Document QKX3B0DRGyVdJYpRzm9dO6wk

Industrial Hygiene Digest INDUSTRIAL HEALTH NEWS LITERATURE ABSTRACTS MEDICAL ENGINEERING \ V CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGICAL LEGAL decisions and trends t; l3 ^ SEPTEMBER, 1950 (VoL 14, No. 9) INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVENUE *: PITTSBURGH 13, PA. JOHN FRANCIS ' McMAHON 1903-1950 .. WDUSTMA1.M^OJCNK FACTS*'*" . FOUNDATION Foundation' Fa^t* Ip 'monthly nowo.tottor'tpmiW . to Industrial oonoornt holding momborahlp In industrial Hyglsno Foundation; Tho Foundation la a non-profit aoooclation of Industries for tho advanesmont of hsatthful working conditions. '' .Vol. 12 September, 1950 "sy.vo. 9 >$g: ;:T. JCBR FRANCIS McMfiHON, 1905-1950 1 :'V' ` C'ivK'f'Wii . ` ' At noon on September 15, while at his desk, John F. McMahan vas stricken * vlth a coronary occlusion that caused Immediate death. , . .. * .% '...He joined the .staff of Industrial Hygiene Foundation .In 1936 shortly . after Its formatIon and his - ambitions and career became' one vith'the Foundation. * In .19^2 he vas made* Managing Director of the 'Foundation and, Administrative Fellow, ." -of:Mellon`Inst'ltttte.' .His unbounded- energy and outstanding leadership.vfere, rewarded ,V*J by the growth-and prominence of the Foundation *ln the field of occupational diseases and industrial hygiene and by a place of eminence for himself. His many forceful. ^/!' * articles on Industrial health have Induced the serious'attention bf Industrialists, HV\. 'Jr ?t. scientists, publishers, educators, underwriters, and personnel specialists*.-/;. ; ' 7,^ ?r7v4v- v. %*. Dr. E*B. WeIdleIn, Director of Mellon Institute, paid the following tribute to him: "For the past decade he vas a front leader In demonstrating the , # _ , essentiality of conserving and developing human resources In the Industries, In strengthening occupational humanics, in Inducing the building of better places to JSft* work.. He vas Indeed a foremost ftyri most successful exponent of the promotion <rf * 4V the institute: 'His great cancentrative and synthesizing power, his dynamic personal. : force, his keen judgment and foresight, his high sensitiveness to human values mm &xh' put the life Into the Foundation's structure.- I vas his close friend and will never^ forget his fairness, sincerity, perseverance. Inspiring executive strength, open-' mindedness and sense of humor,' all of which are unparalleled In my experience." .. : *?&**'* . . t-fe <*** In South Waverly. Pa., In 1903, John Mellon attended schools Sayre, Pa.,' and then graduated with a .B..A* Jths I92B. From 1929 to 1931,.he served as a reporter on the New York Sun. For the fcext.two years he was assistant to Janes T. Grady, public .relations director for Columbia University, the American Chemical .Society, and other technical organizationV'* In 1932,.Mr. McMahon came to Pittsburgh as. night editor c>f the Associated Press. ' After a feur-ypar stint with the AP, he joined the Industrial Hygiene group at . Mellon Institute to attend to public relations. * ' lI" ' * He vas a member of the American Management Association; American Industrial Hygiene Association; A.T.AJE.; Pittsburgh Personnel Association; General Health Council Western Pennsylvania Safety Council (Board member); Pittsburgh Playhouse (Board Member); University Club (Pittsburgh); Western Pennsylvania Historical Society; Pennsylvania Governor, Notre. Dame Foundation; Serra International; and the Chemists Club (N.Y.) During World War II he served as Chairman, Public Belations, War Finance Committee (Bond Drive), Western Pennsylvania. ' - Mr. McMahon is survived by his widow, Mrs. Kuth B. McMahan, and by two sons, John F., 14 and Michael B., 11. INDUSTRIAL. HTOICNE FOUNDATION 4409 FIFTH AVCNUC FfTTSBUROH (is). i Industrial Hygiene Digest' V: < ' September, 1950 .. table or ccanms JTevs Items................... .................................... .................. .. 1 *; * . .'Occupational DiseaseStatistics.;.'./,.,:i..*4 * - .. - |>egal Developments. 5 ' " Books, Pamphlets and notices..................... 6 ' Industrial Medical Practice.........8 Chemical Hazards.................................................................. 10 . Industrial Dusts............ ........................ .................. . 13 Physical Aspects of the Environment.............. l6 ' , .... Radioactivityand Z-Badlation r. ' f. *:17. . , > ` . Environmental Measurements............................................. 16 ` Preventive Engineering................. ................................... 19 * Community Air Hygiene.............. 20 . Management Aspects ............................................................. 21 JLccldsnteand.Prevent'iGn............................... 23 " Miscellaneous....................................... 26 - Index 27 Vol. .XI5T No. 9 Induslx ial'^Hygiene.Fomdation v M*00 Flfth:rAvenui&*' H'; - Pittsburgh'.!?, Pa.- INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE DIGEST Literature and Neva NEWS HEMS 1013' Symposium cm Orthopedic Appliances,.: * / - i ' \ " *' * ! ' . . * * . v. *" .The''Third Annual'Symposiuja cm.Orthopedic Appliances, spemSatf&d-by the - Sarah Mellon Scaife-Foundation's Multiple Fellowship on Orthopedic . Appliances at Mellon Institute,, together vith the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, met at Mellon Institute during the week of September 18.* . Over 120 brace-makers, orthopedic surgeons, physio-therapists, and related specialists attended formal lectures and visited a series of clinics and . demonstrations. The theme of the Symposium itself was "Behabilitatich." It was evident in the surgical clinics in which total treatment of the - patients was presented, from surgery through brace-fitting and rehabili tation procedures. It was re-emphasized by Dr. Edward Weidlein, Director of Mellon Institute, in pointing out that the goal of the Institute has . . been "research for human welfare," and it was finally .stated by Dr. .Biornas. * Parian,-who pointed out how. the extreme of the "medical spectrum":*1'.* v- * * - Prevention and Behabilitatiom, are impinging' Increasingly upon the es- . tablished center of the "spectrum": . Diagnosis and Treatment.- v * 1014 Deferment Policy for College Students. * local Selective Service Boards have received instructions from ^ Washington -that they may consider the following conditions when all three . exist in the case of any registrant as warranting ccmaideratiem for . occupaticnal^defera^nt:.. (I) The registrant has completed at.least one -. . - . academic`year of a full-tinm- course of instruction at a. college, university. s or similar' institution of. learning*. (2) Die college or university at which the registrant last completed an academic year of a full-time .course . . Qf-instruction certifies that the. registrant's*-scholastic standing placed * him among .the upper half of his class. (3) The local board is satisfied by the record of the registrant's actions in making normally required arrangements that he had fully Intended prior to August 1, 1950, to enroll in a full-time course of instruction at a college, university or similar institution of learning for the academic year ending in the Spring of 1951* * A full-time graduate student may be considered as having met conditions * (1) and (2) above if it is certified by the college that .in his last under - graduate year of a full-time course of instruction the registrant's standing placed him among the upper half of his class. When an asslstantshlp in teaching or research is a requirement in the course being taken, the graduate student qualifies as a full-tine student. .. _ . .. -- Social Legislation Information Service  Industrial Hygiene Digest >3 ^September, 1950 1019 Dr. Shaffer Succeeds pr, Shoudy at Bethlehem* . Floyd E, Shaffer, M.D., has been appointed medical director of Bethlehem Steel Company, succeeding the late Dr. loyal A. Shoudy. Dr. Shaffer, vho holds an M.D. degree from Johns Hopkins' University, 1914, has been with Bethlehem since 1917. After spending two years at the Company's plants at Bethlehem and Lebanon, Pa., he was transferred to Sparrows Point as plant surgeon for both steel plant and shipyard operations When the Baltimore Dry Docks was acquired in 1921 and the Bethlehem- Fairfield yard was organized in 1941, he was also placed in charge of the , medical department for those operations. In 1948 he was transferred to Bethlehem as assistant medical director. . 1020 HD Session Planned on Dust Diseases. . , -* Geneva... *;The Governing Body-of the* International Labour'Orgahisatian\ ..... has' approved in;:principle the convening-of an, international; conference to *: "* . consider ways and means of preventing pneumoconiosis, or lung'diseases caused * * by the absorption of dust. Uhls meeting was recommended by the Ihird Inter national Pneumpconiosis Conference held at Sydney, Australia, In March. Uhe forthcoming meeting will, in particular, consider measures, for the prevention of pneumoconiosis from the viewpoint of the physicist, chemist and engineer. She data and agenda of the session will be fixed by the Governing Body at a forthcoming meeting. -- ILO Hews Service Editor's Note: Iheodore F. Batch of the Foundation's staff and the Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, was an official American delegate to the Australian meeting. Protection Against Atomic Bomb. ' . - An atomic bomb shelter, to he built into the sub-basement of a projected 21 story office building in Hew Tcrk (260 Madison Ave.) . is believed the first xecogcitiari by ^metropolitan btiiMere "that such ' protection is needed in that area. 'Supports of the shelter will be so `designed that'they will withstand a.complete collapse of the building above it. To be about 24,000 .square feet in size, the shelter is planned for 4,000 people./ estimated as the maximum' number of tenants . and visitors that may be in the. building at any one tims. Blowers will be provided to exhaust from the shelter any initially deposited contamination, in the event of an atomic bombing, while special emer gency exits to permit free movement, should regular exits he blocked, are part of the disaster planning. -- Atomic Energy Newsletter -- (Aug. 29, 1950) ' Industrial Hygiene Digest --*5 . September ,1950 ' . .. . I. IEGAL DEVELOPMENTS 1022 Connection Between Employment Trauma and Fatal Diabetes, , Although the employee had been severely bruised and had sustained a % fractured leg when a rock fell upon him from the roof of a coal mine thirteen days before his death from diabetes, medical testimony indicated - - that death resulted from a condition not attributable to the accident, and the Board's denial of compensation vas affirmed,. Akemon v, Harlan-Wallins Corp. Kentucky Court of .Appeals. May 19/ '1950. TM~ -- -CCH . 1023 Injury v. Diaease--DiBabi.lity. as Besult .of Mumps Bather than Accident / Shortly after the claimed accident (negatived by the testimony of a co-worker) the plaintiff vas hospitalized with a serious case of musrps; his failure to mention this fact to-other doctors subsequently consulted * tended to impair his credibility, and in fact these doctors admitted that the condition found by them could be due to mumps vith complications. The judgment based on the conclusion that plaintiff had failed to discharge the burden of proof vas affirmed, Vercher , Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Second Circuit. No7 7^9. May 31, 1950. .. . -- CCH 1.02V Silicosis--Miner--Incapacitation for Any Remunerative Employment-- ; Injurious' Exposure, ' - '* The industrial Accident Board erred as a matter of lav in not finding that the claimant, a miner end screening plant operator, had been injuriously exposed to silica dust and that he vas not incapacitated because of silicosis from performing any work in any remunerative employment. mere is no essential difference in meaning between the term "total disability" used ' in the compensation statutes and the. phrase "incapacitated from performing - any work in any remunerative .employment" -used in the-sllicos'is statute. - X'arisen v. Small Leasing Co. Idaho Supreme Court, Mo, 7617.. June 26, 1950.' ~ ' - -- CCH . 1025 Silicosis--Molder--Personal Injury Caused by Gradual Accumulation of Foreign Matter--Intention to Continue Working Not Indicative of Capacity, A molder who contacted silicosis during forty-three years time as an employee of the defendant is entitled to partial disability under the Workmen's Compensation Act. A gradual accumulation of foreign matter within the body which renders a person incapacitated for work becomes a compensable . injury. McKeon's Case. Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. July 3/1950. '' -- CCH Industrial Hygiene Digest 7 ' ` September/ 1950' bare been previously published. Besides general principles, the subjects include; radiation safety in production operations, safe handling of radioisotopes, control of radiation in research and development, control of hazards at weapons tests, the ABC program for radiation control, detec tion instruments for radiation protection, and costs of radiation protection Another chapter tarings the major developments in the field up to June, 1950. Ten appendices deal vith a number of related reports and information. . < . -- F. F. Rupert 1029 . ' The Effects of Atomic Weapons. Prepared for and in cooperation vith.the U. S. Dept, of Defense and the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, under the direction of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. J.6. Hirschfelder, Chairman, Board of Editors. h56pp. For sale by Supt. of Documents, D.S, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. $1.25*. (1950). ' -!piis volume is'the .first to* g.iVe`a connected'account of atomic bomb ' explosions- and their, effects, and of* what can.be..done .In case; ofexplosion. About thirty'authors have/contributed*to the book, but the whole has been edited and coordinated so that it gives the Impression of a single vcrk.' It begins vith the principles of nuclear fission and of the bomb, and shovs hov the enormous amount of energy is derived. Ihe calculations based on * a "nominal** atomic bomb such as used In Japan show that for practical pur poses It is equivalent to 20,000 tons of TNT. Ihe following cases are . considered; (l) An A-bomb bursting about 2000 feet In the air; (2) an A-bomb bursting several feet under water; (5) a penetration A-bomb bursting hO to 50 feet underground; (4) radiological warfare in -which highly radio active materials from atomic piles are dusted or sprayed over a .city to make it uninhabitable; and (5) combinations of two or mare of the methods. . \ .The damage following an A-bomb attack occurs from the following causes. In . .. v'the order of their-extent: (l) physical damage from air blast, ground,'`and * underwater shock; (2) thermal radiation and Incendiary effects; *(5) Initial nuclear radiations; (h),residual nuclear radiations and contamination. Each of these farms of damage is considered fully, beginning with fundamental and mathematical principles, and then reporting actual damage In the Japanese explosions, vith an estimate of what would be expected In the - United States. A chapter deals with measurement-of nuclear radiations, and Is followed by 'one on decontamination. Finally, effects on personnel and protection of personnel are considered. Practicality, is the book's -keynote; it-suggests-csn^'measure8 that can"be carried out with "reasonable" ' amounts of time, money and effort. Extreme .undertakings such as dispersion ' of cities and construction of'.vast underground facilities, are beyond Its scope. The estimate of damage to property and personnel is based on the "nominal" A-bcmib, but a table gives figures based.on. various larger sizes. * The book will be followed by a country-wide blueprint which was handed '. to the Council of State Governments in Chicago, September 6, and a report on protection for the individual citizen is due later. Bie present volume will also be printed by two commercial publishers soon. -- F. F. Rupert $he future belongs to the thing that can grow, whether it be a tree or a democracy. -- Kenneth D. Johnson --............ i.,--"" - 1 . .. -- .-- . iJiaiiatrlal Hygiene Dlflegt - 9 V September^ 195Q-, . / . however. In cases of severe silicosis and-the incidence stay reach 60 or +yen / 70 per cent in retired miners on compensation* < The asthmatic type of ' bronchitis la uncommon and Its Incidence /does not Increase In the advanced . stages of silicosis. It can he shown that the development of silicosis follows its usual course- In aethmatlo patients.. This refutes the Idea that bronchial asthma lias a limiting Influence an the development of .silicosis* * -- Condensed from Bull*. Hyg* IO3I+ Relation between the Medical Profession and the fforfanen's Compensation .Board* V*M0 Wesden.. (Sampans, Med* 23-29 (June 1950J. . . - The author describes the operation of the Hew T<srk State compensation act, vith'dIsoussicn of some of the unsolved problems pertaining to com pensation* Differences In Interpretation of the lav arise In many, cases from.lack of knowledge on the part of physicians; and the .Commissions ' *.. . ' .`should educate the profession In.the field of-con5>enBatioa medicine.to the* ; . point whjfere-they. vlll. recognize that the . carrier desires the best medical . advice 'and not necessarily favorable''opinions. alien there vould no longer * . be ^carriers' physicians" or ^claimants' physicians." The nev Disability ' Benefit lav 2s discussed briefly* .. 1033 Selling Industrial Medicine to the Medical Profession, E. Buyniski*. Arch. Ind. Hyg. & Occ. Med. 2, 144-1^7 (August, 1950). . . 4 Industrial medicine Is faoed vith several problems* Uie number of young physicians entering the profession Is low because other fields seem to offer greater Inducement* Industrial medicine Is also struggling to . gain recognition frpm the private doctors* A plan Is.presented which can . - be adopted by.industrial*medical' departments to attract nev'blood into the'. ' . profession and at the-same time promote a.better understanding "between Industrial and private medicine. * ' -- Author's Summary 1036 Arthritis and Compensation Medicine*1 WJB. Bavls. . Compens. Med. 3, 59-^5 (Junel950). t* Arthritis Is one of the diseases that cause difficulty in adjustment -of -cco^ess'atl'on'.'dalms "In the author's opinion;injury.does not cause arthritis, but may aggravate' a pre-existing arthritis, and on'-the other hand, healing may be delayed by the-presence of arthritis ,, Compensation has to be judged In such cases according to the nature, and severity of the.injury. * and the time before the onset of the arthritis. Similar questions arise In patients vith osteoarthritiss bursitis, myositis and fasciitis are diseases on which there is no general agreement as to cause or nature, and compensa tion problems may be involved with them also. Neuritis -and chest vail pain are also considered, lhe author has used x-ray therapy for various forms of arthritis successfully, except in case of knee, wrist, anvie or finger joints .. The effects of ACTS aha Cortisone are as yet doubtful. -Lnaustrlal Hygiene -Digest * 11 , - - ' '' - * -Sentemberv 1950 . 104l Beryllosis, F. Borbely. Schweiz, med. Wochschr. bO, 323^26 (April 1, 1950) (la German.) . die Is a general review of the subject of beryllium poisoning; especially as it occurs in Industrial work involving beryllium. After a historical introduction, the clinical symptoms of beryllosis are described and the case material consisting of several hundred cases observed in Germany, the United States, and Russia is summarized. Over 40 literature ' references. *4 -- Huclear Sci. Absts. 1042 Inhibition: of Phosphatases by Beryllium and Antagonism of the Inhibition by Manganese. K.P. DuBois, K.W. Cochran, and Marcella Mazur/ . Science 420-422 (Oct. 21, l4p). . . Eie-:inhibitary action* of-beryllium on .the jhosphatases activated-by ' \ magnesium and calcium was-studied in several tissues.. The results showed .*., .pronounced, inhibitory.-action by beryllium on the magnesium-activated. ; tissues, the seriim phosphatases being the most sensitive of those studied. Manganese sulfate in various concentrations decreased the inhibitory action of beryllium. A similar action vas found with cobalt and nickel. She results of the experiments support the hypothesis that beryllium interferes* *. in biological reactions in which magnesium calcium participate. The ability of manganese to counteract the inhibitory effect of beryllium on .. phosphatases "in vitro" suggest a possible line of treatment for beryllium poisoning. Experiments in this .connection are in progress. * ' -- Condensed from Bull. Hyg. . 1043 Cholinesterase Test Aid in Diagnosis of- Parathicn Poisoning. . * ;WiL. Garlick. .-Ihd; Hyg; Neva letter (U.S.- Public Health. Service) 10, 11 .. (September-1950). * ' ' ` . > A number of deaths have resulted from the failure to recognize and protect plant and field vorkers from the toxic effects of organic phosphate materials (TEPP, BFP, and parathion) used as Insecticides, The clinical manifestations produced by the absorption of these chemicals are easily . ; ; recognized. Cholinesterase determination, "when properly performed and JV- interpreted, corroborates diagnosis. Treatment is specific vith atropine, and otherwise symptomatic. . .. 1044 The Mechanism of Action of Phosgene and Diphosgene. A.M. Potts,.*' / F.P. Simon and,R.W. Gerhrd. ~ Arch". Biochem. 24,329-557 (1949).- .. ` A colorimetric method for the direct determination of phosgene showed instantaneous reaction of phosgene when homogenized with lung tissue. A micromanometric method for determining the amount of hydrolysis of dlphosgene demonstrated the ability of compounds vith free amide, hydroxyl, and sulfhydryl groups to compete with water for dlphosgene. Seventy-seven compounds were -measured, and some protect yeast fermentation against destruction by diphosgene. Animals exposed to ketene die in pulmonary edema indistIngulsh` able grossly and microscopically from that caused by phosgene. Because of these facts and others cited from the literature the authors believe that the lethal action of phosgene and dlphosgene is due to.acylation of Industrial Hygiene Digest - 15 .September, 10*50 phthallc anhydride# le tesperature limits obtained vlth 74* naphthalene vere j60 and 120* C. (barometric pressure, 757 to 7^5 mm. Eg.).. Ohe . Ignition temperatures of pure phthallc anhydride, crude phthallc anhydride, _ and 74* naphthalene In air vere found to be 5$0, 588, and 515* C., . \ respectively.' The Ignition temperatures of the same materials In oxygen vere found to be 556, 478, and 492* C., respectively. . .. -- Authors' Conclusions 1049 Surface Active Quaternary Ammonium Compounds as Disinfectants. , 0. Kyiin. Svensk Bryggeritldakr 64^ 257-269 (1949) Swedish. ` ` The toxicitles of some quaternary ammonium salts vere Investigated. The 1250 of oral alkylbenzyldimethyl-ammonium chloride (benzalkonium chloride) for Wlstar.rats is about 0.55 g./kg. Eats vere given up to . .. 0;25 per cent- of-benzalkonium chloride intbe food .for ten veeks without.- * . Effect on body veigit. -'However, In the group given.the 'hlghest'.'concentratian, ** . * the frequency of diarrheavas very high. She- chronic4oral toxicity appears.. ' ** to-be very low so that there is little danger as long as the material is * ** employed vith some caution by the food industry. Complete hemolysis of a 10 per cent suspension of red corpuscles Id caused by quaternary ammonium compounds even at concentrations of 10"4 to 10"&. The substances are also * . toxic to the skin when applied In concentrations of 0.1 per cent. The mechanism of the bactericidal effect appears to be due to their surface . activity.and toxicity. The precipitation of bacteria appears to be dependent- upon a certain relation betveen.the quantity of bacteria and detergent.- ' -. -- Biol. Absts. jUDUSTRJAL DUSTS' i 1050 Effects of So-Called Inert Dusts. A.J. Varvald. Arch. Ind. Hyg. 8c Occ. Med. 2, l40-l4j (Aug. 1950). ' .. Although a substance may be inherently Inert, certain factors may operate to cause pulmonary change or Interfere vlth function. Among these are change In character from heating, presence of an excessive amount in the lung, long Exposure, and state of the respiratory tract. Also, the * . Inert material say carry harmful organisms.' Mixed vlth harmful dusts, its * effect'may be beneficial- in that it may coat or neutralize the .effect of . the injurious dust. ie lung appearance after Inhaling Inert dust and Its removal by-phagocytes are-described. *. 1051 The Pathology of PneumoconlosIs. J. Gough. Postgraduate Med. J. 25, &11-618 (Dec. 1949). In this reviev various authorities are quoted concerning types of pneumoconiosis caused by exposure to coal dust, silica, graphite, beryllium, ' aluminum, carborundum, cotton dust and sugar cane dust; 2he lesions of classical silicosis, of silicosis combined vlth tuberculosis and of coal workers * pneumoconiosis are described. -- Condensed from Bull. Hyg. *yi' , j.95o Other Luna Diseases Due to Dust, A.T, Doig, postgraduate Med. J.~~25, 639-6*^9 (Dec, 19^9). A review is given of the effects on the lungs of various dusts, mair*1* .-nixed dusts. These often contain a proportion of silica and it is questic* whether their effect can he attributed to it. Among these dusts are those' derived from carborundum, aluminum, graphite, iron, tin, manganese oxide beryllium. The mode of action of vegetable dusts is obscure, although a * variety of pneumoconioses have been attributed to them. * -- Condensed from Bull, gy- -053 Asbestos is. H, Wyers. Postgraduate Med. J. . 25, &31-638 (Dee. 191*9). Asbestos and talc are the only two silicates which have been shown tc produce pneumoconiosis, Gardner, in 1938, suggested, on the basis of ani^ experiments that the effect produced by asbestos was mechanical, since it v produced only by long fibers. A later authority made the observation that workers exposed to very short-fiber asbestos were not affected by it, As- bestosis was officially recognized as an industrial disease in 1930. Ihe condition is thought to be due to blocking of the finer bronchioles by lorr fibers which seem to irritate the bronchial wall and cause fibrosis. Tuber losis and carcinoma of the lungs may follows, as complications. Recognita, of the disease, and precautions which have been taken have lessened its severity and incidence. -- Condensed from Bull. Hyg, 105^ A Review of Bust-Allaying Practices at Working Faces in Some Bituminous Coal and Lignite Mines, J.J. Forbes, R.K. Franklin and S,T, Reese. U.S. Bur, Mines Inf, Circ, 7566 29pp (May 1950). Bata on dust-allaying practices were compiled from the reports of Federal inspectors on 1,637 bituminous coal and lignite mines in 23 states, employing nearly 300,000 men. Most of the information is presented in tabular form. It is shown that approximately one-third of the mines employ ing 25 or more men provide no protection, or inadequate protection, agains: dust from the working face. In a still greater number of mines, the dust produced during loading and transportation is not being allayed effectively Rock-dusting will reduce the dust explosion hazard in such mines, but dust allaying will reduce the explosion and pns,iwioconioeie -hazard and provide better visibility, 'Generally dust allaying was practiced to a greater exte. in mechanical-loading mines than in hand-loading mines vrith fewer workmen. Mines employing less than 25 men were not included in the study, but probat dust allaying is not practiced in many of them. -- Condensed from Authors' Summary and Conclusicr 1055 Shuttle-Car Tire and Roadbed Study. R.H. Nicholas, J.S. Whittaker, B.D. Bomenburg; J.P. Harmon and W. Bank. Bur. Mines Kept, of Invest. 22pp. (December 19^9). The investigation revealed that "hard rock lug" tires had a kneading action that mixed calcium chloride more rapidly and effectively with the floor material, thus tending to diminish one potential source of dust. Shuttle cars equipped with "smooth tread" tires steered harder, tended to remain in depressed tire tracks, or remained bogged in "chuck holes," . Industrial Hygiene Digest - 15 September, 195Q Pereas cars equipped vith "bard rock lug" tires steered easier in loose floor material and climbed out of deep tire tracks or chuck holes vith relative ease . The smooth tires tended, to slip or skid vhere the grades ' vere heavy or the floor vaa vet, vhereas the rough tires maintained a bette grip on the road. The amounts of dust stirred into the air by the two types of treads an roadvays treated vith calcium chloride appeared to be of the same order of magnitude. Elis dust vas only a minor factor in the air-borne dust content of the air; No differences vere observed in the life of each type of tire, but it -must he noted that the tests vere of too short duration to .draw sweeping conclusions. -- Authors' Summary 1056 The Physiological Response to Dust from Mine Locomotive fraction Material. L.T. Fairhall, B. Highman, and V.B. Perone. Pub. Health . Bepts65, 1003-1020 (Aug. 11, 1950). * ' . ; ;/ * The- use of sand as. traction material for mine' locomotives has * ` ` been Considered a potential health hazards The purpose ojf- this study * vas to determine the relative safety of possible `substitute materials. ** Guinea pigs vere injected intraperitoneally vith suspensions of the various powdered materials or dusts. It has been noted, in some. Instances, that there is a correlation between the severity of the peritoneal reaction in guinea pigs and the pulmonary response in man. Among the materials tested which produced a moderate cellular reaction vere Lyon Mountain ore tailings, slag No. 4 and traprock No. 3088. These materials also appear to have the requisite hardness,- commercial availability, and other properties suitable for use as traction material. . -- Condensed from Authors* Summary and Conclusions 1037- Electron Microscopy in Silicosis. E. Beintker and R Meldau-. Beitrage 2. Silikose-Forschung No, 5, 27pp. (19^9) German. . . The authors describe the results of examination vith the electron microscope of the mineral residues from portions of the lungs of two Ruhr coal miners, and from a case In which talc dust vas found ,3n the lungs. The blood from a case of silicosis was also examined. The method . , is described of preparation of the lung sections, by treatment vith ." . hydrogen peroxide, centrifugation, washing^ .dialysis, .and treatment with "-na-lous reagents. The preparation of the sample of blood was by.a modified - ' method, ; The appearances of the mineral' residues under the electron micro * scope are described and, vith the aid of 31 electron photomicrographs at magnifications from ll,6pp to 50*000'diameters, processes of disintegration in the nan-coal particles are shown, whereas, in contrast, the coal . . particles are seen to retain an unbroken outline. Further, minute droplets vere seen to be heaped up, apparently from destruction of silicates and not shown by the coal particles. These appearances, established here for the first time by electron microscopy, have not been observed in mineral particles which have not passed through the human body. From the appearances observed it follows, at least in the lungs of Ruhr coal miners, that quartz has `'disappeared, as veil as other minerals, through a. special kind of attack which shows itself in the form of minute droplets, that nev particles of silicic acid, as a rule in colloidal form, are found which appear to be derived from a solution. Thus it is proved that solution of Industrial Hygiene Digest - 17 September,; 1930 RADioAcnvrn m> x-radiation 106l Ionizing Radiation Materials as Air Pollutants. A. Wolman. ..... Arch.. Ind. Hyg. and Occ. Med.. 2, 134^136 (Aug. 1950) - . : A review la given of some of the ccorrective measures which have been ' supervised by the Atomic Energy Commission for the treatment of harmful . vaste materials .which result ftrcm the laboratory and production operations of the United States atomic energy program, Problems which require further study are listed. A "Monograph on Aerosols" Is to be published by the Commission. A*table giyes the-best 'estimate known at the present time ; of maximum-permissible .atmospheric concentrations of certain ionizing radiation materials.. * ' * ' 1062 . Radiation Hazards of Radioactive Isotopes in Eire Emergencies. An Intro- ductary- Report. Published and distributed by International Association of Fire Chiefs, Mldstcm House, 22 East 38th St*, Hew Tori: 16, H.T, *. 10pp. (June 1950). . This pamphlet deals with situations in which firemen may be called . to put out a fire where radioactive materials are used or stored. The radioactive materials neither contribute to the cause of a fire nor intensify combustion. However, a certain amount of radiation is ccmtlnu- - ously emanating from them and may present a hazard to fire fighting * ; personnel, ,The principles of .radioactivity are discussed briefly and .. ' .' the'most ,'ccsmon radioactive elements are listed with*'seme' of their properties ' The purpose of protective measures to minimize radiation- hazards are: (l) to prevent .ingestion, inhalation, or entrance by other means into the body of radioactive materials; and (2) to prevent firemen from receiving excessive amounts of external radiation, Obe first calls far*suitable breathing equipment and care of scratches and other injuries. Hie second - can be achieved by limiting time of exposure and proximity to the materials . as much as possible. Interim safety rules are recommended, including : supplying information about the presence and quantity of radioactive ! - materials-^aisd -varioas -details pertaining to monitoring care of protective equipment. # *. ` . Smoke Screen, . In the boiler room of one of its generating stations Consoli dated Edison of N. I. recently installed a TV screen--but strictly in line of duty. Hie screen shows the flow of smoke from the giant smoke stacks cm which the video cangra is focused. The boiler foreman orders whatever adjustments have to be made to curtail excess smoke. -- Hie Foremans Letter, (Aug. 23,1950) Industrial Bygiene Digest -19' -gepteiaber, 1^50 mcmcocide from the blood and the analysis tabes about 15 minutes and can be applied to the* exact . estimation of hemoglobin and oetheaoglobin in . blood and also to tissue fluids. -- Condensed from Bull. Hjg. * ; 1067 Sampling of Liquid Aerosols by Wires, Cylinders, and Slides, and the ; . Efficiency of Impaction of the Droplets. g.D. Lendahl and ft-G. Tterrr . J. Colloid Sci.4, `105-136 (April .19^9). * ' ": - '. - A method of sampling aerosols is presented, which relies on the measurement by chemical analysis of the amount deposited by a cloud on selected surfacesWith such a method a source of power Is not needed; moreover, it is not necessary to prepare samples for microscopic examination.' Wires, cylinders or slides may be used as collecting surfaces. The theory and the factors Influencing accuracy are discussed at length, numerous results are given. , . 1068 A Fev Methods for- Dust' Measurements. $; Meldau. . Tonlnd.-Ztgi* Jfi, .66-71 (1950).' German'. ; /*.* * - .*..* * ; .: The author shows tentative standards of the German Engineers Institute far size deteiminaticnS, chemical analysis, and color adsorption of dusts ^ and gives graphical' symbols for their Identification. --Chem. Absts. .PREVENTIVE ENGINEERING 1069 Experiments an'the Brack-ViglianiMethod far.the Aspiration .of Drilling . *' I^t ln Mines.^' G.-Hontesano. Med. d. Lavoro. '40, 251-255 ` ~;~'1 ' (Oct. X949). Italian. .; '" The Bruck-Vigliani attachment for a pneumatic drill consists of a special vool filter, through which air Is aspirated by means of a venturi ejector operated by compressed air from the mine supply. Air Is drawn : from the bottom of the hole being drilled, through the axial channel In ' .. - the drill steel which is otherwise used far feeding water. A comparison was made, by taking thermal precipitator samples of air-borne dust,, be tween dry driTUng, with the aspiration attachment in operation, and wet . drilling with yater injection through the hollow steel. In both cases ' very much less dust was recorded than Is usual whan drilling In the . ` ' . absence of suppress ive measures. Die Brack-Vlgllani appliance was at . * least as. effective as wet drilling In decreaslng-.the production of dust. - No Indication Is" given of the lifetime of the filter. -- Bull. Hyg. 1070 Routine Ventilation Surveying In South Wales Anthracite Mines. E."M. Smith. U.S. Bur, Mines Inf. Clrc. 7550, llpp (Oct. 19^9). . Diis report describes the practice of a large British anthracite mining company in carrying out a routine program of ventilation surveying. Very few companies make complete surveys The data collected Include pressure and velocity measurement, from which are calculated pressure drops, zonal resistances, and other derived data, and methane content. Industrial Hygiene Digest - 21 September, 1950 1075 Effects of Air Pollution on Oral Structures. J"*M. Dunning. f Arch. Ind. Hyg. & Occ. Med. 2, 157-159 (Aug 3550). ' After considering a number of air pollutants that affectteeth, . especially in industrial air, the author presents this summary: "Detailed . knowledge of industrial hazards to the oral structures is at present so : - scanty and the chance so great that the dentist can he a valuable scout for the medical team that I feel no hesitation in urging that dentists he included in all the public health teams doing epidemiologic work such as that at Donora. An additional reason for having a dentist on the team > is that he can appraise the level of nonoccupaticnal dental disease in the area." . ' '- ' MANAGEMENT .ASPECTS 1076 Labor-Management Cooperation for Safety, Report of Committee, Presidents Conference on Industrial Safety. H.C. Zulauf, Chairman. Bull. No, 121, ^ Bur. of labor Standards, B.S. Dept. Labor. 4pp. (1950). Generally existing patterns of labor-management cooperation are: (1) joint safety committee or council with company and union representatives; (2) a safety program conducted in a unionized plant by management vith worker cooperation hut without a committee; and (3) -worker cooperation and participation in a nonunion plant. Ifce industrial accident can be solved - only, by flail cooperation between eag^loyer and esrployee at all. levels. . * Based eh these'premises the- following fundamental principles" are presented: . (1) safety primarily is the legal and moral obligation of the employer, who must have a sincere and continuing interest in the safety of employees; (2) cooperation in the safety program is the moral obligation of the employee; and (3) the labor union is also under moral obligation to cooperate in accident prevention. Under each heading several forms of cooperation are listed. . 1077 A Management.Approach -to Problgffls Individual Adjustment. AJi.^ates. Arch. Ind. Byg. and Occ, Med. 2 , 202-226 (Aug. 3950). 3he author traces the development of employee-company relations since the beginning of the century, with numerous false starts and conflicts, but all the while leading to better progress and understanding. Empahsis is now placed on better understanding of the employee as a human being and especially of his tensions and their source. Be gives an account of a series of talks to supervisors, illustrated with slides, giving the funda mentals d leading and understanding workers A number of the slides deal with worry, its causes and how to deal with it. Ihese lectures were given at the Eastman Kodak plant at Oak Ridge where the large number of new - employees intensified the problem. * Industrial Hygiene Digest - 23 September.- 1Q50 108l Rehabilitation of the Tuberculous In Philadelphia. A Study of the t Program of Rehabilitation In Philadelphia for a Ten-Year Period * - July I# 1939 to July 1, 19^9. Gertrude K. Langtan, BJ. Wagner and P. Meier. Am. Rev. Tuberc. 62,' 190*208; (August 1950). ... An analysis of the background and disposition of 505 tuberculous patients, listed as "closed rehabilitated" cases, vas made to evaluate - the rehabilitatlcn program, Initiated as a joint projeot of an official . and a voluntary agency. The criteria for referral to the Bureau of Rehabilitation vas arrested disease, vlth satisfactory prognosis, educa- ^ tlonal background, and Intelligence shoving promise of successful employ ment. The direct cost for each patient averaged $40S. Cost of adminlstra- * - tlon is difficult to determine. Despite certain limitations, the program of rehabilitation Is considered a vise investment and there is evidence that It Is being expanded. -- Condensed from Authors1 Summary 1082 Legislation and Pneumoconiosis. C.L. Sutherland,. Postgraduate Med. J 25, 650-657 (Dec. 19bp). :. . ' A brief history of the Workmen's Compensation Act as applied to pneumoconiosis Is given, tracing.it from its inception in 1906 to Its . replacement by the Rational Insurance (Industrial injuries) Act 19^6, There follows a short account of the evolution and present position of legislation affecting the various conditions described in the previous papers. .. -- Bull. Hyg. / - -ACCIDENTS AMD ERKVilNTlOR . (FIRE and explosion hazards, etc.) IO83 The South Amboy Port Explosion. Report by Rational Board of Fire Underwriters and Fire Insurance Rating Organization of Rev Jersey. 29pp. (1950). * . This report Is directed principally to the prevention of recurrence of similar disasters, and thereby, to the preservation of life and property The possible causes of the disaster are discussed and a number of safety measures suggested. Attention is directed to the importance of providing proper,security at waterfront facilities handling explosives and securing adoption of an'adequate explosives ordinance for cities. Other suggestions Include the necessity for preventing excessive explosive concentrations during handling, rigid control over the types of explosives which are manufactured and transported by common carriers, prevention of careless handling and mixing of certain types of explosives, checking of working conditions, enforcing security regulations, and providing adequately segregated ports far explosives handling. The establishment of a Port Warden, along vith the enactment of municipal ordinances by local govern ments vill promote the needed protection from fire and explosion Re planning for emergency action in disasters under the current civil defense programs is recommended. -- Condensed from "Summary". Industrial Hygiene Digest - 25 ' . September, 1950 v 1086 Beport of the Health and Safety Division, Fiscal Year 19^9. J.J. Forbes and W.J. Fene* T7.S. Bur. Mines, Inf. Cire. 7562 51PP (April 1950). i The activities of this Division during the year were directed toward the study> evaluation, and control of harmful or hazardous exposures in the mineral industries. About 16,000 gas and dust samples were analyzed during the year* A large number of -studies of various kinds were.carried an -- dust concentration and compos ition, rock structure and roof control, investi gation of carbon monoxide explosions, spontaneous heating of carbonaceous ' shales, testing of respiratory protective devices, mine ventilation, safety - - organization, flood prevention, etc. Many hazards were brought to light that were overlooked or ignored by management, labor, and State miTM ' inspectors. The conditions thus found resulted in greater effort cm the part of all concerned to. avoid unfavorable publicity, and stimulated the - : activities of safety committees, unions> and management* - . . `. / *; Condensed from Authors *. Summary and Conclusions 1087 Conditions ana Practices at Coal Mines in the Buhr District of Western Germany* J*B. Benson, H*. Sanford and B.W. Stahl* U*S. Bur* Mines, I*f. Circ. 75^9, ^8pp. (Feb. 1950). *. This is a general study of mining conditions and practice in the Buhr district based on extensive surveys. Much of the material bears more or less directly on safety and health. The picture regarding both safety and health shows much less accomplished than in this country. There is little rock dusting, little effort at prevention of silicosis, and con sequently much silicosis. There is much lacking in safety measures, no safety organizations .of employees and officials have been established, and no safety meetings are held. Hearly all miners are trained in first aid, but the supply of equipment Is inadequate. Training courses for prospective miners are now common, and the graduates of these courses have better safety records than those without the training. ' 1088 Safety Practices in Chum Drilling at Marencl Branch, Phelps Dodge Corp. Marenci, Ariz. A*A. Sharp and AJ>. Look. Bur. Mines Inf. Circ. 75^8, ; 25PP. (January 1950). ' . Although mechanical failures occur an rare occasions, the majority of accidents around churn drills are caused by human errors. The code of safe practice described' herein points out the obvious hazards of operation and serves as a guide for safe procedure, which, if followed,: will eliminate many of the unsafe'acts that result in accidents. Familiarity with the code is obtained by frequent review, and safety consciousness, so necessary for accident prevention, is encouraged by a continuing safety program in which each individual has an active part. -- Authors* Conclusion Industrial Hygiene Digest - 27 Septemberr 1950 INDEX Aerosols Hydrogen sulfide Handbook {Bk. Her.} 1027 industrial health education sampling 1067 Industrial hygiene surveys . Air pollution Industrial medicine and foundries 1075 selling to profession effects on teeth ' 1075 Labor Legislation Aging - 'state and federal (Bk. Rev.) ^Industrial aspects 1080 Medical service and human Alkali, Etc.f Works factors report -1091 Mines ANTU, toxicity 10^5 health and safety In Arsine poisoning and BAL 1059 Mlxn dust Arthritis reducing . . .. . and compensation . . : 1036 Mine locomotives . . Marie Stumpelrs . 1031 effect on environment ' -Asbestosis . . * * . 1055 Mine ventilation In South Vales Atomic defense ` ' Odor control *` * role" of doctor 1065 Oxygen poisoning Atomic Energy program Parathion poisoning . control of hazards (Bk. Bey.) 1027 Phosgene and diphosgene * Atomic Weapons . mechanism of action effects (Bk. Rev.) 1028 Phthallc anhydride * Atmospheric pollution 1072 flammability Beryllium Plutonium effect on phosphatases 1042 removal from foundry vastes Saranac symposium (Bk. Rev-) 1025 Pneumoconiosis . Beryllosis. . 1041 In coal miners Cadmium * and legislation distribution in body . ' 1638 frCm various dusts ' Carbon monoxide . pathology determination In blood 1066 Quaternary ammonium compounds Compensation board toxicity and physician 1034 Radiation Deafness - due to atmospheric fog occupational 1060 Radiation hazards Dusts ' ' in fire emergencies fromjoin# jssss - 1055 Inert 1050 air pollutants In mines. .. . . 1056 Rehabilitation Dust explosions *' tuberculous . venting devices . . 1084 Safety * Dust Measurements ' . . . 1068 labor-management cooperation Dust removal by vet drilling 1069 in chum drilling Dust respirators Safety in coal mines in coal mines" 1071 in Ruhr Electric arcs In mining. SlllC03 is prevention 1085 bronchitis and asthma Employee problems crystallography and - management approach 1077 electron microscopy In Explosion Solvents South Amboy 1083 toxic effects Gallium Work-life expectancy toxic action 1040 1074 1089 1051 1055 1050 1079 1086 . 1054 .* *. 1059 1070 1090 1047 1043 1044 1048 1064 1052 1082 1052' 1051 1049 * 1063 1062 1061 1081 1076 1088 1087 1053 1058 1057 1046 1078