Document X712j6aRkqEnYv2O1mn42ENzx

n )" ; L._w w v ---r---vr-i r\ r-r . ./ \Jf LJ iu uUuU Jufeicfa** Gbsticcts MEDICAL ENGINEERING LEGAL -- decisions and trends tfptdustlial Health Tlews PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT ! XtfF W r> \. --* r--' /m *-**2 turned Monthly By INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA. , ,|. M / ,,I.HC / . .HOATION FOUNDATION FACTS 1743 Foundation Facts is a monthly news-letter ;s*ud to industrial concerns holding memoersino in Industrial Hygiene Foundation. The Foundation is a combined research and service insciLl on to protect the health of workers m industry. Ho. s. Sene Facts cr.d Fir-mires cn Absenteeism An OV.l survey l'inds that "plants without systematic plans for reducing the cruses of absented cm have nearly twice the rate of job absences as these v.'hich have such : rograms." As the Foundation has insisted for years (before absenteeism was a decline) the first step in reducing lent time is te keep adequate records -- audit your absences. Another important fact-finding measure is the plant hygiene survey. It is no more possible to maintain healthful wording conditions without a periodic survey, than it is to maintain the quality of a product without periodic inspections. To combat sick absenteeism, get the facts on absences, through proper records, and cn healthful 'working conditions through plant hygiene surveys. Otherwise, systematic procedure is ignored in favor of hit-or-miss methods. Speaking of figures, one member company reports the following experience for a group of 400 workers for the first half cf April: 273 workdays lost from all causes -- 190 from sickness and non-industrial injuries, 65 from personal causes, and 15 cays from injuries. Guard Against Increase in Tuberculosis Tuberculosis rates tend to rise in 'wartime. The alert Medical Department of y/estinghousc Electric & Manufacturing Co., has been directing a health education campaign among its employees stressing TB prevention. Meanwhile, the Public Health . Service has made X-ray examinations of nearly a quarter of a million persons for tuberculosis, including more than 160,000 workers in war industries. Results show that ".'li;;htly i..-.rc than one in every 100 persons excr.ined have significant tuberculosis." . Red Cross Comment Commenting on the Foundation's report, ,nArhat About Blood Banks for V-.'ar v.'orkcrs?" which was sent to Members recently, an official of the Blood Donor Service of the American Red Cross writes: "...Again, nay I express my own appreciation and that of the entire Service for the great help you have been to us in accumulating this data for ycur Member companies. Thoughtful support such as this is going to do much to insure the success of what I think v;e all agree is a worthwhile project." Annual Mooting Notes V n...A wax contractor was much surprised to learn that his 25 per cent labor turnover was largely due to the uncontrolled fumes cf a poisonous solvent"...."It has been cur feeling that if we can satisfactorily control the use of materials in the plant, and then prove that control is satisfactory by periodic physical examinations, vili net have cases cf occupational disease develop. It has proved to be such ever tnc years.""/ill tea frequently, the first kncv:l edge the medical or safety doparta.T.t has of a new process, machine or material is v.hcn it is in operation. Forcth ugh -ill prevent dangerous exposure. The cost is higher for placing makeshift safeguards t c:ck:ust couipmcnt cn a machine after it is in use." * ' M iNCaTiON -id d" 1th, \:y Dr. C.G. Cap; i J. a. Lip;i:;cf'tt Co., Fiixlauc ii - - - z'-n, an -'..a Li s> 4 4 00 <rrm AVtNUi. lw 1 r 3 Vil. 5 j, f Indurtrial Hygiene Foundation, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. I IlfDUSTRIAL HTOIS-JE DIGEST V Literature and News ( News Items 404 Color in Industry. "The best and newest way to promote good housekeeping," according to E.A. Massey, Du Pont color expert, "is by a new scientifically developed use of bright paint colors on all industrial interior surfaces, including even floors and machines." The national production scene was described as going technicolor in this man ner with remarkable results. The up-to-date trend is row upon row of machine ' tools painted in carnival colors with here and there touches of brilliant red to . emphasize danger points. Many factory interiors already display the new scientific color system*. They include government arsenals, naval shore stations and major war plants. Worked out in a three-year Du Pont research program to 'improve seeing conditions in industry, the most favored color scheme for machin ery has proved to be light gray and light buff. Floors often are painted white, stippled with brown, while walls are finished in two high light-reflecting colors. 405 Special Warning Bulletin.-- Epidemic Kerato-Conjunctivltis. A statement has been prepared jointly by the United States Public Health Service, Bcthosda, Maryland and the Committee on Industrial Ophthalmology of the American Medical Association, 535 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, Illinois, for distribution to all physicians. 4 406 Absent Treatment. Two ingenious methods of combatting the growing absentee problem have been de vised by the New Britain (Connecticut) Machine Company and the Bell Aircraft Company, Buffalo, N. Y. The former awards a weekly "Hitler Plaque" inscribed with a swastika, to the department with the poorest record. The latter desig nates workers absent without permission as "AY.'QL," and replaces their time cards with "AWOL" cards. The foreman's approval is required before regular cards may be restored. -- Forbes Mag., 51_, (March, 1943). 4)7 hartime Vacations. A statement by Chairman Donald M. Nclscn of the War Production Board on the sub ject cf vacations cays in part: "I believe that the granting of vacations to in .nutria! workers this year will be helpful to war production. Experience has oin-v.-r. that the volume of production is increased if the workers can restore their energies through periods of physical and mental rest, change and relaxation. After a brief vacation a worker should bo in bettor shape to contribute to the stria! Hygiene Digest - 2 increased effort which our r program makes necessary. But it must he ' '' *f\our `^ Production guM.-; this year are nearly twice the size of lcM- ' 0nf mU^ , ? .'-i-'-nned so us to avoid interruption of working :: ules. Management and labor cun end should plan the release of workers i`"' tions by working ahead in come departments, by arranging for staggered v schedules, by training suUututeo and, where necessary? by working addi>.- overtime. . .ed * s. Book Reviews 408 gftgT*aff^nolDisoasgs.. W.c. Huepsr. Charles C. Tima... Monroe St., Springii^ld, 111. v3.00. 896 pp, (1942). t^nr ^ThpCmntP^ c^c'fcai^ the subject of tumors and their relation to f" tion. The material is presented from the view of tumor location with ei/.* organ systems receiving the major consideration. The fourteen chapi- ; ^ of occupational tumors, tumors of the sk > its appcnaagco, t^c alimentary system tumors, cancers of the respiratory urogenous organ malignant growths, hyperplastic and neoplastic diseases of blood forming organs, mescnchymatous tumors, tumors of tho eye and its adu- the nervous system-tumors, endocrine glandular malignant growths, sex err- nl^lfsif^+h as?ects f occupational tumors, the relation of occuuati-" oocts 1 cancerigenesis, and medicolegal and public health- Svr-?irm+ ! 217011 t0 the exter*3iVG literature has been thor*excellent bibliographies arc provided for each section. Occupational tui.r ' SiTS4"1? aM8atiSa in thG foreien literature than in American. ' rork will be a valuable reference book for industrial physicians. 409 Occupational Diseases. Pneumoconiosis Contracted by Employment in Gypssum Mi As Cr_e_a-ting Liability Tmh.o~- d---e----f--e---n----d----a---n---t-----a----p---p----e---a1 l-s Within f"r--o----m-- a Stat_u__te___a_n_d__R__o_t_ Nv e..gwliggleiknecnec.o .Statute j-ud-gment in an action to recover for o_f__iLiniL in jurio.*: fered by the plaintiff while in its employ. Plaintiff had worked in tb/. defendant's srpsum mine, for sixteen years, as a "loader" or "drills:r." 'I drifts and headings where he worked were constantly filled with clou is or ' caused by the pulverization of rock by drills and other machinery; ac: u b < ' forced to breathe such atmospheres, he suffered a disease of the lur-CS, K*-. pneumoconiosis, which was tho injury for vrhich he sued. The defence:It Um.i up a largo fan at tho mouth of the mine, designed to blow the dust c*.:t cf ` galleries and headings, but according to the testimony of tho plaint: i , , nesses, it did not do so. The action was brought five years efts': tiff left the defendant's employment. Tho ev; York Practice Ac:r.ol-:-:: t';i! years the period of limitation for "an action to recover damages icr * * personal injury, resulting from negligence"; and sub. 2 of Soc. 15 r.rkce years the period for "an action tc recover upon a liability erected :;* ci- r^ L^ - .. S void Hygiene Direct - 3 ,>,;t a penaltycr forfeiture," The statute provides that "an air current fioient to remove smoke and noxious gases and to insure the safety of every . r ; Ic-yec shall be conducted along every passageway and working place." Air, filled v.ith tho dust of powdered roclc, is within this language. The New York : ? r Law required "all machinery creating duct or impurities" to"be equipped ;th proper hoods and pipes connected to an exhaust fan of sufficient * * * power to remove such dust"; and that "suction devices shall bo provided which shall r'.ryve * * * impurities *** by means of proper hoods connected to conduits and . r.haunt fans." The court held that these enactments were for the benefit of those employees who might be exposed to the danger of breathing dust, and that they "created" a "liability" within sub. 2 of Sec. 48 of the Civil Practice Act, as distinguished from giving support to a finding that the employer had failed to exercise the care that ho should have: i.e., been guilty of 'hogligence." Yjj\: far that lung disease was caused by breathing dust for sixteen years and how much of the damage was done in the last year, were indeed debatable, but no one I coulu say that reasonable people must deny all connection between them. The jury was clearly entitled to find that during the year in question he had suffer ed some injury. Judgment affirmed, Stornelli v. U. S, Gypsum Co., U.S.C.C.A. 2nd Cir. Decided March 16, 1943. (CCK). 410 Dermatitis Venenata. Report of Medical Commission as Being Final and Conclusive. Plaintiff appeals from an order which affirmed the commissioner's award denying plaintiff compensation. Plaintiff was employed by defendant in the removal of bulk cement from box cars. Plaintiff noticed a breaking out on his skin, which spread over his body. He was obliged to cult v/ork. Doctors diagnosed his con dition as cement deimatitis, or dermatitis venenata. Plaintiff filed applica tion for.adjustment of claim under the occupational disease amendment, (Comp. Laws Supp. 1940, Sec. 8435-1 et seq., Stat. Ann. 1942 Cum. Supp. Sec. 17.220 et sec.) He alleged that he was suffering from dermatitis venenata, a disease re sulting from the nature of his employment, and which is scheduled as an occupa tional disease. A medical commission who examined plaintiff, about 9 months after he quit work, found that plaintiff, was suffering from dermatitis herpeti formis, which is not conpensablo under that Act.- Defendants contend that plain tiff v/as suffering from the same disease from September 1940, when he was oblig ed to quit work, until the hearing October, 1941, and that the report of the medical commission, who examined him in July, 1941, is final and conclusive. The report of tho nodical commission case was final and conclusive only as to plaintiff's condition when the commission examined him. The department erred in determining, in effect, that the report of the medical commission was, as a matter of lav/, final and conclusive as to plaintiff's condition during the en tire period from 1940 to 1941. The department's order is vacated and set aside, and the case is remanded. vValkor v. Loselle Construction Company et al. Mich. Supremo Ct. Decided April 6, 1943. IcCHT* 411 Gradual Suffocation by Gas Causing Death of Miner. Notice of Motion for Judg ment. Failing to Show Remedy Under ^ct. Plaintiff filed in the court below a notice of motion for judgment, seeking to recover nonages for the wrongful death of plaintiff's decedent. She alleged that the defendant owed its employees tho duty of furnishing them a reasonably sufo place in which to work, and to that end should have installed in the mine where decedent worked the necessary devices to ventilate it properly. The defendant filed a demurrer to the notice of motion for jud(vnent alleging that by virtue of the provisions of tho h'orhnen's Compensation Act the lower court 2r.;;riv-.;d of jurisdiction of the .subject-matter of the suit. To a juurm at -- .staining a demurrer plaintiff obtained this writ of error. The plainti-A'- contention is that tho notice of motion shows on its face that her cause of CO-1 -V; _ ...trial Hygiene Digest - 4 .ction is not compensable under the 'Vorkmen's Compensation Act and that hence -he has the right to pursue her action at law. Since the notice of motion g.m:3 not affirmatively chow on its face that the lower court has been deprived nf jurisdiction of the subject-matter of the suit by the provisions of the V.'crh- mcn's Compensation Act, as alleged in the demurrer, the demurrer should have been overruled. Whether plaintiff has a rood causa of action at law or whether the matter is governed by the Workmen's Compensation Act will depend upon the appli cation of the principles stated, to the facts and circumstances to bo developed at the hearing* All that has been decided is that the plaintiff's notice of motion for judgment docs not chov; on its face that her remedy is under the V/orlc- r.on's Compensation Act and is not in the present common-law action. For these re-.cons the judjnent complained of is reversed and the ease remanded for farther proceedings. Reversed and remanded. Ajstrop v. 31ud Diamond Coal Company, Inc. Va. Supremo Ct. of App. Decided MarchTs," 19437 (CCH}. 412 Disability Attributed to Inhalation of Carbon Monoxide. Casual Relation Between Employment and Disability. This is a claim for compensation in which plaintiff sought judgment on the ground of total, permanent disability, against Travelers Insurance Company and plain tiff's employer. An exception of no cause and no right of action by the defan dante, interposed to the alternative demand, was sustained, and the alternative demand dismissed. Gardner was employed by Crumley, a dealer in automobiles, in the parts department. Plaintiff alleged that his disability was due to in haling fumes from the exhausts of automobiles being tested and repaired in imme- ` diate .proximity to the parts room of the establishment in which plaintiff per formed his duties; that it was the inhalation of carbon monoxide and other fumes and gases from the automobile exhausts that brought about plaintiff's collapse. An attempt was made to show on behalf of plaintiff that he suffered from a dis ease cf the spinal system. Since no infection, was located, his doctors accepted the possibility of toxemia as the cause of the disease, and since a toxic condi tion fitted in with the theory of carbon monoxide poisoning, they inclined to a correlation of carbon monoxide with the disease. The testimony on the part of the defense attributes plaintiff's condition to a nerve disease of the spinal system and fixes the cause as infection, entirely eliminating the toxic effects of carbon monoxide, since no evidence of carbon monoxide was apparent upon exam ination. Any relation between plaintiff's employment and the disability from which he is suffering remain solely a possibility. Since there was a clear duty and burden upon plaintiff to establish a definite casual relation between his employment and his disability, in the assumption of which duty and burden he has failed and since this point is finally decisive of the case, plaintiff's demands were properly rejected. Judgment affirmed. Gardner v. Travelers Insurance Company et al. La. Court of Appoal. 2nd Circuit. Decided~March 1. 1943. (CCH). 413 Death from Carbon-Tetrachloride Used as Cleaning Fluid. Reliance Upon Contri butions for Household Expenses as Establishing Partial Dependency. Schweitzer died from poisoning from carbon-tetrachloride which was being used as a cleaning solvent while ho was employed on the yacht of appellant, V/ende. Decedent, 18 years of age, and received $90 a month and "found," mounting to C-50 per month. Until his employment on the yacht, he had been living at home '"ith his father and mother. All the children who were able to do so contributed to a common family pool which was expended by the mother to cover all expendi tures. The decedent contributed approximately $101 to the family budget; all iis contributions were expended by the mother for the table or for the purchase of things for tho homo. V.'hiie employed on the yacht, decedent lived aboard it. An award was made to decedent's parents as partial dependants. Suit was brought to enjoin enforcement of tho award, from an order denying tho injunction, i ! - ini Hygiene Digest - 3 mpcllnnts appeal. There v;ns substantial evidence to support appellee's fin:line of such dependency, toning into account the ages of the father and r.other, the earnings of the father and of the other children and the fact that .mjed^nt had been contributing to ahe parents more than v;hnt he cost then. Par ents are dependent if their ov/n resources are not sufficient to support then, _von if they receive help fron their other children. The test is whether his contribution was in whole or in part r means of maintaining them in the manner ir. which they had boon living and whether they loo&cd forward to and relied upon the continuance of decedent's contributions to that end. Affirmed, V.'ende, .-v :;1 v. Mclinnigal, ct ol. U.S.C.C.A., 2nd Cir. Decided April 30, 1943. (CCH). Industrial Health Hazards and Their Effects 414 The Symptomatology of Aluminum Pneumoconiosis. G. Goralewski* Arch. f. Gowor- ;c;rch. u. Gowerbehyg., 10, 384-408 (December 30, 1940). (Gc-iman). This paper reports a fuller survey of "aluminum pneumoconiosis" than those re ported in the March Digest (Abstracts Ho. 269 and 271). It included 125 workers at the Frankfort Bronze and Aluminum Factory, of whom 9 6 were directly exposed. Clinical examinations showed a high incidence of inflammatory respiratory dis orders, especially repeated attacks of bronchitis, sometimes accompanied by . gastro-intostinal disturbances. No correlation was observed between symptoms and duration of exposure but most workers stated that onset had occurred withid the last two years. Blood sedimentation tests and lung function tests were in conclusive. X-ray examination showed "significant" changes in 39, "marked' chan ges in 17, "well-developed" in 4 and "intense" in 3, out of the 125 subjects. Most of the "significant" cases and all the others had had exposure of 1 to 20 yours. Clinical signs did not correspond in severity with radiographical appear ance; in only a few cases were prolonged expiration and bronchitis rales noted. The discrepancy between these results, shoving a high incidence (19.2# conclu sive, 31.2# significant) of "aluminum lung" and the negative findings reported by earlier investigations is explained on the basis of an alteration in the pro cess during the last two years, involving the production of a greater amount of dust, the particles of which aro much finer and are no longer protected by a film of aluminum stearate caused by the former o.daition of stenrine during the stamping prooess. (Also, as pointed out in Abstract No. 270, March Digest, blackout conditions greatly reduce ventilation and correspondingly increase dustiness.) . a- - r_tc the Lungs from Aluminum Dust. K.V7. Joetten and 7/. Eickhoff. Takt. , 127, 344-367 11942). .:tr/'rs review the literature on "aluninosis" with especial reference to the iter ial covered in the preceding abstract and Nos. 269-272 (March Digest). A y cf the earlier literature emphasizes the difference between "dumincsis" ii.i-.jsis. The former is characterized by the symptoms of bronchial catarrh, tory coll pr*-liforation, and x-ray evidence of diffuse fine stippling, a fibrosis, :s demonstrated by dcott^n and by Ehrismnnn in 1939 in animal i'.-rta ia - :i atmosphere containing 5C-10C mg, cf aluminum bror.rc duct par i a .. c.ar of -ir. There wore r.o significant pathological changes. Hcwvvtr, : .-'1 v/ski 1ms revealed a high incidence of symptoms of respiratory and g-atrsiin..l disturbance oneng :ilu::dnum*w\.rkers. Clinical finuings were sli ;'..t in riaon with the severity of subjective symptoms, widen also liave no relation 00 4 -4 3 jtrial Hygiene Digest - 6 to the d>irution of work. The reasons for the increase ore given as in the preceding abstract. The authors advocate a chemical theory somewhat sinil:x to `.hat of Hoclsch (Abstract No. 272, Narch Digest). 7`ie Isolation of B._Anthrr;Cis From Industrial Material, vdth Special Reference thi; Re-sistance of the Spores of Heat. ',11, Jones. J. Path. >x 3act., 54, - . V--s jl4 (J uly, 134ti) :;-,j author describes the isolation of Bacillus anthracis from industrial matcri .1 and makes special reference to the resistance of the spores to heat. Ho ehov.'s quite clearly that of three stains tested,, spore suspensions showed a diminution of the viable count after exposure to a temperature of SOC. for as short a period of time as two minutes. Ho quotes the investigation of 14 samples of bone meal in which heating had been carried out at 80CC. ana all results wore negative. He evolved a technique in which the material was heated to 65^0. for five minutes only and 11 isolations of Bacillus anthracis were made and verified by nninal inoculation. The method of demonstrating capsules of the true anthrax bacillus by incubation overnight of a broth suspension to which two or three drops of fresh human blood have been added, and staining films vdth polychrome methylene blue, is also described as being useful, but always to be used in con junction vdth the animal test. Liver Injury, Especially Cirrhosis, in Arsenic Poisoning. P. Roessing. Arch, f. Ccwerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 11, 151-142 (December 31, 1941) (German). A review of the literature on arsenic poisoning vdth special reference to liver injury leads to the conclusion that the liver is frequently affected, but that the nature of the injury varies. Clinical, pathological and histological inves tigations have shown great variability in acute poisoning, injury of the reticulo-endothelial system, desquamation and necrosis of the liver cells, various stages of acute yellow atrophy; in chronic poisoning, disappearance of glycogen, fatty infiltration, cell necrosis, reparative and regenerative changes, conges tion of the bile ducts, periportal hyperplasia. From these findings it seems unlikely that true cirrhosis is a result of pure arsenic poisonings. In most of the cases reported, arsenic has not been the sole toxic agent; also involved are alcohol, nicotine, lead, copper, caffeine, metabolic and intestinal distur bances. Animal experiments are not entirely reliable, since in many animals latent liver injury, such as cocciaiosis in rabbits, causes a predisposition to experimental lesions by toxic agents. Cirrhosis of the liver is considered essentially a chronic progressive hepatitis, affecting the liver cells and pro duced by toxic agents, in small doses over long periods. A typical case of cirrhosis, caused by a combination of factors, vdth arsenic and lead predominat ing, is that of a worker engaged in the manufacture of lead and calcium arsenate, vdth some exposure also to dinitro-ortho-cresol. He developed symptoms which wore first diagnosed as lead poisoning, later as cirrhosis vdth ascites. The opinion that arsenic was the chief toxic agent v;as based on the presence of melanosis, hyperkeratosis, intestinal symptoms and a greatly increased content of arsenic in the hair. Lead, and to z. slighter degree, dinitro-ortho-cresol cro considered contributory factors. The author believes that the combined ulative effect of several toxic agents on the liver is greater than that of ' r.y single agent and that arsenic alone, especially in the cirrhosis often found in wine drossors, cannot be considered a primary cirrhosis-producing agent. _-_',"irity of Beryllium. F. Hyslop, L.T. Fair hall and others. Bull. No. 131, ` w i.-:i Institute of Health, U.S. Fublic Health Service, 56 pp. (1945). For - i>y Hunt, of Documents, 'ashington, D, C. lo cents. increased production ?nd use cf beryllium in industry has caused concern 'it exposure of workmen to dust and fuir.es arising from the processing of this p n 1 A, ) I Industrial Hygiene Digest - ? metal. "The purpose of the investigation," as stated in the introduction, "v/as .0 measure and define the tonicity of beryllium and to indicate, so far as is feasible by animal experiments, the maximum permissible concentration of oust or fumes from the metal or its compounds v/hich workmen should be permitted to treathe." Animal experiments wore made in which a number of beryllium compounds v.t various concentration v;oro injacted intraporitoneclly into guinea pigs; beryllium compounds v:cre administered orally to both young rats and guinea pigs, r.-ri finally guinea pigs wore exposed to the dust of those compounds in high con centrations and over long intervals of tine with no indication that beryllium is inherently toxic. Exposure of c.uinea pigs and rats to the fumes arising from td electrolysis of molten fluorides containing beryllium fluoride or oxyfluoride chov: that these fumes are decidedly toxic. There was very little storage of beryllium in the various organs and tissues of the experimental animals, follow ing exposure to large amounts, whether by mouth, by inhalation or by ir.traperitcr.eal injection. More beryllium was found to be stored in the liver than in the kidneys, and still more in the bone tissue. No significant change in hemo globin values was obtained, nor any evidence of polycythemia, or other dyscrasia. Certain salts of beryllium v/hich hydralyze easily, such as the fluoride and sul fate had an irritant effect on the skin, but this effect was absent in the case of the neutral salts. Recovery experiments indicated that beryllium is absorbed only slightly in the alimentary tract and is excreted mainly in the feces, Tho absorption of beryllium carbonate from the lungs is also very slight. None of the beryllium compounds investigated was dissolved appreciably by serum, while the greatest dilution at which precipitation of protein occurs is one part of beryllium nitrate to 50 of water. A comparison of the relative toxicities of beryllium, magnesium, and zinc by intraperitoncal injection showed beryllium to bo least and zinc most toxic. Microscopic as well as x-ray examination of the tissues of animals exposed to beryllium showed no indication of rickets and no consistent pathological change in whatever fora the beryllium was given and by whatever method. Since no particular toxicity was established for beryllium, it appears that whatever toxicity has been found to occur with the beryllium salts is due to the toxicity of the acid radical such as the fluoride or oxyfluoride, or to an objectionable condition brought about by the hydrolysis of certain of its salts, such as the chloride and sulfate. No safe pcraissible working standards should be based on beryllium itself. 419 Health Aspects of Fibor,qlg.s Materials. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., Toledo,0. Pamphlet, 8 pp. (1943), This publication presents answers to questions v/hich have arisen concerning the possibility of health hazards in connection with the manufacture and handling of Fiberglas. It is based largely upon investigations conducted by or for the Owcns-Corning Fiberglas Corporation. Tests made by Dr. L.U. Gardner of the Trudeau Foundation havo demonstrated that Fibcrglas has no injurious effect upon the lungs. VI.J. Siobert conducted investigations v/hich include: an ex haustive study of world medical literature for references to possible health hazards in the handling of Fibcrglas; observations and dust counts in the Newark, Ohio, factories; examination of several hundred stereoscopic x-ray plates of the chests of employees in the same plants, iiic conclusion is that there is no sili cosis, fibrosis or dust hazard connected with working with Fiberglas. In gener al --\grccncnt with this opinion arc the C.lcf of the Bureau cf Industrial Hygiene of the National Institute of Health, and the Aetna Casualty and Insurance- Co., which underwrites insurance covering any ill effects upon the health cf Owcnsberning employees caused by the handing of Fibcrglas products. Effects an the rdn tiru made e subject of investigation because of a mechanical irritation of dc skin sonotir.es experienced by newly employed workers. This effect comprised a phase of Dr. Siobert's investigation. He sum.arizes his conclusions as fo.-H.-w-- CO /, . L i hygiene Direct - 8 ' '.u'vhor believes the following r.cvn.r'lizr.tion is 'warranted by the evidence: . with glass wool may cause -wiliermorai discoufort among workers iroxper- i..:y:cd in handling the material. The shin irritation, however, cannot be roi-'.v'ed as ; progressive dermatitis, for it in non-toxic, and usually disappears 1:. . f lays. In extremely rare msc.nncws, whore a worker may be predisposed to secondary effects of mechanical shin irritation because of idiosyncrasy .iit.rr.y or the presence of foci of infection elsewhere in his body ana otherwise : is cciat-.d from the effects of noch-'nicni irritation, lesions may persist, hut thw-Jc coses are encountered with such rarity that they do not justify incrimin ating plans fiber as a causative factor.'' Her-crts of investigations by Sulzboivjor .ad Baer, the Navy Department Bureau of Slips end Bureau of Medicine and .'urrery, Gohwnrtz and Botvir.ick of the U.8. Public Health Service do not differ materially from the summary quoted above, bearing of protective clothing and washing with soap containing a wetting agent are recommended. Regarding gener al health effects the fact is given that, "No claim for workers compensation based on a pulmonary industrial disease or disability resulting from an occupa tional skin disorder attributed to Fibcrglas"... has ever been validated in the state of Ohio. The Aetna Life Insurance Company regards the health of Fiborglas workers as better than average. Three uses of Fibcrglas in surgery are describ ed. A brief dicussion of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Fiberglas con cludes the paper. {Copies of the report available upon request from the company. 0 Iron Lust Lunfi. K. Humperdinck. Dcut. Mod. V.'och., 68, 16-17, {January 2, 1S42). (German). The author describes a case of deposition of iron dust in the lungs of an elec tro-welder, employed in welding iron joists and plate rails for 10 years. Similar observations have been made by ICoelsch and others; among 40 welders investigated ' Hoolsch found 18 with slight deposition of iron in the lungs, three 'with changes . similar to those of silicosis Grades 1 and 2, and one with marked deposition. In the author's case, x-ray examination showed widespread stippling of the lungs, except for the apices which were completely free. The shadows varied in sine from a pinhead to a lentil. A few calcified nodules were present in the hiius glands. Ho disturbance of health conformable with tuberculous infection was found, end there was no history of former exposure tc silica-containing dust. Smoke and fumes, containing particles of finely-divided iron oxide, less than 1 mu in diameter, arise from the welding site; these enter the alveoli, are car ried in the peribronchial and perivascular lymph channels and deposited in the lymphoid nodules and glands, the finest particles pass through the alveolar walls into the interstitial tissue. Koclsch found 97$ of iron oxide in the dust; if covered electrodes are used only 65-75$ of iron oxide would be liberat ed, with up to 20$ of silicic acid and a variable amount of manganic oxide. It i3 not known whether such admixtures increase the danger. The connective tissue of the lung is apparently capable cf absorbing the. iron oxide, eo that there is no progressive fibrosis, as in silicosis. Mass radiography will detect at least the most marked lesions and will show the advisability of improvement in working conditions and the importance of medical supervision. ::i matic Investigations on Lust Lungs. Port IV. Upon the Iron Content : cf 151 workers in Dusty Trades. Together vlth a Consideration cf t:v __ VOC-'i_ Iffoct of the Components oi^Iust Mixtures. G. Gcrstel. .-rek.f .C-.. : u. Gewerbopath., 10_, GlC-c73 (June 11, 1941). (Gorman). I, II and III of this investigation, published in earlier numbers , were concerned with on analysis cf lungs for silicic acid, wlur.ir...-. ana titanium oxide respectively. Part IV relates to the iron c-.rh.:.'. a consists of a very largo number cf tables and graphs of I,OoC cho:.. -t which cannot be readily abstracted or reproduced, giving the iron '-tc., of the lungs obtained from 131 workers in various dusty trades, ung the figures with tliosc obtained, for silica. p^ . - . L L- . ' Industrial ifygiena Direct - 9 422 The Possible Toxicity of Lead AlloysExperiments on the Rat with Solder* G.R, Cov.-gill end K. Salomon. J. Ind. Hyg. & Tox., 25_, 81-89 (March, 1943 J. The investigation reported was concerned with the effects of metallic lead and its alloya^on animals, on which very little is known. Young rats received 300 parts of i*ad per million of diet in the form of soldor pellets containing 55.57>o of load. They proved to be quite similar to the control grpup fed an identical diet but no lead, with respect to growth, concentration of blood hemo globin and the appearance of stippled cells, and amount of load stored in their bodies. Rats fed an identical amount of lead in the form of lead acetate ex hibited all the usual signs of lead poisoning, and their carcasses contained lar^e amounts of lead. It is therefore concluded that ingested solder of the composition used is non-toxic for the young rat. 423 The Possible Toxicity of Lead Alloys. II. Experiments on the Dog with Solder. K. Salomon and G.R. Cowgili. J. Ind, Hyg, & Tox., 25_, 91-97 "[March, 1943). Solder in pellet form had been found non-toxic to rats, (see preceding abstract), but since rodents arc known to be relatively resistent to lead it was desirable to work with animals whose sensitivity to lead is more nearly comparable to that of iiian* Accordingly puppies were used in this study. They wore fed an artifi cial diet vdth a low calcium content, favoring the absorption of lead. One group of puppies was housed in stainless steel cages and the intake of the diet was equalized. The animals were compared with respect to gains in body weight, con centrations of hemoglobin and lead in the blood, number of stippled cells, and polychromatic staining erythrocytes, and amount of load present in the entire body as well as in a representative bone. On the basis of the data obtained the authors conclude that the lead present in the form of solder is only moderately absorbed by the puppy, although to a greater extent than in rats. No signs of lead poisoning could be elicited in the animals receiving such pellets. 424 Lead Poisoning in Scran Recovery Plants. 111. Lab. Bull., 1942T. 8-9 (December 31, Mishandling of lead scrap in recovery plants has caused a number of lead poison ing cases. Causes are carelessness, lack of local exhaust, and poor housekeep ing. Air analysis often show concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 760 mgs. per 10 cu. m. With adequate control these concentrations are brought within safe limits. The ineffectiveness of respirators and biological preventive measures is emphasized* . 425 Danger of Lead Poisoning Through the Addition of Lead Tetraethyl to Motor Fuel. H, Y/anick. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u* Gcwcrbehyg., 11. 165-169 (December 31, 1941). (German) The purpose of the article is to differentiate between lead poisoning due to tetraethyl and classical lead poisoning, though the author admits that the toxic action of tetraethyl is a function of its lead content. Neurological symptoms, due to the fat-soluble effect of tetraethyl on central nervous tissue may be accompanied and even obscured by the more usual symptoms of lead poisoning in workers exposed to the carbonized residue of lead tetraethyl, which has lost its fat solvent capacity. The case is described of a worker exposed not only to tetraethyl lead added to benzine but also to the carbonized residue. Symptoms, called subjective, and including headache, weakness, less of sleep, etc. were regarded as evidence of chronic tetraethyl lead poisoning; others, such as a blue line on the gums, punctate basophilia, coproporphyrinuria, and colic as evidence of true lead poisoning caused by inhalation of the lead containing 'io*t of the carbonized residue. i - .. Hygiene Digest - 10 . . ; -r-7 of_l,eofl Benzine* K. Kraut end, G. Lehmann. Arch, f.Gewerbeputh. u. ' irl"'.hy{> ll,, 256-295 (December SI, 1941). ( Ge.nr.cn). /. cc-ricc of animal experiments was undertaken in order to estimate how far and ;r-..':er wh ;t conditions dancer to health is to be apprehended from the use of ben.ino containing lead tetraethyl. Previous investigation by Eehoe have shown that cc. of pure lead tetraethyl applied to the shaven skin of a rabbit is lethal. Ta the present investigation, dilute solutions in gasoline were applied to the in of rabbits and guinea pigs. Some loss in body weight was obtained with r-.tbits as the subjects; the results v.lth guinea pigs were inconclusive. In all experiments, in which the animals inhaled load tetraethyl vapor and exhaust gases, the results v;ero completely negative, in spontaneous death rate, blood picture, nervous reactions and muscle chronaxia. Chemical analysis of the ashed ar.ii.uls showed a measurable accumulation only with the application to the skin cf the l;b solution and no sign of true load poisoning. The author concludes that there is in man no danger of lead poisoning to be apprehended from exposure to exhaust gases; that the danger to persons employed in normal garages and tank factories is inconsiderable (the cleaning of tanks is not dealt with); and that it is doubtful if any practical danger to health from lovrered resistance is like ly v.lth the relatively low concentrations actually in use. 427 Health Aspect of the Magnesium Industry. H.H. Gay. Iron Age, (December 3,1942). This article records the experience cf the Dow Chemical Company in caring for men engaged in handling magnesium and magnesium alloys and gives a review of the world literature that is readily available. In many processes the handling of magnesium and its alloys is no more dangerous than other commercial metals. Potential health hazards, peculiar to magnesium are shown to have no practical significance. As a foreign body, magnesium is no more harmful than foreign bodies of other materials, unless bacterid contamination, due to the use of ' cutting oils, is present. The inflammable nature of magnesium is wall known and the circumstances are so well understood and managed that burns are no more frequent than in iron and steel plants. The presence of sulfur dioxide in some of the operations, and of magnesium dust, are potential hazards, but these mater ials and conditions are familiar to industry and under proper control can be circumvented. (Copies of report arc available upon request from the Dow Chem ical Company.) 428 The Fffects of Ascorbic Acid in Relation to Lead Absorption. E.E. Evans, W.D. Norwood, R.A. Kehoe and W. Machle. J.A.1I.A., 121. 501-504 (February 13, 1943). Ascorbic acid nutrition in workers in a large plant was found to bo poor in gen eral, but mostly so in lead workers. Careful study of a large group of lead workers to whose diet 100 mg. of ascorbic was added daily revealed no effect on the lead concentration in the blood, elimination in feces or urine, physical con dition of the men, nunber and severity of complaints, numbers of erythrocytes or stippled-erythrocytes, or in the hemoglobin. Therefore nc reason has been found for recommending the use of ascorbic acid to counteract the effects of lead absorption. 429 Action of Finely Divided Magnesium upon the Lungs. L.U. Gardner and A.3. Dclahant. Am. J. Pub. Health, 33, 153-156 (February, 1943). (A report on this investigation was presented by Dr. Gardner at the Foundation's Seventh Annual Meeting and is printed in the Proceedings of that meeting.) In a scries of experiments on cats and guinea pigs, it was shown that finely divided metallic mrgnesium did not have cr.y serious effect upon the lungs. It v.o.s also shown that "gaseous tumor" formation was absent primarily because tho i'U'.gs freely communicate v.lth external air. It is stated that if manufacturing processes did permit inhalation of appreciable amounts of magnesium, it is high ly improbable that serious injury to the lungs would ensue. pn*iOA UU isl Hygiene Digest - 11 i'n::.:iblo Chronic Intoxication by Mnnrancso. M. Huffman and S. Donoso. Kevista f.bViica dc Chile. 70^, 708 {September, 1540). (Spanish). The authors report a caso which appeared to be one of manganese poisoning and state that-the incidence of manganese poisoning is now comparatively high among mine workers, since activity has greatly increased on account of the v;ar. In one mine 15 out of a total of 200 working without masks in an atmosphere densely charged with manganese dust, had become completely incapacitated. In other nines no cases of poisoning wore apparent. Nearly all the miners with manganese poisoning presented the typical disturbances in their walk. N\xt in importance are the psychic symptoms in the form of attacks of excitation, depression, un motivated laughter and even true demented states. In the particular case des cribed, the extent of exposure to manganese was uncertain, and microscopic study of the brain suggested either a type of noninflammatory vascular cerebral syph ilis or chronic intoxication by lead or manganese, which are very similar in their effect on microscopic brain structure. 431 Handwriting Test as a Relection of Industrial Mercury Poisoning. Holstein. Dcut. Med. YJoch., &$_, 170-172 (February 13, 1942) .~TGerman). Apart from, or in the absence of, oral manifestations, mercury poisoning may show itself as "erethism," characterised by psychic disturbances such as excit ability, failure of concentration, defects of intelligence, etc., sometimes accompanied by intention tremor of the fingers, hands, aims, and finally of the whole body. A handwriting test is a useful means of arousing this intention tremor and therefore of indicating the existence and severity of mercury poison ing. Examples of the written signatures of workers in the hair-felt-hat indus try, where the macerating fluid consisted of a solution of mercury in dilute nitric acid, show-varying grades of illegibility, up to indecipherable scribble, or in one severe case, merely a blot. The seme variability is sometimes found in successive tests within a short time in the same individual. An early sign of disturbance when true intention tremor is not perceptible, is the omission of a letter at the beginning or end of the signature, or the substitution of a letter, similar in sound, for the correct one, e.g., in the signature "Charlotte Scb.vaeger" both names were commenced with the letter "S". The defects revealed by the handwriting test are related to disturbances of the central nervous sys tem caused by chronic mercury poisoning, either existent or latent. 432 The Inactivation of Phosphorus on the Skin. M.W. Goldblatt and S.H. Oakeshott. Brit. Med. J, No.4282, 128-129 (January 30, 1943). The phosphorus-inactivating properties of 1c/j aqueous copper sulphate, the copper sulphate-glycerol-starch composition of Godding and Not ton, and a new composi tion containing copper in an oil-soluble form mode from copper oloate, Turkeyred oil (sulphonated castor oil), Trichloroethylene, and surgical spirit have boon compared. The last is shown to be tho most cffectivo way of inactivating phosphorus, especially when associated with oil, solvents, or rubber. A proce dure is suggested for dealing with cases contaminated with materiel from sclfigr.iting bombs containing phosphorus, oil, solvents, and rubber. N.B.: It must bo pointed out that the treatment proposed is for phosphorus on tho skin. The high content of trichlorethylone precludes use of the composition for such in ternal injuries as were recently described by Blaxlnnd (1942), in which element al phosphorus was diffusely implanted in the tissues. -- authors' summary. .-.'Hcocis ir. Potters in the Silesian Glass Industry. Schramm. Arch.f. .ruo..v:th. u. Gcwcrbchyg., 10., 403-472 (April 10, 1941). (German). . -ti.or givus the results of radiologies! examinations in 95 workers with a.urcs to dust varying from under 3 up to 14 years. Of these, 35 showed no due to duct, 23 of them having occupation histories of less than throo In 14 early silicotic changes wore noted, in 3 silicosis of radiological I found, in 9 stage I-II, in 15 stage II, in 8 stage II-III, and 6 'u IIX* f p .: > 0 U \j ; . L. -i- In Pi.;trial Hygiene Direct - 12 ' A; Investigation of the Lung Function in Silicotics. The Lung During nnd After icrrte UuscMar Exercise. E. Roelsen and P. Eskeldsen. Acta nod. Scandinnv., Yc/j", 277"U04i). " 1:v? article reports results of exercise tests v/ith a hicycle-ergometer, on 12 yoiiunts with silicosis, 9 with emphysema and 14 healthy persons. The amounts of exercise v:as 400 k?ja per min. for 10 minutes. Ml participants reached the steady state after about 5 minutes of exercise. During this state the patients v.ith first and second degree silicosis showed a small average increase in venti lation and respiratory rate as compared v.ith the normals. Two patients with third degree silicosis showed no marked increase of ventilation. The oxygen debt was higher in first and second degree silicotics than in normals, still higher in third degree silicotics, and highest in the emphysema patients. The ventilation in the recovery period was highest in tho emphysema patients, lower in the silicotics and lowest in the normals. 435 Pneumoconiosis in the Production and Manipulation of Porphyry and Tufaccous Porphyry. V/. Kortsch. Arch.f,Geworbopath. u. Gowerbepath., 11, 150-164 (December 31, 1941). (Gorman). This is an account of pneumoconiosis caused by the mining of ''porphyry" and "tufaceous porphyry" in the queries of the Rocklitz mountains in Northern Sax ony. Clinical and radiograph!cal examination of 190 of the workers confirmed the probability that the mineralogical nature of the stone might cause silicosis 167 were found to be affected, 99 of these being stone breakers and 65 working chiefly as masons, and all heavily exposed to stone dust especially in calm, dry weather. X-ray examination revealed five cases with fully developed silicosis, 22 in the initial stages. Striking features were the long periods of exposure-- from 11 to 45 years in tho five definite cases--and the relative absence of symp tons, occasional cough being the only complaint. Radiography in a typical case showed numerous sharply defined shadows up to the size of a pea, with calcified deposits above the right hilus; the apices were unaffected. "Porphyry" and "tufaceous prophyry" are purely mineralogical terms; the Rocklitz stone is of the quartz variety, and has a high content of silicic acid, which is regarded as the cause of the silicosis. . 436 Silicosis of Intrathoracic Lymph Nodes as Compensable Occupational Disease. J. Hagen. Arch.f .Gewerbepath., 10, 502 (April 16, 194277 (GermanTT According to the author, reports on silicosis as well as the legal regulations regarding compensation for occupational disease are concerned chiefly v.ith sili cotic changes in the lung tissue. He describes several cases of complicating sever silicosis of the intrathoracic lymph nodes with a fatal outcome. One patient, a man aged 63, had comparatively light silicotic changes in the lungs, but had also a severe silicosis of the lymph nodes at tho bifurcation, which by severe cicatrical shrinkage led to the formation of traction diverticula in the esophagus. The puncture of one of these led to pulmonary abscess formation and generally suppurative bronchitis. The fatal outcome of tho pulmonary abscesses must bo regarded as the result of silicosis. Several additional cases are des cribed and evaluated, leading to the conclusion that when silicosis of the lymph nodes becomes the point of origin of a severe disorder, it must be regarded as a compensable disorder, just as is severe silicosis of tho pulmonary tissue. 4o7 Study of Industrial Workers Exposed to Sulfur Dust. S.S. Pinto, R.A. Brown and a*. 11. Carlton. J.Ind.iiyg. & Tex., 25, 149-151 (April, 1943). A study ..,as r.auc of the employees ac. a sulfur mine. Among tho v/orkers exposed to appreciable amounts of sulfur dust for a period of 7 years, no lung lesions v.ore found on x-re.y examination which could bo attributed to the inhalation of sulfur dust -- Authors' summary. c o: 25 id Hygiene Digest - 13 ;-:_ri, erj3 Arising from Duet ana Gas from Iron Alloys* K.W. Joetten. Arch.f,Hyg. 12~7~~ 31~5-32i (1942). (German). ' iron briquettes have been manufactured in Germany for some time and production ie on a small but increasing scale in this country. Therefore this account of conditions nay bo of interest. Iron alloys used for making iron l.ri :ucttcs contain iron silicate (25-27$ of silica), iron manganese-silicate iron, 30$ silica and 30$ manganese), net more than 0.1$ phosphorus, and an unknown percentage of arsenic. The material is roughly broken up by hand and levelled into a grinder. At this stage it is sprinkled with water from a hose, to prevent dust formation, v/hich is not groat, but varies according to the mater ial used, as also does the odor of calcium carbide and garlic (arsenic). Both oust and odor have been more noticeable in recent deliveries of material, and slight explosions have occurred. Although no special disturbances of health have occurred over a period of years, many workers have recently complained of gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, especially after explosions and dur ing v.-ork with ferro-manganese alloys which give off a smell of garlic. A review of the literature on ferro-silicate and ferro-manganese silicate alloys shows that toxic effects may arise from impurities in the form of phosphorus and arsen ic (phosphine and arsine) as v/ell as manganese poisoning (lung inflammation and Parkinsonism) The following data ere presented on phosphine and arsine: Phosphine: toxic concentrations -- rapidly lethal, 2.6 mg. per 1.; dangerous to life in -1 hour, 0.56-0.84 mg. per 1.; innocuous after -j-1 hour, C.14-0.26 :.g. per 1.; limit of perceptibility 0.002-0.004 mg. per 1. Acute toxic effects: coldness, epigastric pain, stupor and giddiness, tinnitus, anxiety, dyspnoea, dry cough, loss of appetite, thirst, twitching, dilated pupils, death after a few days; chronic effects: anemia, bronchitis, digestive disturbances, dental necrosis, disturbances of sight, speech and bearing. Arsine: toxic concentration -- 0,03$ by volume. Acute toxic effects: headache, coldness, epigastric pain, anxiety, jaundice, hemoglobinuria and hema turia, retention of urine, convulsions, cyanosis; chronic effects: headache, loss of appetite, tenderness over the liver, restlessness, insomnia, anemia. The author determined air concentrations in the main workshop and near tho crindcr and made clinical examinations of 13 workers. Tho manganese concentra tion was much below the danger limit. The characteristic symptoms of phosphine and arsine poisoning, especially hematuria and anemia, were not present in any of the workers; in 11 the hemoglobin was 30$; in 27, 70-75$, Some gastrointes tinal and respiratory symptoms were reported. Possibly they were due to the combined action of phosphine and arsine, especially after explosions, when the air concentrations may have been greater than those actually estimated. Preven tive measures recommended include mere frequent changes of personnel, medical supervision, "special nutrition" (these workers should bo classed as "heavy work ers"), alteration in position of the grinder (its mouth should not be too high above the ground), deposition of the material in a dry place (the present prac tice of sprinkling with water may do more harm than good by encouraging the evo lution of gases. Pick and Konrad's recommendation that 40-63$ ferro-silicato iioy should not be used is regarded as of doubtful value, since Koclsch has stated that a silica content of over 73$ stabilises the compound and decreases t:w' formation of toxic gasos. --tion and Excretion of_ Fluoride. II. The Metabolism at High Levels of > * ' V iuchlo and E.J. Lorgcnt. J.Ind. iiyg. & Tox., 25, 112-122 (A^rch, ' /r.itudc and characteristics of the normal fluoride intake and output of a :i hperir.cntnl subject have been described in an curlier paper (Abstract *94, October, 1942). The investigation was now extended to abnormal levels -wke, in order to determine the threshold at which storage begins, to > / \ T -> I i ; auustrial Hygiene Digest - 14 establish the relationship between absorption end storage, and to throw further light on tbp apparent close relationship bctv.een the absorption and the urinary excretion of fluoride. At normal levels of fluoride intake, the urinary plus the faced output was found to cnual the intake, but with higher intake levels the absorption and urinary/u8thCxAdcasc, both varying directly with the amounts absorbed ana therefore with each other. V/ithin limits, then, urinary fluoride excretion may be used as a measure of fluoride storage. The .absorption of fluorine is dependent upon the aqueous solubility of the fluoride selt and its state at the time of ingestion. Inhaled fluorides arc effectively absorbed. 440 Pulmonary Irritants. P..A. Kchoc. Bull. N.Y. Acad, of Med., 19_, 340-355 (May, 1043)'. By means of correlation and comparison of the physical, chemical and physiologi cal properties of the pulmonary irritants, many practical points of importance are apparent. Two tables of data are presented showing the relationship between toxicity and volatility, and between irritation and toxicity. The general ef fects of exposure to pulmonary irritants are also described with an excellent section on pulmonary edema. The section on treatment accentuates the noed for complete immobilization. Oxygen administration is advised but venesection is questioned except during the high venous pressure stage of blue cyanosis. The prevention of infection which may follow pulmonary injury is discussed briefly. 441 Ammonia Gas Poisoning. M. Caplin. Lancet. 41, 95-96 (1941). . 4? cases of ammonia poisoning occurred following bomb damage to a condenser. Mild cases showed acute pharyngitis and tracheitis; moderate cases, acute bron chitis, and severe cases, pulmonary edema. 3 of 27 moderate cases, and 7 of 11 severe cases, died. P.espirators were effective against ammonia. 442 Homonymous Hemianopsia in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. 1. Francois. Ophthaimologica, 105, 143-149 (March, 19427T Carbon monoxide poisoning may produce optic neuritis sometimes ending in optic atrophy, retinal oedema, and occasionally, in injury to the optic tracts and occipital cortex. Lesions of the optic tracts are apparently due to asphyxia of vasomotor origin. Two cases of homonymous hemianopsia and one of binasal hemianopsia are given in the literature, and the author adds a third case of homonymous hemianopsia. In the last case, the recovery of the left field defect and the persistence of the right field defect were of special interest. 443 Blood-Carbon Monoxide and Ancxemia. L, Binet, M.V. Strunza and P. Nicolle. Compt. rend. Soc. Biol., 155, 632-634 (1940). The carbon monoxide content of the blood may be doubled when the chloralosed dog is subjected to lowered oxygen tension. The increase parallels the increase in blood-hffaoglobin. Both hemoglobin and carbon monoxide are raised by adrenaline injection. The increase in carbon monoxide may be inhibited by ligature of the splenic blood vessels. 444 Factors Producing Carbon Monoxide from Camp Stoves. P.F. Scholander and others. I. Ind. Hyg, c Tox., 25, 132-156 (March, 1945). Experiments v/crc conducted to find out v;iir.t circumstances promote monoxide out put from camp stoves, including the Primus kerosene and Coleman gasoline stoves. Only a small amount of monoxide was found in tho combustion fumes when the flame burned freely in fresh air whether the fl-'.mc was normal or distorted. A cold plate in contact with the flame greatly increases tho output of monoxide, espe cially ..`hen tho flame is distorted. Cocking in a tent made of impervious mater ial or coated with ice caused serious poisoning, and occasional ventilation or two open vents did net protect against poisoning. However, heating and cooking in a porous tent gave only .an insignificant 'mount of monoxide in the blood. nu if l? yl ' : : ; | ' ; i j I ' . ! : Hygiene Digest - 15 . . f rocvnnic Acid Poisoning by Absorption Through the Skin* 3.M. Hess, iluench, ";oclu"B9, 492-495 (Liny' 29'* 1942*)7 (Gerr^n). inh-olation of hydrocyanic gas is the commonest cause of cyanide poisoning i;. absorption through the skin frequently occurs. In cither case the essentirlfactor in the rapid toxic effect of small amounts of hydrocyanic acid is p-.r-dysis of cellular respiration. A concentration of 1-Z,'o, even when a gas is wom, has caused severe symptoms, including sensation cf heat, flushing, palpitation, rapid pulse, followed by headache, vomiting and lassitude. High room temperature and sweating increase the absorptive capacity of the sicin. ?reventivc measures include good ventilation, suitable clothing, and special gas ::ashs for vmrkers in processes where formation of hydrocyanic acid or cyanides is possible. Treatment of acute symptoms consists of removal to fresh air; thorough and careful washing of directly contaminated areas of skin; use of cardiac stimulants; artificial respiration; intravenous injection of methylene blue (10-40 cc. of a 1# solution), or of sodium thiosulphate (up to 70 cc. of a 50# solution for an adult) ; inhalation of carbon dioxide may also stimulate the respiratory center. Tv.ro cases are quoted. A child of 14 months suffering from severe pyodemia of the scalp received by mistake an application of a 10# potas sium cyanide solution. Severe symptoms followed within five minutes, but correct treatment led to recovery after two hours. In the case of a man who received bums of the head and shoulders while working with sodium cyanide, death occur red within two hours in spite of appropriate treatment in hospital. Postmortem findings indicated that the symptoms were duo to rapid absorption of cyanide through the injured skin. 446 Nitrogen Oxide Poisoning. N. Ahlberg and K. Dahlberg. Acta med. Scandinav., ' ICi, 471 (1942). (Swedish). ' Clinical picture and pathological-anatomical findings in poisoning with vapor containing various nitrogen oxides (NO, ITOg, NgOg, No0A NgO) arc similar to phosgene poisoning. Two cases are described. In the first case the poisoning occurred in a nan during welding with acetylene in a badly ventilated room. Symptoms and signs were those of a bronchitis. On x-ray examination extensive brcnchcpneumonic foci were seen in both lungs. The electrocardiogram revealed an insufficiency cf the right coronary artery'-. A polycythaemia of short dura tion was observed* All the symptoms and signs had disappeared after seven days. In the other case the patient suffered from poisoning due to inhalation of a reddish-yellow gas which had been fomed after a transfomcr had been struck by a bolt of lightning* Symptoms and signs were similar to those found in the first patient; however, x-ray examination revealed lung infiltrations which -were simi- lar to miliary tuberculosis. The patient recovered completely after one and a half months* It is assumed that in both cases a toxic pulmonary oedema was pre sent, caused by the inhalation of various nitrogen oxides. The patients were reexamined after one and a half years and one and a quarter years, respectively \nd were found healthy. a;? :h:l:-,tion of Sulfur Dioxide to Damage from Flue Gases. C. Looser. Chem-Ztg. 65, 227-240 (1342); Bull. Inst. Paper Chem., 13, 168. The author discusses the toxicity of sulfur dioxide to plants, animals and men. He states that 1 part in 500,000 is harmful to roses, but that human beings feel siccomi'ort only at 6 times that concentration, while 1 part in 500 of air pre vents breathing and loads to death. The amounts of sulfur dioxide resulting ' fro . burning different typer, of coal arc tabulated, and methods for rendering ih^ i`as harmless arc discussed. ! CO $A :t J. 9 o. I : . hygiene Digest - 16 . Dioxide Chemical Pneumonia; P-eoort of s Case v.lth Recovery Following Acci'"Tv'l Implosion of a Pefriaerator Unit. H.L. Goldburgh and B.A. Gouley. Ann. il.V.'tfod*, ;10, 227-242'(February', 1042). Concentrated sulfur dioxide inhalation may lend to acute inflammation of the res;iratory tract, culminating in "chemical" pneumonia. After such exposure, a boy, a;cd,15, previously well, quickly showed signs of bronchopulmonary involvement. Cy--.nohis/dyspnea were notable features. Sulfathiazole therapy contributed to the recovery, but its use, limited to the acute phase of the illness, did not prevent the later development of bronchiectasis. -- Author's summary. .\.\o The Effect of V/ar Gases and Other Chemicals on the Eyes of the Civilian PooulaaiC. Borons and B. Hartmann. Bull. ii.Y. ,.cad. of Uod., 19, 256-367 (liny, 1943). Although vesicant, lung irritating, sternutatory and. lacrimatory gases are ex pected to cause casualties, physicians must be prepared for new unknown gases. For example, arsenated hydrogen, a hemolytic gas, was considered a possiblity in the fall of 1939. Physicians arc urged to remember that applying no local eye treatment will usually do less harm than using medication which may damage the eyes or solutions or instruments that are not sterile, as secondary infection is tho principal danger from the external application of the war gases. The imme diate treatment of all gas and chemical injuries of the eyes is to flush the conjunctival culs-de-sac with water or a sterile solution of salt (1.4 per cent). If acid is known to have caused the bum, sodium bicarbonate (2 per cent solu tion) should be used. If an alkali, the conjunctival culs-de-sac would be flushed with boric.acid (2 per cent solution). The immediate instillation of light liquid petrolatum is useful and contraindicated only in mustard bums. Severe pain may be controlled by instilling pontocaine (0.5 per cent solution) or butyn (1 per cent solution) once or twice but it is preferable to control pain with internal medication (morphine, allonal, etc.) as most local anesthetics have a deleterious effect on the corneal epithelium. Secondary infection should be combatted v.lth mild silver protein or sulfadiazine solution or ointment (3.5 per cent). Iritis should be suspected in all severe bums and treated with atropine solution or ointment unless secondary glaucoma develops. Ulcers of the cornea and the secondary comeal scarring also symblepharon may require surgical treatment. 430 Industrial Carbon Disulfide Poisoning. F. Warnocke. Arch.f.Gewerbopath. u. Gcwcrbehyg., 11_, 198-248 (December 31, 1941). (German). The article is an extensive review of the literature on carbon disulfide poison ing with an account of the discovery of the gas, its production, chemical pro perties, mechanism of toxic action, and a resume of the author's investigation of 80 cases seen during recent years. The nervous system is chiefly affected, owing to the lipoid solvent action of carbon disulfide on central and peripheral nervous tissue. In high concentrations (6.4-10 mgm. per 1.) narcosis results. In chronic poisoning (0.15 mgm. per 1.) the continued small dosage causes var ious symptoms, tho most characteristic of which are related to psychotic distur bance, peripheral nerve injuries and gastrointestinal changes. In America, 0.03 ng:., por 1. is the maximum permissible concentration in a workroom. In tho SO cases studied, only 6 were acute. "In 21 cases the symptoms were predominantly psychotic; in 15 cases, they v.-cro related to central and peripheral nerve injury ;.nd in 35 to gastrointestinal disturbance. The nature and severity of these or.s are discussed. A description is given of the method and apparatus dcvAa.d by Frauenhofer for estimating the carbon disulfide content of the air. The r .-wOtior. depends on the formation of potassium xanthogennte when air containing carbon disulfide is passed through a Ioa alcoholic solution of caustic potash. co ;A2o -trial Hygiene Digest - 17 ' the Ventilating Engineer Should Know About Carbon Tetrachloride. H. ?. "mid:, and. Heat. c: Vent., 40_, 3K-39 (March, 1943). r;.i- article describes the physical properties and health hazards of carbon t.rr.chloride, Methods of determining the vapor concentrations in air are riven. General ventilation factors are discussed but no specific recommendations are j uciudcd. 7:.; Acute Tonicity of Vapors of Several Monoalkyl Ethers of Ethylono Glycol. :.V/. herner, V.?. vonGcttingcn and others. J. Ind. Hyg. & Tox., 25, 157-163 (A.-ril, 1943). Glycol ethers have important uses as solvents in industries, but information concerning thoir toxic action is incomplete and there is not sufficient data available to make possible comparisons of health hazards of these ethers to other commonly used solvents. Therefore, this study was undertaken at the sug gestion of the Committee on Industrial Medicine of the National Research Council. The present report covers the first part of the study, which is concerned with the effects of single, moderately long exposures of mice to various vapor con centrations of the compounds. The materials investigated are the methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl and n-butyl ethylene glycol ethers. Results are given in the authors' summary and conclusions: 1. Single seven-hour exposures of mice to vapors of some of the ethylene glycol ethers occasionally produced lung, kidney, or liver changes. Similar exposures to any of the compounds frequently produced histologically demonstrable splenic changes. 2. The usual sign of toxic action cf all compounds was dyspnea. An additional common sign with near-lethal con centrations of the n-propyl, iso-propyl, and butyl derivatives was severe hemo globinuria. 3. Deaths resulting from exposures to vapors of the solvents studied commonly occurred between seven and thirty-two hours after starting exposure; however, in a significant number of instances deaths occurred toward the .end of the exposure period or between tho first day and the fourth week following expo sure. 4. Minimal lothal concentrations expressed as mg. per 1. indicate that the ethylene glycol ethers decrease in toxicity in the following order: Butyl, methyl, n-propyl and ethyl, iso-propyl. 5. Hazard indexes indicate that, with conditions comparable to those in these experiments, the difficulty of control ling potential hazards of the derivatives studied should decrease in the follow ing order: Methyl, ethyl, iso-propyl, n-propyl, butyl. 453 Chronic Poisoning from Methanol Inhalation. K. Humperdinck, Arch.f.Gewerbepath. u.Gewerbehyg., 10_, 569-574 (June 11, 1941). (German). There have been few cases of methyl alcohol (methanol) poisoning from inhalation or skin absorption in industry, because the concentrations used are generally low, and also because methanol is not highly volatile. An acute narcotic effect results from oral ingestion, the toxic doses being 5-10 3*. Toxic effects on parenchymatous and nervous tissues are ascribed to the reduction of methanol, v/hen dissolvod in the body fluids, to foimic acid and fomaldchyde. Symptoms may be headache, giddiness, stupor, slight oyanosis, etc., and especially dis turbances of vision, which may result in blindness. Tho atmospheric concentra tion corresponding to this oral toxic dose would bo about 65 mgm. per liter, which is unlikely to be found in industry. The author describes a case cf a worker poisoned by manipulating material soaked with methanol in a centrifuge. The material contained 30-40^ of methanol, but no complaints had been made over a period cf 6 years until blackout measures were instituted. In this case, e;-mrtoms were pleural irritation and serious failure of vision, particularly in the right eye. After 6 weeks removal from exposure the vision improved so that fine print could be read at a distance cf 20 cu. The pleural irritation, which was considered due to enlargement of the liver roturnod after 14 days return to work. Tho only other pathological signs v/cro a decreased ontcller reflex and CO-1132 I | trial Hygiene Digest - 18 , an increase in the average red cell diameter (7.8 mu). The concentrations of ncthyl alcohol in different parts of the room under varying conditions showed levels of tton 1.6 to 10.9 mgm. per 1. Preliminary medical examinations indicat ed tint the worker v:as especially susceptible to eye injury; also, some absorp tion through the skin nay have taken place. The author concludes that conccn- j trations of 10 ngm. per 1. nay produce chronic toxic effects, and that 1 mgn.or j at most 2 ngm. per 1. should not be exceeded. 454 Experimental Trinitrotoluene Poisoning; The Effect of Diet. H.P. Kimsworth and L.E. Glynn. Clinical Science, 4, 421-447 (December 15, 1942). ' (1) The development of toxic manifestations in rats after administration of TOT is dependent upon the nature of the diet. Severe symptoms and narked path- | ological lesions develop in rats taking a high fat diet v.-hilst in animals taking i a high carbohydrate or a high protein diet the ill effects are slight or absent. '* (2) Chronic TOT poisoning in rats shows the following features: (a) Loss of weight, (b) increased appetite, (c) Excretion of high concen trations of TOT derivatives in the urine, (a) Changes in the blood and associated tissues, the characteristics of which are a great decrease in hemoglobin, the appearance of normoblasts, reticulocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes in the ! peripheral blood, an erythroblastic hyperplasia of the bone marrow and siderosis 1 of the spleen, {o) Hepatic lesions which range from fatty infiltration to an acute necrosis of the parenchymal cells, (f) Loes of hair. (3) Evidence is presented that the effect of the high fat diet in facilitating the toxic action of TOT is due to the fat diet so influencing the animalfs meta holism as to impede its ability to dispose of the TOT within its tissues. (4) The close resemblance between the effects of TOT in the rat and the find ings in human cases of TOT poisoning is demonstrated. -- Authors' summary. 455 An Outbreak of Deimatitis from Airplane Engine Covers. L. Schwartz and S.22. Peck. Pub. Health Kepts., 58_, 625-651 (April 16, 1943). The authors summarize the article as follows: 1. An outbreak of dermatitis was observed among workers manufacturing airplane engine covers made from a special pliofilm. 2. R.M.F., a chemical added to the pliofilm to prevent deterioration from light, was found to be the actual cause of the outbreak. 3. R.ii.F. is both a primary irritant and a sensitizer. Recommendation is made that all workers handling pliofilm containing the R.M.F. wear protective sleeves and aprons made of ordinary pliofilm, vinylite, koroscal or laminated cellophane. The hands may be protected by wearing finely knitted cotton or washable leather gloves. Per sons on the job of heat sealing can protect their faces from fumes by the use of a protective ointment of the invisible glove type. If dermatitis persi^s after . the recommended precautions are observed, workerd should be removed from further exposure to the material. : 456 Dermatitis from Cutting Oils. Queries & Minor Notes. J.A.M.A., 121, 223 (January 16, 1943). ' The large majority of cutting oil dermatitis occurs from the insoluble oils, which are sterile as far as pathogenic bacteria are concerned. In the use of water soluble cutting oils, the skin nay be injured by metal slivers contained therein, and the cut infected from the bacteria in the water soluble oil or on tae soiled skin and clothing. Sedimentation and filtration are used in many pi (Jits to remove the slivers. Heat sterilization or disinfectants nay be employ ed to kill the bacteria. The use of disinfectants prevents reinfection of the oil in the pipes and at the machines, but the disadvantage in their use is that they arc skin irritants. 4131 ; ".-biatrial fygicne iest - 19 . 7 f nor.taneous Desensitisation in Occupational Eczema and its Significance for Zzstmution. Koch. Aed. Klin., 37, 1100 (October 2*1, 194I7T {German!. rYlicw-up examinations cn patients with occupational eczema who had been advised to change their occupations but had not done so, revealed that the majority -.:crc still subject to eczema but some had lost it in spite of further contact. An average of about 15^ of the patients in various occupations were no longer sub ject to eczema. Regular weekly observations on 8 patients studied disclosed two different forms of development. One group of 5 patients experienced at every resumption of work, first a considerable exacerbation of the disorder, then a gradual regression of the manifestations, and finally a complete or almost com plete disappearance of the eczema. In the 5 other cases eczema occurred on the hands, at the original site, when work was resumed. Later, the lesions healed and recurred at ether sites of the body, but in a form so mild that the working capacity was not impaired. The author thinks that the only possible explanation is a desonsitization, which presupposes specific allergic processes, though various other factors may play a part. Results of artificial desensitization have been slight, but the method should not be abandoned. Further observations may disclose regularities which may become the basis for more favorable results. 458 Contact Dermatitis From Rubber Service Mask. I.A. Lcv/e. J.A.M.A., Clinical Notes, 121, 422 TFebruary 6, 1943). The article is a case report of a white soldier aged 42 vdth rubber respirator dermatitis. On admission the patient presented a bright red erythematovesicular cutaneous eruption confined to the area of his face in close contact vdth the gas mask. There was a coincidental chronic seborrheic dermatitis of tho scalp, axillas, and the crural regions. No other physical abnormalities were found. 'After treatment the patient again wore the mask and this time presented more severe symptoms, including oozing, crusting and pronounced edema. The eruption responded to treatment with compressing and application of bland antipruritic lotions and ointments. Patch tests showed that the dermatitis was not due to the rubber itself, but to chemicals used in the manufacturing process. 459 The Effect of Cleansing Materials on the Human Skin. 1. Healthy Skin. O.Schnorr, Arch.f .Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 10, 409-421 (December 30, 2.940) (German). The effect of a numbor of liquid and solid soap cleansers used for cleansing the hands was tested by estimating: (1) the hydrogen ion concentration of the skin, (2) tho evaporation of moisture, arid (3) tho swelling of the cutaneous tissues after repeated use. The conditions of uso were strictly controlled. Methods used in making the estimations arc described. Ten representative cleansers were examined and the results estimated as indicative of an injurious effect on the skin wore an increase in the pH value of the skin, a decrease in the time of evaporation-of moisture, and an increase of swelling, judged as a percentage difference from the initial value. The skin cleansers tested fell into three groups, according to the effects observed: (1) Those producing no final substan tial increase in the pH value of the skin, which were regarded as suitable for regular use; (2) Those producing a final riso in pH value after an intermediate fall or state of equilibrium. This group is regarded as suitable for all but sensitive skins; (3) Those producing an -uninterrupted riso in pH value. This group, which included a pumice soap was considered suitable only for occasional clcinsing of very dirty skin. 4 :o Vor* . 21 0.)Ct rf Clrising MntsrirJ. or. tho Iiur.or. Skin. P. In 8kin Disease. M.Schnit: '..f.OwWcrbopath. u.Guv:erbokyg. , 1C t 422--A'6 (Decamber 30, 1940). (German), ' ir.cuotri-1 ucrmatcscs, particularly of the hands, wrists, and forearms, suit: from direct contact with injurious materials, the injury being localize: tho epithelium. However, tho natural buffer-regulating capacity of the skin I:: lustrinl Hygiene Digest - 20 not effective in the presence cf external alkaline agents. Increased alkalinity of the skin is followed by swelling of the horn cells, with closing of the folli cles end inclusion of foreign particles and bacteria. The latter penetrate to the deeper tissues where the pH is nearer to neutral and favors optimal growth. Cleanliness is a protection against industrial dermatosis if the cleansing mater ial is of a suitable constitution and sufficient time is devoted to thorough washing. The effects of cleansers on various forms of skin disorder {excluding cases of generalized eczema) were tested in the some manner and using the seme methods as those used on healthy shin. In the second series the clinical pro gress of the lesion was estimated. The cleansing materials investigated were divided into throe groups: .(a) Soaps, solid or liquid, alkali-free, of acid re action, on the whole suitable for use in skin disorders; (b) Alkaline soaps without admixture of insoluble substances -- long continued use of this group increases the skin injury; (c) Alkaline soaps containing kaolin, pumice, sand, etc. These, especially those of coarse consistency, are unsuitable for any form of skin injury. 461 Tho Phenomenon of "Black Dermographism." E. Urbach and D.M. Pillsbury.. J.A.K.A., 121, 485-490 (February 13, 1343), Black dermographism connotes the fact that under certain conditions a black line will appear at a skin site stroked with certain metals. Black dermographism not infrequently occurs in women wearing silver or cheap gold jewelry on powdered skin areas. Black dermographism is a physical phenomenon. The earlier theory that it is of some biologic or diagnostic significance is erroneous. Strictly speaking, the term "black dermographism" is a misnomer, since the reaction can be evoked not only on the skin but also on coarse paper, cloth and wood. -- Authors' summary. 462 Epidemic ICerato-Conjunctivitis ("Shipyard Conjunctivitis"). M. Sanders. Arch* of Ophth., 23, 581-566 (October, 1942). This is a prelim^Ln^r^ report on investigations into the etiology of epidemic kcrato conjuhctivi^il,/sproad throughout tho Pacific coast area and has reached the cast coast. Tho cause of the disease is unknown although evidence points to a nonbacterial agent, a virus* Swiss mice wore injected intraperitoneally and. intracerebrally with conjunctival scrapings from patients with the conjunctivitis. This was followed by mild symptoms from which the mice recovered. Brain emul sion from the second mouse-passage was incubated in tissue culture of embryonic mouse-brain. This produced a strain which was lethal to mice and gave rise to a pathologic picture vfhich though not unique did not resemble that in other com mon virus infections* Conjunctival instillation of the mouse virus in a human volunteer produced in four days a mild conjunctivitis. When this was repeated in tho s&mo eye typical kerato-conjunctivitis developed. The scrum of the patient from whom the original material was obtained had a neutralizing effect on the mouse virus* A second isolation of virus has been effected, but the identity of this virus with the first has not been fully established. This is a preliminary report and further work will bo done on the isolated strains of virus. 463 Epidemic Korato-Ccnjunctivitis. M. Sunders and others. J.A.14.A., 121, 250 255 (January 23, 1943). The authors present an extensive report on epidemic korato-conjunctivitis, with clinical ana epidemiologic data on 80 cases, including classification of symptoms, proof of method of transmission, demonstration of antibodies, and recommendations for prevention cf tho spread of tho disease. ``'4 Fpidcr.ic Hcrato-Conjunctivitis: "shipyard Eye." C. ICuh. Calif. 3c West. Med., -8, 18-13, (January, 1943). ( Vi.o symptoms and characteristics of epidemic korato-conjunctivitis arc listed, and include r, sudden onset, itching, irritation, blurred vision, pain, and r O' >  >Iy{jiene Digest - 21 - varying decrees of inflammation and hyperemia of the bulbar and palpebral cor.- -;r.ctiva. Precautionary measures for plant physicians, nurses, and executives to prevent, the spread of the disease are also listed. Therapy, including iced compresses and 5# sulfathiuzole ophthalmic ointment does not influence the ..,,urso of the disease, but gives symptomatic relief. It is believed that the : r.aubation period is from 5 to 12 days, and the close contact and direct trans fer arc necessary. ;. industrial Eye Affections. P.A. Jaensch. Med.Klin., 37, 1244-1247 (December 12, 1941). (Caiman). .'his is an elementary survey of industrial eye affections, containing references to some types that are not widely known. Mention is made of hydrogen sulphide ophthalmia seen amongst workers in artificial silk, the symptoms being similar to those of electric ophthalmia; and of the ocular changes seen in workers v.lth aniline dyes. Aniline dyes may induce lesions ranging from discoloration of the conjunctiva -- best treated by touching the affected area with 60 per cent alco hol -- to symblepharon and iridocyclitis. Benzine may lead to central scotomata and the trichlorethylone preparations -- used extensively for removal of fatty substances -- to trigeminal nerve lesions. Benzol, xylol and toluol arc blood poisons and lead to retinal hemorrhage, retrobulbar neuritis and severe corneal damage. 4 co Treatment of Young Vvhite Kice Infected v.lth Leptospira Icterohaemorrhagiae v.lth Immune Serum. C.L. Larsen. U.S. Pub. Health Repts., 58, 10-15 (January 1,1543). Serum from patients convalescent from Weil's disease and immune rabbit serum and plasma prevent the death of young white mice infected with L.icterohaecorrhagiae. The effect of these materials is marked if administered on or before the fourth day after infection. 467 Survey of Compounds Which Have Been Tested for Carcinogenic Activity. I.L. Hartwell. Nat'l Cancer Institute, U.S. Pub. Health Service, 371 pp. (1941). This bulletin represents a survey of the field of chemical carcinogenesis in the higher animals: the action of carcinogens on isolated tissues, tissue cultures, plants, protozoa, and bacteria is not considered. The literature is covered to 1939, and the compilation also includes experiments with 153 compounds from the unpublished work of Dr. 24.J. Shear and Dr. H.L. Stewart of the National Cancer Institute. The results of the testing of 61 of these compounds are newly report ed, while 45 arc new to the whole cancer literature. Altogether the work com prises data referring to 696 chemical substances: of these, 169 are reported to bo carcinogenic, apart from 23 observed as causing papillomas only. After an introductory discussion, the bulletin takes the form of a tabular review which classifies the substances, and gives data on method of administration, type of animals,, etc. The author draws attention to the incompleteness of the data for many of tho compounds listed, end urges the more systematic investigation of compounds already studied in a preliminary fashion, and for the filling cf large '-ps among substances which it would seem desirable to test. The review is com pleted by a bibliography (over 1200 references), and separate indexes to compound routes of application, vehicles, animal species, and timor-sitos. 4to Ir.-iurtrJ al Toxins and War Production. H.N. Holmes. Science, 9_6, 334 (1942). Vho author contributes evidence from Germany, Britain, and the United States indicating that toluene, benzene, and TNT itself destroy vitamin C (ascorbic i:; the bodies of workmen exposed to vapors or to skin contact. Seme ergan' .cions give such workmen 100 rngm. of vitamin C daily to replace what is lost, ar.u the results have boon encouraging in maintaining health and vigor. .. .. i'.l Hygiene Digest - 22 ... y x .1 Accident from V/elding in a Closed -Cocker* P. FeTsch. Z. Spiritusind., . n./o (1040) . (German). Tee v.elding of a copper pipe to a sheet-copper cooker {2 m. x 4 m.) resulted in * :vi death from pulmonary edema of the workman, who had spent some 40 minutes (..itk a break occasioned by a fit of coughing) inside the cooker; the edema bei:.g due apparently to nitrous poisoning. Precautions arc discussed. ...ldcrs' Disease in a Crane-Driver. U. Waniek. Arch.f.Gewerbepath.u. a.m;,,r:,obyg., 11, 170-134 (December 31, 1041). (German). i;.o author has previously described "metal welders' disease" as a chronic dis turbance of thyroid and liver function. He here reports a case of this condi * lion in a crane driver, exposed to the fumes and gases arising from the v.-elding process in a workshop where he had been operating the crane for several months. Symptoms attributed to thyroid dysfunction included nervous irritability, exces sive sweating, loss of weight, falling of the hair, rapid pulse, fine tremor of the fingers; liver disturbance was shown by loss of appetite, nausea and sick ness, occasional diarrhea. Bauer's galactose test gave evidence of disturbed liver function. 471 Arc Welders Subject to Depletion of Visual Purple While at Work? H.S. Kuhn and E.C. Wille, Jr. Am. J. Ophth., 2j5, 63- 50 (January, 1943). Cixty-one welders wore given the Bio-photomotcr test for speed of dark adapta tion before and after a day's work. Thirty-nine were on tho day shift, 22 on the night shift. Half the welders (31) each received 10,000 units of vitamin A before starting work and again in the middle of the shift. The other welders - received a placebo at the same time. There is no evidence of a general lack of dark adaptability among v/elders and no evidence of any decrement in this func tion during an eight-hour shift. Welders who received vitamin A showed no great er gain in dark adaptation than those who did not receive it. This should not be interpreted to mean that cases of vitamin A deficiency would not respond to such treatment, nor that these welders would not respond with longer treatment or under different conditions. Individual differences in age, domicile, type of welding, goggles, and food showed no relation to differences in gain or loss of speed of dark adaptation during an eight-hour shift. Welders on the night shift showed a significant average gain in dark adaptation during their work. This is attributed to a greater demand for dark adaptation during periods v/hen they v/ere not actually welding. Several inferences are developed from this fact toward possible improvement of visual ease in welding by further visual engineering in this field. The clinical conclusion is that the excessive number of complaints among weldors is due to inadequate protective equipment or carelessness in its uso. -- Authors* summary. 472 Chronic Pulmonary Changes and Bronchial Ulceration in an Electric Arc Welder. H.H. Ncyor. J.A.M.A., 119. 1500 (August 29, 1942). * Oinco 1936'there have been several reports in the literature of roentgenographic pulmonary changes in electric arc welders. The rocntgcnographic abnormalities, discovered by surveys on apparently healthy workers, ranged from increased hilar shadows to a generalized fine or nodular mottling simulating silicosis. The workers had we symptoms and were not disabled in any way. There was a history of long exposure to the products of arc welding, usually 15 years or more. The roentgcnographic changes were apparently produced simply by the accumulation of iron pigment. Fumes arising from coated rods are largely inorganic material con sisting of finely divided iron oxide. The author reports the case of a thirty A-or cid white nan, an arc v:clacr for 7 years, admitted to the .hospital with (,'-A.,h, sputum and dyspnoea. Tho admission roentgenogram showed multiple linear no nodular densities traversing tho middle third of the ria,ht lung from tho ;r. retrial Hygiene Digest - 23 root out to the periphery. There was also come exaggeration of the linear mark ings of the left lung. The tentative diagnosis, on acini scion, was bronchogenic carcinoma with lymphangitis spread. Bronchoscopy revealed a considerable amount of purulent material in the lower part of the trachea. There v/ac an ulcerated granulating lesion in the right main bronchus just below the tracheal bifurca tion; a large amount of nonfoul purulent secretion was seen distal to this lesion. Sections at this granulation tissue, rcmovc-d by biopsy, shoved nonspecific in flammatory changes vlth largo masses of iron pigment scattered about. Removal of the granulation tissue and repeated bronchoscopic dilation of the left main bronchus gradually secured satisfactory symptomatic relief and healing of the ulcerated area. Bronchial lesions accompanying chronic pulmonary changes in electric arc weldors have r.ot been previously reported. The mechanism whereby these bronchial changes were produced is not clear. 173 Blood Findings in Cyclotron V/crkc-rs. 3. 'Barren. Radiology., 39_, 194 (Aug.1942). Blood counts and hemoglobin tests on persons exposed to slight radiation from cyclotrons and temporary radioactive isotopes, for periods of 3 to 30 months, show no significant conditions that arc not explained by intercurrent disease, except in a few that show minor variation in the white cell count. Some persons have an unstable bone narrow, shown by marked variations in 'white cell counts on only ninor exposure. Such persons should not work where they are exposed to radiation. The precautions for the safety of cyclotron workers appear adequate# 474 Toxicity Studies with the Fungicide Tetra-chloro-para-benzocuinone (Spergon). T.H. McGavack and others. J#fnd.Kyg& Tox., 25, 98-111 (March. 1945). A fungicide under the trade name of Spergon consists of 99$ tetra-chloro-parabcnzoquinoae and Xfi disodium phosphate. It has such a high fungicidal activity that it is new in use commercially for the preservation of cotton and other seed. An extensive investigation was undertaken to deteimine the extent to 'which it nay be intoxicating to those who handle it and to those who utilize materials preserved with it. In the experiments, Spergon was administered by stomach tube, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, externally, as a weighed portion of the diet, and as a cottonseed-impregnated product. A number of results of the effect of high concentrations are reported, including an LB5q at 0.4 g. orally or 0.05 g# intraperitoneally and fatal results following eating 0.084 g. daily for 10 weeks in feeding mixtures. However, in every effect studied, the quantities producing any damage were far in excess of those that would be ingested, even if all the agent were retained during handling and preparation for consumption, 'which would not use above 0.2?-. Such a dose is tolc-ratcd for long periods by healthy ani mals without detriment to normal growth or activity. The chemical can therefore be used as a protectant for cotton and other seed without danger of intoxicating those who handle it or those who consume the products preserved by it. 475 Toxic Anemia. E. Browning. J.Ind#Eyg.& Tox., 25, 124-131 (March, 1943). The author discusses toxic anemias that result from exposure to benzene, xylene, carbon totrachloride, solvent naphtha, trichlorethylenc, mixed solvents and thinkers, and radioactive substances, with special reference to the 1937 Factor ies .*-ct of Great Britain and later amendments, which includes anemia from these sources in the compensable diseases. These forms of anemia arc all of the type now known cs "dyshcnctopoiotic"; and leukopenia (lack of white cells) and lympho cytosis (excess of lymph colls) are present to varying degrees. Blocd counts and ratios for several of the poisons are presented in tabular form and several cases are described. ' 7 o Ipj'Tu-;.ncc_ of__V.'ork on Rkysiological Reactions no Thermal r'nvironmcnt. C..A. hnnlov end A.P. Guyge. Am.cr.J.i'kysiol. , 134, 6u4-6bl (1941-). Two undressed men pedalled on a stationary bicycle ao os to increase their meta holism to over BOO kg.-cal. per hour, The results were compared with those in from ihr ilrsk of--- {' K. B. DAMS ''--V V \l' .\ I \ 004,1.3 .. tri"l Hygiene Digest - 4 t::o subjects at rest in a scmi-rcelining position (metabolism 80-100 kg.-cal). viatica hroa is the same as in the resting subject (70% of the surface area). O'onvcction constant on the stationary bicycle at rest is 20% less than at rest reclining* Pedalling at a rate of 30 revolutions per minute greatly increases convection constant, equivalent in cooling power to an air movement of 30-40 cm. per second. Evaporative regulation in the v;orking subject is so effective that shin temperature is constant actually being lower at a given operative tem perature for the working than the resting body. With increasing metabolism at a given operative temperature skin temperature of the trank falls. Rectal temper ature rises under working conditions. Internal temperature not skin temperature controls the sweat secreting mechanism. Thermal sensation cf pleasantness is produced in the working subject (metabolism 300-400 kg.-cal.) at operative tem perature 16 instead of 28 with the resting subject. Maximum comfort is exper ienced in both instances at 2 below the point whore active sweat secretion begins. . 477 Basis for Study of Man's Reaction to Tropical Climates. D.H.fC. Leo. Univ. Queensland Papers, Dept, of Physiol., 1^, 1-86 (1940)~._ The heat lost from the body by radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation is related to changes in the environment and to changes in heat production by the body. The consequences of interference with heat loss are discussed in de tail. The extent to which adaptive reactions in the cardio-vascular and other systems can compensate for such interference is demonstrated, and the signs of breakdown in these compensatory reactions are described. The effects of food, and of work on thermal equilibrium, and the part played by the endocrine glands in maintaining this equilibrium,are discussed. Disturbances of the water and electrolyte balance result from environmental conditions that interfere with heat loss. When compensation for interference with heat loss fails, the result ing crisis may take the form of hyperpyrexia, circulatory insufficiency, electro lyte disturbance, or hyperdehydration. The etiological factors relating to each form of failure, together with the associated clinical signs and the development of acclimatization to heat, are discussed. A final section is devoted to clima tic factors and their assessment in relation to human corafort and body reactions. 478 Physiological Aspect of a Miners Work. T.P. Muller and K.H. Moss. Trans. Inst. Min. Eng., 100, 141-151 (1941). The oxygen expenditure of walking at 5 m.p.h. was measured in several subjects when erect, at a half-stoop, at full-stoop, and on all-fours. The oxygen consump tion of a 2 minute exercise period and of recovery to tho original resting level was very much increased by the stooping posture, the expenditure on all-fours be ing more than three times that in the erect posture. Similar comparisons wore made during loading weights under a roof of varying height; any posture that re quired the use of the back muscles increased oxygen consumption. In all tests training diminished the oxygen consumption. Environmental temperature had no influence on the mechanical efficiency of ergometer work. 479 Sensations of Hoat and Moisture. G.P. Crow'den and W.Y. Lee. Chinese J. Physiol., 15", 475-483 (1940). An arbitrary scale was fixed for sensations of temperature and moisture. Tem perature sensations were correlated with dry-bulb temperature, moisture sensa tions with relative humidity and sumnetod indices for the two with the "total heat of the air" as usou in air-conditioning. 004.1 30 .trr 1 Hygiene Direct - 25 Methods of Detection and Determination ;' c* ron_Microscopy on Asbestos Dust and on Lungs in Asbestosis. J. Kuehn. ).*:f.Gewerbepath., ID, 473 (April 13, 1942), (Germany. author reports some microscopic studies of asbestos and of lungs of asbcst /is victims for the purpose of determining what variety of asbestos is respons ).e for asbostosis. Serpentine (chrystolite) asbestos is the form generally and it was supposed that it would be found in lungs with asbestosis. fundi us and Eyguen disclosed, however, that only hornblende asbestosis is demon .. treble in the lungs, suggesting that serpentine dust is decomposed in the tis sues. The author used the electron microscope to study the form, size and structure of asbestos, both in free dust and as found in the lungs. It is usual iy easy to distinguish the two forms under the electron microscope, the serpen tine variety being generally curved, clear and transparent, and hornblende rigid '.ad greater in diameter. However, examination of the particles from 3 lungs did not indicate clearly what variety was present. The photomicroscopic determina tion of the refraction exponent, suggested by Sunuius and Bygden, was then em ployed, That method revealed that the large asbestos needles isolated from the lungs were of the hornblende type. It is concluded that serpentine asbestos is decomposed in the lungs and is the essential cause of fibrosis. V.'hen asbestosis lungs are macerated with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, both free asbestos noodles and asbestosis bodies are obtained. Hornblende asbestos shows no signs of decomposition by the organism, either in the free needles or on the asbesto sis bodies* Polarigraphic Determination of Lead in Bones. E. Vveinig. Z.Physiol. Chem., :75, 153-162 (1942). (Geiman). The polarigraphic method, which is fully described, has the advantages of use of smaller amounts of material, simpler preliminary treatment of the bone ash, and the automatic action of the polarigraph. biochemistry of Silicic Acid. IX, Isolation and Identification of Minerals in Lur..-: Residues ana Air-Borne Dusts from Coal Mines. G, Nagelschmidt and E.J. King. Biochem. J., 35, 152-153 (1941). Tho isolation of mineral residues'from lungs by digestion with hydrogen peroxide and removal of carbon from these residues and from air-borne dusts by heating to 360C are described. The minerals in the residues arc then identified by x-ray diffraction methods. Data are presented for the constituents present in a lung residue and a mine dust; the main components are quartz and a member of ^ach of the mica and kaolin groups. ^-iLl\.-"gthod for the Determination of Free Silica in Industrial Dusts. A. -- ~\.-'.v.r and L. Silveimau. J.Ind.Hyg. & Tox., 2B, 139-140 (April, 1943). --authors describe a now method for free silica determination, in which the aact sample i3 first passed directly through a controlled flame, fusing practi- ail particles except those of silica. The fused sample is then collected a electrostatic precipitator and removed to a microscope slide for analysis. '' ---hod can bo applied to air-borne or rafter -dust samples. The emount of ' silica is determined by a direct count of tho fused and unfused particles. ; - iblo interfering materials arc refractories ?.nd those which decrepitate at aa temperatures. These interferences are not very common and when present may C 0 43 'J I r- iuctriol Hygiene Digest - 26 t2 identified by their optical characteristics. The determination can be carried out on each microscopic field so that possible particle size variation in trans ferring fields is eliminated. The method can also bo used with the standard petrographic technique, reducing the number of particles to be identified if several refractory materials are prosont with fusible material. -- Author's s ummary. 4.-4 A Portable Electrostatic Precipitator. VAL. Lea. J.Ind.Hyg. fit Tox., 25, 152 156 (April, 1943]. A portable precipitator is described in which the sampling head and blower are separate from the self-contained power supply. This construction arrangement gives the utmost freedom of movement during sampling, so that the operator can follow workmen ana obtain samples accurately representing their inhalation. The precipitator may be built with little effort since all parts with the exception of the sampling head and the high voltage condenser are standard parts. The con struction is described and typical data obtained are presented. 485 Determination of Aliphatic Nitrate Esters: A Colorimetric Method. H. Yagoda. Ind. Dug. Chen., 15, 27-29 (January, 1943) A colorimetric method for the determination of aliphatic nitrate esters is des cribed, based on the hydrolysis of the ester in 62.5$ sulfuric acid and the ni tration of m-xylenol by the nitric acid liberated. The method has been applied to nitroglycerine, erythritol tetranitrate, and pentaerythritol tetranitrate over a range of 3.0 to 0.005 mg. The nitroxylenol is readily volatilized by a steamdistillation which permits tho application of the method to complex systems. The reaction proceeds in stoichiometric proportions, so that the quantity of ester present can be evaluated from a potassium nitrate standard. -- Author's summary. 486 Diethylaminoethanol as a Reagent for the Detection and Colorimetric Petemina tion of Small Amounts of Trinitrotoluene in Air. F.sT Goldman and D.S. Hushing. J.Ina.Hyg. fic Tox., 5^ (April, 1943). A method for estimating the concentration of TNT in the air is described in de tail. The authors' summary follows: "A colorimetric method has been devised for the estimation of TNT based on the use of diethylaminoethanol as a reagent for this compound. The color produced is very stable. We hope to publish a method soon for dinitrotoluol and for tetryl based on the use of this same re agent." 487 Determination of Fumigants. XI. Detemination of Chlorohydrocarbons in Air bv Hoaction in iJonoethanolamine. XII. Determination of Sthylone Dichloride and Dichloroethylone. Analysis of Mixtures. XIII. Determination of Chlorohydrocarbons by Thermal Decomposition. F.P.W. intoringham. J.Soc. Chem.Ind..~61. 136-192 (1942); Chem. Absts., 27, 1950-1951 (April 20, 1943). Those papers constitute the continuation of a series on the determination of fumigants (many of which are also industrial contaminants.) The methods are long, and the original or the Chemical Abstracts reference should bo consulted for details. 488 f Modification of the Silica Gel Mcthod for the Determination cf Atmospheric Civcnic Solvent Vancrs. L.V, Crnlioy and others. J.Ind.Hyg. 6c Tox., 25, 172 174 (,.pril, 1943). -ilica gel has boon used in tho determination of benzene and other organic sub stances in air, but the method has been used only gravimutrically. The cursors describe a modified method in winch tho organic vapor is adsorbed by silica gel and then romovod from tho gel by r. second solvent which will not cause subsequent interference. The amount ox' the substance sought is then determined by any Industrial !r/sienQ Digest - 27 accepted method of quantitative chemical analysis. The authors applied it to the determination of carbon tetrachloride, which they removed from the gel by ethyl alcohol and decomposed by alcoholic potassium hydroxide. The chloride formed wait-then determined volumetricolly. Additional studios are in progress to ascertain the applicability of the method to the estimation of other organic solvent vapors* Control Methods 439 List of Respiratory Protective Devices Approved by the Bureau of Mines. sr H.H. Schrenk. U.S. Bur. Of Mines Inf. Circ., No. 7237, (March, 1943). One of the most valuable services to industry in the protection of health by respiratory devices is the U.S. Bureau of Mines Approval system. The latest list of approved equipment has beer, revised and contains 10 pages of illustra tions. (Copies available from the Information Division, Bureau of Mines, Washington, D.C.) 490 A Practical Housekeeping Program for Industry. H.G. Dyktor. Am.J.of Pub. Health, 33, 557-560 (May, 1943). The author thinks that one man, rather than a committee, should be appointed to carry out a good housekeeping program. In larger plants the safety director or engineer is the person indicated; but in smaller plants not possessing the ser vices of such a nan, the employment manager seems best fitted for the job of supervisor. Management gives the supervisor authority to incur expense for fix tures and additional labor. Suggested duties of the supervisor are:--to consult department heads and labor to improve production flow, plant traffic, and stor age of unused equipment; to ascertain state and local regulations concerning sanitation; to work out a plan with the maintenance man to keep equipment in good condition; to provide janitor with itemized orders for regular cleaning of the plant interior; to establish a routine for the periodic personal inspection of the plant. 491 How to Design Exhaust Hoods. JAM. DallaValle. Heat. &Vent., 40, (March, 1943). This is the first in a series of articles which vail appear in HEATING AND VENTI LATING during 1943. They are reprinted from a privately printed monograph which was reviewed by the abstractor in this Digest, November, 1939 under the title ''Principles of Exhaust Hood Design." 492 Ventilation and Heating of Maritime Commission Shins. J.W. Markert. Heat. & vcnt.1 40, 32-57 (February, 1943). This is an excellent ana thorough article describing the ventilation and heating of merchant ships. All phases of the problem are discussed. The number of air changes for various ship sections is given and methods of air distribution are shown. The article is well illustrated v.ath photographs of actual installations, special conditions required for dry cargo holds are described. i33 yj-_t_r/-7^^it Nodiation -.nd Qzor.o as Aerial Pis infoctants. V.'.V.A Ccblcntz. Arch. Therapy. 2^, 703-711 `(December,* 1942}.~ AfUr a concise review of the literature, the-author concludes that "the use of ultraviolet radiation and ozone as disinfectante is not justified andthat if net used intelligently these two germicides may cause serious injury to the occupants of places undergoing disinfection." C04 4 4 a.ntrial Hygiene Digest - 28 " rsbip Ventilating, Heatinr and Air Conditioning T.H. Urdahl nd W.C. Whittle sey. Hen-fa^ Pip., 5; Air Cond., 15_, 105-110, (February, 1943). Progress ih warship construction can only be made by providing more punch per pound, and-e naval engineer should strive to develop lighter, simpler, and more foolproof methods to accomplish this end* Conventional practices should be con tinually analyzed from the functional standpoint and revised wherever commensur ate savings in weight or space are possible, or where dependability can bo im proved, Ventilating engineers are urged to oooperate in giving technical service regarding Naval construction. Protective Methods for the Prevention of Industrial Dermatoses. L. Schwartz. N.Y. State J. of lied., 42_, 1525-1528 (August 15, 1942). Emphasizing that more time is lost from work because of occupational dermatoses than because of any other occupational disease, Dr. Schwartz outlines protective methods for their prevention. These include pre-employment examinations, effi cient ventilating systems, the use of protective clothing and protective oint ments, and above all, cleanliness. Different types of protective clothing and the value of each are carefully discussed, and it is pointed out that not only this clothing, but the machines, and even the workrooms should be cleaned daily. The requirements for proper non-irritating skin cleansers are listed. The arti cle concludes with a discussion of protective ointments, listing six general classes, and the specific uses of each. 49 6 Elimination of Gas Hazards at Sewage-Treatment Plants. Pacific Flush-Tank Co., Water Works and Sewage, 88_, 423-431, 463-46? (1941). The collection and utilization of sludge gas are attended by the risk of explo- . sicn and the danger to personnel arising from the poisonous properties of the gas. Operators are safeguarded by the adequate design of control rooms, which should be at ground level, freely accessible, and ventilated by forced draught. Detailed designs are given. Water-seals on gas mains are unreliable and should not be used. The value of flame traps is emphasized and suitable designs are illustrated. Sources of ignition must be eliminated as far as possible, e.g., by employing explosion-proof electrical equipment and non-sparking tools. Gas storage increases explosion risks, and the circumstances which may warrant stor age and the most suitable types of gasholder arc discussed. It is essential to maintain a positive gas pressure throughout the plant at all times, and means for minimizing pressure losses are described. 497 Effect of a Vacuum on Destruction of Bacteria by Germicides. A.J. Salle and M. Korzenovsky. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. & Med., 50, 12-16 (May, 1942). Cultures of.eight species of bacteria were dried on glass slides or on cotton, placed iru^flaagged tubes, and exposed to foimaldohydo gas generated in a closed chamber by the addition of commercial formalin to potassium permanganate. When the air in the chamber was at atmospheric pressure the test objects were in no case disinfected in 1 hour, -and five of the eight species of bacteria survived for 2 hours. When the chamber was evacuated to 29 in. of mercury before gener ating the sane amount of gas (which raised the pressure in the chamber to 23 in.) only two bacteria survived for 5 minutes and none for 25. It is considered that the only action of an initial vacuum is to cause penetration. A vacuum has no effect on the action of liquid germicides. n-'/lay:vr.t n' Disinfectants in Drsoiet and idist Iv U. iil i ewe. tor.v.i ~a;.u.I .,,bt. Grig., , 3c>j-o9o Uh.reh 2c, 1942). The author has embarked on a disinfection study unci the elementary conclusions hich he reaches arc already familiar in this country. He sprayed a saline sus pension of Chr. proaigiosum into a vessel of 25 liters capacity or into a small 00.-; 9 42 l-.sustrial fygiene Digest - 29 closed room, and enumerated colonies in near plates exposed at intervals after introducing a disinfectant by means of three different sprays, giving particles of different sizes. Experiments were done to show that the effects observed . were due neither to disinfection cn the surface of the culture nor to the mere carrying down of bactcria-ladcr. particles from the atmosphere. Ho concludes that a disinfectant nay be far more effective in air than in water, that rela tive efficacy in the tv;o media varies from one disinfectant to another, that fine droplets are more efficient than coarse, and that measures which will disinfect the air of a room vail not necessarily disinfect objects in it, particularly fabrics or other irregular surfaces. He believes also that the chemical disin fection of air is a practical possibility, applicable with advantage to operat ing theatres and to rooms used for infectious cases. Whereas lysol was used in his experiments, it is pointed out that something less toxic is necessary for practical purposes. For spraying inhabited rooms, one trial of which apparent ly prevented the spread of chickcnpox among children, he used "a resorcin prepar ation. " Industrial Medical Practice 439 The Problem of Absenteeism, Ministry of Labor and National Service. Leaflet P.L. 106 London (1942). Continuous and effective attention must be given to the problem of absenteeism in war factories. Difficulties in enforcing the provisions of the Essential Work Orders in the case of absence from work or persistent lateness are pointed cut. Two classes of absences are discussed, those due to "facts" and those caused primarily by "feelings." In the first class, causes of absences are sickness, accident, shopping difficulties, home requirements, fatigue due to long hours and long journeys. An example cf the second class is found in the case of workers in a permanently blacked out factory who feel depressed owing to lack of sunlight and the apparent lack of proper ventilation, clue to the ab sence of air movement. Lack of interest in the job and a lack of conviction of its urgency is a cause of absence which production committees should be able to help. An attack on psychological causes cf absenteeism is the greatest sin gle contribution that can be made to a solution of the problem. A redistribu tion of work, or of the labor force, should be considered so that those who need special working hours would not disturb the work of others. Appendix I gives a form for the keeping of absenteeism records and Appendix II gives sugges tions far "follow-up" action cn these records. 500 A Study of the Effect cf Fixed-Pace Work Upon Health. G.H. Turner. Caned. Pub. Health J., 54, 63-73 (February, 1943). The paper summarizes the first unbiased and systematic study of the chronic effects cf fixed-pace work of the conveyor-belt type upon human efficiency and health. The investigation was based upon a study of production end illness records of 1033 -employees in throe plants. The investigation disclosed that fixed-psco work is detrimental to health and contributes to work dissatisfaction and strained relationships between employer and worker. The investigator sug gests: (1) more careful choice of suitable employees for fixed-pace work; (2) regular rest periods in order to decrease fatigue, break monotony and inspect machinery, and (3) variation of machine speeds in accordance with human fatigue curves. * CO a: Ir/uutrial Hygiene Digest - 30 l'l The Problem of Functional Disease as Seen in Industry. D.E, Boll. Canad. Med. Assoc. J., jgi 1GS-110 (February', 1343). Tho paper fsgdicates the importance of psychoneurocis as a problem to bo faced in industrial medicine. The author believes that the factor of compensation is more important than that of trauma in neurotic cases. Many physicians treat the injury without consideration of the functional disability that ensues. Laymen, hov/cvcr, are in complete readiness to accept functional disability v.lthout ques tion. The solution of the problem lies in tho education of both the laity and the medical profession in the subject of states of functional disability, in cluding their existence, factors favorable to their development and means of counteracting such factors. 502 Medical Examinations in Industry. Their function and Scope. w.H. Leak. Brit. J. Physical. Med., 5_, 116-120 (July-August, 1342). (British). Pre-employment examinations are considered, often of young persons entering upon industrial employment. Suggestions are given concerning the appointments of the consulting room, the desirability of the use of tactful methods by doctors and attendants, and the importance of giving instruction and counsel to the prospective employee regarding his relation to his work and his employer. 503 . The Private Physician's Opportunity in Industrial Medicine. J.J. Bloomfield. Nov; Eng. J. of Med., 225, 92S-932 (December 11, 1941). The private physician should be familiar with problems of industrial hygiene, as only one third of American workers have any medical service at the plant proper, although industrial hygiene service is increasing rapidly. A cut of only 10# in the nearly 400,000,000 mandays a year lost to industry through disability would be a worthwhile achievement. Local medical organizations could foir. com- ' mittees on industrial hygiene, with v/hich all private practitioners should cooperate. Objectives of these committees might include: (1) training of physi cians to recognize and report, immediately, occupational diseases; (2) pre-er.ployment and periodic physical examinations; (3) the obtaining of detailed occupa tional and medical histories. 504 Administration of Case Finding in Industry. E.P. VonAllman, Calif. & West.Med., Tuberc. Supp., 57_, 51 (July, 1942). The Alameda County Association did fluoroscopic chest examinations of 5,611 adult persons employed in industry, and made further studies in 120 persons. In 76 persons (1.4$) tuberculosis or other diseases were found; active pulmonary tuberculosis was present in 27 persons. The total cost of the examinations was v2,368.18 or 42 cents per person. The cost of discovering each of the 76 per sons needing medical attention was *>31.16; the cost of finding each case of active tuberculosis was 87.71. 505 Tuberculous Problems in Industry. V/.P. Sheppard. Calif. & West. Med., Tuberc. oupp., 57. 48~(July. 1942). Tuberculosis has increased in tho nations which are at war. Contributing factors arc: food shortage, overcrowding, inadequate medical and health facilities, increased work. V/ays in which industry can help in the control of tuberculosis are: fixing the length of the working hours; refusing to hire inexperienced help comprising. people of an ago particularly susceptible to tuberculosis; in creasing health safeguards and providing for locating early cases. Necessary hvalth safeguards for industry arc: pre-employment and periodic health examin ations; compliance with the highest standards for ventilation, lighting and san itation; dispensary and first aid rooms; health education; responsibility of foremen; personal and domestic hygiene; plant cafeterias; rest periods; retailor on night shifts; prevention of silico-tuborculosis. ; :i mstrial tfygiene Digest - 31 Tone Reflections on the Tuberculous la Industry. B. Mann. Tubercle, 2]3, 72-75 (March, 12421"." Attcr.tioi$|c called to what the author considers an inconsistency in a scheme surgcstcdfftl a circular recently issued by the Ministry of Labor and National Service. ;$hc employment of sputum negative &nd quiescent cases is proposed, while "the vast bulk of usefully employable tuberculous subjects - the 'riddle case' v.lth a positive sputum - is entirely omitted from consideration". Al though there is a strong prejudice among both employers and employees against admitting tuberculous persons into industry, there is nothing in the existing method of labor recruitment to guard against the entry of unrecognized sputum positive cases. They may have been passed by the factory surgeon, or they may have had no medical examination at all. A contrast is pointed out between stringent measures taken to avoid dissemination of the tubercle bacilli in the Navy and Air Force and the laxity in allowing increasing numbers of infective 'workers to pass into the workshops of Britain. The author suggests a plan of part-time employment of the tuberculous, similar to that used in the case of married women. This plan would imply a low standard of living unless earnings were subsidized, with a sliding scale dependent on periodic reassessment of work ing capacity. A proposal is made for the segregation of infective cases in spe cial workshops or factories, with adequate provision as to canteen, hostel and restroom facilities. The author considers it important that previous history of tuberculosis should be made available in all cases of persons entering indus try, such information not to bo used against the subjects' interests. Macs radio . graphy should help to classify infective and non-infective cases, so as to limit the dissemination of the dieaso in industry. 507 Industrial Health and the V/ar. D.L. Lynch. New Eng. J.of Med., 227, 209-216 {August 6, 1942). The author stresses the fact that ncn-occupational diseases account for the majority of workdays lost to industry. He defines the function of industrial medicine and lists the major health measures of an industrial health program: (1) prevention, which involves routine inspection of working conditions and a safety program; (2) health education; (3) pro-placement and subsequent physical examinations; (4) medical and surgical care. Qualifications of the industrial physician arc: thorough medical experience, an understanding of industrial rela tions, knowledge of job analysis and many other abilities. A brief discussion of the problems of fatigue and malnutrition among workers, is given. A series of graphs, based on the data on employees of two large companies, are concerned with the effect of the sex and age of the worker and tho duration of the illness on diagnosis. Others show the relation of periods of absence to the several days of tho week. The fact that absences begin and end most often on Monday seems to Indicate a psychological problem. $r.;< 508 Health Services in Industry. Industrial Welfare Soc, (Bibliography) London: 14, Hobart Place, S.V/.l. 60 pp. (1942). The articlo stresses the need for health service in industry and deplores tho fact that there were in June, 1942 only 150 full time and 550 part time doctors employed in munition factories. Benefits of health service are listed. Require ments for starting a works' health service arc explained: a whole time doctor is needed where more than 1000 are employed; a woman doctor should bo engaged where women arc employed. Small plants, with loss than 250 workers should com bine to engage a doctor to servo several or should employ part time doctors to attend at regular hours. The suggested organization is similar to that recom mended in the United States and actually cot. up in many establishments. Tho publication is recommended as being reliable and up-to-date -- in fact it ic a valuable compendium of information such as any one undertaking or engaged upon health work in industry wants. :`i 1 Hygiene Digest - 32 . . ,tvii Physical end Medicinal Treatment of Severe Carbon Monoxide Snccshnli ~T.erort on the Use of Pervitin. K.G. Scholtz and K. duschneid. Dout. Med. , ; ~T~ C7j^&;3G-I2G5 (December 19, 1941). (German). . .-is uipeiven of treatment with pervitin, combined 7,1th physical therapy, in ^ of^toccphnlitis, following carbon monoxide poisoning. The dosage v;as in-.sod from 3 rnga. per day to 15 mgm. and was then reduced as bodily end mental jtivity increased, until, after a period of five months the administration of . .-rvitin and scopolamine bromide, which had boon added later in the course of treatment, v;as discontinued with no ill effects. The special value of Pervi tin lies in its power to arouse the patient from his mental torpor, to restore .is confidence in ultimate recovery and to secure his participation in physical, t.h-rnpy. : m The Early Recognition and Treatment of Shock. By the Committee of Shock and Hood Substitutes of the Associate Committee on Medical Research, National research Council of Canada. Canad. M.A. J., 48_, 196-205 (March, 1943). The article is of interest on account of the great number of tissue injuries, hemorrhages and burns encountered in industrial medicine. Primary or neurogenic shock differs from secondary shock in that the syndrome appear more quickly .and the pulse rate is slower in the former. In secondary shock, successful treat ment depends upon early recognition of the signs of the condition, and in all serious wounds, burns, hemorrhages, and operations, shock should be anticipated. General principles of treatment are: (1) Arrest of hemorrhage, (2) Closure cf v.-cunds of chest, (3) Posture-head low position, (4) Relief of pain by morphine, (5) Prevention of further injury, (6) Conservation of body heat, (7) Early res toration and maintenance of blood volume, (8) Control of dehydration by adminis tration of isotonic salt water orally or intravenously, (9) Promotion of comfort ' and confidence, {10} Evacuation to an operating unit. Burn shock is briefly ' . discussed. Plasma loss continues for 48 hours and hematocrit readings should bo taken continuously. Serum transfusion is the only adequate treatment. In the crush or compression syndrome renal failure frequently complicates shock. Early administration of alkali may help prevent renal failure, and pressure band aging nay relieve the syndrome. Anesthesia if needed in shock should be by cyclopropane or ether,, never spinal. The article is supplemented by three appendices: The administration of dried scrum; technical aids to intravenous administration of fluids; and reactions caused by intravenous infusions. A bibliography is obtainable on request* 511 Syphilis in Industry. Itf.A. Nelson. Am.J.Syph., Gonor. & Ven.Dis., 27^ 73-77 (January, 1943), The author complains against the prejudiced and misinformed public in regard to syphilis, especially the significance of the blood test. The false belief that the diSM|jgis communicable at all times v/hen a positive blood test is found, is prevdlpire, and its results are seen in industry as in other fields. A posi tive blood \tost frequently excludes able men from employment. It has been shown that a syphilitic worker is fully as efficient as his r.on-syphilitic brother, provided he does not have cardiovascular or nouraxis involvement. The decision is thus loft in the hands of an intelligent physician. The author urges that public ignorance be attacked first through industry, by allcvdng the physician instead cf the uninformed layman to determine the nodical policy. el:* iv lr.tior.ship of Disease and Weather. ri. Krcisnan. Host. &Vent., 40, 61-5C (- .'lu'uary, 1943). '-hi;; article ucscribcs the air conditioned room recently installed at northwes tern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois. The technical details of the installation arc illustrated and discussed. ;r.tri'il Kyeiene Digest - 33 .13 Jobs for Younfl V/orkers? U.S. Dept* of Labor, Children's Bureau. 5 pamph lets, 4-3 pn^each (October, 1942-Februory, 1943). Pamphlet NoS*"'"Employment of Young Workers in Kar Industries," introduces the aeries* Thdpkeynatc is found in the statement printed on the title pose of each . /nohlot: *The young worker of today is the skilled worker of tomorrow -- Pro tect him from injury." The separate leaflets deal with the accident and health hazards in shipbuilding, in employment involving exposure to carbon disulfide, in lead and lead-using industries, and in employment where chlorinated solvents are used. In connection with each type of employment, kinds of work in which workers under 18 yours of age should and should not be employed are listed. The value of high school training is recognized by some industries who wish to use the younger workers in places where they can be developed into skilled or semi skilled craftsmen -- not as laborers or in dead end jobs. Existing Federal and State child-labor legislation provides much guidance, end legal standards, where applicable should be fully observed. The standards developed by the Children's Bureau arc advisary, are general in their application and should be regarded as an emergency measure to protect young workers during this war period. (Copies available upon request.) 114 Health and Welfare of Women in War Factories. 3rd Report from the Select Com mittee on National Expenditure, Session 1942-1943. London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1942. 24pp. The report is the result of an inquiry into the welfare and medical arrangements for women employed in Royal Ordnance Factories and other government assisted factories. It is comprehensive and detailed and embodies features and recommen dations found in similar publications issued in the United States, several of which have been reviewed in recent issues of the Industrial Hygiene Digest. 515 Nutrition in V/er Industry. F. Ignatieff. Canad, Pub. Health!., 33, 571-574 (December, 1942). An essential servico in the production of war material is the canteen or restaur ant v/hero attractive, nutritious and economical meals are served. Those meals and rost-period refreshment arc important factors in combatting fatigue, increas ing efficiency and improving the health of workers. In the plant discussed a trained dietitian is in charge. The menu is based on a study of the likes of tho workers, and the meals are freshly prepared for each shift and served at cost. During the rest periods, milk, fresh fruit juice, and coffee made with 25 milk are served. The personnel department and the medical department have charge of a program of education which includes lectures on eating habits, healthy break fasts, and proper choice of food in the canteen. These lectures are given dur ing th6 worker's training period. . Additional News Item 1C Tho ONI announces that more than 97 per cent of Naval and Marine wounded, from Poc.rl Harbor to March 51, 1943, have recovered. These figures were contained ir. a report by 0>7I on the care of the wounded by the medical departments of the Amy r.ncl Navy. Percentage figures for the recovery of Army wounded are not available at present owing to incompleteness of records from the fighting fronts. An analysis of available data on Amy wounded shows that recoveries are ccr.par-hle to Naval and Marine percentages. Of all Navy and Marine personnel waunued nly 2.d` per cent died aubsoouently. Fifty-three per cent were returned to auty. Atill under treatment as of March 31 wore 43.5 per cent. Invalided from service v:ero 0.9 per cent. COi * ; vf 1 INDEX (May, 1943) ;-atheism 499 r : I'rciS 487 solvent vapors 453 ; r.ia ' . vijor.inG 441 ' . v.;io -.iir.-hvtic nitrates 485 ir-.ci by polarograph 481 trinitrotoluene 486 Anemia toxic 475 Arsenic noisoning iivcr cirrhosis 417 . bectos cxrc-n microscopy 480 .. 'orbic acid .::d lead absorption 428 U Anthracis in bone meal 416 orvllium toxicity 418 .*-1 *:csc dejraor.raphisa 461 ` rbon disulfide poisoning 450 " .rbon- monoxide anoxemia 443 c'or.p stoves 444 encephalitis treatment of 509 optic effects 442 1 rbon tetrachloride h'joith hazards 451 d..rcir.o.'x-nic activity survey of compounds 46? Cyclotron workers blood findings 473 i r pi one i ndustry utt ir. oils :-.1 r .r ..risk 1 'C> v v, *. t ion 455 456 458 457 495 v.anther " :ti :r.;:l : " ti'-'r. 512 501 ' : .::i i.ict 498 - r-..-:taticn 493 v , vjrr.icidcs 497 rol ' 'r.t liuod design 491 Electrostatic procioitc tor portable -.84 Eve infections 465 Fatigue mining 478 Ferrous alloys industrial hygiene 438 Fiberfslas health aspects 419 Fluoride absorption & excretion 439 Glycols toxicity 452 Health fixed pace work effects500 industrial and the war 507 Heat and moisture tropical Housekeeping 479 477 490 Hydrocyanic acid skin absorption 445 Industrial medicine private practitioner 503 Xerato coniunctivitis 462-463-464 Lead danger in motor fuel 425 poisoning scrap recovery 424 toxicity of alloys422-423 Load tetraethyl in gasoline Magnesium health aspects lung effect 426 427 429 Manpaneso intoxication Medical service industrial 430 508 Mercury handwriting test 431 Methanol chronic poisoning 453 Minors in industry 513 Nitremen oxides poisoning Nutrition 446 515 Phosphorus skin irritation 432 Physical examination; 502 Pneumoconiosis aluminum 414--415 iron dust 420--421 porphyry 435 Pulrmarv irritants 440 Respirators Bureau of riin.es Ap;;'rcval List 489 Sewage treatment health hazards 49 6 Shock diagnosis end treatment 510 Silica, free determination 483 Silicosis intrathcracic lymph nodes 436 lung function 434 lung residue analysis 482 Silesian potters 433 Skin cleansers 459--460 Sulfur physiological effects 437 Sulfur dioxide in fluo gases 447 pneumonia 448 Syphilis 511 Tetra-chloro-oara-be:nzo- quinone toxicity 474 Theimal environment 476 Trinitrotoluene diet k poisoning 454 Tuberculosis 505 -50 6 case finding 504 Ventilation skips 492 -494 War ases ana chemicals occuler effect 449 V.'cil* a disease ii:r.ur*e serum 466 V.olding eye effects 471 fatality 4 69 health hazard 470 lung effects 472 Women in industry 514