only if the accident is immediately followed by cardiac disturbances, but that anatomically demonstrable changes cannot be expected because tho current acts for only an extremely short time. He states that 16 of his 93 cases presented the aspects of organic angina pectoris elcctrica. This disorder is due to an impairment of the stimulus conduction system; that is, of the formation of the stimulus as v/ell as of its course. Electrocardiographicaliy, the disorder pre sents itself (1) as a coronary insufficiency, (2) as an auricular fibrillation, and (3) as disturbances in the conduction of the stimulus. He regards electri cal angina pectoris as a result of direct electrical action on the cardiac con duction system. 744 Prophylaxis of Throat Infection. R.S, King. Brit. Med. 7,t 1^, 154-155 (Febru ary 1, 1941). " In an effort to reduce the incidence of infections of the upper respiratory tract produced in overcrowded air raid shelters, a throat spray of 15-SCt? sodium hypochlorite wa3 employed. A remarkable reduction in acute and subacute streptococcic throat infections was noted. There was practically no difference in the incidence, severity and duration of ccmon colds in treated and untreated groups. Tho favorable results have on obvious industrial significance. 745 Peripheral Vascular Disease in Industry. 3.T. Horton. Virginia Med. Monthly, S3, 131-137 (March, 1341). Workers with peripheral vascular disease, especially thrembo-angitis obliterans, must be given work which will not aggravate tho disease and load to serious complications and amputation. Dividing peripheral arterial diseases of the ex tremities into functional and organic groups, Raynaud*s discaso and arterio sclerosis obliterans aro the coincncst. Thcro is also a discussion of mechanical devices used in treatment. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 14. 74.fi Scirochetal Jaundice ('.Veils' Disease), N. Bloom and H. YfelMer. Virginia Med. Monthly, 63, 192-3C0 (April, 1341J. Seven instances of Weils' disease are presented, ?.lth autopsy findings in the fi7 fatal cases. The authors believe there was an occupational factor in only one case that of a junk dealer who nay have come in contact 7.1th rats during his v.ork. Interstitial nephritis was the most common and by far the most impor tant pathological change -- the authors consider it tho'cause of death. Many cases are probably mistaken for catarrhal jaundice. The syndrome of acute fever, with generalized aching and tenderness of the body, and jaundice should suggest Weils* disease -- the differential diagnosis being aided by the presence of mus cular paia3 and kidney involvement. 747 Military Explosives. G.D. Hogers. Hat. Safety News, 44, 22-23, 77-30 (July, 1941). A discussion of the methods for controlling accident and health hazards in ex plosives manufacturing and aasaunition loading plants. The manufacture and use of Tctryl, a booster used to insure high order detonations of bomb and shell fillers, has a real health hazard associated v/ith it. The toxic effects of the* vapors from the sulphanators, nitrator, and recrystallizers, and the effects of the crystalline tetryl itself arc all dangerous. Its effects arc similar to those of TNT. TNJ, amatol, ether, benzol, ammonia, carbon tetrachloride and many other toxic substances are used in the explosives industry. 748 Seduce Noise in Steel Foundry Cleaning Rcora. A.H. Allen, Foundry 69, 60-61, 143 (September, 1941). It has been estimated by the National Noise Abatement Council that daily losses in industry because of excessive noise amount to approximately v2,COO,COO. The loss is measured in tems of lessened effective effort by wortoen subjected to continuous loud noise. This article recounts a program to rearrange a foundry and erect an entirely new cleaning room which would take advantage of the latest ideas in the technique of foundry noise absorption. Many noise-producing oper ations wore housed in acoustically treated booths, and the interior of the building, including walls and roof, was treated completely with acoustic mater ial. Expressions have already boon received from the voriszen indicating their approval of the noise reduction methods which have been instituted. Management is convinced that the expenditure will certainly be translated into more effi cient and faster operations in the plant. ?49 Dust Control System Design, Installation and Operation from the Cosaonsonse Standpoint. F.J. Hravath. Heat. ccVcnt., 38^ 28-31 (June, 1941). Points to be gained from installation of an effective exhaust system, well de signed and maintained, are emphasized. The advice of an export or consultant should be employed wherever possible. There is a discussion of the importance cf maintaining standards and of giving physical examinations. 75d .Light!nr and Efficiency. E. Kssmerer. Zbl. f. Gcworbehyg. .~*23, 33-40 (1941). (German). Increasing the intensity of illumination increases visual acuity, but beyond a certain intensity this is very slight. Intensity must correspond to the fineness of the work, but tho direction from which the light enters the field of work is also important. Blinding by the light and by the reflections from the work is to be avoidod. Mercury and sodium lights may be of use. since color is some times of importance. Examples arc givon of tho economy of better illininaticn. --Remember the Meeting, Nov. 12-13-- Sigast of Industrial Hygiene - 15* m industrial Health Defease: How Plant Sngineers Can Make Field Measurements of Industrial Ventilation* Y.'.C.L. Hemeon. Heating. Piping & Air Cond., l, 22-2S (1941). Apparatus for asking field measurements of airflow in industrial exhaust equip- nent is described. Chemical smoke producers for tracing leaks or direction of air movement arc discussed and illustrated as are the u-tube nanometer and the pitot tube for measuring velocities. Also shown is a carrying case far these instruments. -- 752 The Prevention and Treatment of Affections Occurring in the Magnesian Industry. M. Hyphen. Practitioner. 145. 52-99 {February, 1941). Some of the occupational exposures resulting in the production and processing of magnesium are discussed. Brief references are made to magnesium dust and pnousoconiosis, bichromate baths used in treating magnesiua castings, sulfur dioxide, magnesium fluoride and exposure to x-rays in inspection of castings. The treatment of ailments resulting from the several exposures is given in detai 753 Injuries and Damage to the Ear by Explosion and Sound. A. Groifenstein. Munch, mod. ivchnschr. 1345-1350 (1940). (German). The subject of lajuTios to the ear by acuta and chronic occupcticcal influences is reviewed. Y.far injuries are discussed in detail: damage from firing one shot by the effect repeated firing in a short time, noise in flying and noise from motors and propellors. 754 Diagnosis of Occupational Diseases by the General Medical Practitioner. D, C. Straus. 111. Mod. J., 79, 247-251 {March, 1941). This is the first of a series of articles by the Director of Industrial Hygiene, Illinois Department of Labor, intended to acquaint the general practitioner with the problem of occupational diseases. Specific hazards will be dealt with later Attention is directed to the need for getting a complete occupational history. 755 Industry Must Accent Obligation to Protect Eyesight of Workers. M. Davidson. Concrete (Cement Mill Ed.) 49, 1S4-1S5 (June, 1941). There are two aspects to the obligation of industry to safeguard its workers1 eyes. One is to make the environment safe for the worker by eliminating hazards causing accidents, and the dusts, fuses, intoxications and poor illuaination, responsible for occupational diseases. Much has been accomplished in this con nection. The other aspect, that of making the marker safe for himself, his co-v/orker and industry, has not yet received the recognition it deserves. It involves proper vocational guidance and advice for the applicant with irremedi able defective eyesight and fer the v.orkcr who has acquired it in the course of his employment. A survey of the incidence of true defective eyesight among the industrial population in terms of its most important element, visual acuity, indicates about 14# to 18#, with most probably less than one half serious, dofocti7es ` 756 Mew Theories Concerning the Origin of Mvonia. K. Lindner. Klin. Monatsbl. f. Augcnheil. ?. 532 (1939). (German;* The author presents his concept that myopia may be acquired by working at close range, in opposition to the concept of Steiger, prevailing today, that it is always inherited. The occupational implications of this proposition are obvious. --Foundation's Sixth Annual Meeting: Pittsburgh, Mov. 12-13-- Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 16. 7*7 Aero-Otitis Media in Ccmaressed Air Workers. Treatment with Helium-Oxygen Mixtures. u'.H. Requarta. J.A.AI.A. 116. 1766-1703 (April 19, 1941), This condition was originally described in aviators but is found cuite often in compressed air workers as well. Obstruction of the Sustachian tube is the pri mary cause and i3 most often due to upper respiratory infections. Pathological ly, there is deformity and hyperemia of the tympanic membrane, and serous or sanguineous exudate in the middle ear. Clinically there is tinnitus, earache and impairment of hearing. Perforation of the drum with subsequent suppuration i3 the most frequent complication, with occasional permanent impairment of hear ing. Pre-employment estimates are useful in eliminating those who are predis posed to upper respiratory infections, in correcting defects they may contribute to repeated infections and not allowing an individual to work while suffering from a respiratory infection. Treatment with holiiza is outlined. 7cS Health Conditions in the Glass Industry. Pluhar. .Arbeitsschutz, 11-15 (1941). Several months ago a paper appeared on the health hazards of glass workers. The author, an employe of the insurance association of the glass industry, now pub lishes data from the association's material. He charts curves on the frequency of lead poisoning, CO poisoning and cataract on the reported and compensated cases. As only such cases arc compensated v/hich cause death or a disability for more than 13 weeks, it is to be understood that the figures are small, especial ly concerning compensated Pb and CO poisoning cases. From 1926-1939, 408 cases of cataract bad been compensated, but tbe compensation law has been retroactive for several years. 92? of these cases arose in hollow ware and bottle manufacture, a fact that is easily understood since it is also true that cataract is found only in certain districts because of the particular type of operation, so that exposure of the eyes to radiation is different in different districts. It is unfortunate that the author does not present figures on sili cosis which is the most important occupational disease; he remarks only that 60$ of the cases developed in making pots and tubs, as a result of inhaling clay dust which contains up to 50$ free silica. There are other less common diseases upon which the author touches briefly. ' 759 Xerosis of the Cornea among Glass Blowers. K.M. Hiparisov. Vestnik Cftal., 17, 1-2,100 (194C). (Russian). The routine examination of 600 glass workers showed that 14.6# of them had ocular disturbances. Of those, 1.3$ had cataract, but the relation between their work and the lenticular opacities wore not definite, because these workers were all over 40 years of age. Conjunctival hyperemia, found in 11.6$ of the workers, cleared up 2 or 3 hours after work. One man who worked before an open fire without glasses had blepharospasm. The deleterious effect of light and heat in this industry is indicated by 8 cases of corneal-xerosis. Two cases of optic neuritis could be attributed to the effect of ultra violet rays. The author urges that workers have their eyes examined before entering the industry, and that the administrative department be charged with the responsibility of providing and enforcing all prophylactic measures. ` P1 aters cn11 Industrial -- Po--i-s"on--s, Cancer , Derm" 1a1 t-itis, etc. ^ 70 Focal Infection and Occupational Zczcma. F. Koch. Arch.f.Dermat. u. Syph., ISO, 47-50 (1940). (Goman). Fecal infection is frequent both in persons with occupational eczema and in healthy persons -- no etiological relationship could be established. The success of the therapy was the same in eczematous patients with and without focal infec tions; the removal of the foci was without effect on the eczema. Dices* of Industrial Hygii - 17 7Q. Clinical Aspects and Treatment of Occupational Diseases of the Skin. 0. Hcpf. '/.ftitsehr. fT arts, Fortbild.. 38 . 33-55 (1941). (German). The importance of tho occupational factor may be doubted and individual aspects considered if a skin disease continues more than six months aftorceesing work. Negative skin tests arc not always proof that there is no causal relationship between the disease and the occupation. Positive tests are important but not necessarily a proof. In diagnosis and prevention, inspection of work, workroom and worker are important. 762 Pathogenesis of Hypersensitivity to Flour end Persulfate in Flour Workers. H.A.2. van Dishoeck and D.J. Roux. Arch f. Dermatol, u. Syph., 181, 34-40 (1940). (Gorman). A discussion of the significance of flour and persulfate allergy and their im portance in the origin of bakers' and millers' diseasds. Nearly every baker and miller with rhinitis vasomotoria, asthma and eczema shov; a positive reaction to flour. Epithelial persulfate allergy is positive only in bakers suffering with florid eczema in a portion of the cases. 3ut German authors found positive per sulfate reactions in 75-80# of tho eczematous bakers. The authors stress the point that flour allergy is acquired by inhalation; tho skin irritation from wet flour, water, etc. promotes the development of persulfate allergy. 763 Value of Skin Tests in Recognizing and Preventing Occupational Dermatosis. F. Koch. V.'ie-n. mod. Wchaschr. 91, 6-9 (1941). (German). Skin diseases which are apparently occupational in etiology nay be shown to be caused by substances not used in the patient's work. Early recognition of the cause is also useful in preventing a sensitivity from becoming polyvalent. It is imperative to make the 3kin test with the actual substance used in the plant, not with a substance of the same name. Variability in the results of tests and the dermatoses caused by friction (eczema of masons) must be kept in mind. 764 A New Industrial Skin Cleanser. L. Schwartz. Pub. Health Repts., 56, 1788-1790 (September 5, 1341). Harsh skin cleansers have frequently been found tc be the cause of dermatitis rather than the materials being handled or manufactured. This is especially true of materials hard to remove from the skin. A milder and yet effective skin cleanser is composed of a sulfcnnted oil (either animal or vegetable), a wetting agent and optionally a small amount of trisodiun phosphate or sodim hexaneta phosphate. This cleanser has been very useful in cases of eczema and defatted skins in which olive oil was previously used as a cleanser. It has also been used in cases of atopic eczema in children. 765 Sudden Appearance of an Occupational Eczema Among Most of the Workers in a New Division of a Chemical Plant. J. Rochstoad, Nordisk, Med., 9_, 932-386 (1341). (Scandinavian). Eczema appeared among the workers in an experimental laboratory after using hoTi-aitrodiphcnylanine. Tho affected men gave positive results with epicutancous tests. During illness sensitivity improved and normal persons were easily sen sitized. Urethan ointment decreased the effect of the chemical. 766 Mule-Soinner's Cancer. E.M. Brockbank. Srit. Med. J., pp. 622-623 (April 26, 1941). Experience in this subject was gained by the author from seeing 150 mulc-spinners with epithelioma of the scrotum. Over SO# were on the loft side. The spindles throw oil onto tho men1s clothing and boing of a mineral carcinogenic typo, readily produces skin cancers. Periodic exeninations aro of the utmost importance. Substitution of hanalcss oils is suggested. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 18. 767 Toxic affects of Iroko. J.M. Davidson. Lancet, 1^ b8-39 (1941). (Great Britain). Description of severe dermatitis in most of the 50 men who handled iroko legs or freshly sawod planks. Nine men had sovere symptoms, some appearing vlthin 1-2 hours, including itching of exposed parts as well as of the genitals, axilla, back of knee, etc. In some men edema of the face, ocular irritation and blepharo spasm developed. Chest constriction, cough and other respiratory manifestations v/ore othor symptoms. Four to 5 weeks were required to clear up the trouble. Only two of the men had developed sensitivity to other wood. Iroko is the common and trade name for Chlorophora oxcelsa, also known technically as mvule, odum and kambala; it comes from a3t and West Africa. 768 Relationship Between Skin Cancer and Occupation in Texas: Konev; of 1569 Veri fied Lesions Occurring in 1190 Persons. C. Phillips. Texas State I. lied., 36, 13-516 (1941). This is an analysis of a study by the U.S. Public Health Service as to the inci dence of occupational cutaneous cancer in Texas over a 20 year period. In the order of frequency, the lesions v/ere basal cell epithelioma, squamous cell epithalioma, transitional cell epithelioma, adenocarcinoma of the sweat or sebaceous glands, fibroxanthosarccma and epithelioma in sobacaou3 cysts. The occupations in the order of size are outdoor work (farming and ranching), house wives, various business activities requiring moderate outdoor life, professions, laborers and carpenters, railroad and petroleum workers. All but 12.2$ of the lesions were traced to occupation. A study of 123 melanomas showed no relation to occupation. 769 Asphalt as an Antigen. R. Hasche-21under. Dtsch. med. Wchnschr. .66, 1422-1424 (1940). (German). ' Report of a case of bronchial asthma in a Danish street worker while using asphalt oil. This substance is a product of creosote derived from coal distill ation, and has nothing to do with asphalt. Another case is mentioned showing susceptibility to bitumen. 7X Arsenic and Goitre. G.R. Sharpless and M. Metzger. X. Nutrition. 21, 341-346 (April 10, 1941). Arsenic can act as a positive goitorogcnic substance in rats. Iodine can reduce this goitcrogenic action as well as the toxicity of small amounts of arsenic. Ingestion of arsenic nay double the iodine requirement. Arsenic may exert its goitcrogenic offcct indirectly by interfering vath some of the normal oxidation reduction systems, perhaps by combining with sulphydryl groups or some other way. Cell oxidation is hindered in this way and the thyroid is stimulated in an attempt to ccmpensato for lost oxidative capacity. 771 Symptoms of Acute Hydrocyanic Acid Poisoning with Special Reference to Neurologic Disturbances, il. Werner. Dtsch. Zeitschr. f. Ncrveahcilk., 151, 123-137 (1941). (German). Exposure to hydrocyanic acid gas produced unconsciousness with dyspnea. The worker recovered after a day in the hospital, cut two days later he relapsed, with hypotonia, ataxia, adiadochocinesis (symptoms of cerebellar affection), moro on the left than on the right side. Ho had headache and disturbance of the circulation in hands and feet; inner ear deafness developed four days later. After about 14 weeks, these symptoms disappeared. There is a discussion of these symptoms and the literature on the subject. --Annual Meeting - Nov. 12 and 13-. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 19. 772 The Effect of Scdiua Thiosulfate on Excretion of Arsenic. 2.T. Cedar, L. Ion "and M.2. Klinger. Vener. Dis. Inform., 22, 123-129 (April, 1941). The pharmacologic action of sodium thiosulfate in the treatment of arsenic poi soning is still a controversial issue. A disparity exists in the results cf pre vious studies in this problem, which might be explained on technical difficulties of arsenic analysis and tho selection of subjects. Ten syphilitic patients, each of when had completed an orthodox course of neoarsphenamine therapy, wero selected for this study. Six of them received sodium thiosulfate, while the re maining four were used as controls. The arsenic content of urine and feces was analyzed in those subjects over a period ranging from the 1st to tho 23rd day following the completion of the course o: :sarsphcnanine therapy. The ' urinary, focal or total arsenic excretion was not significantly affected by ad ministration of sodiua thiosulfate in popularly used therapeutic dosage. The question as to clinical efficacy of this compound in tho treatment of arsenic poisoning might be raised, as the strongest case for its clinical use has boon based on the supposition that it mobilized the excessive arsenic stored in the body depots. 773 Sxncrimental Studies on Aniline Bladder Tumors. S. Jdorigami and I. Nisimura. Gann,"34, 146-147 (1940). In view of the occurrence of bladder cancer among aniline workers, the authors attempted to produce the disease experimentally by o-toluidin and benzidine. Rabbits, guinea-pigs, and rats wore used. A Iff solution of c-toluidin in olive oil was injected subcutaneously 6 times a week in 0.1 cc doses. * In other ex periments o-toluidin and benzidine were dissolved in chloroform, in the ratio of 5$, and the solutions were applied to the skin of the back every other day. Bladder papilloma was produced in animals receiving injections of o-toluidin that survived over 100 days. Rabbits were especially resistant to the toxic action of the chemical and showed a high incidence of papilloma. Benzidine proved mere toxic, but when animals withstood the treatment long enough this sub stance also produced atypical proliferation of bladder opithcliui. Unfcrtunately, for the proper evaluation of the experimental results nunbers of animals 'used and cf those developing papilloma aro not given. Hueper produced neoplastic lesions of the bladder in 9 of 16 dogs treated with bcta-naphthylamiae. 774 The Effect of Calcium and Phosphorus on the Motabolisa of Lead. 1.3. Shields and K.K. iiitcheil. J. Nutrition. 21,, 541-552 (June 10, 1541). 1. A low content of calciua or of phosphorus or of both in the diet induced a high retention of lead in comparison with diets containing higher mineral levels. In fact, the only method of securing lead storage in adult rats on the moderate concentration of dietary lead used (32 p.p.n.) is to lov/er the calcium content of the diet to inadequate or borderline levels. 2. Excessive dietary levels of calciua and phosphorus are not appreciably more protective against the assimilation of lead by the body than are levels approxi mating tho requirements. This statement applies only to thc**modcrate levels cf dietary lead employed. 3. Under the imposed conditions of variable dietary concentrations of cr-lcim and phosphorus, the retention of calciua runs in a diametrically opposite direc tion to the retention of lead. 4. Under conditions of practical nutrition, an adequate intake of calcium and of phosphorus presumably protects tho body against appreciable assimilation of the low levels cf dietary lead involved in the usual lead hazard of modern life. This protection is moro effective in the adult than in the adoloscont for any given concentration of calciua and phosphorus, possibly because the mineral meta bolism of the bone trabeculae is considerably loss intense in tho adult than in the growing organiaas. Digest of Industrial Hy<,ifc. - 20. 775 Lead Sncerhaloeathy in Children and Adults: Cllnicopathologlc Study. A.J. Akolaitis. J. Ncrv. and Ment. Dis., 93^, 213-332 (March, 1241). Tha post-mortem study suggests that the structural changes in children and adults arc a result of edema 'with exudation and hyperplastic changes in the lepteneninges and endotholial colls of the blood vessels. The symptoms in adults arc similar to thoso of any brain inflammation, and diagnosis rests on the presence of a lead line. 776 Schavior of the All-coli Reserve and the pH of the Urine 3cfore and After Injec tions of Calcium and Magnesium. H. Massiono and 3. Bareggi. Med. del lavcro 32 , 53- 7C (1941). (Italian). . Thirteen cases of lead poisoning were treated by injection of calcium chloride and magnesium sulfate. The authors conclude that some degree of acidosis is pre sent in all cases of lead colio. The aikalino reserve increases after the in jection of calcic and decreases after injection of magnesian, sulfate. No change is shown by the urine pH. 777 Lead Storage Battery Manufacture in -the State of Illinois. G.V/. Daubenspeck end C.H. McClure. Civ. Fact. Inspect. Illinois Copt, of Labor, Chicago, Tech. Paper No. 1, (March, 1941). A report of conditions found in industry and recommendations of needed changes in equipment and in processes. Importance of air cleanliness is stressed and data from sampling with the iapinger in various operations is given. 778 Nicotine and Internal Secretion. II. Dangers to V/omen Working in Tobacco Factor ies? I'. Goabrccht and A. Looser. Arch. f. exp. Path. u. Pham., 193, 143-151 (1940). (Goman). The authors showed in a previous publication (same issue, pp. 121-142), that the reproduction organs and the thyroid are the most sensitive of the endocrine glands to nicotine. Two hundred eighty tobacco workers and 472 textile workers were investigated; no difference was found, although the tobacco workers com plained mere frequently of dysmenorrhea. Overstraining (combined work in fac tory and heme, a lens walk to work, etc.) probably cause symptoms referable to the thyroid which were frequently encountered. 779 Dxtcrimcntal Poisoning by Selenium with Special Regard to its Effects on the Bones. F.K. Sauer. Arch.f .Gowerbepath., 1G_, 117-132 (1940). (German). Chronic poisoning of animals with selenium is reported, none changes are des cribed and illustrated with microscopic sections. Metabolic changes arc shown. The amounts of selenium found in the organs was very tiny. 780 Phosnhine Poisoning (Animal Experiments). I. Acute and Subacute roisoninn. W. Mliller. Arch, f. exp. Patto u. Pharm., 195, 184-193 (1940). (Gorman). ~ The widespread use of insecticides v/hich give rise to phosphino suggested these experiments. It was shown that in concentrations of 1:40,000 death occurred after 4 hours; with 1:50,000, after two exposures of four hours each; with 1:100,000, after seven exposures of 4 tours each. Concentrations of 1:200,000 could bo endured for two months for four tours daily. Om animal which had been exposed to such a concentration for five days died when the concentration was increased to 1:70,000 at the end of the first four hours. Previous exposure had diminished the resistance. T.M.T. (Trinitrotoluene). Ind. Data Sheet No. D-Chca. 23. National Safety Council. Nat. Safety Nows. 44. 3S, 40 (September, 1941). Poisoning from TNT may taka place in throe ways: through respiration, by inges tion, cr by absorption through the skin. In addition to the systemic effects, dermatitis, through contact vlth tho skin, can also occur. Precautions for pre vention ore outlined. Digest of Industrial hygiene - 21. 732 Effects of Yellow Phosphorus .nd Arsenic Trioxide on Growing 5onaa and Growing Teeth^ C.O. Adams and~3.G. Sarsnt^ Area. Path,, 20, 1192-1202 (19*0). A generalized tcxic effect of both substancos was observed as manifested by a reduction in the rate of ?:cight gained and bone growth. Yellow phosphorus pro duced a band of increased density, the formation of which was attributed to a diminished resapeion of cartilage matrix and bone. A disturbed calcification of the dontin occurred in animals receiving the yellow phosphorus and arsenic tri oxide. These studies are of theoretical interest in revealing the effects of yellow phosphorus and arsenic trioxido on two types of calcified matrix. 783 Valuo of Vitamin C for 3cn2one `"orders. 0. Libov.ltsky and H. Seyfried. Wien, klin. Wchnschr., 53, 543-547 (1940). (German). The authors claim that, in workers exposed to benzene and its homologuos, they often find symptoms typical of avitaminosis C. This is particularly true in the months in -which there is a vitamin C deficiency in the food and by higher concentrations of vapors due to closed windows (November to April). Hiaapel-Ledc congestion experiments showed 6.3$ positive with the highest percentages in the winter months. Among the 59 cases with positive Huapel-Lcdc tests were five casos with "clear bonzcnc damage;" in four cases the blood showed "exceptional ly low leucocyte counts"; in the fifth case there was a "moderate leucopenia and anemia of high degree." The cases v;ero treated with cevitamic acid and 19 be came negative tc the Hiszpel-Lede test. Vitamin C may be used as a prophylactic in exposures to benzene. 794 Masha for Protection Against Formaldehyde. Queries and Minor Notes. J.A.M.A. 116, 2639 (Juno 7, 1941). . The activated charcoal used in many mash canisters will absorb formaldehyde "to a large degree." Although heavy concentrations of formaldehyde are rare, it might be bettor to have workers wear supplied-air or ox/gen macks. The toxic limits for formaldehyde have not been fixed although 20 p.p.a. has been suggested. What is the role of employee health in industrial relations? Are any new health hazards arising in this period of emergency production? What's new in the study cf aluminum powder? What are the latest legal trends? What is the audit of sick absenteeism showing? For the answer to thoso and scores of other pertinent questions in the field of employoo health, plan to attend the Foundation's annual meeting Nov. 12-13. Air sampling 734 Arsenic and goitre 7'70 therapy 772 trioxido 782 Asbestosis lung cancer 711 with tuberculosis 712 Benzene and vitamin C 733 Cancerr shin 7 63 Carbon monoxide 732 Coal miners lungs 713 Constitution 742 Creosote 76S Deraatitis flour 762 hexa-nitrodiphenyl- amine 785 Iroko 767 role of infection 760 shin cleanser 764 shin tests 763 treatment 761 Bust control cement general hammer nill 724 749 723 Zlcctric aneina noctoris 743 Explosives. military poisoning 747 Eycsieht glass blowers 759 myopia 756 protection 755 INDEX (September, 1941) Fluorine determination 733 Gases, omlosion 731 Heat, excessive 737-739 Hydrocyanic acid 771 . Hydrosen phosphide 728 Hvdroeen sulfide 729 Illumination 750 Industrial disease legal aspects 725 Respirators approved 726 for formaldehyde 784 Rubber industrv 735 Selenium 779 Silicosis ' mineralogy 7C7- 708 - 710 prevention 706 report 714-719 x-rays 720 Spray-painting protection 730 Statistics, morbidity and mortality glass workers 722758 Industrial medicine general 741-754 Lead battery industry 777 encephalopathy 775 treatment 774-776 Magnesium health hazards 752 Mining 736 Noise, excessive ear effects 753 prevention 748 Phosphino 780 Phosphorus 782 Pressure, excessive 738-757 Reports dust survey 715-718 Therapy oxygen injection 721 throat infection 744 T.N.T. 731 Tobacco workers 778 Tuberculosis control 716-717 . Timors, bladder 773 Vascular disease 745 . Ventilation ' instruments 751 Weils' disease 740-746 X-Ray miniature 709 mycosis fungoides 727