Document V3ekKkKBDzxExKqVzbORMpgrg

HH6B-O0B9970 \ FOUNDAT ON FACTS This news-letter i? issued monthly to member companies and trade associations affiliated with Air Hygiene Foundation. Its purpose is to report Foundation news and activities. Air Hygiene Foundation is a partnership of industry and science organized to protect the health of the l.> miilion workmen in heavy industry. Vol. 2 March, 1940 No. 3 =2 Please "Return Your Coupon" The Foundation's report on "Sick Absenteeism in Industry," was mailed to member companies last week. (If your copy has not arrived please let us know.) This report is the first step in a program intended to reduce the losses mumber companies suffer through sick absenteeism -- one of the most costly drains on man agement. Therefore, the report is of vital importance to your company. In order to carry out the study the Foundation must of course have information from your firm. Your identity -will be scrupulously guarded. Please return the coupon, which is on the last page of the report. When the "returns are in," showing how many companies will participate, we will be able to iron out details arid furnish you with further information on procedure, P.ight now we arc anxious to line up a repre sentative number of companies, large and small, to participate in the 3tudy. Please return your coupon. Any Health Hazards? Are there any health hazards in your plants? The fact that you've had no trouble in the past, or belief that the plant is free of hazards if poor "evi dence" in case of claims. You don't determine costs like that. You find out. Find out whether there are health hazards. The Foundation will do this for you as a membership service at bare cost. Take an "inventory" in industrial hygiene. New Members The Pullman Company and the Maryland Self Insurers' Association have recently affiliated with Air Hygiene Foundation. It is gratifying to have these two organizations allied in this collective effort of employers to improve employee health. The Foundation's program is limited only by the amount of support receiv ed from American industry. This recalls the comment by Mr. Andrew Fletcher, Vice Chairman of tho Foundation's Board of Trustees, and Vice President of-St. Joseph Lead Company, made at the November meeting: "In closing I earnestly hope that the present members will avail them selves of the valuable assistance that the Foundation can give, that they will be willing to make some contribution other than their dues for continuing and develop ing the research activities, and that they will try to obtain as new members other companies from their own industries, even if such companies are competitors in business, I use the word 'business' because in industrial health there are no 'competitors.' All employees gain through improved working conditions, and all employers benefit through lower operating costs." AIR HYQlgreg FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVfNUC AlTTSOUflOH, '-'a Air Hygiene Foundation, 4400 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. f../ March 13, 1940. DIGEST OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE Literature--News--Developments News Items: 170. Proposed Federal Control over Occupational Disease Legislation. A bill has been introduced by Senator Murray of Montana (S.3431) and referred to the Com mittee on Education and Labor, vj-hich has for its purpo.se the establishment of Federal control over occupational disease legislation by the various Statos, Federal money would be available, upon the approval of the Secretary of Labor, to any State which submits a State plan which conforms with certain national policies proposed to be ostablishod by the law. Failure of a State to submit a plan acceptable to the Secretary would moan that the State in question would not have the benefit of Federal funds. 171. Silicosis from "Pummy." The Industrial Hygiena Division of the State of New York recently reported a fatal case of siiico-tuberculosis in a dental techni cian from exposure to what was thought to be pumice and this fatality has brought this matter to the attention of industries employing this material for abrasive purposes. True pumice is a substance of volcanic origin, variable in composition but usually high in silicates and low in free silica. During the World War, when the price of Italian pumice became extremely high, a substitute for it was developed and marketed in this country under the name of "pummy." This wa3 actually nothing but ground sand and was very high in free silica. Beenuso of its low price it has continued to replace pumice to a certain extent and there is :fLso the possibility that it is being used as on adulterant. Be cause of the potential hazard involved, care should be taken by industry either to uso tho "pimmy" with increased precautions or, as one of our member compan ies has done, assure themselves of unadulterated sources of pumice. 172. Courses in Industrial Medicine and Surgery. During the month of May there will bo held, under the auspices of the Harvard School of Public Health, a series of clinics, lectures, and plant visits on various aspects of Industrial Medicine and Surgery. It 7.111 be possible for those attending to make reasonable changes in the schedule in order to meet individual preference. A number of vacancies in both mornings and afternoons are left to care for special clinics and spociol plant visits to bo arranged with the applicants. Students taking Industrial Hygiene in the School of Public Health are froo to take this course as their May field work. Applicants from outside tho School will enroll as special students, for which the fee will be $65. Application blanks can be obtained from tho Socrctary, at 55 Shattuck Street, Boston. Mass. HW6B-iiUtt9973 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 2. 173. Recent Commission Findings. Ohio Industrie Commission Monitor, 13, 35-26 (February 1940). ' At an original hearing, wherein the widow of a pottery worker had applied for a death award, alleging the death of her husband had boon due to silicosis, a compensable occupational disease, medical proof of the presence of silicosis was Lacking, although the decedent had worked for 19 years in a potentially in jurious dust exposure. An autopsy was suggested and the body of the deceased wos exhumed and an autopsy examination made. Basing their conclusion upon the autopsy report, the silicosis Referees reported that complete evidence was found that the deceased had been suffering from Silicosis, complicated by ex tensive bilateral tuberculosis pleurisy and tuberculosis peritonitis, which were th- cause of his death. The Commission allowed the claim, the widow to receive $810, which is the maximum possible under the Silicosis Act for this particular case, A claimant whoso work necessitated the devotion of about half his time to the washing of dishes, made application for an award from the Occupational Disease Fund. He alleged that ho began 'work for the employer in February, 1939, and that in May ho developed eczema of the hands as the result of almost constant contact with soap and water. He states in his application that on the date last mentioned there appeared upon his fingers a breaking out and -water blisters formed, later becoming infected and filled 'with pus. His condition bec-xio so serious that he was unable to properly porform his duties and he was laid off by the employer. The case was referred to a medical investi gator, who reported that the claimant was suffering from a compensable occupa tional discaso and recommended that he be compensated for disability. The Com mission ordered that the claim be allowed, 174. Spray Painting Hazards. J. Jacobsen, pp. 402. Oxford University Press, London, 1939. (Translated from the Danish), (Price $5.00.) A definitive clinical and experimental hematological study with special refer ence to changes in the differential blood cell count. There is a description of the acute symptoms developing upon staying in a cellulose 3.acquer-conttdning ato-jsphere. The effect is partly local, involving the mucous membranes of the eye and the upper respiratory passages; it further consists in sevoral absorp tive symptoms from the contra! nervous system: dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, somnolence, intolerance for alcohol and sometimes slight animation. As a more chronic symptom nay be mentioned the change in character, with pronounced emo tional instability resulting from, continued exposure. There is also lo3s of appetite, nausea, and epigastric oppression, besides sudden attacks of severe abdominal pnin (not accompanied by fever). The blood changes manifest them selves in granulocytopenia and a pronounced shift in the blood picture to the left, whilo the lymphocytosis observed seems to have nothing to do with this toxic exposure, being increased, if at all, only m- derately. The results of x-ray examinations revealed that there is no infiltration or induration that can be ascribed to inhalation of the pigment. 175. A Guide to Workmen13 Compensation: The Law and its Practice in New York State, by H. D. Margulios and Max Bloom. Paper, pp. 96. 50 cents. Hew York: Progress 3ooks, 1939. A statement <f Now York Workmen* s Compensation Act in simple toms for the workman, trade unions, attorneys and physicians, based on court decisions and publications of the Labor Deportment of New York. Thore are also included sixteen rule3 for physicians promulgated by the state industrial commission. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 3. N. a* 176. Industrial Dermatoses. Symposiums Presented at Meetings of American Medical t3 js Association and American Dermatological Association. Pp. L?4, 5 ill. ?l.00, c American Medical Association, Chicago, 1939. ;a This pamphlet is a collection of papers presented at the Sections on Dermatology and Syphilology of the American Medical Association and of the American Dcrmat-* ologieal Association. There are discussions of the relation of occupational dermatoses to workmen's compensation principles and procedure and of the need for medical education in industrial skin disease problems. There are studies on erysipeloid, chronic granuloma and melanosis due to photo-sensitization and to the hazards involved in manufacture of war gases. 177. Medicolegal and Industrial Toxicology. Henry J. Eilman. pp. 324, The 31akis- ten Company, Philadelphia. Price 3.00, ffialo concerned primarily with poisons and drugs, criminal and medicolegal investigations, it also has two short chapters on industrial poisoning and occupational diseases. The lattor the author has divided into three groups: 3actcrial Infections; Diseases duo to Physical Agents; and Diseases duo to Chemical Agents. 178. The Western Pennsylvania Regional Safety Engineering Conference ana Exhibit v/ill be held at the William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, April 9, 10, and 11, 1940. Tho Chairman of the Section on Industrial Hygiene will be William P. Yant of the Mine Safety Appliances Co. The program will bo: "Safe Practices in the Use of Volatile Solvents" by Dr. Henry F. Smyth, Jr. of tho Mellon Institute; "The Release of Load from Lead-Boaring Steels During Fabrication" by Mr. J. W. Halley of the Inland Steel Company; and "Industrial Dermatitis" by Dr. Louis Schwnrtz of the TJ, S. Public Health Service. Papers on Dust, Dust Diseases and General Industrial Hygiene. 179. Modern Cleaning Equipment in Foundries for Combating Silicosis. T. Oellenkirchen. Giessorei. 26. 517-524 (October 20. 1939)1 (German), A discussion of cleaning equipment for use in foundries; ineffectiveness of protective helmets and dust filters against very fine dust; use of steel shot in place of silica sand; and development of wet cleaning process. American and German cleaning machines are illustrated and described. These result in more rapid cleaning and on increase in efficiency. L80. Caro of Miners on tho Witwatcrarand. E. Williams. Iron and Coal Trades Bov,, i~40~ 260 (February T I940TI (British). A discussion of the work undertaken in South Africa on behalf of tho workers to safeguard them against silicosis and other diseases. In 1920 the incidence rate of new cases of silicosis was 28 per 1,000 miners; in 1935 It was 9. In the early days of tho Miners* Phthisis Medical Bureau tho average duration of exposure to dust before the onset of silicosis was four years, in 1935 it had been increased to 17 years. Moreover, tho severity of the disease had decreased and "secondary stage" silicosis is rarely reached in miners who have served dur ing tho la3t twenty years. Two main types of the disease are recognized -- a "simple" or pure silicosis and an "infective" foro. The former is a slowly developing disease which rarely kills; tho latter, in which tho infective ele ment is considered to be tuberculosis, progresses more rapidly and lead3 to death even if the tuberculous element never actually breaks out to become "active," Dust elimination is a ruling obsession with South African mine managers. This is accomplished by enforcing wet drilling and strict control of blasting operations. The work of the South African Specialists has been referred to as the "greatest experiment in tho history of industrial medicine." digest of Industrial Hygiene - 4. 181. Silicosis In Gold Miners of Gold Mines of Belliere in Maine-Et Loire. R. AmslS and J. Cady, Rev. de tuberc., o_, 530-591 (1939)"". (French), " The variety of fonts of silicosis seen here are explained by the differences iiP the ores. The compact white quartz which constitutes the auriferous veins con-ti tains from 60-80# of silica while the slate which is also mined here has com- 5 parativoly little (from 6-8#). Many of the men had no symptoms; pulmonary aus-m: cultation and roentgenoscopy revealed nothing abnormal, but roentgenography showed considerable changes. There was a dissemination of micro nodular images in both lungs, the volume of which is-slightly greater than that of tuberculous granulations and their opacity likewise greeter. The general aspects of these Sj miliary nodules give the impression of a snowstorm. This phase of silicosis may be designated as latent or pre-clinical, being demonstrable only by roent genography. In some of the miners, dyspnea, emphysema and cardiac decompensa tion will gradually develop; the patient will finally become too weak to walk. X-ray then reveals now nodules, retractile sclerosis and irregular spots. Thi3 represents the pseudo-tumoral stage. The authors describe cases of each type and then discuss the terminal stage with its complications, such as spontaneous pneumothorax. In the .last part of the report thoy take up the concurrence of silicosis and tuberculosis; the lesions of gold, iron and slate miners present such characteristic modifications that it may bo possible to identify these workers on the basis of tho roentgenographlc aspect of their thorax. 182. Collecting and Reclaiming Siliceous Dusts in Roofing-Coating Industry. Penna. Dept, of Labor and Industry, Safe Practice Bulletin No. 3 (1939). A description of cn exhaust system largely for conveying of spillage in spread ing of powdered minerals over the surface of sheet roofing. Local exhaust for controlling atmospheric dust is included. The plan is illustrated by an iso metric drawing of piping layout and air velocities in all pipe lines, 183. Abrasive Wheel Manufacture, Technical Control of Dusts. F.F. Eravath. Penna. Dept, of Labor and Industry, Safe Practice Bulletin No. 13 (1939). A description of local exhaust arrangements for three processes; grading screens are enclosed and exhausted; atmospheric dust caused by removal from hoppers of cloth filter is controlled by a local exhaust hood at tho point of discharge; and hoods for grinding wheel dressing machines are like those on ordinary wheels, woll-enclosod, with local illumination. 184. Silicosis and Tuberculosis Roentgcnologically Simulating a Neoplasm. E. A. P.hle and G. Ritchie, Ain. J, Roontft. & Rad. Thor.,.43. 42-44 (January, 1940). Silicosi3 usually produces a fairly typical picture in the x-ray and the differ ential diagnosis can be made from the history of exposures to dust. In this case the roentgen findings were very suggestive of neoplasm while the autopsy rovoalod only hilar silicosis and tuberculosis. There was no history of expo sure tc dust containing silica and tho lesions were distributed iu an extremely unusual manner for silicosis. The extreme dyspnea was caused, the authors feel, by the contraction of the hilar scar tissue about the main bronchial trunks. 185. Pneumoconiosis and pulmonary Syphilis. I. Raucouchot and A. Lugand. Bull.Soc. franc, do Dermatol, ct do Syphil., 46th Moating, at Lyon, pp. 611-613 (1939). (French). The x-ray of a worker v:ho was exposed to very large amounts of organic dust (in an insecticide factory) and who always wore a respirator showed an intensi fied shadow of the hilus and increased fibrosis in the inferior lobes. It was at first thought to bo early pneumoconiosis but was later diagnosed as pulmon ary syphilis. . Digest: of Industrial Hygisne - 5. 186, Clinical Studios In Asbestosis. M. J. Stone. An. Rev. Tuberc., 41, 12-21 (January 1940), This report is based upon examination of 180 persons formerly employed in the is ~, i opening, carding, spinning end weaving departments of an asbestos broke lining plant. Of the entire group, all of which were litigants for compensation, 32 ao were diagnosed as having no asbestosis; 148 wore thought to have seme degree of pulmonary involvement, grouped in three stages, on the following, basis: :c Stage I, slightly increased lung markings with a chest expansion limited to loss than inches; Stage II, definite x-ray evidence of pulmonary fibrosis and def inite symptoms; Stage III, marked pulmonary involvement by x-ray with well-mark ,o - ed symptoms. Details regarding the relationship between duration of exposure and degree of x-ray change arc givtn on 168 of these cases and are shown in the accompanying table. Exposure Total X-Ray Evidence of Asbestosis Period 0 I 1Under 4 years 4-9 yr. 10-15 " Exposed 0 StORO I 47 5 3.2 28.0 56 0 64.2 40 0 35.0 Stase II Stage III ' 17.0 0 21.4 14.2 50.0 15.0 Over 15" 25 0 36.0 56.0 3.0 a Average Exposure 3 yrs. 10 yrs. 11 yrs. Evidence of tuberculosis was found in 9 (5$) of the films of the total 180 cases; in only two was the infection active at the time of the initial examina tion. One case occurred in Stage II and the other in Stage III, After measure ments of the heart shadows it was concluded that asbestosis was particularly prone to produce secondary changes in the heart and pericardium and that "the dyspnea noted in this disease is of cardiac or circulatory rathor than pulmon ary origin." Thirtcon of these patients were re-oxamined 2 or 3 years later and the changes in the advanced cases scorned more marked but no change in the Stage I and Stage II type. Blood studies seemed to rule out the possibility of associated infections. Since the first examination 18 patients have died; 3 of pulmonary tuberculosis, 5 of broncho-pneumonia, 2 of lobar pneumonia, 2 of heart disease and the rest of various causes. Seventeen wore chronic invalids complaining of cough and dyspnea. . 187. Air-Borne Matter. H.L.M. Larcombe. Indus. Chemist, 15_, 177-8 (October, 1939); 379-82 (November, 1939); and 440-443 (December, 1939). (British). This is a review of the fundamental characteristics of air-beme matter .which must be set down before any detailed research can be made in any particular branch: origins of alr-bome matter; measurement of particle size; character istic dimensions; laws of the behavior of air-borne matter; dusts; Stokes' Law; fumes; smokes; electric characteristics; gravitation; filtration; electrostatic precipitation; and dust explosions, Thera is also a discussion of inflammable dusts; the effect of air-borne matter on health; kinds of dust; silicosis; and the importance of ventilation. 188. Methods of Rock Dusting American Coal Mines. J. J. Forbes. U.S. Bureau of Mines"kept. Invest., #3465 (1939). The number and percentage of rock dusted minoa is slowly increasing; indica tions are that the large producers are taking the most precautions. An average cost of rock dusting for protection against explosions in 28 mines is just under 1 cent per ton of coal mined. A survey of rock dusting practice shows the need of more adequate laws for and supervision of the extent and methods of this kind of prevention. dTf) w '-Ij ,o_r _ cs Digest of Industrie! Hygiene - 6, 189. The Use of Stone Dust in Preventing Coal Dust Explosions from the Hygienic Standpoint. K. Bruns, W. Ceelen and 0. Ehrismsnn. Arch. f. Gewerbepnth., 9, 509-B58 (1939). (German). " Tho authors had to examine and give thoir opinion about all dusts (562 tests) recommended for this purpose, from the introduction of the method into Germany in 1923 up to 1936. They considered not only the dust's power to prevent explo sion but also its effect on the human lung. Only clay schi3t and limestone have been employod in recent years. 190. Notes on Large-Scale Tests of the Sxplosabillty of Pool Dusts Made in the United States and Great Britain. H. P. Greer.,.-aid. U.S. Bur. of Mines, Ropt. of Invest., No. 3462 (September, 1939). The purpose of this roport is to correlate divergent results obtained in the studies which have been carried out in the tv<o countries for the past 15 years. The important variables were to be found in (1) the quantity of coal dust, and (2) the source of ignition. In addition, the presence of inflammable gas varia tion in composition of the cools and effectiveness of various types of rock dusts in preventing explosions are considered. The conclusion is that the data obtained frvm large-scale testing of oxplosability are only rclativo, but tho final criterion as to the importance of such tests is the result obtained from practical application. Further research is suggosted with regard to variations in the strength of the source of ignition, the distribution of dust to be testod in the gallery or passage way in which tests are canductod, and the effect of changes in cross section and configuration of the gallery. 191. Injurious Effect of Inhaled. Aluminum Dust. 0. Ehrismann. Ztschr. f. 3yg. u. Infoctionsk. 122. 166-170 (1959). (German). The author was unable to find injury in tho upper or lower respiratory tract in animal experiments made some years before. 192. Profits in Air: Woodworking Plants. T. Hatch and R. B. Northrup. Hbating 4 Ventilating 37, 33-38 (February 1940). Woodworking plants use exhaust ventilation to prevent clogging of machines, control fire hazards and to eliminate irritating atmospheric dust. This is an outline with illustrations on how to design such an exhaust system. 193. Tho Detection of Aniline Vapour. Leaflet No. 11. Groat Britain, Dept, of Sci. & Industr. Research, H. M, Stationery Office, London. . The immediate toxic effect of aniline is on the blood, and the symptoms which characterise it are a blue-gray discoloration of the lips, ears and cheeks. Depending on the intensity of tho concentration, shortness of broath, rapid feeble pulse, nervous excitement, not unlike drunkenno33, may occur later. With exposure to one part in 140,000, slight symptoms may occur after several hours, while with concentrations of one part in 10,000 to ono part in 6,000, serious disturbances after exposure of more than an hour. The presence of aniline vapor is detected by first drawing a sample of air through dilute hydrochloric acid. A few drops of a dilute solution of bleaching powder is added which pro duces a purple Coloration in the presence of aniline. A more sensitive test results if tho acid solution is first made alkaline with ammonia and a dilute aqueous solution of phenol added. Minute quantities of aniline will produce a permanent deep blue color. This may be made quantitative by comparison with standard colors. A range of from one port in 5,000 to one part in 100,000 may bo detected. "2 8Z.66008 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 7, 194. Methods for the Detection of Toxic Gases In, Industry. Arsine. Leaflet No. 9. Great Britain, Dept, of Sci. & Indu3tr. Research, II. 11. Stationery Office, London, 1939, The faint garlic smell of arsine {arsenic trihydride) may easily pass unobserved hence no reliance should he placed on the absence of odor as an indication that-"* a suspected atmosphere is safe. Arsine is extremely poisonous to breathe, Ra-* pcatod exposures to vory low concentrations may result in severe poisoning. There docs not appear to be any limiting concentration at which the gas can be regarded as harmless for daily exposures, hence continuous work should never be permitted in an atmosphere in which the presence of arsine can be detected by the test described. Two simple tests for small concentrations of arsine are 3 available: (i) silver nitrate test papers, and (ii) mercuric chloride papers. The silver nitrate method is much the more sensitive but it has disadvantages: (i) the stains vary in color according to the temperature at which the papers are dried; (ii) the stains rapidly darken and change color on exposure to light; (ill) the papers bocume discolored oven in the dark and cannot be kept more than 24 hours. Hence mercuric chloride papers are used in the standard method of detection adopted for use in industry. A concentration of arsine of 1 in 200,000 to 1 in 250,000 can be detected by making only 50 strokes of the hand pump, and still lower concentrations can be detected by employing a correspond @ ingly greater number of strokes. The air under test is drawn through the test paper and the resulting stain compared with a standard color chart supplied with the leaflet. Full instructions for preparing test papers and for carrying out the test are given. 195. Neurologic Sequels after Trivial Injuries. Disorders with a Reflax Origin. Nordjsk Med., 3, 2804-2812 (1939). Abstracted in Bull. Hyg., 14, 844 (December 1939T. A trauma is occasionally followed by a disease condition which may be both severe and lengthy, and characterized by pain, paresthesias, vegetative and trophic disorders (muscular atrophy, skin atrophy, deculcification of the bones, contractures, edema, cyanosis or flushing, disturbances in the secretion of sweat, etc.) and in scale cases mental symptoms (anxiety, irritability, sleep lessness, etc.). The theory most commonly accepted is that the disturbances, chiefly of vasomotor nature, which form the basis of this condition, are the result of reflexes elicited by the trauma. The syndrome is rather difficult to treat, and the prognosis is uncertain. Physical therapy, roentgen, injections of novocalne locally or in the sympathetic ganglia have been recommended, as well as different surgical measures mainly involving the sympathetic nervous system. Acetylcholine seems to have good effects in seme cases. The author has observed a dozen cases of this nature for one year, seven of which are des cribed in detail. The symptoms nre mainly subjoctive. 196. Symptoms of Fatigue (Necrosis and Pseudoarthrosis) of the Scaphoid. Bone Caused by Repeated Trauma (Compressed Air ToolsTi R. Andrecsen. Fortschr. a.d, Geb. d. Rontgonstrnhlen. 60, 253-265 (1939). (German). Report and description with pictures of injury to the scaphoid bone observed by the author in miners working with compressed air drills for at least a year. 197. Measuring Noise with the Improved Dold-Thlele Apparatus. H. Thiele and K. Hblzberg. Ztschr. f. Hyg. u. Infcctionsk., 122. 125-145 (1939). (German). Tlie authors describe the "noise counter" which makes it possible tc take account of all noises in a room. The number of revolutions of the counter is the "noise number" and the unit Is the "thoryp" which is the effect of 1 phon in 1 min. The instrument is also gaged to measure the strength of sound in thoryps and phons. -a* HUBB-00099 79 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 8. 198. On Neuroses in Industry. F. Soon. Muench. med. Vioch., 86, 1161-1164 (1939). (Geman) .' Abstracted in Bull. Hyg., 14, 842-844 (December 1939). A proper assessment of the relation between v/ork and the neurasthenic and neurotic manifestations is essential. In these cases the danger of brief observations which often tend to put unduo weight on the workers point of view is apparent. The significance of these nervous disturbances cannot bo estim ated accurately but is roughly indicated in the following: the largest group in all industrial insurance figures i3 that of industrial accidents; respira tory disease fellows and then for the period of 1936-1933 gastric cases 105&, nervous eases (including nervous exhaustion) 8^, cardiac cases 6$. In general, the increase in nervous conditions is correlatod with the increase in working tempo, piece-vork and with insufficient attention to the performance powers of the individual worker, at any rate according to the patient's own story. From the medical point of view it i3 held to be more important to strengthen the c=?\ psycholcgic.-l resistance of the patient than to support his tendency to avoid the difficulties with which he is faced. 1S9. Occupational Pathology of Agricultural Workers. G. Hausser. Presse med. C3a pp. 1281-1282 (1939). (French). A report of all diseases related to agricultural work, their occurrence and the laws on compensation of diseases found among farmers. 200. The Peripheral Typo of Circulatory Failure in Experimental Heat Exhaustion. R.~W. Keeton, ct al. Heat. Piping &. Air Cond., 12, 122-126 (February, 1940). In a previous report the effects of exposure of healthy, human subjects to com fortable, hot dry, and hot wet conditions were noted. Certain physiological results were found. These exposures exact a strain on the circulation and the present report details the studies made on its adaptation in the hot environ ment, It was found that circulation is well maintained in hot environments by healthy subjects while they aro lying down, as was shown by normal arterial and venous pressures. The adjustment of the circulation to the erect position becomes increasingly difficult as the environment becomes hotter and fever develops. This failure leads to symptoms of faintness or fainting, and consti tutes, in the opinion of the authors, the clinical result known as heat exhaus tion, 201. The Cardiopathology of Heatstroke. G. Wilson. J.AmJlod.Assoc., 114, 557-558 (February 17, 1940). The predominant feature of the clinical picture is the tremendous ri3e in body temperature, accompanied by unconsciousness, and both probably caused by cerebral edema and later by petechial hemorrhages in the brain. The most striking, and probably the actually fatal, mechanism is a rather extensive hemorrhage under the endocardium of the left ventricle, especially on the septal wall in the region of the bundle of His. 202. Air Conditioning. A Phase of Industrial Hygiene. E.W. Daken. Calif. State Dept, of Public Health, Weekly Bull., 18, 49-50 (April 22, 1939). Abstracted in Public Health Eng. Abstr., 20, 2 (January, 1940). Mr conditioning includes control of temperature, humidity, movement and purity of air. The control of body odors is one of the main concerns* With concen tration of industrial plants the use of some form of air filters is a necessity for tho removal of dust and dirt from almost any properly air-conditioned atmos phere. Filters aro of tho dry or of the viscous type in which glass wool, steel wool, etc., are coated with an efficient material to which fine soot and other dirt adheres. V5S1 Digect of Industrial Hygiene - 9. a 2C3. Seasonal Variation in Reactions to Hot Atmospheres. F. C. Koughten, A. A. * Rosenberg and 11. B. Ferderber. Heating, Piping & Air Gonu., 12_, 139-142, o* (February, 1940). a Acclimatization to atmospheric environments during different seasons of the year not only affect the desire for soma higher or lower effective temporalura condition, but also affects certain physiological reactions, Bot'- t-.h; body " temperature rise "nd pulse rate increase are greater during the ."inter than b.*- ing the- sxamnor upon being axposod to the same high inuoo" "t"''->c .1/e temperature for the situ norlod of time. Acclimatization has but little oiVor. at the high er effective a or.no nature in regulating body reactions such as temperature rise and ;ui;o 'ncr-.'.co; at some suite high effective temperature co:i_iflon accli- inuticr-ior r-^bably iavc no effect at all. Alter one hour of rccure ration, the ~'r ur* t*vr.p-.r a sure found to return to at least within G.4 degree of nor ma*; vmilo tne it.ucocytc count w-.-,s found to return more than halfway to its initi.-J. control room value. 0 204. The- Influence of Air M .ivc.sent upon Heat Losses from the Clothed Human Body. f=i5i C.-R.A Vri,'u.'..Jv:. A.r. G-'-gge and. L.P. Herrington. Ac. . Physiol., voi. la*7, pp. uC5 - ?. {i '3 j; . 5 The vcrVc of there inxaszig': tors show that the cooling effect varies with the square root of velocity. Thoy also conclude that in evaluating the cooling effect of -.ir movement the air velocity can best bo measured in tho area to be occupied by the subject before it is occupied and at suen a distance from the observer as not bo oe influenced by his body. The purpose of this work was to lotamino the correct relationship between heat loss from the ciotued body and r.ir movement. For telocities balovf 20 cm./sec. (39.4 f.p.m.) which are of special practical ir.xevest, the existing formulas do not agree well, that is, one relationship that is given is based upon linear variation with V and tho other is based upon the s-juare root variation. 205. Air Conditioning C ' ats Cgeiz -n Cold. A. G. Young. Heating, Piping and Air Cond., 12, 101 (F... -uary, 1940}. Tho "uthor states that infective .agents do not thrive in the respiratory tracts of people undir ideal air conditions. Low humidity, overheating and drafts are factors in rendering people vulnerable to infection. The hi man body functions best when tha sir temperature is approximately 70F in winter and whan the rela tive humidity is about 40$, with a slow movement of the air. Absentee records from offices kept bofore and after installation of air conditioning show that absences duo to illness were reduced 29# in a large utility company and 30# in a leading newspaper plant. 206. Ventilating and Heating a Chemical Laboratory. D.O. Hubbard. Hoating, Piping and Air Con.. 12. 106 (February. 1940). As chemical gnsc3 and vapors are frequently disagreeable and often dangerous, their removal calls for a well designed ventilating systaa. Sometimes the gases do n,,t nix readily with tho air and tend to hang in a cloud which is not exhausted from the room unless positive air circulation is provided. With a system designed to give 15 outside air changes per hour, heating is a major problem. The solution to ihio and other problems were solved and are hero dis cussed V the .author. 207. Action ,.f Light on the Eyes mad Occupational P,isk3. . Gandam Yanez. Anal. See, Mexican?, da Oft. y Oto-Rino-Laring., 14, 7-15 (1959). (Spanish). A review of this subject with conclusions regarding the effect of infra-red rajs upon the conjunctive and lens, the offoot of ultra-violet light in general and especially upon welaers, and the results of short circuits. o, ,<T5\ a -a Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 10. 09 208, Practical Application of Industrial Exhaust Ventilation, for the Control of Occu*. national Exposures. B.F. Postman. J.Am.Pub. Health Assoc., 30, 149-181 : (February, 1940), " An outline of four specific ventilation problems and a description of the con- : trol of each. The production of acrolein in the manufacture of strip copper jj* ' was taken care of by a sheet metal hood located directly over the rolls oxhsustsc ing most of the air from the front whore tho greater part of the vapors develop ed. A load exposure in tho manufacture of an electrical specialty was correct ed by careful application of chemical and engineering control. A serious silica exposure wa3 prevented by screen top hoppers attached to work benches and sanding performed horizontally instead of vertically. A rather low velocity of 68 f.p.m, is effective as gravity assists in taking care of the particles. Benzol vapors produced by hand lacquer dipping was another problem. It -,vas recommended that tho lacquer be contained in covered crocks sot in metal con tainers in a ventilated metal shell. Vapor escaping from tho drying oven was corrected by modifications of the hood which was already in place and by repairs of all leaks. The diversity of these problems emphasizes the error of apply ing standard solutions to industrial exposures and shows that each situation re quires a "tailor-made" analysis. 209, Hygienic Significance of tha Effect of Air Ponchos for the Improvement of Work ing Conditions in Hot Work Places. 7>. Liese. Ztschr. f. Hyg. u. Infectionskr., 122, 24-40 (1939). (German). Men exposed to nigh temperatures and much radiant heat especially in tinplate and glass industries, hav^ been able to reduce discomfort by directing a atream cf air over their bodies. This article describes the effects of these air streams, judging their influence by the forehead temperature of glass workers. Curves are given to show the effect of radiant heat in raising the forehead tem perature and of the air douche in reducing it. The velocity of the air 3tream should not be too high; between 200 and 400 feet per minute is suitable. The temperature of the stream should not bo much cooler than the surrounding air. 210, Use of Respiratory Protective Devices under Abnormal Air Pressure. F.E. Griffith and H.H. Schronk. U.3. Bur. of Minas, Sept, of Invest, No. 3488 (January, 1940). The increase in working under pressuro in tunneling operations stimulated these preliminary observations on the use and. possible limitations of respiratory pro tective devices under such conditions. From the mechanical point of view it appears possible to use oxygen breathing apparatus under pressure. However, there is evidence that the toxic effects of oxygen ore increased and may bo en hanced by exercise and carbon dioxide. The period of exposure should be de creased with increase in pressure. Toxic effects may begin without warning. Gas mask3 may be worn under pressure, although it appears to be extremely uncomfortable "going under" pressure. There is some increased resistance to inhalation but probably not enough to cause discomfort in every case. If com pression is accomplished with uncontaminated air, it is not necessary to wear the protective device in the man or emergency lock. 811, Gas Masks and Correction of Ametropia. Cot, Moyncr, Genaud and Robert. Presse Med., 1311-1313 (1939}. (French). There are throe ways in which gas masks can be worn along with corrective glasses. The usual spectacles can be made with special thin frames; the proper lenses can be incorporated into the mask; or tha lenses can be placed inside the usual mask glasses. Each of these three con be satisfactory, but the authors believe an appliance they have developed for holding lenses inside the nask is tho best. c a 0 (3 a Wi Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 11. 212. The State Labor Department Ophthalmologist and His Functions. M. Davidson. Industrial Medicine, 8, 153-156 (1939). While eye injuries constitute only of all industrial injuries, the average cost per case (around $600) is about tv/ice as much as for other injuries. The author outlines the sources of medicolegal controversies in eye cases and suggests a standard procedure of ocular examination for compensation cases. 213. Industrial Hygiene Survey of San Francisco Dry Cleaning Establishments. Ingram and E.W. Dakan. Industrial Hygiene Service, State Dopt. of Public Health, Invest, Rept., No. 4 (January, 1940.) A survey was made of all dry cleaning establishments located in the city of San Francisco to secure information on processes and operations in various types of dry cleaning plants, the extent of industrial welfare provisions, the number of employees in various occupations who aro exposed to materials and environmental conditions which may have a detrimental effect on health, and the control meas ures provided for health protection. The authors recommend that chlorinated hydrocarbons should only bo used in closed systems; that vapors from petroleum solvents should be removed by local exhaust ventilation from near the floor level, thus holding thorn below the breathing zone; employees using alcoholic bovorages in excess or who havo chronic liver or kidney disease should not be exposed to solvent vapors. Frequent physical examinations are rocomnendod. 214. Rib Fractures with Typical Localization Caused by Overwork. H.G. Matthes and 1 A. Thelen. Chirung. II, 537-542 (1939). (Gorman). Report of four cases of rib fracture in which muscular overwork was the otiologic factor. All of tho patients were young men in good gcnoral health who for a short time (2-5 wcoks) preceding the disability ware performing heavy muscular work to which they were not accustomed. The fractures involved the second or tho second and third ribs at their costo-cartilaginous junction. The authors consider the mechanism to be uncoordinated exaggerated pull over a per iod af time an the insertions of the pectoral!s minor end the upper portion of the trapezius muscle. The diagnosis is arrived at from consideration of tho history and the appearance on the 7th to the 14th day of a moderately painful swelling at the typical site and on the presenco of pain caused by movements of the shoulder girdle, particularly when tho above muscles are brought into action. An x-ray is of little value because the fracture is through the carti lagincus portion of the rib. The treatment consists of rest, of local anes thesia of the fractured area in cases of severe pain, and later of diathermy and notion. After a month of treatment, patients are recommended for a lighter occupation.. 215. Problems of Oxygon Intoxication. H. Beckor-Freyseng and H.G. Clamann. Klin. Vfochnschr., 18, 1382 (October 28, 1939). (German). Observations made by the authors in experiments on themselves after staying for 65 hours In an air chamber containing 90$ oxygen. For 24 hours there were no symptoms, then there were nervous symptoms, such os crawling sensations in tha fingers and toes and paroxysmal tachycardia. There was vomiting and symptoms of febrile bronchitis. A decreased vital capacity was due to inflammation of the 1- ogs. 216. Industrial Medlcino. VM. Clark. N,E,J.Mod., 221, 269 (1939). A discussion of the present views on pnetnoconiosts and an interesting outline of cancer of industrial origin. Heat cramps, the toxicology of various vapors, dusts and gases arc noted end tho usefulness of the Massachusetts list of per missible concentrations of various substances in air is pointed out. An important need in surgery is an intelligent view on tho important problem of rehabilitation. HUBB-iffiti9982 ''.a HBB-to9983 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 12. 17 Experimental Radiological Observations on the Action of Electric Current upon the Respiratory and Circulatory Organs. I. Respiratory Organs, A.W. Groenbu: J. Ind. Kyg., 22, 104-110, (March, 1940), Observations by means of the x-ray method upon the shape, size, position and motor phenomena of the heart and lungs. It is very useful in studying the action of electrical current upon respiration and circulation; the results be ing OGmparc-d end supplemented by data obtained by spirometry, laryngoscopy nnd pnoumatome-cry. Electrical stimulation elicits a powerful expiration und res piratory standstill in the expiratory phase lasting as long ns the current is applied. It also produces atelectasis, ns well as narrovang and shortening of the bronchi. 218. Industrial Occupation and Pregnancy. J. Amer. Med. Assoc., (Queries and Minor Notes) 1147 6U5 (February 17, 194C). Pregnant women should diserntinuo their occupations if they are c-xposed co toxic hazards, especially lead and the heavy metals. They should not be exposed to increased hazards of infection. Work which may subject them to muscular efforts by which intra-abdominal pressure might be increased should be avoided. Moder ate amounts of physical exertion do nut increase the hazards of pregnancy, in fact arc often desirable, since they tend to maintain a well balanced state of mind. Normal pregnant v.'cnen who have worked boforo the onset of pregnancy can usually continue until the beginning of tho last trimester. 219. Industrial Hygiene in Canada. Can. Pub. Health Jour., 50, 517-557 (November, 1939). Industrial Hygiene from the Public Health Aspect. J.A. Baudouin. Tho Sc.-pe of Medical Services in Industry. A.M. Mitchell. Industrial Hygiene in Ontario, J.G. Cunningham, Industrial Hygiene in the Province of Quebec. F.J. Toursngeau. The Industrial Poisons Problem in Canadian Industry. F.G. Pedley. Neuroses in a Large Office Group. F.S. Porney. The Practice of Preventive Medicine by a General Practitioner among Employees in a Small Factory. H.M. Harrison. Provision of Nursing Servicos and Medical Care in a Group of Small Factories. F. R. Griffin. Control of Sickness in a Large Group of Lumber-Camp Workers. W.I. Taylor. Cardiovascular Disease among Railway Employees. K.E. Dowd. Gastro-intostinal Diseases amr.ng Steel Workers. F.E.H. Day (Soe Item No. 103, This Digest, February, 1940). This is a collection of papers given in Juno at a meeting of the Advisory Council' on Industrial Hygiene of the Department of Pensions and National Health, Ottawa, and at the June meeting of the Industrial Hygiene section of the Canadian Public Health Association. 220. Bibliography of Industrial Hygiene. International Labour Office, Genova, Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 58 (September, 1939). Printed in French, English and German, this publication contains a large number of references to the general subject of industrial hygiene and medicine. It is evidently brought up t,; about the middle of the sunner of 1939 and according to a notice in the front, publication will he suspended until further notice. Pub lished quarterly heretofore, copies may be obtained for 40 cents from tho Branch Office, at 734 Jackson Place, Washington, D. C, HWOB-00B9984 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 13. 221. Economy of Health. G.n. Cannon. Safety Engineering, 79_, 37-38 , 40 {February, 1940}. The author, vice president of a foundry company, quotes from his records to ahow that well organized health and safety programs pay, no matter whether one looks at the subject from the humanitarian viewpoint or from the standpoint of net savings in operating expense. A savings on liability insurance costs pro vided a sum large enough to pay for the entire health and safety program. Pre employment and periodic physical examinations are given .and by a system of class ification, sub-standard groups can bo given more medical supervision. Careful dust counts, control, correction and good housekeeping have resulted in better, healthier working conditions and decreased occupational disease coverage cost. 222. American Public Health Association Year Book. 1939-1940. Supplement to American Jour, of Pub. Health 30, (PebruaryT 1940T. ' This publication covers practically the entire field of public health but the Industrial Hygiene Section will be of special interest to our readers. It mentions articles on anthrax and volatile solvents by H.F. Smyth, Sr., and H.F. Smyth, Jr., respectively, both of which were delivered at the Annual Con vention in September, 1939. The first paper has boon mimeographed by the U.S. Public Health Service -and is being distributed by J.J. Bloomfield, Chairmen of the Industrial Hygiene Section. The year book also contains reports of the various sub-committees. Of interest are those on Physical and Chemical Methods of Air Analysis, Gases Determined by Various Absorbing Devices, and Dust Proce dures in Air Analyses. 223. Diseases of Occupations and Other Non-Accidental Injury Cases Settled Tinder Workmen*s Compensation Act of Wisconsin in 1938. Industrial Coianissioa of Wisconsin, (June 7, 1939), JA This report includes the following statistical tables on Diseases of Occupations and Other Non-Accidental Injuries analyzed by: Type of Disease; Type and Occupation; Type and Industry; Typo and Cause; Industry, Occupation, Typo and Cause; Typo of Disease (with special analysis of Dermatitis Cases); Typo, Indus try, Occupation and Cause. (The last two tables are for women only.) The num ber end eo3t of occupational diseases and other non-accldental injuries in com parison with all compensable cases settled, for the years 1937 and 1938, is given below; Total -- All Occupational Disease Percent Compensable Cases and other Non-Accidental of Bottled Injury Cases Settled Total Number of Cases Settled: 1937................ 25,140 753 3.0 1930 ................ 20,383 652 3.2 Total-Indemnity and Medical Benefits: 1937.................. $4,999,670 $311,478 6.2 -V ^ 1938 ................ 4,695,493 205,471 4.4 224. Compensation for Industrial Injuries and Occupational Diseases. E.R. Koontz. J. Aner. Mod. Assoc., 114. 563-569 (February 17. 1940). An excellent discussion of a few of the many legal and medicolegal phases of compensation laws of prime importance to physicians interested in the field of industrial modicine. There are tables of compensability of occupational dis eases and of limitations of time and cost of medical and hospital benefits in compensable injuries and diseases, also for the determination of medical matters under compensation laws; all given by states. HH8ff-0UU998S Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 14. 225. Adequate Nutrition for the Industrial Worker. L.E. Booker. J. Amer. Med. Assoc., 114, 548-553, (February 17, 1940), A plan of food selection offered as a sample to show how industrial workers their families may solve the problem of adequate nutrition 'without unnue ex pense. The weekly cost of this food will vary somewhat depending on current oo prices in different localities but would be somewhere between $6 and S9.50, The practical problem of good nutrition is often, as has been shown in various studies, a combination of educational and economic factors, 226. The Teaching of the Occupational Diseases, R.T. Johnstone. J. Amcr, Med. Assoc., 114^ 546-547 (February 17, 1940). a A ploa for the inclusion of the teaching of occupational diseases in the pre sent medical curriculum, as a solution to the problem of supplying trained gen eral practitioners for smaller industrial plants. A plan is outlined for the 0 creation of a division of occupational diseases in outpatient departments as a a source of teaching material. The author is obsessed, and rightly, with the belief that action in this matter is imperative. 327. Roentgenologic Demonstration of Localized Has in Caisson Disease. J.O. Gordon and c7h. Hencock. J.Am.Med.Assoc., 114, 570-571 (February 1?', 1940). This is evidently the first report in the literature in which x-ray examination was used to support the diagnosis of caisson disease. Gas was demonstrated in the synovial sacs of both knees of a tunnel worker who, because of injury, had been too rapidly removed from the pressure area. Papers on Industrial Poisons, Cancer, Dermatitis, etc. 228. Lead Poisoning. Part II. Precision Method for Lead. Edited by S.L. Houtz. Safe Practice Bulletin #52. Pennsylvania Dept, of Labor k Industry. A description of precision tests for extremely small amounts of lead developed at the Jefferson Modical College Hospital, Philadelphia. The method, a modifi cation of the diphenylthiocarbazone type, is carefully described and illustra tions of apparatus are shown. 229. Age and the Lead Content of Certain Human Bones; A Compilation and Statistical Analysis of Recently Published Data. H.P. Morris. J.Ind. 3yg,, 22, 100-103 (March, 1940). "By means of simple correlation applied to existing data it has been shown that there is a significant incroase with age in the load content of four differ ent human bones from different subjects, when expressed as milligrams of lead per kilogram fresh bone. This increase is less marked in the rib and vertebra than in the femur and tibia. The increase in lead per year in the femur was 0.810 rogpu per kilogram of frosh bone while for rib it was 0.060 mgm. and for vertebra, 0.044 mgm." 230. Absorption of Load and Arsenic Through Skin. J.AmJtcd.Assoc, (Queries and Minor Motes) 114~! 604 (February 1?, 1940). Lead and arsenic absorption thresh the akin does not occur to an appreciable extent in contact with aquoous solutions of these compounds in concentrations below 0.5 mgm. per 100 cc. of solution. Nor is it likely that significant quantities could be ingested because of contaminated hands. xtsx . HiiBB-0ufl9986 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 15, 231. Plumbism and Chronic Nephritis in Young People in Queensland. R.E. Murray. Method for Estimation of Lead in Biological Tissues. R.E, Murray and I.?. Stephens. Comm, of Australia Service Publ. Ho. 2 pp. 119 (June, 1939), 0 ' / In an attempt to correlate excessive plumbism in children with high statistical prevalence of chronic nephritis among young people, the author seems to find that house paint is the source of lead. Weathered paint which has becomo pow dery is more dangerous than fresher paint. The second part of the article deals with the application of the dithizone method to analysis of tissue and body fluids for load. Wet ashing with nitric and perchloric acids is recom mended. Acid solutions of methyl orange wore found to give suitable permanent color standards for comparison. 232. High Calcium Therapy. I. Gray and I. Greenfield. Industrial Medicine, 3, 507-51C (December, 1939). ~ An account of several instances of the unfortunate results of deleading by the administration of largo doses of calcium. The effect was to produce an irre versible reaction of the lead with the nervous system producing neuritis and paralysis. A definite ratio between calcium and phosphorus appears to be necessary for calcification and must be maintained if lead is to be deposited in bone. Unphasis is placed on the danger of administering agents which are believed to promote the quick release of lead from the tissues. The effect 0) of vitamin D in increasing the susceptibility to lead poisoning and in increas ing the symptoms in those so poisonod is also discussed. 233. Critical Examination of Skin and Venereal Diseases. F. Koch. Doimat. Wchnachr., 108, 222-224 (1939). (German) The remarkable results of examinations of men who had been advised to give up their work because of occupational illness: Group I. Ten bakers and 8 other men showed improvement without having changed their work. Group II. Nine bak ers and 24 other men showed no improvement whatever in spite of having given up the work. Group III. Twenty-nine bakers and 23 other men who changed their occupation showed improvement. Probably the cases in Group I became desensi tized after continued exposure, and in Group II, perhaps the new occupation was not the right one for these men. 234. Dermatitis from Figs. Investigation of the Chemical, Physical and Allergic Influences Producing the Dermatitis. H. Behiet, et al. Ann. de Dermatol. at de Syphilol., 7, 32-48 125-138 (1939), (French). Workers with figs are subject to two kinds of skin disease: dermatitis pro voked by working with green fig3 (eruption of vesicles), and a dermatosis caused by handling and packing of ripe and dry figs -- a sort of eczema and inflamma tion of the nail bed. Dermatitis may sometimes be caused by figs and fig pro ducts in the diet, but more often an intestinal disturbance. The milky sap of Ficus carica is the cause of the disease and the chlorophyll has only a minor role. Treatment of the skin with the fig sap and by ultraviolet rays seems to cause afterwards, in some cases, a photo-dermatitis. 235. Etlological-Pathogenetlcal Experiences of Professional Skin Diseases with a View to their Prophylaxis. P. Bonnevio. Acta dermato-vcnereol., 20, 633-649 (1939). (Scandinavian). A discussion of the physical and chemical influences which may cause occupation al eczemas and infections. The writer emphasizes the point that all skin dis eases caused by exogenous circumstances may be occupational. There is on im portant part played by the inate quality of the skin and the physico-chemical damage dene to the homy layer by water, soap and acids. He feels that the pro tective quality of the skin should be studied more closely, but the sensitizing capacity is the more important. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 16 256. Sensitization of Flour and Flour Illnesses Among Flour Workers. H.H.S. Tan s'> Dishoeck and D./TRoux. J.Hyg., 391 674-679, (November, 1939). (British), ta These are the results of scratch tests on 262 bread bakers, cake bakers and millers. The materials usod were the dry pure protoins of wheat, barley, oats, i buck whoat, ryo, corn, rice and yeast. Sensitization to flour was found in 25^ Nearly all who showed positive reactions either were suffering or had suffered :* from one or more flour diseases, whereas in those giving negative reactions res piratory illness or eczema wore seldom found. Hypersensitiveness to flour is probably an inhalation allergy in which heredity is of very little importance. A large proportion (44$) of workers in small bakeries soon become sensitized, but in the large, more hygienic factories a smaller proportion (12#) become sensitized and the symptoms appear later in life. Desensitization therapy using the proteose constituent of wheat has been tried with satisfactory results, 237, Dermatitis among Plate Printers. P.A. Neal. J.Am.Mod.Assoc., 114, 558-560 (February 17, 1940). A considerable percentage of tho plate printers in a large printing establish ment had suffered for many years from recurrant lesions of the hands and aims. Although the establishment employs 1,058 workers, most of tho dermatitis occur red among the group of 318 plate printers and their 47 skilled helpers. This group of men lost 13 man years of working time during the period 1900-1836 at an estimated cost of $50,000 in lost time, not counting compensation, C03t of medical treatment and the sufferings of the workers. Pre-employment and periodic physical examinations were rocommcnded, also the wearing of rubber gloves and the avoidance of harsh and abrasive cleaning agents, 238. Professional Pornatose3 and their Combating. J. Strandberg. Acta dexaatovcncrool.. 20. 613-631 (1939). (Scandinavian). This is a statistical study based upon the State Insuranco Institute and the largest insuranco company of the employers, Tho author also writes about skin diseases and the necessity of performing skin tests most exactly. Cortain substances used to impregnate wood are said to have caused 75# of all occupa tional diseases which are known to the insurance companies and those do not fall under the insurance law. These substances, composed pertly of chlorinated com pounds of napthol or phenol and their derivatives, must be taken up as causes of occupational diseases in Sweden and should be compensated. 239. Tests of Hypersensitivity in Occupational Eczema, their Applicability and Sources of Error. S. Bostroean. Acta deimato-venereol., 20, 650-657 (1939), (Scandinavian). A discussion of tho sources of error in positive and negative tost results. Hany physicians do not have enough information about the technical process for choosing the propor tost material; also the actual testing is not simple and therefore should be perfoimad in clinics. 240, Bczanatoua Dermatitis Cauaod by Work with Vanilla. Immunization Among other Tnpioyees by tho Work. H. Gougerot and A. Bassot. Bull. 3oc. franf. da Domatol. ot do Syphil., 46, 1329-1331 (1939). (French). Workers testing vanilla became ill (eczema) after a 2-3 week exposure but re covered aftor continuing to work. Recurrence i3 frequent. Tho vanilla from Tahiti is moro toxic than that from the lie de Bourbon. 241.. Hematological Changes In Cadmium Pol3miing. A. Briganti. Folia, mad., 25, 1108-1115 (1939). (Italian). Animal experimentation shows that cadmium injures the blood marrow end causes hypoglobulia, leucoponia, granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 17, oo 00 342* Manganese in Factory Smoke anc Pneumonia in Ssnac* J, Am.Med* Assoc*, (Oslo Letter) U3, 1427 [1959). 'a Sauda was one of the healthiest towns in Norway before the introduction of theja electric smelting of ore. Tho mortality from croupous pneumonia is new 22 per^, 10,000 among persons between 15 and 29 years, whereasit is only 1 for Oslo anda for the country as a whole. Several attempts to solve the problem have been ie made; the latest points to manganese as the offender. 243. New questions in tho Field of Industrial Hygiene;. V. Manganese, 0. Zhrismann. Pcutsch. nod. 7,'chnschr., 55. 1605-1607 f 1959). (German). p . A discussion of the very frequent pneumonias among manganese workers. The author declares that it is not yot clear whether manganese alone is responsible. He considers tho typical form, of manganese poisoning with tho Parkinson syndrome. He is attempting to discovar early symptoms by animal experimentation. 244. Influence of Manganese on Body Weight and Reproduction. 0. Ehrismann. Ztschr. f. Hyg. u. Iafcctionak., 122, 171-188 (1939). (Gorman). The growth of young white mice was favored and the weight of adults was increas ed when fed with manganese dioxide. The number of offspring foil, however, and the numbor of still-born increased, Chemical examination showed Mn storage; @ 0.0137 mg. ia poisoned animals as against 0,0047 in the controls. 245. Hydrocyanic Acid Poisoning: Acuto Segmental Edema of the Cornea, Kayser- Floischor's Ring and Renal Dlapotes. M. Amslor. Schweiz, mod. Wchnschr,, 69, 1012-1015 (1939). (Goman). Exposure to hydrocyanic acid vapors in disinfection work, produced important corneal changes in a 43 year old worker. These wore a milky opacity and radial stripes. In one eye the vision was 1/300, in the other 1/10, Tho urino con tained 5$ sugar end, although this proved transient, functional disturbances wore still present in tho kidneys ^oo year later. The corneal changes disappear ed gradually, and after a year, a gray-groen ring could be seen at the peri phery. 246. The Effect af Copper In Hydrocyanic Acid Poisoning. R. Walther and K, Byer. Biochen. Ztschr. 501. 515-320 (1939). (6oraan). Certain observers have recommended tho treatment of hydrocyanic acid poisoning by intravonous injection of cupric chloride on the basis of animal experimenta tion. These authors carried out further experiments and found that no effect could be obtained after serious poisoning; injections delayed the symptoms but did not hasten recovery. 247. Prophylaxis of Ankylostomiasis in the St. Etienne Coal Basin. P. Kathy. Lyon Thesis, Lyon, 1939, (Branch). | "" A discussion of the organization necessary for rigid control of ankylostomiasis in the mines and the prophylaxis employed. Several drugs are not used because of their expense, slow action or toxicity. Others such as pyrethns extracts, ethcral ospidium extract and carbon tetrachloride wore sot employed because of the difficulty of procuring thee in sufficiently pure state. Thymol and tatra- chlorethyleno ware tho two drugs used, the latter almost exclusively now. The percentage of carriers has been markedly reduced: from 29% in 1927 to 3% in 1930. 248. Hematological Changes in Selenium Poisoning. A. Vosco. Polia. med., 25. 1014-1025 (1939). (Italian). Tho author presents a survey of industries employing selenium and a description of the chemical symptoms of the poisoning. Ho reports on his animal experiments in which he found secondary anemia as a direct effect on the blood cells. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 18. o 249. Fatal Poisoning "with Oxyacetylene Welding. H. Kienitz. Zeit fur Scompriaierte o' u. fiuessige Gase, 34, 97-103 (August, 1939); 113-7 (September, 1959), (German) A report on investigations made of one serious and one fatal accident to weldeijjjj vO'ii while working on the inside of a boiler, A chemical analysis of the absorbed * gas and quantitative determinations of carbon monoxide and nitrous gases were <& made. There is a medical report and discussion of recommendations for the pro-^ tection of operators. 250. Lung Cancer Among Mine Workers in Joachimsthal. S. Peller. Human Biology. 2_, 130-145 (February, 1939), The miners in loachixisthal have a high percentage of malignancies (53%) among their deaths; a several times incroased cancer mortality rate due to an enor mous frequency of pulmonary cancers in the age period 35-54; an exceptionally high proportion of primary lung cancers; and a reduced incidence of cancer in nen-raspiratory organs, Tho active factor in the radium mines presumably increases the number of men who suffer from cancer by increasing o tumor sus ceptibility of the younger and middle age groups almost to the level of the &3) higher ages, and presumably changes tho organ distribution of the primary tumors. The age distribution of cancer cases depends to a high degree on extrinsic factors. _ @ 251. Changes in the Brain in Experimental Phosphorous Poisoning. Takeya-Siko. Arch, f. Psychint.. 109, 113 (1959). (German), Animal experiments with an 8% mixture of yellow phosphorus showed severe hcmoiThagcs but no tendency towards fatty degeneration. The large pyramidal cells showed so-callod fissuration in some cases. In other cases there occurred fading of the large and middle-sized ganglion cells, which was regarded as an advanced stage of vacuolar degeneration due to direct affect of the poison. A large number of small foci of necrosis developed in the brain, affecting Chiefly the cells, but sometimes &l3Q tho white matter. These were probably caused by the phosphorus, but the possibility that they could be produced by secondary circulatory disturbances cannot bo entirely ruled out, 252. Methods for the Dotoction of Toxic Gases In Industry. Phosgene. Leaflet No. 8. Groat Britain, Dept, of Sci.ic Industr. Res., H.M, Stationery Office, London,(1939). Exposure to concentrations of phosgene which are just detectable by smell or lachrynation may prove fatal. A two minuto exposure to a concentration of 1 part in 30,000 may cause serious lung injury, and for .prolonged exposure the maximum permissible concentration is 1 p.p.m. The standard method adopted for tho dotection of phosgene in industry consists of drawing a known volume of the air under test through a fixed area of teat papor by means of a standard hand-pump. The tost paper, which contains diphenylamlne and p-dimethylamino- bcnzoldehyde, becomes stained yellow or orange and the concentration is deter mined by comparing the stains with the standard color chart supplied with the leaflet. By making not more than 85 strokes of the ptzxp concentrations as low Cs as 1 p.p.m. can be estimated. The leaflet contains full instructions for pre paring the tost papers and for carrying out tho to3t. 253. Eliminating Refrigeration Hazards. C.A. Peters. Power, 84, 0-61 (March,1940). A discussion of, among other potential hazards of refrigeration systems, tho injuries duo to tho use of toxic or irritant refrigerants. This danger may be largely avoided by the substitution of non-toxic, non-irritating and non- in flammable compounds such as Freon-11 and Frcon-12. Exposure to rather high concentrations of tho vapors i3 not attended with danger and since they are quite heavy, will tend to lie at the floor level. ifftDwosualboiP :iSDSj)^ HiiBB-B009990 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 19 254. Arsine Poisoning in Dissolving Zinc Ash in Sulfuric Acid Containing Much Arsenic. g. Humperdinck. Arbeitaschutz, pp. 345-346 (1939). (German). A report of two moderately severe cases in men who carried out this work. The zinc ash was free of arsenic but contained a considerable amount of lead. Tho sulfuric acid contained 594 mg. of arsenic por liter. 255, Gastrointestinal Symptoms Simulating Ulcer in Chronic Carbon Monoxide Poison ing. H.G. Beck." Rev. of Gastroenterol., jj, 196-206 (1939). Tho author discusses almost exclusively the gastrointestinal aspects of chronic carbon monoxide anoxemia with strong emphasis on a syndrome closely simulating peptic ulcer. Tho chronic condition may be divided into simple anoxemia {with out any demonstrable tissue changes) and hematologic, cerebrospinal, cardio vascular, respiratory, urogenital and gastrointestinal &noxemia in which defin ite morphologic changes occur. In a clinical study of a group of 140 individ uals with doily exposure to varying amounts of carbon monoxide over consider able periods of time, gastrointestinal symptoms were froquontly manifested. Statistics show that nearly twice as many workmen employed in gas plants become ill as those engaged in occupations not involving exposure to carbon monoxide and that the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases is 2-1/2 times greater in tho first group than in the second. The chief symptoms wore anorexia, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Tho pain was frequently associated with cardio spasm or pylorospasm. In several instances it was due to onterospasm or cno- spasa. The condition cannot readily be differentiated from peptic ulcer clin ically, us hemorrhage, pylorospasm and filling defects occur in both. The history of exposure to carbon monoxide and tho prompt relief of all symptoms incident to a change to a pure atmospheric environment without specific ulcer treatment should exclude the latter. This condition should not be regarded as a clinical entity but rather as a syndrome developing from a state of chronic anoxemia. It may cause symptoms simulating other diseases: in the central nervous system it may resemble epilepsy, chorea, encephalitis and multiple sclerosis, and in the cardiovascular systaa, symptoms of nwgtTM pectoris, coronary thrombosis, infarction and myocardial degeneration have been observed. 256. Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen by Bacteria. G.W. Jones and G.S. Scott. U.S. Bur. of Hines, Rept. of Invest, No. 3466 (September, 1940). This is the report of an investigation into the elimination of hydrogen from a sealed fire area of mines. The problem of elimination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in manholes was also studied. It was found that these gases ore oxidized by certain soil bacteria which appear to be identical with B. oligocarbophilus. 257, Nicotine Poisoning. F.D. Gindhart.- Industrial Medicine, 8, 515-516 {December, 1939V. The author describes a caso of nicotine poisoning for each of its portals of entry: through the skin, by inhalation, or by contact with an open wound. The -- symptoms are severe prostration, weak pulse, low blood pressure and substernal pain. Collapse is evidenced by paleness, sau3ee and vomiting. The symptoms say return if the patient smokes or chews tobacco. There is a distinct haz ard for' those who make insecticides containing a high percentage of nicotine and also for those whose occupation brings them in frequent contact with such substances, namely gardeners, florists and chemists. The treatment is supportive, using both caffeine and adrenalin. In severe collapse strychnine gr. 1/60 is given in repeated doses. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 20. 258. Antimony in Occupational Pathology. A. ?eil. Presse mad. pp, 1153-1134 w* (1939). (French]. ' IS In smelting an ore composed of quarts and antimony sulfide (15-50$) containing a small amount of gold and traces of arsenic, the white oxide is obtained by condensation of the fumes. The Vermillion, which apparently is not toxic, is produced by double decomposition. Among 15 workers exposed to the fumes, 7 j* had a rash when examined, end 14 gave a previous history of it. It consisted * of pustules very similar to smallpox. Neck, forearms end legs are usually affected. Half the workers had conjunctivitis, and half had anauia and other complaints. Sj. 259. An Investigation of the Various Eye Diseases in Artificial Silk Factories. G. Akagi. Reports Japan Inst. Sci. >t Labour, Inc., No. ~41~9-14 (1939), (German). Abstracted in Bull. Hygiene, 14, 870 (December, 1939). Of 2,399 employees of a factory making artificial silk, 1,354 showed some abnormality; the most frequent anomaly wo3 some disturbance of muscle balance; after this cemo disease of the conjunctiva, changes in the fundus, disease of the cornea, changes in accomodation, and in pupil action. Fifty-nine per cent were heterophoric, 35 oxophoric, and 24 esophoric. An Investigation of the relation between the incidenco of fundus lesions ana various conditions shmwd that smokers and drinkers to be much affected; beriberi is a frequent concomitant and neurasthenia a common complaint. Animal experiments show that both carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide produce degeneration of the retina and optic nerve. The former is the more active agent; carbon disulfide end hydrogen sulfide are often the cause of inflammation of the anterior segment of the eye; but other agents, caustic potash and sulfuric acid, used in the preparation of artificial silk, are mere active. The author has examined 8 cases of amblyopia due to carbon disulfide poisoning; the visual fields show a scotoma with or without concentric contraction. The fundus shows emailal neuritis. Diseases of the anterior parts of the eye are often the cause of photophobia, lachrymation and the sensation of a foreign body; these symptoms last only a short time. Conjunctivitis i3 more common in winter, and lessens in frequency in suemer. 260. Toxicology, Clinical Aspects and Pathologic Anatomy of Nickel Carbonyl Poison ing. 0. Baver. Arch. f. Gcwerbepath., 9., 509-606 (October 30, 1939). Abstract ed in J. Am. Had. Assoc., 114. 700 (February 24, 1940). The author finds that in the majority of cases tho symptoms disappear in from 8-14 days. The pulmonary symptoms increase and lead to a secondary involvement of the heart and circulation only in the severe cases, and death follows under the signs of cardiac failure. The necropsy is given in two cases. The author concludes that nickel carbonyl acts as an inhalation toxin on the large surface of the respiratory epithelium and produces the aspects of a toxic pneuaonin, with simultaneous involvement of all parts of the lung* It is difficult to explain to what extent the frequent cerebral hemorrhages are caused by absorbed nickel carbonyl or to what extent they may be asphyxiation hemorrhages. The pulmonary symptoms in the form of dyspnea, irritative cough and pains along the costal arches dominate the clinical picture. The pathology is characterized by a peculiar coagulation process In both lungs. In tho treatment the author ob tained favorable results with the intravenous administration of large quantities of dextrose solution and by medication with calcium, strophanthin and circula tory stimulants of the camphor series. 261. Use of "Bau da Javel" in Hairdressing Bstabliahaanta. H.Rabeau and Ukrainczyk. Bull.Soc.fran?* de Dermatol, et da Syphil., 46, 875-876 (1939). (French). Used in many shops for bleaching purposes. "Eau do Javel" (hypochlorite solution may be the cause of occupational eczema* This is the report of such a case. Mw iu lmb) ic :il Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 21. s rsi 262. TErnmirittlcns of printers and genele Assistants at Machines with Sprayers. K. o* Humperdinck. Arcs. f. Geworbcpath., 9_, 559-565 (1932N (German) o Printers and assistants exposed to paraffin or gum ambio in alcohol complained of headache, fagigue and irritability, Thero was some asthma and bronchitis anS^ x-rays showed mors than the normal amount of fibrosis. Blood examinations showeda that not only tho eosinophils but also the lymphocytes wore increased. f ;c 263. Determination of tho Thoron Content of Air and its Bearing on Lung Cancer Haz ards in Industry. R.D. Evans and C.Goodman. J.Ind.Hyg..22, -9-99 (March. 1940). This study was stimulated by tho paucity of quantitative data on the hazardous gasos which are present in the industrial refining and application of radioac tive substances. One of the reasons for this scarcity of information has been the lack of detecting apparatus of sufficient sensitivity. The authors describe a portable apparatus for collecting reproducible samples of thorium B, on which alpha and beta ray analyses can bo quantitatively interpreted in torms of the thoron concentration of the air originally sampled. Human clinical evidence and animal experiments have led to the suggested permissible limit of 10 microcuries 10"^^curies) per liter of air. Exposure to greater concentrations results in a high incidence of lung cancer. Typical plant measurements arc reported which show the thoron concentration to be from 23 to 400 times this recommended value. 264. Summary of Comparative Examinations of the Effects of Benzene and of Thorium X on Leucocytic Reactions^ G. Wallbach. Sang, 13, 719-738 (1959). (French). The author concludes, from various experiments, that thorium X is undoubtedly capable of producing a therapeutic loucopenin but that it will progress to a complete agranulocytosis, whereas the effect of benzene can be stopped. 265. Present Status of Benzene, P.A.Davis. J.An. Med,Assoc., 114 . 553-557 (Pebruory 17, 1940). The treatment of patients exposed to bonzene consists of: (1) elimination of the hazard; (2) aeration, oxygen inhelations; (3) treatment of gastric distur bances; (4) treatment of secondary anemia; (5) supported measures for the heart and protection of the kidneys; (6) stimulation of the blood-forming organs by use of iron compounds, reticulogon, liver and spleen substances, transfusions and roentgen therapy to the long bones; {7} nourishing food with an excess of fats; increase of the calcium intake, and {9} intravenous saline and dextrose. Procedures for the control of this hazard are outlined. 266. Cataract Following Inhalation of Paradlchlorobenzene Vapor. If.L, Berliner. Arch, of Qphthal.. 2271023 (Docamber, 1939). "" The changes in the Ions appeared in those patients some months after the exposure had ceased, an effect very similar to that shown by cataracts due to dinltro- phenol* The clinical symptoms of these cases is suggestive of a toxic hepatitis. Because of its wide spread use as a moth-repelling compound, warning should bo given the public of the toxic character of this substance. 267. Toxicity of Cool Tar Naphtha Distillates. H. Taylor. Cham, St Ind, 58, 1078 1080 (December 16, 1939). (Author's Summary). (British). Various samples of naphtha distillates were tested for physiological effect on rats# The absence of deleterious action previously reported by other workers has not been confirmed. All samples tested showed dofinite narcotic action at concentrations greater than 0.10$ by volume, and in one experiment a 3ingle ex posure to 0.16$ caused the death of all experimental rats in lass that 8 hours. There was considerable variation in tho effect on internal organs with different samples, but definite liver degeneration was caused by two out of four samples, and slight effects were noted in the case of a third.