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HWBB-000761? I r.duat ri ai Hygiene Digest (Ir.d. Hygiene Foundation) (Initial i Forward) "/ 5- iy*Ie--Hazlett, M.D. ^/7 i (A ' cl S. C.,3arnea o M 00 -M'. 'Caste. M..D. H H Industi H. V. Speicher rt o Digest Misa Bell-(Review) T. Lyle Hazleot, M.D. (file) Hiielatute Ctbshacts MEDICAL ENGINEERING LEGAL - - - decisions and trends $nc)u$ttial Health Jlews luu*d Monthly By INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA. 03118253 Vol. 5. FOUNDATION FACTS May, 1945 Foundation Fact* i a monthly new*-latt^f t%vi4 to industrial concerns holding membership jn industrial Hygiene Foundation. The Foundation \s a combined research and service inatltution to protect the health of workers in industry. No. 5. Some Facts and Figures on Absenteeism An OWI survey finds that "plants without systematic plans for reducing the causes of absenteeism have nearly twice the rate of job absences as those which have such programs." As the Foundation has insisted for years (before absenteeism was a headline) the first step in reducing lost time is to keep adequate records -- audit your absences. Another important fact-finding measure is the plant hygiene survey. It is no more possible to maintain healthful woricing 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 on healthful working conditions through plant hygiene surveys. Otherwise, systematic procedure is ignored in favor of hit-or-miss methods. Speaking of figures, one member -:5> company reports the following experience for a group of 400 workers for the first half a of April: 273 workdays lost from ail causes -- 190 from sickness and. non-industrial injuries, 68 from personal causes, and 15 days from injuries. Guard Against Increase In Tuberculosis Tuberculosis rates tend to rise in wartime. The alert Medical Department of Westinghouse 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 thsn 160,000 workers in war industries. Results show that "slightly mere than one in every 100 persons oxcoined haTe significant tuberculosis;" Red Cross Comment Commenting on the Foundation's report, "What About Blood Banks for War Workers?" 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 your Member companies. Thoughtful support such as this is going to do much to insure the success of what I think we all agree is a worthwhile project." Annual Meeting Notes "...A war contractor was much surprised to learn that his 5 per cent labor turnover was largely due to the uncontrolled fumes of a poisonous solvent"...."It has been cur feeling that if v/o can satisfactorily control the use of materials in the plant, and then prove that control is satisfactory by periodic physical examinations, we will not have cases of occupational disease develop. It has proved to bo such over the years."...."All too freguently, the first knowledge the medical or safety depart ment has of a now process, machine or material is when it is in operation. Forethought will prevent dangerous exposure. The cost is higher for placing makeshift safeguards or exhaust equipment on a machine after it is in use," New Book: Essentials of Industrial Health, by Dr. C.0. Sappington, an out standing work, has just been published by J. B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia. - - - Keep War Workors Well - - - INDUSTRIAL MYQlgNE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVINUC PITTSBURGH. FA. w /--.Cv, rv >; a V=^ May, 1943. Vol. VII. No. 5. Industrial Hygiene Foundation, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa, vrS9sC3. t os INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE DIGEST Literature and News News Items 404 Color in Industry. "The best and newest way to promote good housekeeping," according to R.A. Jfassey, Du Pont color expert, "is by a new scientifically developed uee of brightmpeint colors on all industrial interior surfaces, including even floors end maafiaee." The national production scene was described as going technicolor is thiSmam- ner with remarkable results. The up-to-date trend is row upon tools painted in carnival colors with here and there touches of bzilftSMfpod to emphasize danger points. Many factory interiors already display Wfwmi scientific color system. They include government arsenals, naval shore stations and major war plants. Worked out in a three-year Du Pont researoh program to improve seeing conditions in industry, the most favored color sahMa 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 llght-refleetl*t oolors. 405 Special Warning Bulletin.-- Soldomic Kerato-ConJunctivltls. . A statement has been prepared jointly by the United States Public Health Service, Sethcsda, Maryland and the Committee on Industrial Ophthalmology of tha American Medical Association, 535 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, Illinois, for distribution to all physicians. 406 Absent Treatment. Two ingenious methods of combatting the growing absentee problmi have been de vised by the New Britain (Connecticut) Machine Company and the Ball Aircraft Company, Buffalo, N. 7. The former awards a weekly "Hitler Plaque* Inscribed with a swastika, to the department with the poorest record. The lattegdMtg- nates workers absent without permission as "AM3L," and replace* thda.t|jp cards vlth "AWOL" cards. The foreman's approval is required bafore regular MjHi may be restored. -- Forbes Mag., 5^ (March, 1943), J<- 407 Wartime Vacations. - A statement by Chairman Donald M. Nelson of the War Production Beard on the sub ject of vacations says in part: "I believe that the granting of vacatloam to industrial workers this year will be helpful to war production. Xxparlease has shown that the volume of production is increased if tbe workers can restore tbwlr energies through periods of physical and mental rest, change and relaxation. After a brief vacation a worker should be in better ahape^to contribute to the *T: Industrial Sygieiie Digest - 2 increased effort which our war program makes necessary. But it must be realiz^jj that our war production goals this year are nearly twice the size of last yeare. Wartime vacations must be planned so as to avoid Interruption of working schede ules. Management and labor can and should plan the release of workers for vac tions by working ahead in some departments, by arranging for staggered vaction schedules, by training substitutes and, whore necessary, by working additional overtime." as Book Beviews 408 Occupational Tumors and Allied Diseases. W.C. Hueper. Charles C. Thomas, 220 Monroe St., Springfield, 111. 08.00, 89 6 pp. {1942). This book colates in detail the subject of tumors and their relation to occupa tion. The material is presented from the view of timer location with eight organ systems receiving the major consideration. The fourteen chapters 0i cover: Concopt and significance of occupational tumors, timore of the akin end its appendages, the alimentary system tumors, cancers of the roapiratoi erogenous organ malignant growths, hyperplastic and neoplastic diseases the blood forming organs, mesenchymatous tumors, tumors of the eye and its the nervous system tumors, endocrine glandular malignant growths, tumors, special aspects of occupational tumors, the relation of'I neoplasia to theories of cancer!genesis, and medicolegal and poets. The attention given to the extensive literature has been theflug'Tl end excellent bibliographies are provided for each section. Occupational tann have received more attention in the foreign literature them in Americas* This work will be a valuable reference book for industrial physiols Legal Developments 03118256 409 Occupational Diseases. Pneumoconiosis Contracted by Snaloyent In Omens Mine. As Creating Liability Within Statute and Mot Negligence. Statute The defendant appeals from a judgaent in an action to recover Ybr injuries suf- . fared by the plaintiff while in Its employ. Plaintiff had merited is the defendant's gypsus mine, for sixteen years, as a "loader" or "driller,* The drifts and headings where he worked were constantly filled with deads of dust caused by the pulverization of rock by drills and other machinery; end being forced to breathe such atmospheres, he suffered a disease of the log, known as pneumoconiosis, which was the injury for which he sued. The defendant Med set up a large fan at the mouth of the mine, designed to blow the dust out of the galleries and headings, but according to the testimony of the plaintiff*s wit nesses, it did not do so. Tho action was brought five yeere after the plain tiff left the defendant's employment. The New York Practice Act makes three years the period of limitation for "an action to recover damages for * a personal injury, resulting from negligence"; and sub. 2 of Sec. 48 makes six years the period for "an action to recover upon a liability created by statute, w Industrial Ifygiene Digest - 3 VO except a penalty<r forfeiture." The statute provides that "an air current sufficient to rmove asoke and noxious gases to insure the safety of every aaployee shall he conducted along every passageway and working place." Air, s filled with the dust of powdered rock, is within this language. The New Yorha Labor Law required "all machinery creating dust or Impurities" to"be equipped 00 with proper hoods and pipes connected to an exhaust fan of sufficient * * pow to remove such dust"; and that "suction devices shall he provided which ahail remove * * * impurities *** by means of proper hoods connected to conduits and exhaust 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 tint 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 be should have: l.e., been guilty of'Negligence." How far that lung disease was caused by breathing dust for sixteen years and bow much of the damage was done in the last year, were Indeed debatable, but no one could say that reasonable people must deny ell connection between them. The jury was clearly entitled to find that during the year in question he had suffer ed some injury. Judgaent affirmed. Stomelll v. U. S. Gypsum Op.. U.S*C.C*A. 2nd Cir. Decided March 16, 1943. (CCH). e 410 Dermatitis Venenata. Report of Medical emission as Being Final and Plaintiff appeals from an order which affirmed the commissioner* s award" plaintiff compensation. Plaintiff was mnployed by defendant in the bulk cement from box cars. Plaintiff noticed a breaking out on hie skln^ apread over his body. He was obliged to quit work. Doctors dition as cement dermatitis, or dermatitis venenata. Plaintiff tion for adjustment of claim under the occupational disease _ Laws Supp. 1940, Sec. 8485-1 et seq., Stat, Ann. 1948 Cm. 9upp. Sag* seq.) He alleged that he was suffering from dermatitis veasnsts, a dlsadse re sulting from the nature of his employment, and which la cbedulod as am escapetional disease. A medical commission who examined plaintiff, ebon* 9 momthS - after he quit work, found that plaintiff, was suffering from fleamtjtjs ^ytj- formis, which is not compensable under that Act. Defendants aoatrtd them plain tiff was suffering from the same disease from September 1940, item, he wag olllged to quit work, until the hearing October, 1941, and that tbs report oftlh medical commission, who examined him in July, 1941, is final and eonclasSW*- The report of the medical comaisslon case was final and conclusive onlgSS to plaintiff* s condition when the commission examined him. The department.$psad in determining, in effect, that the report of the medical permission mi, as matter of law, final and conclusive as to plaintiff's condition 99m sa tire period from 1940 to 1941. The department's order la vacated aside, and the case is ranandod. W__a_l_k_e_r_v. Lo_aelle Construction al. Mich. Supreme Ct. Decided April 6, 1943. TcCHj. 411 Gradual Suffocation by Gas Causing Death of Miner. Tfctjcs of Bottom far ment Palling to Show Remedy Under Act. Plaintiff filed in the court below a notice of motion for judeuat, eertiag to recover damages for the wrongful deeth of plaintiff's decedent* Sb* allsgcA that the defendant owed its anployees the duty of furnishing than S reasonably safe place in which to work, to that end should have installed in the nine where decedent worked the necdssary devices to vontilat# it properly. _ . The defendant filed a demurrer to the notice of notion for judgment alleging that by virtue of the provisions of the Workmen* s Compensation Ast the lower court was deprived of jurisdiction of the subject-matter of the suit. To a judgment^ sustaining a demurrer plaintiff obtained this writ of error* The plaintiff s contention is that the notice of motion shows on its face that hsr cause of w e <Z : -^ Industrial Hygiene Digest - 4 action is not compensable under the Workmen's Compensation Act and that hence *3 she has the right to pursue her action at law. Since the notice of motion S doee not sffiim&tively show on its face that the lower court has been deprived? of jurisdiction of the subject-matter of the suit by the provisions of the Worj men's Compensation Act, as alleged in the demurrer, the demurrer 3hould have bn overruled. Whether plaintiff has a good cause 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 be developed at the hearing. All that has been decided is that the plaintiff's notice of motion for judgnent does not show on its face that her remedy is under the Work men's Compensation Act and 13 not in the present common-law action. ?or these reasons the judgnent complained of is reversed and the case remanded for further proceedings. Reversed and remanded. Ajstrop v. Blud Diamond Coal Company. Inc. Va. Supreme Ct. of App. Decided March 3, 1943, (CCH). 412 Disability Attributed to Inhalation of Carbon Monoride. Casual Relation. Between Bnployroent and Disability. '' This is a claim for compensation in which plaintiff sought judgaent on the ground of total, peraaaent disability, against Travelers Insurance Company and plain tiff' s employer. An exception of no cause and no right of action by the defen dants, 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 in haling fwes from the exhausts of automobiles being tostod and repaired dlate proximity to tho parts room of the establishment in which plaiutll formed his duties; that it was the inhalation of carbon monoxide ttd and gases from the automobile exhausts that brought about plaintiff*^ _t An attempt was made to show on bohalf of plaintiff that he suffered'fMH a dis ease cf the 3pinol system. Since no infection was located, hie doetOS* nebepted the possibility of toxemia as the cause of the disease, and ainoe a texie condi tion fitted in with the theory of carbon monoxide poisoning, they inclined to a correlation of carbon monoxide with the disease. The teetlno^T cn the pert of the defense attributes plaintiff's condition to a nerve dleeese of the spinal system and fixes the cause as infection, entirely eliminating the toxic effects of carbon monoxide, since no evidence of carbon monoxide wee apparent Ufa* exam ination. Any relation between plaintiff's employment and the disability from which he is suffering remain solely a possibility. Since there was clear duty and burden upon plaintiff to establish a definite casual relation batman Me 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 Amanda were properly rejected. Judgaent affirmed. Gardner y. Travelers Company et al. La. Court of Appoal. 2nd Circuit^-Decided March 1. 1945. (WnT. 413 Death fraa Carbon-Tetrachloride Used as Cleaning 71uld. Rallanoe Ppsn Contri butions tor Household Expenses as Establishing Partial Dependency. Schweitzer died from poisoning from carbon-tetrachloride which wee being weed as a cleaning solvent while he was employed on tho yacht of appellant, Vanda. Decedent, 18 years of age, and received $90 a month and "fotnd," unwitting to $50 per month. Until his employment on the yacht, he had been living et bone with his father and mother. All the children who were able to do- eo contributed to a common family pool which wee expended by the mother to cover all sapcndl- tures. The decedent contributed approximately $101 to the fenlly budget; ell his contributions were expended by the mother for the table or for tbs purchaso of things for the borne. While employed on the yacht, decedent lived aboard it. An award was made to decedent* s parents as partial dependents* Suit was .. brought to enjoin enforcement of the award, from an order denying the injunction. 03118258 p Industrial ifygiene Digest - 5 appellants appeal. There was substantial evidence to support appellee's *o finding of such dependency, tsiting into account the eges of the father and ^ t ; mother, the earnings of the father and of the other children and the fact thatS decedent had been contributing to the parents more than what he cost them. Pa. ants are dependent if their own resources are not sufficient to support than, even if they receive help from their other children. The test is whether hi3 * contribution wa3 in whole or in part a means of maintaining them in the manner* in which they had been living and whether they looked forward to and relied upon the continuance of decedent's contributions to that end. Affirmed. Wende. et al v. McManigal, et al. U.S.C.C.A., 2nd Cir. Decided April 30, 1943^ (CCH). | Industrial Health Hazards and Their Effects 414 The Symptomatology of Aluminum Pneumoconiosis. 0. Gorelewski. Arch. f. Oewwrtopath. u. Gowerbehyg.. 10. 384-408 (December 30, 1940). (German). 0 This paper reports a fuller survey of "aluminum pneumoconiosis" than those roportod in the March Digest (Abstracts Ho. 269 and 271). It included 123|WBzkera at the Frankfort Bronze and Aluminum Factory, of whan 96 were directly afcoeed. Clinical examinations showed a high incidence of Inflammatory respiratory orders, especially repeated attacks of bronchitis, sometimes McaysaiOyy gastro-intestinal disturbances. No correlation, was observed betsees and duration of exposure but most workers stated that onset bad OOOIgHMt witkin the last tv years. Blood sedimentation tests and lung function teat#'MOOT in conclusive. X-ray examination showed "significant* changes In 31,"marfc*^chan ges in 17, "well-developed" in 4 and "Intense" in 3, out of tbs 128 sheets* Mo3t of the "significant" cases and all the others had had exposure eg 1 to 20 _ years. Clinical signs did not correspond in severity with radiograph!osl appear ance ; in only a few cases were prolonged expiration and bronchitis roles acted. The discrepancy between these results, showing a high iaoidsnee (19.2$ oonelt^ sive, 31.2$ significant) of "aluminum lung" and the negative findings imported by earlier investigations is explained on the basis of an alteration in tbs pro cess during the last two years, involving the production of a greater Mount of dust, the particles of which are much finer and are no longer protected by e film of aluminum stearate caused by the former addition of stearine during the stamping process. (Also, ns pointed out in Abstract No. 290, March Digest, blackout conditions greatly reduce ventilation and correspondingly increase dustiness.) 415 Danger to the Lungs from Aluminum Dust. K.W. Joetten and V, Sickhoff. Areh.f. Hyg. & Bjkt., 127, 344-367 (1942). The authors review the literature on "aluoinosls" with espbeial referemae to the natorlal covered in the preceding abstract and Nos. 269-272 (Marsh Digest). A survey of the earlier literature emphasizes the difference between "alumlnosif" and silicosis. The former is characterized by the symptoms of bronchial catarrh, inflammatory cell proliferation, and x-ray evidence of diffuse fine stippling, but no fibrosis, as demonstrated by Joetten and by Ehrioaann in 1939 in nnlnr1 experiments in an atmosphere containing 50-100 mg. of alimimm bronze dust per cubic meter of air. There were no significant pathological ohtngea. However, Goralewski ha3 revealed a high incidence of symptoms of respiratory and gastro intestinal disturbance among aluminum workers. Clinical findings were slight in comparison with the soverity of subjective symptoms, which also have no relation 00118259 P Industrial Hygiene Digest - 6 to the duration of work. The reasons for the increase are given as in the ^4 preceding abstract. The authors advocate a chemical theory somewhat similar toa that of Koelsch (Abstract No. 272, March Digest). < 416 The Isolation of B. Asthracls From Industrial Material, with Special Reference as to the Resistance of the Spores of Heat. E.R. Jones. J. Path. & Bact., 54. * 307-314 (July, 1942). 1 The author describes the isolation of Bacillus aathracis from industrial mater ial and makes special reference to the resistance of the spores to heat. He shows quite clearly that of three stains tested, spore suspensions showed a diminution of the viable'count after exposure to a temperature of 80C, for as short a period of time as two minutes. He quotes tho investigation of 14 samples of bone meal in which heating had been carried out at 80C. and all results were negative. He evolved a technique in which the material was heated to 65C, for & five minutes only and 11 isolations of Bacillus anthracis were made and verified by animal 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 with polychrome ^3 methylone blue, is also described as being useful, but always to be used in con junction with the animal test. 0 417 Liver Injury, Especially Cirrhosis, in Arsenic Poisoning. P. Roessing. Aroh. f."Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbetere.. 11. 131-142 (December 31. 1941) (German).^, A review of the literature on arsenic poisoning with special reference totUver injury leads to the conclusion that the liver is frequently affected, but?that the nature of the injury varies. Clinical, pathological and histelofl^oai inves tigations have shown great variability in acute poisoning, injury of tbs reti- culo-endothelial system, desquamation and necrosis of the liver cells, Terious 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.* Pram these findings it seats 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 arc alcohol, nicotine, lead, copper, caffeine, metabolie and. intestinal distur <c - bances. Animal experiments are not entirely reliable, since In many animal a latent liver injury, such as coccidiosis 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, with arsenic and lead predominat ing, is that of a worker engaged in the manufacture of load and calciut arsenate, with scans exposure also to dinitro-ortho-cresol. He developod symptoms which were first diagnosed as lead poisoning, later as cirrhosis with ascites* The opinion that arsenic was the chief toxic agent was based on the presence of melanosis, hyperkeratosis, intestinal symptoms and a greatly increased content of arsenic in the hair. Lead, and to a slighter degree, dinitro-ortho-cresol were considered contributory factors. The author believes that the combined cumulative effect of several toxic agents on the livsr is greater than that of any single agent and that arsenic alone, especially in the cirrhosis often found in wine dressers, cannot be considered a primary cirrhosis-producing agent* 413 The Toxicity of Beryllium. ?. Hyslop, L.T. Pairhall and others* Bull. Ho. 181, Nations! Institute of Health, U.S. Public Health Service, 56 pp. (1943), for sale by Supt. of Documents, Washington, D* C. 15 cents. The increased production and use of beryllium in industry has caused concern about exposure of workmen to dust and fumos arising from the processing of this 03118260 * foi *?r>. S'*, Industrial Ifygieae Digest - 7 rrsaj metal. "The purpose of the investigation," as stated in the introduction, "was^ to measure and define the toxicity of beryllium and to indicate, so far as ia feasible by animal experiments, the maximum peimissible concentration of duet or fumes from the metal or its compounds which workmen should be permitted to ca breathe." Animal experiments were made in which a mmber of berylliaa compound* at various concentration were injected intraperitoneally into guinea pigs; * beryllium compounds were administered orally to both young rats and guinea pigs, and finally guinea pigs were exposed to the dust of these compounds in high con centrations and over long intervals of time with no Indication that beryllium is inherently toxic, Exposure of guinea pigs and rats to the faces arising from the electrolysis of molten fluorides containing beryllium fluoride or oxyfluoride show that these fumes are docidedly 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 intraperi- toncal 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 dyecrasia. Certain salts of beryllium which 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 is tha feces. The absorption of beryllium carbonate from the lunge is also very slight. Nom of the beryllium compounds investigated was dissolved appreciably by sen*, wile the greatest dilution at which precipitation of protein occurs is one par* of beryllium nitrate to 50 of water. A comparison of the relative toxicitiag of ' beryllium, magnesium, and zinc by intraperltonoel injection shams* bafyllfite t# be least and zinc most toxic. Microscopic as well as x-rey szMfBattdR j$t !gfcs tissues of animals exposed to berylliua showed no Indication of rlbkcrte an* DO consistent pathological change in whatever form the beryllit* was given sad by whatever method. Sinco no particular toxicity was established for beryllitm, it appears that whatever toxicity has been found to occur with tha beryllium salts is due to the toxicity of the acid radical such as the fluorite or oxy fluoride, or to an objectionable condition brought about by the hydrolysis of certain of its salts, such as the chloride and sulfate. No safe permissible working standards should be based on berylliun itself. 419 Health Aspects of Fiberglas Materials. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., Toledo,0, Pamphlet, 8 pp. (1943), This publication presents answers to questions which have arises concerning the possibility of health hazards in connection with the manufacture and handling of Fiberglas. It ia based largely upon investigations conducted by or ffcr the Owens-Coming Fiberglas Corporation. Tests made by Dr. L.U. Gardner of the Trudeau Foundation have demonstrated that Fiberglas has no Injurious effect upon the lungs, W.J. Siobert conducted investigations which include; an ex haustive study of world medical literature for references to possible health hazards in the handling of Fiberglas; observations and dust counts in the Kewarfc, Ohio, factories; examination of several hundred stereoeoopic x-ftr pistes of tha chests of employees in tho same plants. His conclusion is that there is no sill* cosis, fibrosis or dust hazard connocted with working with Fiberglas* In gener al agreement with this opinion are the Chief of the Bureau, of 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 of Ows. Corning employees caused by the handling of Fiberglas products. Effects on the skin are made a subject of Investigation because of a mechanical irritation of the skin sometimes experienced by newly employed workers. This effect ocmprlsod a phase of Dr. Siebert's investigation. He aunnarlzee his conclusions as foilcam; 03118261 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 8 c^5v "The author believes tbs following generalization is warranted by the evideneS: Contact with glass wool nay cause ephemeral discomfort among workers inexpert ioncod in handling the material. The skin irritation, however, cannot be re- > garded as a progressive dermatitis, for it is non-toxic, and usually disappoaS in a few days. In extremely rare instances, where a worker may be predispose^ to secondary effects of mechanical akin irritation because of idiosyncrasy allergy or the presence of foci of infection elsewhere in his body and otherwise dissociated from the effects of mechanical irritation, lesions may persist. But those cases are encountered with such rarity that they do not justify incrimin ating glass fiber as a causative factor." Reports of investigations by Sulz berger and Baer, the Navy Department Bureau of Ships and Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Schwartz and Botvinick of the U.S. Public Health Service do not differ materially from the summary quoted above. Wearing of protective clothing and washing with 3oap 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 Pibcrglas",. has ever been validated in the state of Ohio, The Aetna Life Insurance Company regards the health of Piberglas workers as better than average. Three uses of Fiborglaa in surgery are describ a ed, A brief dicussion of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Fibezglas con cludes the paper. (Copies of the report available upon request from the company. 420 Iron Dust Luna. X. Humperdinck. Dcut. Med, Woch., 8, 1^17, (Januarytt, 1942). (German). The author describes a case of deposition of iron dust in the lungs of flb Slec- trc-welder, employed in welding iron joists and plate rail for |6 yeasHRjJdmilai observations have been made by Koelsch and others; among 40 milflsTf tftftfig&ted Xoelsch found 13 with slight deposition of iron in the lungs, three 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 size _ from a pinhead to a lentil, A few calcified nodules were present la the hilue " glands. No disturbance of health conformable with tuberculous infection was <r found, and there was no history of former exposure to slliea-eoatalnlnft-diist* Smoke and fumes, containing particles of finely-divided iron oxide, IMF 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 particle paee through the alveolar .rails into the interstitial tissue. Koelsch found 97# of iron oxide In the dust; if covered electrodes are used only 65-79# of iron oxide wuld he liberat ed, with up to 20# of silicic acid and a variable anoint of manganic oAde. It is not known whether such admixtures increase the danger. The oosneetlve tissue of the lung is apparently capable of absorbing the Iron oxide, dn that there is no progressive fibrosis, as in silicoeis. Mas radiography will detect at least the most marked lesions and will show the advisability of imgtOVasset in working conditions and the importance of medical supervision* - 421 Systematic Investigations on Dust Lungs. Part IV, Upon tbs Iron Qontewt of the Lungs of 151 Workers in Dusty Trades. Together with a Consideration of the Reci procal 2ffect of the Componenta of Dust Mixtures* 0. Gerstel* Arch* f.Oevcrbe- path. u. Gewerbepath., 10. 616-673 (June 11, 1941). (German). Parts I, II and III of this investigation, published in earlier mnibers of the Archiv, were concerned with an analysis of lungs for silicic add, alWimM cxide and titanium oxide respectively. Part IT relates to the iron content. The article consists of a very large number of tables and graphs of 1,000 clunlcal analyses which cannot be readily abstracted or reproduced, giving tbs iron con tent, etc., of the lungs obtained from 131 workers in various dusty trades, and coiiporine the figures with those obtained for silica. 03118262 p HWBB-0007622 5 a -Ig Industrial %giene Digest - 9 422 The Possible Toxicity of Lead Alloys. I. Experiments on the Rat with Solday. G.R. Cowgill and K. Salomon. J. Ind. Hyg. & To*., 5. 81-89 (March. 19431. The investigation reported was concerned with the effects of metallic lead and its alloys on animals, on which very little is known. Young rats received 300 parts of lead per million of diet in the form of solder pellets containing 55.57% of lead. They proved to be quite similar to the control grpup fed an identical diet but no lead, vdth respect to growth, concentration of blood hemo globin and the appearance of stippled cells, and amount of lead 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 large 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. Cowgill. J. Ind, Hyg. & To*., 25, 91-97 (March, 1943). Solder in pellet fora had been found non-toxic to rats, (see preceding abstract), but since rodents arc known to he relatively resistant to lead it was desirable to work with animals whose sensitivity to lead is more nearly comparable to that of man. Accordingly puppies were used in this study. They were fed an artifi cial diet vdth a low calclvan content, favoring the absorption of lend. One group of puppies was housed in stainless steel cages and the intake of the dietgmua equalized. The animals were compared with respect to gains in body weighs* con centrations of hemoglobin and lead in the blood, number of atipplsd cells end polychromatic staining erythrocytes, and amount of lead present i& tte wbl body as well as in a representative bone. On the basis of tbs dat* tbs authors conclude that the lead present in the fora of solder Is oMZj^XMvatsly absorbed by the puppy, although to a greater extent than in rets. MU 'ad4 of load poisoning could be elicited in the animals receiving sooh pellets. 424 Lead Poisoning in Scrap Recovery Plants. 111. Lab. Bull., 2,.8-9 (DaoMtar 31, _ 1942}. ^ Mishandling of lead scrap in recovery plants has caused a miafe of lemd'peieok- ing cases. Causes are carelessness, lack of local exhaust, sad poor homMkeep- ing. Air analysis often show concentrations ranging from 2*9 to 7 mgs. par 10 cu. a. With adequate control those concentrations are brought wllHs 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. Waniok, Arch, f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg. 11. 166-1 (December 31, 1941). (German). . The purpose of the article is to differentiate between lead poisoning das to tetraethyl and classical lead poisoning, though the author srtejts that the toxic action of tetraethyl is a function of its lead content. Hearologleal ayaptces, 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 petasadng 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 residua* Bymptras, called subjective, and including headache, weakness, loss of sleep, ete* wars regarded as evidence of chronic tetraethyl lead poisoning; others, such, as a blue line on the guss, punctate basophilia, ccproporphyrinuria, and colic as evidence of true lead poisoning caused by inhalation of the lead containing dust of the carbonized residue, 00118263 p Industrial Hygiene Digest - 10 m c** rs. 426 Danger of Lend Benzine. H. Kraut and 0. Lehmann, Arch, f.Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 11^ 256-295 (December 31, 1941). (German). W A series of nnliael experiments was undertaken in order to estimate how far and undor what conditions danger to health is to be apprehended from the use of ben* zine containing lead tetraethyl. Previous investigation by Kehoe have shown tiEt 1 cc. of pure lead tetraethyl applied to tbo shaven skin of a rabbit is lethal. In the present investigation, dilute solutions in gasoline were applied to the skin of rabbits and guinea pigs. Somo loss in body weight was obtained with rabbits as the subjects; the results with guinea pigs were inconclusive. In all experiments, in which the animals inhaled, load tetraethyl vapor and exhaust gases, the results were completely negative, in spontaneous death rate, blood picture, nervous reactions and muscle chronaxia. Chemical analysis of the ashed animals showed a measurable accumulation only with the application to the skin of the lf solution and no sign of true lead 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 lowered resistance is like ly '.vith the relatively low concentrations actually in use. 427 Health Aspect of the Magnesium Industry. B.H. Gay. Iron Age, (Decaaber 5,1942). This article records the experience of the Sow Chemical Company in carlo#for men engaged in handling magnesium and magnesiim alloys and gives a revieiof the world literature that is readily available. In many processes tfta beaAIVC of magnesium and its alloys is no more dangerous than other _ Potential health hazards, peculiar to magnesium are shorn to bsmt mihiJHffcieel significance. As a foreign body, magnesluk is no more harmful bodies of other materials, unless bacterial contamination, das to the use of cutting oils, 13 present. The inflammable nature of magnesium is mall know and the circumstances are so well understood and managed that bunas ere no more frequent than in iron and steel plants. The presence of sulfur dioxide in soma of the operations, and of magnesium dust, are potential hazards, but these mater ials and conditions are familiar to industry and under proper eontrol oan be circumvented, (Copies of report are available upon request from tbs Dow Chem ical Company.) 428 The Effects of Ascorbic Acid in Relation to Lead Absorption, X.Z. Irens, I.D. Norwood, E.A. Keboe and W. llachle. I.A.M.A.. 121. 501-554*1February 13, 1943). Ascorbic acid nutrition in workers in a large plant was fowd to be poor in gen eral, but mostly so In lead workers. Careful study of a large group of lend workers to whoso 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, mmber and severity of complaints, numbers of erythrocytes or stippled erythrocytes, or In the hemoglobin. Therefore no reason hss been found for recommending the use of ascorbic acid to counteract the effects of lead absorption. 429 Action of Finely Divided Magnesian upo Limpa. L.tJ. Gardner end A.B. Dclehant. Am. J. Pub. Health, 33, 153-156 (February, 1943), (A report on this investigation was presented by Dr. Gardner at the Foundation's Seventh Aimunl Meeting and is printed in the Proceedings of that meeting.) In a sories of experiments on cats and guinea pigs, it was stem that finely divided metallic magnesium did not have any serious effect upon the lung*. It was also shown that "gaseous tumor" formation was absent primarily because the lungs freely communicate with external sir. It is stated that if manufacturing processes did permit inhalation of appreciable amounts of aagpssiw, it is high ly improbable that serious injury to the lungs wuld ensue* aoj 4 C2C4 w Industrial ^glene Digest - 11 S' tVi 430 Possible Chronic Intoxication by Manganese. M. Kaffman and S. Donoeo. Rerista^ Medlea de Chile. 70.~TO8 (September. 1942). (Spanish). sa The authors report a case which appeared to he one of manganese poisoning and state that the Incidence of manganese poisoning is now comparatively high among mine writers, since activity has greatly increased on account of the war. In a* one mine 15 out of a total of 200 working without masks in on atmosphere densely* charged with manganese dust, had become completely incapacitated. In other mines no cases of poisoning wore apparent. Nearly all the miners with manganese poisoning presented the typical disturbances in their walk. Next 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 manganose, which are very similar in their effect c; microscopic brain structure. 431 Handwriting Test =3 a Relection of Industrial Mercury Poisoning. E. Holstein. Deut. Med. Woch., 66. 170^172 (February 13~, 1942). (German). 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, arms, and finally of the whole body. A handwriting test is a useful means of arousing this inlfctloa tremor and therefore of indicating the existence and severity of mercury molaon- ing. Examples of the written signatures of workers In the hair-felt-hat Indus try, where the macerating fluid consisted of a solution of mereu^ n-4tt*h# nitric acid, show varying grades of Illegibility, up to indecipberAiir MBlbble, or in one severe cose, merely a blot. The same variability Is sometimmi 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 enlsslon of a letter at the beginning or end of the signature, or tbs substitution of a letter, similar in sound, for the correct one, e.g., in tbs signature "Charlotte Schwaeger" both names were commenced with the letter "3". The defects revealed by the handwriting test are related to disturbances of the osmtral nervous sys tem caused by chronic mercury poisoning, cither existent or latent. 432 The Inactivation of Phosphorus on the Skin. M.W. Goldblatt and B.H. Oafceshott. Brit. Med. J. No,4282, 123-129 (January 30, 1943). The phosphorus-inactivating properties of aqueous copper sulphate, the copper sulphate-glycerol-starch composition of Codding and Notton, and a new composi tion containing copper In an oil-soluble form made from, copper oleate, Turkeyred oil (sulphonated castor oil), Trichloroethylene, and surgical spirit have been compared. The last Is shown to be the most effective way of Inactivating phosphorus, especially when associated with oil, solvents, or rubber. A proce dure is suggested for dealing with cases contaminated with material from selfigniting bombs containing phosphorus, oil, solvents, and rubber* H.B*t It must be pointed out that the treataent proposed is for phosphorus on the skim* The high content of trichlorethylene precludes use of the composition for such in ternal injuries as were recently described by Blaxland (1942), In which element al phosphorus was diffusely implantod in the tissues. -- Authors* sunaaty, 433 Silicosis in Potters in the Silesian Glass Industry* H. Schramm*. Arcluf. Gewerbenath, u. Gewerbehyg.. lb~^ 460-472 (April 16.' 1941), (Gasman). The author gives the results of radiological examinations In 95 writers with exposures to dust varying from under 3 up to 14 years. Of these, 35 showed no changes due to dust, 23 of them having occupation histories of less than three years. In 14 early silicotic changes were noted, in 8 silicosis of radiological stage I was found, in 9 stage I-II, in 15 stage H, in 8 stage II-IXI, and 6 stage III. 03118265 p HMBB-B007625 Industrial Ifygiene Digest - 12 434 Investigation of the Lung Function. In Sillcotlcs. The Lung During and After Moderate Muscular Exercise. E. Roelsen and P. Eskeldsen. Acta med. Scandinav 109. 377 (1941). The article reports results of exercise tests with a bicycle-ergometer, on 12 patients with silicosis, 9 with emphysema and 14 healthy persons. The amounts of exercise was 400 kga. per min. for 10 minutes. All participants reached the steady state after about 5 minutes of exercise. During this state the patients with first and second degree silicosi3 showed a small average increase in venti lation and respiratory rate as comparod with the nomals. Two patients with third degree silicosis showed no marked increase of ventilation. The oxygen debt was higher in first and second degreo 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 the aaphysema patients, lower in the silicotics and lowost in the normals. 435 Pneumoconiosis in the Production and Manipulation of Porphyry and Tufaceous Porphyry. 7/. Hortsch. Arch.f.Gcwerbopath. u. Gowerbepath., 11, 160-164 TDeccmber 31, 1941). (Gorman). This is an account of pneumoconiosis caused by the mining of "porphyry" and "tufaceous porphyry" in the queries of the Roeklitz mountains in Northern Sax ony. Clinical and radiograph!cel examination of 190 of the workers confirmed tho probability that the nineralogical nature of the stone might cause silicosis; 167 were found to be affected, 99 of these boisg stone breakers and 68 vanlng chiefly as masons, and all heavily exposed to stone dust especially in cslb, dry weather. X-ray examination revealed five cases with fully developed sillioels, 22 in the initial stages. Striking features were the long periods of exposure-- free 11 to 45 years in tho five definite cases--and the relative abee&Mr'of symp toms, 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 Roeklitz stona Is of _ the quartz variety, end 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 Dlsoaaa. J. Hagen. Arch.f.Gewerbepath., 10^ 502 (April 16, 1942). tGerman). According to the author, reports on silicosis as well as the legal regulations regarding compensation for occupational disease are concerned chiefly with sili cotic changes in the lung tissue. He describes several cases of complicating severe silicosis of the intrathoracic lymph nodes with a fatal outocme. 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 the pulmonary abscesses must be regarded as the result of silicosis. Several additional cases are des cribed and evaluated, leading to the conclusion that when silicosis of the l^mpb nodes becomes the point of origin of a severe disorder, it must be regarded as a compensable disorder, just as is severe silicosis of the pulmonary tissue, 437 Study of Industrial Workers Ebrpoaed to Sulfur Dust. S.S. Pinto, R.A. Brown and 3.H. Carlton. J.Iad.Hyg. & Tox., 25, 149-151 (April, 1943). . A study was made of the employees at a sulfur mine. Among the mrkers exposed to appreciable amounts of sulfur dust for a period of 7 years, no lung lesions were found on x-ray examination which could be attributed to the inhalation of sulfur dust -- Authors' summary. 03118266 w Industrial Hygiene Digest - 13 PSi 438 Dangers Arising from Dust and Gas from Iron Alloys. u.Bakt.. 127. 315-321 (1942). (German). K,w, Joetten* _ PN. Arch.f .ayg^Sai Iron briquettes have been manufactured, in Germany for some time and production t is on a aaall but increasing scale in this country. Therefore this account of Si B German conditions may be of interest. Iron alloys used for making iron jjS briquettes contain iron silicate (25-27% of silica), iron mangemese-silicate (40# iron, 30% silica and 30% manganese), not more than 0.1% phosphorus, and an unknown percentage of arsenic. The material is roughly broken up by hand and shovelled into a grinder. At thi3 stage it is sprinkled with water from a ho3e, to prevent dust formation, which is not great, but varies according to the mater ial used, as also does the odor of calcium carbide and garlic (arsenic). Both dust and odor have been more noticeable in recent deliveries of matorial, 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 work with ferro-manganese alloys which give off a smell of garlic. A review of the literature on ferro-silicate and ferro-mangenese silicate alloys shows that toxic effects may arise from impurities in the fora of phosphorus and arsen ic (phosphine and arsine) as well as manganese poisoning (lung inflammation end Parkinsonism), The following data are 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 -1 hour, 0.1#t0*26 mg. per 1.; limit of perceptibility 0.002-0.004 mg. per 1. Acute toxic eta: coldness, epigastric pain, stupor and giddiness, tinnitus, anxiety, dysj dry cough, loss of appetite, thirst, twitching, dilated pupils, death _ few days; chronic effects: anemia, bronchitis, digestive diaturbSBOSij(t<wtal necrosis, disturbances of sight, speech and hearing. .r' -' Arsine; toxic concentration -- 0.03% by-volume. Acute toxic effeetet headache, coldness, epigastric pain, anxiety, jaundice, hemoglobinuria mA hema turia, retention of urine, convulsions, cyanosis; chronic effects: headache, loss of appetite, tenderness over the liver, restlessness, lnsoomia, anewls The author determined air concentrations in the main workshop and near the grinder and mado clinical examinations of 13 workers. The manganese oowintrt- tion was much below the danger limit. The characteristic symptens of plMlMlnn and arsine poisoning, especially hematuria and anemia, were not present in any of the workers; in 11 the hemoglobin was 80%; in 27, 70-78%. Sons gestro-lntsfr- tinal and respiratory symptoms were reported. Possibly they were due to the combined action of phosphine and arsine, especially after explosions, wImb the air concentrations may have been greater than those actually estimated. Preven tive measures recommended include more frequent changes of personnel, medical supervision, "special nutrition" (these workers should be classed as "heavy vrozk- 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 preseat 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 40-60% ferro-silicate alloy should not be used is regarded as of doubtful value, since Koeleell has stated that a silica content of over 75% stabilizes the compound and deereosss the formation of toxic gases. * 439 The Absorption and Excretion of Fluoride. II. The Metabolii at High Levels of Intake, W. Machle and E.J, Largent. J.Ind. Hyg. & Tox.. 25. 112-123' (March, ' 194317 The magnitude and characteristics of the normal fluoride intake and output of a human experimental subject have been described in an earlier paper (Abstract Ho. 994, Octobor, 1942). The investigation was now extended to abnormal levels of intake, in order to determine the threshold at which storage begins, to 03118267 rfU fiB -flU U /6 2 / Industrie! hygiene Digest - 14 establish the relationship between absorption and storage, and to throw further light on the apparent close relationship between the absorption and the urinary excretion of fluoride. At normal levels of fluoride intake, the urinary plus the fecal output was found to equal the intake, but with higher intake levels the absorption and urinary/85^SliS?oase, both varying directly with the amount absorbed end therefore with each other. Within limits, then, urinary fluoride excretion may be used as a measure of fluoride storage. The absorption of fluorine is dependent upon the aquoous solubility of the fluoride salt and its state at the time of ingestion. Inhaled fluorides are effectively absorbed. 440 Pulmonary Irritants. R.A. Kohoo, Bull, N.Y. Acad, of Med., 19, 340-355 {May, 1943). By means of correlation and comparison of the physical, ehanical and physiologi cal properties of the pulmonary irritants, many practical points of importance arc apparent. Two tables of data are presented showing the relationship between toxicity and volatility, and botween 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 need for complete immobilization. Oxygon administration is advised but venesection is 0 questioned except during the high venous prossure stage of blue cyanosis. The prevention of infection which may follow pulmonary injury Is discussed briefly, 441 /nr.cnic Gas Poisoning. M. Caplin. Lancet. 241. 95-96 (1941). | 47 cases of ammonia poisoning occurred following bomb damage to a condenser* Mild cases showed acute pharyngitis and tracheitis; moderate cases* asuts*tasm chitis, and severe cases, pulmonary edema. 3 of 27 moderate case** sad ? ef 11 severe cases, died. Respirators were effective against asnonla. 442 Homonymous Hemianopsia in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. J. Francois. Ophthalmolo gies, 103. 143-149 (March,-1942). Carbon monoxide poisoning may produce optic neuritis sometimes ending In optic atrophy, retinal oedema, and occasionally, in injury to the optie tracts and occipital cortex. Lesions of the optic tracts are apparently due to aspjQXia = of vasomotor origin. Two cases of homonymous haulanopsia and one of blnasal hemianopsia are given in the literature, and the author adds a third ease of homonymous hemianopsia. In the last caso, the recovery of the left field defect and the persistence of tho right field defect were of speoial interest. 443 Blood-Carbon Monoxide and Anoxemia. L. Binet, M.V. Strumza end P. Kieolle. Compt. rend. Soc. Biol., 133. 632-634 (1940), . The carbon monoxide content of the blood may be doubled whem the chloralosed dog is subjected to lowered oxygen tension. The increase parallels the increase in blood-hmnoglobin. 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.J. Scholander and others. J. Ind. Hyg. &Tox., 25, 132-136 (March, 19437T Experiments were conducted to find out what circumstances promote monoxide out put from camp stovos, including the Primus kerosene and Coleman gasoline stoves. Only a small amount of monoxide was found in tho combustion fuaes when the flaw burned freely in fresh air whether the flame was normal or distorted. A cold plate in contact with the flame greatly increases tho output of monoxide, espe cially v;hon the flame is distorted. Cooking in a tent made of impervious mater ial or coated with ice caused serious poisoning, and occasional ventilation or two open vents did not protect against poisoning. However, heating and cooking in a porous tent gave only an Insignificant amount of monoxide in the blood. 03118268 ,/C^ e '1? Industrial Ifrgiene Digest - 15 Ore^esJ. 445 Hydrocyanic Acid. Poisoning by Absorption Through the Skin,. B.M. Hes3. MuenciS Med. Woch., 39, 492-495 {May 29, 1942). (Gemen). r V/hile inhalation of hydrocyanic gas is the commonest cause of cyanide poisoninS in man, absorption through the skin frequently occurs. In either case the essgL- tial factor in the rapid tonic effect of small aaounts of hydrocyanic acid ia paralysis of cellular respiration, A concentration of l-2?&, even when a gas mask is worn, has caused severe symptoms, including sensation of heat, flushing, palpitation, rapid pulse, followed by headache, vomiting and lassitude. High room temperature and sweating increase the absorptive capacity of the skin. Pre ventive measures include good ventilation, suitable clothing, and special gas masks for workers 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 TO ee. of a 50^ solution for an adult); inhalation of carbon dioxide may also stimulate the respiratory center. Two cases are quoted. A child of 14 months suffering from severe pyodeimia of the scalp received by mistake an application of a 10jl 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, deathaoccur- red within two hours in spite of appropriate treatment in hospital. Po^Mortes findings indicated that the symptoms were due to rapid absorption of cysgl.de through the injured skin. 446 Nitrogen Oxide Poisoning. N. Ahlberg and K. Dahlberg. Acta med. Sosndlnov*, 109. 471 (1942). (Swedish). Clinical picture and pathological-anatomical findings in poisoning with vapor containing various nitrogen oxides (NO, NOg, NgOj, NgO, NgO) are similar to __ phosgene poisoning. Two cases are described. In the first csss ths poisoning occurred in a nan during welding with acetylene in a badly ventilatsd room. Symptoms end signs were those of a bronchitis. On x-ray exam!nation extensive bronchcpneumonic foci were seen in both lungs. The electrocardiogran revealed an insufficiency of the right coronary artery. A polycythaaaia 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 formed after a transformer had been struck hjr a bolt of lightning. Symptoms and signs were similar to those fo\ad 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 assumod that in both cases a toxic pulnonary 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 and were found healthy. 447 Relation of Sulfur Dioxide to Damage from Flue Gases. C. Looser. Clam-Ztg, S6, 357-340 (1942); Bull. Inst. Paper Chen., 13, 16B. 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, hut that human beings feel discomfort only at 6 tines that concentration, while 1 part in 500 of air pre vents breathing and lead3 to death. The amounts of sulfur dioxide resulting fron burning different types of coal axe tabulated, and methods for rendering the gas hairless are discussed. 03118269 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 16 ^ vC 448 Sulfur Dioxide Chemical Pneumonia; Report of a Case with Recover? Following Aeg- dental Explosion of a Refrigerator Unit. H.L, Goldburgh and B.A. Goujay. lot. Med., 18, 37-242 (February, 1943). ^ Concentrated sulfur dioxide inhalation may lead to acute inflammation of the r- piratory tract, culminating in "chemical" pneumonia. After such exposure, a b5g, aged^J, previously well, quickly showed signs of bronchopulmonary involvement. Cyanosis/dyspnea were notable features. Sulfathiazole therapy contributed to the recovery, but its use, limited to the acute phase of the illness, did cot prevent the later development of bronchiectasis. -- Author's summary. 449 The Effect of Yfar Gases and Other Chemicals on the Eves of the Civilian Popula tion. C. Serens and E. Hartmannl Bull. N.Y. Acad, of Med. 7~ 19 . 356-367 (May. 1943). Although vesicant, lung irritating, sternutatory and lacrimatory gases are ex pected to cause casualties, physicians must bo 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 eyo 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 a w' the 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 ptr cent). If acid Is known to have caused the bun, sodium bicarbonate (2 per centjsolu*- tion) should be used. If an alkali, the conjunctival culs-de-sac wuld ms flushed with boric acid (2 per cent solution). The immediate instillation of light liquid petrolatum is useful and contraindicated only in mustard tuns* Severe pain may be controlled by instilling pontocaine (0.5 per sent Solution) or butyn (1 per cent solution) once or twlco but it is preferable to ooatrol pain with internal medication (morphine, allonsl, etc.) as most local anesthetics have a deleterious effect on the corneal epithelium. Secondary Infection should be combatted with mild silver protein or sulfadiazine solution or olntaent - (3.5 per cent). Iritis should be suspected in all severa burns sad treated with atropine solution or ointment unless secondary glaucoma develops* Ulcers of the cornea and the secondary corneal scarring also symblopharon nay require surgical treatment. 450 Industrial Carbon Disulfide Poisoning. F. Waraecke. Arch* f. Qewerbepath* m Gewcrbchyg,, 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, chanioal pro perties, mechanism of toxic action, and a resume of the author*s investigation of 80 eases seen during recant 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 mgs., par 1.) narcosis results* In chronic poisoning (0-15 ngn, per lJ the continued small dosage causes var ious symptoms, the most characteristic of which are related to psychotic distur bance, peripheral nerve injuries and gastrointestinal changes* In America, 0.03 nga. per11. is the maximum permissible concentration in a workroom. In the 80 cases studied, only 6 were acute. In 21 cases the symptoms were predominantly psychotic; in 13 cases, they were related to central and peripheral nerve injury and in 35 to gastrointestinal disturbance. The nature and severity of these symptoms are discussed. A description is given of the method and apparatus de vised by Frauenhofer for estimating the carbon disulfide content of the air. The roaction depends on the formation of potassium xanthogenate when air containing carbon disulfide is passed through a 1056 alcoholic solution of caustic potash* 03118270 6-0007630 0 'Z< V0I Industrial Hygiene Digest - 17 451 V<hat the Ventilating Engineer Should Know About Carbon Tetrachloride. H. P, iuadland. Heat. 8tVent., 40_, 36-39 (March, 1943). This article describes the physical properties and health hazards of carbon tetrachloride. Methods of determining the vapor concentrations in air are General ventilation factors are discussed but no specific recommendations are included. Thc_ Acute Toxicity of Vapors of Several Monoalloy1 Ethers of Ethylene Glycol. H.W. Werner, V.P. vonOettingen and others. J. Ind. Hyg. & Tox., 25, 157-163 (April, 1943). Glycol ethers have important uses as solvents in industries, but information concerning their 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. Tho 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 ooa^ centrations of the compounds. The materials investigated are the methyl, othyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl and n-butyl ethylene glycol ethors. Results are given in the authors' summary and conclusions: 1. Single seven-hour exposures of mis# tm vapors of some of the ethylene glycol others occasionally produced lung, ttfepor, or liver changes. Similar exposures to any of the compounds frequently jfifebed histologically demonstrable splenic changes. 2. The usual sign of toxic ietics of all compounds was dyspnea. An additional common sign with neax-lothajfeww centrations of the n-propyl, iso-propyl, and butyl derivatives was sMMHFMmoglobinuria. 3. Deaths resulting from exposures to vapors of the ae&*NttB studied commonly occurred between seven and thirty-two hours after starting umpire; however, in a significant number of instances deaths occurred toward tbs end of the exposure period or between tho first day and the fourth week following expo sure. 4. Minimal lethal 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, lso-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 foiled ing order: Methyl, ethyl, iso-propyl, n-propyl, butyl. 453 Chronic Poisoning frem Methanol Isolation. Humperdinck. Arch.f.Gewwrbepath. u.Gewerbehyg., 10. 569-574 (June 11, 194l). (German). There have been few cases of methyl alcohol (methanol) poisoning from inhalation or skin absorption in industry, because the concentrations used ere generally low, and also because methanol is not highly volatile. An acute narcotio effect results from oral ingestion, the toxic doses being 5-10 ga. Toxic effects cm parenchymatous and nervous tissues are ascribed to the reduction of methanol, when dissolved in the body fluids, to formic acid and formaldehyde. Symptoms may be headache, giddiness, stupor, slight oyanosis, etc., and especially dis turbances of vision, which may result in blindness. The atmospheric concentra tion corresponding to this oral toxic dose would be about 65 mgm* pear liter, which is unlikely to be found in industry. The author describes a case of 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 of 6 years until blackout measures were instituted. In this ease, symptoms were pleural irritation and serious failure of vision, particularly in tho right eye. After 5 weeks removal from exposure the vision improved so that fine print could be read at a distance of 20 cm. The pleural irritation, which was considered duo to enlargement of the liver returned after 14 days return to work. The only other pathological signs were a decreased patellar reflex and 03118271 p ei ,--i $ '=3 Industrial Rygiene Digest - 18 rc**s*. an increase in the average red call diameter (7.8 mu). The concentrations of *j methyl alcohol in different parte of the room under varying conditions showed < levels of from. 1,6 to 10.9 ma. per 1. Preliminary medical examinations indica<& ed that the w>rker was especially susceptible to eye injury; also, some absorp-a tion through the skin may have taken place. The author concludes that concen- * trations of 10 aga. per 1. may produce chronic toxic effects, and that 1 mg.or at most 2 mgn. per 1. should not be exceeded. 454 Experimental Trinitrotoluene Poisoning; The Effect of Diet. H.P. Himsworth and L.E. Glynn. Clinical Science, 4, 421-447 (December 15, 1942). (1) The development of toxic manifestations in rats after administration of TNT is dependent upon the nature of the diet. Severe symptoms and marked path ological lesions develop in rats taking a high fat diet whilst in animals taking a high carbohydrate or a higi protein diet the ill effects are slight or absent. {2) Chronic TNT poisoning in rats shows the following features: (a) Loss of weight, tb) increased appetite, (c) Excretion of high concen trations of TNT derivatives in the urine, (d) Changes in the blood and associated tissues, the characteristics of which are a great decrease in hemoglobin, tbs appearance of normoblasts, reticulocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes is the peripheral blood, an erythroblastic hyperplasia of the bone marrow and aiderssis of the spleen, (c) Hepatic lesions which range from fatty infiltration toj acute necrosis of the parenchymal cells, (f) Loos of hair. S (3) Evidence is presented that the effect of the high fat diet in faclllftting the toxic action of TINT is due to the fat diet so influencing the anioal*ete- boliaa as to impede its ability to dispose of the TNT within it* tfcsees*dgF,V (4) The close resemblance between the effects of TNT in the ret qjit.JttkMjMk ings in human cases of HiT poisoning is demonstrated. -- Authors* SVtfMqflE 455 An Outbreak of Dermatitis from Airplane Engine Covers. L. Schwarts and 8JI Peck. Pub. Health Repts., 58 , 625-631 (April 16, 1943), ' The authors summarize the article as follows: 1. An outbreak ot dermatitle wu - observed among workers manufacturing airplane engine covers made from ^eelal pliofilm. 2. R.M.F., a chemical added to the pliofilm to prevent deteriS#stioa from light, was found to be the actual cause of the outbreak, 3 both a primary irritant and a sensitizer. Recommendation is made that ell dHui handling pliofilm containing the R.M.?. wear protective sleeves and aprons aadt of ordinary pliofilm, vinylite, koroseal or 1animated cellophane. The hand* ney be protected by wearing finely knitted cotton or washable leather gloves, hr- sons on the job of heat sealing can protect their faces from fwes by 4b* use of a protective ointment of the invisible glove type. If dermatitis persM* after the recommended precautions are observed, vorkerd should be removed fSOS further exposure to the material. 456 Dermatitis from Cutting Oils. Queries it Minor Notes. J.A.M.A., IMr (January 16, 1943). ~` The largo majority of cutting oil dermatitis occurs from the insoluble o|X*i which are sterile as far as pathogenic bacteria are concerned, la tbs W*b of water soluble cutting oils, the skin may be Injured by metal slivers oaaMlasfl therein, and the cut infected from the bacteria in the water eoluble oil or em the soiled skin and clothing. Sedimentation and filtration are used In anay plants to remove the slivers. Heat sterilization or disinfectants nay be ploy 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 tbsir use is that they are skin irritants. 03118272 000/632 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 19 457 Spontaneous Desensitlzatlon in Occupational Eczema and it3 Significance for Es timation. F. Koch. Med. Klin., 377~1100' (October 31, 1941)7(German), Followup examinations on patients with, occupational eczema who had been advised to change their occupations but had not done so, revealed that the majority wer 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 3 other cases eczema occurred on the hands, at the original site, when work was resumed. Later, the lesions healed and recurred at other 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 i3 a desensitization, v/hich presupposes specific allergic processes, though various other factors may play a part. Results of artificial deserts!tization 0 havo been slight, but the method should not be abandoned. Further observations may disclose regularities which may beccmo the basis for more favorable results. 458 Contact Dermatitis From Rubber Service Maak. I.A. Lowe. J.AJt.A., Clinical 01 Notes, 121. 422 (February 6, 1943). The article is a case report of a white soldier aged 42 with rubber respimtor dermatitis. On admission the patient presented a bright red orythmatove^cular cutaneous eruption confined to the area of his face in close contact withlkhe gas mask. There was a coincidental chronic seborrheic doxmatitis of the help, axillas, and the crural regions. No other physical abnormalities were foood. 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 dematitis ms sot 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 flfriu. O.Schnorr, Arch.f.Gewerbepath. u.Gewerbehyg., 10 . 409-421. {December 30, 1940)7 (German}* The effect of a msnber of liquid and solid soap cleansers used for cleansing the hands was tested by estimating: (1) the hydrogen ion concentration of the akin, (2) the evaporation of moisture, and {3} the swelling of the cutaneous tissues after repeated use. The conditions of use were strictly controlled* Methods used in making the estimations are described. Ton representative doensers were examined and the results estimated as indicative of an injurious effect on the skin were an increase in the pH value of the skin, a decrease in the time of evaporation of moisture, and an Increase of swelling, judged ae e 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 ae suitable for regular use; (2) Those producing a final rise in pH value after an intermediate fall or state of equilibria. This group is regarded as suitable for all but sensitive skins; (3) Those producing an uninterrupted rise in pB value. This group, which included a pumice soap was considered suitable only for occasional cleansing cf very dirty skin. 460 Effect of Cleansing Material on the Human Skin. 2. In Skin Disease. M.Schnitzler. Arch.f.GewerbeoathTuTGewerbehya.. 10. 422-436(December 30, 19401. (German)* Many industrial dermatoses, particularly of the hands, wrists, and forearms, re cult from direct contact with injurious materials, the injury being localized in the epithelium. However, the natural buffer-regulating capacity of the skin is 03118273 * Industrial %giene Digest - 20 n*> not effective in the presence of external alkaline agents. Increased alkalinity of the skin is followed by swelling of the horn cells, with closing of the folljg cles and Inclusion of foreign particles and bacteria. The latter penetrate to the deeper tissues where the pH is nearer to neutral and favors optimal growth. 1 Cleanliness is a protection against industrial dermatosis if the cleansing matefe 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 same manner and using the same methods as those used on healthy skin. In the second series the clinical pro gress of the lesion was estimated. The cleansing materials investigated were divided into three groups: (a) Soaps, solid or liquid, alkali-free, of acid re action, on the whole suitable for use in skin disorders; (b) Alkaline soaps v.ithout 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 font of skin injury. 461 The Phenomenon of "Black Deimographism." E. Urbach and D Ji, Pillsbury.. J.A.M.A., 121, 485-490 {February 13, 1943). ' Black dermographism connotes the fact that under certain conditions a blaok lias will appear at a skin site stroked with certain metals. Black dermographis* sot 0 infrequently occurs in women wearing silver or cheap gold jewelry on powdered skin areas. Black deimographiaa is a physical phenomenon. The earlier tftsery that it is of some biologic or diagnostic significance is erroneous. Strjttly speaking, the term "black dermographism" is a misnomer, since the reaction eeft be evoked not only on the skin but also on coarse paper, cloth and wood* Authors' summary. ' ' Ai . ' A*' - . 462 Epidemic Kerato-Conjunctivitis ("Shipyard Conjunctivitis"). H. Senders* Arab, of Qpbtlu,' 28," 581-586 (October, 1942). This is a preliminary report on investigations into the etiology of epidemic keTato conjunctivitis,/spread throughout the Pacific coast area and has reached the oast coast. The cause of the disease is unknown although evidence points to a nonbacterial agent, a virus. Swiss mice were injected Intraperltoneally and < = intracerebrally with conjunctival scrapings from patients with the conjOMtlvitis. This was followed by mild symptoms from which the mice recovered. Brain avul sion. from the second mouse-passage was incubated in tissue culture of mtbryonlo mouse-brain. This produced a strain which was lethal to nice and gave rise to a pathologic picture which though not unique did not resettle that in other Qcmmon virus infections. Conjunctival instillation of the nouse virus In hiasn volunteer produced In four days a mild conjunctivitis. Whan this was repeated in the same eye typical korato-conjunctivitis developed. The aarm of the patient from whom the original material was obtained had a neutralizing offset 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 he done on the isolated strains of virus* 463 Epidemic Sorato-Conjunctivitls. M. Sanders and others. J.A^M.A,, Ml. 880 255 (January 23, 1943). The authors present an extensive report on epidemic kerato-conjunctivitis, with clinical and epidemiologic data on 80 cases, including classification of symptoms, proof of method of transmission, danonstration of antibodies, end racoonendstlona for prevention of the spread of the disease. 03118274 464 Epidemic Kerato-Conjunctiyltis: "Shipyard Eye." C. Kuh. Calif. St West. Med*, 58. 18-19, (January. 1943^ The symptoms and characteristics of epidosic kerato-conjunctivitis are listed, and include a sudden onset, itching, irritation, blurred vision, pain, and F C_. Industrial hygiene Digest - 21 KWBB-0007634 Yarying degrees of inflammation and l^peremia of the bulbar and palpebral con junctiva. Precautionary measures for plant physicians, nurses, end executives to prevent the spread of the disease are also listed. Therapy, including iced compresses and 5# sulfathiazole ophthalmic ointment does not influence the course of the disease, but gives symptomatic relief. It is believed that the incubation period is from 5 to 12 days, and the close contact and direct trans fer are necessary. 465 Industrial Eye Affections. P.A. Jaensch. Med.Klin., 37, 1244-1247 (Decanter 12, 1941). (German). This 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 with 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 aro blood poisons and lead to retinal hemorrhage, retrobulbar neuritis and severe corneal damage. 466 Treatment of Young White Mice Infected with Leptospira Icterohamorrhagiap with Immune Sermi. C.L. Larson. U.S. Pub. Health Rents.. 58. 10-15 (January 1.1945). Serum from patients convalescent from Weil's disease and immune rabbit satia end plasma prevent the death of young white mice infected with L.icteroheamorrhagiae. 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. J.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. M.J. Shoar and Dr. H.L. Stewart of the National Cancer Institute. The results of the testing of 61 of these compounds are needy report ed, while 45 are new to the whole cancer literature. Altogether the work com prises data referring to 696 chemical substances: of these, 169 are reported to be carcinogenic, apart from S3 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 the compounds listed, and urges the more systematic Investigation of compounds already studied in a preliminary fashion, and for the filling of large gaps among substances which it would seem desirable to test. The review la com. pletod by a bibliography (over 1200 references), and separate indexes to compound? routes of application, vehicles, animal spocies, and tunor-sites* 468 Industrial Toxins and War Production. H.N. Holmes. Science, 96, 384 (1943). The author contributes evidence from Germany, Britain, and the United States indicating that toluene, benzene, and TOT itself destroy vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the bodies of workmen exposed to vapors or to skin contact. Some organ* lzations give such workmen 100 mgs. of vitamin C daily to replace what is lost, and the results have been encouraging in maintaining health and vigor. 03118275 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 22 469 Fatal Accident from Welding In a Closed Cooker. P. Felsch. Z. Spiritusind., 63, 253 (19405TIGerman). The welding of a copper pipe to a sheet-copper cooker (2 m. x 4 m.) resulted lcj the death from pulmonary edema of the workmen, who had spent some 40 minutes 1 (with a break occasioned by a fit of coughing) inside the cooker; the edaaa bee ing due apparently to nitrous poisoning. Precautions are discussed, ^ 4?0 Metal Welders* Disease in a Crane-Driver. H. Waniek. Arch.f,Gewerbepath.u. Gcwcrbehyg., 11, 179-184 (December 31, 1941). (German). The 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 tion in a crane driver, exposed to the fumes and gases arising from the welding 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 teat gave evidence of disturbed liver function. 471 Are Welders Sub.ioct to Depletion of Visual Purple While at Work? H.S. Kuhn and E.C. Wills, Jr. Am, J. Qphth,, 6. 63-68 (January. 1943^. Sixty-one welders were given the Bio-photomoter test for speed of dark adapta tion before and after a day's work. Thirty-nine were on the day shift, <C2 on the night shift. Half the welders (31) each received 10,000 units of T*ynr1 n A before starting work and again in the middle of the shift. The other w&ders received a placebo at the same time. There is no evidence of general naek of dark adaptability among welders and no evidence of any decrement in func tion during an eight-hour shift. Welders who received vitamin A itemi no great er gain in dark adaptation than those who did not receive it* This shomld 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, end food showed no relation to differences in gain or loss of speed of dark adaptation during an eight-hour shift* Welders on the Sight shift showed a significant average gain in dark adaptation during their wotfc* This is attributed to a greater demand for dark adaptation during periods when they were not actually welding. Several inferences are developed from this fact toward possible improvement of visual ease in welding by further visual engineering in thi3 field. The clinical conclusion is that the excessive number of eoqilalnts among welders 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.R. Nayer. J.A.M.A., 119. 1500 (August 29, 1942) ." ^ Since 1936 there have been several reports in the literature of roentgenogrephlc pulmonary changes in electric arc welders. The roentgenogrephlo abnormalities, discovered by survoys on apparently healthy workers, ranged from increased hilar shadows to a generalized fine or nodular mottling simulating silicosis* Tbs workers had no 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 rocntgcnographic changes were apparently produced simply hy the accumulation of iron pigaent. Fumes arising from coated rods are largely inorganic material con sisting of finely dividod iron oxide. The author reports the case of a thirty year old white man, an arc welder for 7 years, admitted to the hospital with cough, sputum and dyspnoea. The admission roentgenogram showed multiple linear and nodular, densities traversing the middle third of the right lung from the 03118276 V  e prprJ <: Industrial Ifygiene Digest - 23 -ran root out to the periphery. There was also some exaggeration of the linear aark^ lags of the left lung. The tentative diagnosis, on admission, was bronclttgenic 5 carcinoma with lymphangitic spread. Bronchoscopy revealed a considerable amounts of purulent material in the lower part of the trachea. There was an ulcerated ^ granulating lesion in tho right main bronchus just below the tracheal bifurca- as tion; a large amount of nonfoul purulent secretion was seen distal to this lesidm. Sections of this granulation tissue, removed by biopsy, showed nonspecific in flammatory changes with large masses of iron pi^aent scattered about. Removal of the granulation tissue and repeated broncboscopic 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 welders have not been previously reported. The mechanism whereby these bronchial changes were produced is not clear. 473 Blood Findings In Cyclotron Workers. S, Warren. 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 are 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 minor 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-pcra-benzoqulnona (SperM^ T.E. McGavack and others^ J.Ind.HygVfc Tox.. 25. 98-lll (March* 1943). A fungicide under the trade name of Spergon consists of 99?t tirtra iMlITl frri benzoquinone and lfs disodiun phosphate. It has such a high fuqgjHe& MUfliy that it is now In use commercially for the preservation of cottoM eafr'fMv Med. An extensive investigation was undertaken to determine the extent to iB# it may be intoxicating to those who handle it and to those who utilise Mtaflala preserved with it. In the experiments, Spergon was administered by stnmmah tube, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, externally, as a weighed portion of tbs diet, -- and as a cottonseed-impregnated product. A number of result# of the off00t of high concentrations are reported, including an LDjq 0.4 g. orally or 0*08 g. intraperitoneally and fatal results following eating 0.084 g daily tag 18 masks in feeding mixtures. However, in every effect studied, the quantities prefacing any damage were far in excess of those that would be ingested, emeu if all the agent were retained during handling and preparation for consimptlon, which would not use above 0.2. Such a dose is tolerated for long periods by healthy andnals 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.Hyg.S: Tox., 25. 124-131 (March, 1943}, Tho author discusses toxic anemias that result from exposure.to benzene, ^lene, carbon tetrachloride, solvent naphtha, trichlorethylene, mMd solvent# #A thinners, end radioactive substances, with special refarano# to the 1937 Factor ies Act of Great Britain and later amondmeuts, which include# anemia fro# these sources in the compensable diseases, Thotfe forms of anemia are all of tbi type now known as "dyshmatopoietic"; and leukopenia (lack of white cells) and lympho cytosis (excess of lymph cells) are present to varying degrees. Blood counts and ratios for several of the poisons are presented in tabular form and several cases aro described. 0311827? 476 Influence of Work on Physiological Reactions to Thermal Environment. C.2.A. Vinslow and A.?. Gagge. Aner.J.Physiol., 134, 664-661 (1941). Two undressed men pedalled on a stationary bicycle k as to Increase their meta bolism to over 500 kg.-cal. per hour. The roeult# were compered idth thoee in r /C9/HOB-88HH .n e :> Industrial Jfygiene Digest - 24 the subjects at rest in a semi-reclining position (metabolism 80-100 kg.-cal). Radiation area is the same as in the resting subject (70% of the surface area). Convection 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 the convection constant, equivalent in cooling power to an air movement of 30-4 cm. per second. Evaporative regulation in the working subject is 30 effective that skin 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 teaperatuxe of the trunk falls. Rectal temper ature rises unc.r working conditions. Internal temperature not skin tamperature controls the sweat secreting mechanian. Thermal sensation of pleasantness is produced in the working subject (metabolism 300-400 kg.-cal.) at operative tem perature 16 instead of 28 with the resting subject. Minimum 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.K. Lee. Univ. Suecnsland Papers, Dept, of Physiol., 1, 1-86 (1940). The hoat 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 de tail. The extent to which adaptive reactions in the cardio-vascular and other systems can compensate for such interference is demonstrated, and the sigjti of breakdown in these compensatory reactions are described. The effects of frod and of work on thermal equilibrium, and the part played by the endocrine glands In maintaining this equilibrium, are discussed. Disturbances of the meter and electrolyte balance result from environmental conditions that interfere with heat loss. When compensation for interference with heat loss falls, the result ing crisis may take the font 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 himan comfort and body reactions* 478 Physiological Aspect of a Miner's Work. T.P. Muller and K.N. Moss* Trass. Inst. Min. Eng., 100, 141-151 (1941). The oxygen expenditure of walking at 3 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 the 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 were 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 wjrk, 479 Sensations of Heat and Moisture. G.P. Crowden and W.Y. Lee. Chinees X, 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 sumnated indices for the two with the "total heat of the air" as used in air-conditioning. 03118278 * C/ ei *,--n fj) e 55 Industrial Hygiene Digest * 25 Methods of Detection and Determination ene 3aaaai9s 460 Electron Microscopy on Asbestos Dust and on Lungs in. Asbestosis. J. Kuehn. Arch.f.Gewerbepath., 10_, 473 (April 16, 1942). (German). " The author reports some microscopic studies of asbestos and of lungs of asbes- tosis victims for the purpose of determining what variety of asbestos is respons ible for asbestosis. Serpentine (chrystolite) asbestos is the form generally used, and it was supposed that it would be found in lungs with asbestosi3. Sundius and Bygden disclosed, however, that only hornblende asbestosis is demon strable 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 ly easy to distinguish the two forms undor the electron microscope, the serpen tine variety being generally curved, clear and transparent, and hornblende rigid and greater in diameter. However, examination of the particles from 3 lungs did not indicate clearly what variety was present. The photomicroscoplc determina tion of the refraction exponent, suggested by Sundius end Bygden, was them m* ployed. That method revealed that the large asbestos needles isolated ftp the lungs were of the hornblende type. It is concluded that serpentine asbemfM is decomposed in the lungs and is the essential cause of fibrosis. Wham asbfetoaia lungs are macerated with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, both free aafcifto* needles and asbestosis bodies are obtained. Hornblende asbestos show* of decomposition by ths organism, either in the free needles or on tbs asbesto sis bodies. 481 Polarigrannie Determination of Lead in Bones. E. Weinlg. 2.Physiol. Chat., ,, 273. 158-162 (1942). (Germanh 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, ' 482 Biochemistry of Silicic Acid. IX. Isolation and Identification of Minerals in Lung Residues and Air-Borne Dusts from Goal Mines. G. Nagelschmidt and Z.J. King. Biochem. J., 35, 152-158 (1941). The isolation of mineral residues from lung3 by digestion with hydrogen peroxide, and removal of carbon from these residues and from air-borne dusts by heating to 3800 are described. The minerals in the residues are then identified by x-ray diffraction methods. Data are presented for the constituent! present in a lung rosidue and a mine dust; the main components are quartz and a member of each of the mica and kaolin groups. 483 A New Method for the Determination of ?ree Silica in Industrial Dusts. A. Salazar and L. Silveiman. J.Ind.Hyg. & Tox.. 25. 139-148 (April. 1X3). The authors describe a new method for free silica determination, in whloh the dust sample is first passed directly through a controlled flame, fusing practi cally all particles except those of silica. The fused sample is then collected by an electrostatic precipitator and removed to a microscope slide for analysis. The method can be applied to air-borne or rafter dust samples. The amount of free silica is determined by a direct count of the fused snd unfused particles. Possible interfering materials are refractories and those which decrepitate at high temporatures. These interferences are not very common and when present may 03118279 sr HWBB-00i7639 __ ii 0 0 <: Industrial Hygiene Digest - 26 be identified by their optical characteristics. The determination can be carri out on each microscopic field so that possible particle size variation in trans ferring fields is eliminated. The method can also be used with the standard petrographic technique, reducing the number of particles to be identified if several refractory materials are present with fusible material. -- Author's summary. 484 A Portable Electrostatic Precipitator. W.L, Lea. J.Ind.Hyg. & Tox., 25, 152 156 (April, 194371 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 and 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. Eng. 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 pentaerythrltol tetranitXM* over a range of 3.0 to 0.005 mg. The nitroxylenol is readily volatilized by alstei- distillation which permits the application of the method to complex systs*. The reaction proceeds in stoichiometric proportions, so that the quantity of.Mter present can be evaluated from a potassium nitrate standard. -- Author** tamary. 486 Diethylaninocthanol as a Reagent for the Detection and Colorimetric Determina tion of Small Amounts of Trinitrotoluene in Air. F.H. Goldman and D.i. Rushing. J.Ind.Hyg. & ToxT, 25. (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 TOT based on the use of diethylaminoetbanoi as 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 tUs same re agent." 487 Determination of Fumigants. XT. Determination of Chlorohydrocarbons In Air by Reaction in MonoethftT|nl"Brine. XII. Determination of Ethylene Dichloride and Plchloroethylene. Analysis of Mixtures. HU. Determination of Chlorohydrocarbons by Thermal Decomposition. P.P.W. Wintcrinaham. jTSoe. Chan.Iad., 61. 186-192 (1942); ChflU, Absts., 7, 1950-1951 (April 20, 1943). These 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 A Modification of the Silica Gel Method for the Determination of Atmospheric Organic Solvent Vapors. L.Y. Cralley and others. J.Ind.Byg. fc Tox.. 25, 172 174 (April, 1943). Silica gel has been used in tho determination of benzene and other organ!o sub stances in air, but the method has been used only graTixkctrically. The authors describe a modified method in which the organic vapor is adsorbed by silica gel and then removed from the gel by a second solvent whloh will not cause subsequent interference.' The amount of the substance sought is then determined by any 03118280 f 0 w. Industrial Hygiene 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 s ethyl alcohol and decomposed by alcoholic potassium hydroxide. The chloride ^ formed was then determined volumetrtcally. Additional studies are in progress* to ascertain the applicability of the method to the estimation of other organic solvent vapors. Control Methods 489 List of Respiratory Protective Devices Approved by the Bureau of Mines. K.H. Schrenk^ D.S.Bur. Of Mines Inf. Circ., No.7237, (March^1943). Ono of the moat 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 been revised and contains 10 pages of illustra tions. (Copies available from the Information Division, Bureau of Mines, Washington, D.CJ , * 490 A Practical Housekeeping Program for Industry. H.G. Dytetor. Am.J.of Pyi. 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 can, 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- ago 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 itsal zed orders for regular cleaning of tha plant interior; to establish a routine for the periodic personal inspection of the plant. 491 How to Design Exhaust foods. J.M, DsllaValle. Heat, it Vent., 40, (March, 1943). This is the first In a series of articles which will appear in HEAITH3 AMD VSwliLATIUG during 1943. They are reprinted from a privately printed monograph which was reviewed by the abstractor in this Digest, Bovanber, 1939 under the title "Principles of Exhaust Hood Design." 492 Ventilation and Beating of Maritjjae Commission Ships. J.W. Markart. Beat* & Vent., 40, 32-57 (February, 1943"H This is an excellent and thorough article describing the ventilation and beating of merchant ships. All phases of the problem are discussed. The msaber of air changes for various ship sections Is given and methods of air distribution are shown. The article is well illustrated with photographs of actual installations. Special conditions required for dry cargo holds are described. 493 Ultraviolet Radiation and Ozone as Aerial Disinfectants. W.W. Cobleatz. Arch* Phys. Therapy, 23, 709-711 (December, 194i. After a concise review of the literature, the author concludes that "the use of ultraviolet radiation and ozone as disinfectants is not Justified andthat If not used intelligently those two germicides may cause serious injury to the occupants of places undergoing disinfection," v -J I\ 0 7Ta Industrial Ifygiene Digest - 28 494 Worship Ventilating, Heating and Air Conditioning. T.H. Urdafcl and Vf.C. Whltt^J- sey. Heat., Pip., & Air Cona., 15. 105-110, Progress in warship construction can only be (February. 1943). made by providing more punch per 9<S9 pound, and a naval engineer should strive to develop lighter, simpler, and aoi foolproof methods to accomplish this end. Conventional practices should be cog tinually analyzed from the functional standpoint and revised wherever commonsu?* ato savings in weight or space are possible, or where dependability can be im proved, Ventilating engineers are urged to oooperate in giving technical service regarding Naval construction. 495 Protective Methods for the Prevention of Industrial Dermatoses. L. Scbwqrtz. N.Y. State J."of Med,, 42, 1525-1528 (August 15, 1942). Snphasizing 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 tho 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. ^ 496 Elimination of Gas Hazards at Sewage-Treatment Plants. Pacific Plush-Co*, Water Works and Sewage, 88 , 423-431. 463-46^(1941)7" I The collection and utilization of sludge gas are attended by the risk ff^tkpLo- sion and the danger to personnel arising from the poisonous propertiemgf the gas. Operators are safeguarded by the adequate design of control roems, 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 bo used. The value of flame traps is emphasized and suitable designs are illustrated. Sources of ignition must be eliminated as far as poeslbls, e.g*, by employing explosion-proof electrical equipment and non-sparking tools*. Gas storage increases explosion risks, and the circumstances which may warrtht stor age and the most suitable types of gasholder are discussed. Zt 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 Oexmicides. A.J. Salle sad M. Korzenovsky. Pnoc. Soc. Exp. Biol. & Med.. 50. 12-16 (May. 1942). Cultures of eight species of baetdria were dried on glass slides or on ootton, placed in plugged tubes, and exposed to formaldehyde gas generated in a closed chamber by the addition of commercial formalin to potassiia permanganate. When the air in the chamber was at alzuospheric pressure the tost 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 beforw gener ating the same amount of gas {which raised the pressure In the chamber te 8B 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 vacm* has no effect on the action of liquid gormicidqs. 498 Tho Employment of Disinfectants in Droplet and Mist Perm. H. Kliewe. Zent.f. Bakt.I.Abt. Orig., 148. 3S8-395 (March26, 1942). The author has embarked on a disinfection study and the elementary conclusions which he reaches are already familiar in this country. He sprayed a saline sus pension of Chr. prodigiosum into a vessel of 25 liters capacity or into a small 03118282 * Industrial %giene Digest - 29 TS, v-CQ 's. closed room, and enumerated colonies In agar plates exposed at intervals afteS 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 on the surface of the culture nor to the merq* carrying down of bacteria-ladcn particles from the atmosphere. Ho concludes * that a disinfectant may be far more effective in air than in water, that rela tive efficacy in the two media varies from one &sinfectaat to another, that fine droplets are more efficient than coarse, and that measures which will disinfect the air of a room will 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 chickenpox among children, he used "a resorcin prepar ation." '<>3 Industrial Medical Practice e :I 499 The Problem of Absenteeism. Ministry of Labor and National Service. Leajlet P.L. 106 London (1942). Continuous and effective attention must be given to the problem of alMflitMdmi in war factories. Difficulties in enforcing the provisions of tbs Isaemtial Work Orders in the case of absence from work or persistent lateness are pointed V i '! 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 of the second class is found in the case of workers in a permanently blacked out factory who feel depressed owing tc lack of sunlight and the apparent lack of proper ventilation, due 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 tc help. An attack on psychological causes of absenteeism is the greatest sin gle contribution that can be made to a solution of the prohlem. A redistrlbu- ticn of work, or of the labor force, should be considered ao that those who need special working hours would not disturb the work of othars. Appendix 1 gives a form for the keeping of absenteeism records and Appendix H gives sugges tions for "follow-up" action cn these records. ' 500 A Study of the Effect of Fixed-Pace Work Upon Health. G.H. Turner. Canad. Pub. Health J.. 54. 6B-73 (February, 1943). The paper summarizes the first unbiased and systematic study of the chsunlc effects of fixed-pace work of the conveyor-belt type upon hican efficiency and health. The investigation was based upon a study of production aid illness records of 1033 employees in three plants. The investigation disclosed that fixed-pace work is detrimental to health and contributes to work dissatisfaction and strained relationships between employer and worker. The investigator sug gests: (l) more careful choice of suitable aaployeos for fixed-pace work; (2) regular rest periods in order to decrease fatigue, break monotony and inspect machinery, and (3) variation of nachine speeds in accordance with huaan fatigue curves. 03118283 P Industrial Hygiene Digest - X r-> 501 The Problan of Functional Disease as Seen In Industry. D.E, Bell. Canad. Med? Assoc. J., 48, 108-110 (February. 1943). The paper indicates the importance of psychoneurosis as a problem to be 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 tS injury without consideration of the functional disability that ensues. Laymen*? however, are in complete readiness to accept functional disability without ques tion. The solution of the problem lies in the 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 Scone. Vf.N. Leak. Brit. Physical. Med., 116-120" (July-August, 1942). (British). Pre-aaployment examinations are considered, often of young persons entering upon industrial employment. Suggestions are given concerning the appointments 3 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. a 503 The Private Physician's Opportunity In Industrial Medicine. J.J. Bloomfield. New Eng. J. of Med.. 225. 929-932 [December 11. 1941). . The private physician should be familiar with problems of industrial hysene, 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 oould ftam com mittees on industrial hygiene, with which all private practitioners should cooperate. Objectives of these committees might include: (l) training of physi cians to recognize and report, immediately, occupational diseases; (2) pre-employ. ment and periodic physical examinations; {3} the obtaining of detailed occupe- _ tional and medical histories. 504 Administration of Case Finding in Industry. E.P. VonAllman, Calif. 4: 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; actlT* pulmonary tuberculosis was present in 27 persons. The total cost of the examinations was $2,368.18 or 42 cents per person. The cost of discovering eech of the 76 per sons needing medical attention was 431.16; the cost of finding each eaee of active tuberculosis was $87.71. 505 Tuberculous Problems in Industry. W.P. Sheppard. Calif, fc West. Med., Tuberc. 3upp7, 57. 48 (July, 1942). . Tuberculosis has increased in the nations which are at war. Contributing factors are: food shortage, overcrowding, inadequate medical and health facilities, increased work. Ways in which industry con help in tbs control of tuberculosis are: fixing the length of the working hours; refusing to hire 1nexperieacod help comprising, people of an age particularly susceptible to tuberculosis; in creasing health safeguards and providing for locating early cases. Necessary health safeguards for industry are: pre-enploymont 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; rotation on night shifts; prevention of silico-tuberculosis. 03118284 Sr Industrial Ifyglene Digest - 31 JSaOf- 506 Some Reflections on the Tuberculous in Industry. B. Mann. Tubercle, 23, ?E-7fe rMarch7~1942T. SO Attention is called to what the author considers an inconsistency in a scheme ? suggested in a circular recently issued by the Ministry of Labor and National " Service. The employment of sputum negative and quiescent cases is proposod, * while, "the vast bulk of usefully employable tuberculous subjects - the 'middle* case' with a positive sputum - is entirely omitted from consideration". Al though there is a strong prejudice among both anployers and employees against admitting tuberculous persons into industry, there i3 nothing in the existing o . method of labor recruitment to guard against the entry of unrecognised 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 ,^f| workers to pass into the workshops of Britain. The author suggosts 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 wero subsidized, with a sliding scale dependent on periodic reassessment of work ing capacity. A proposal is made for tho segregation of infective cases in spe cial workshops or factories, with adequate provision as to canteen, hostel and e restroom facilities. The author considers it important that previous history of tuberculosis should bo made available in all cases of persons entering indus try, such information not to be used against the subjects' interests. Uaa radio graphy should help to classify infective and non-infective cases, so as m limit the dissemination of the diease in industry. ; 507 Industrial Health and the War. D.L. Lynch. New Eng. J.of Med., SB* (August 6, 1942). The author stresses the fact that non-occupational diseases account for ths i ! 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 condition* and a safety program; (2} health education; (3) pre-placcment and su&sequani physical examinations; (4) medical and surgical core. Qualification* of tb* imdmstrial physician are: 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* k series of graphs, based on tho data on employees of two large companies, are concerned with the effect of the sex and age of the worker and the duration of tbs illness on diagnosis. Others show the relation of periods of absence to tbs several days of ths week. The fact that absences begin and end moat often on Monday seems to indicate a psychological problem. 508 Health Services in Industry. Industrial Welfare Soe. (Bibliograpi^) London; 14, Hobart Place, S.W.l. 60 pp. (1942). The article stresses the need for health service in industry and deploy** the fact that there were in June, 1942 only 150 full time and SCO part time doctor* employed in ignition factories. Benefits of health sarvloa ara listed. Require ments for starting a works' health sorvlce are explained: a whole tlM doctor is needed where more than 1000 are employed; a woman doctor should he engaged where women are employed. Small plants, with less than, 250 workers should com bine to engago a doctor to serve several or should employ part tima doctors to attend at regular hours. The suggested organization is similar to that recom mended in the United States and actually set up in many establislnente. The publication is recossaended as being reliable and up-to-date -- in fact it is a valuable compendium of information such as any one undertaking or engaged upon health work in industry wants.' 03118285 P r Industrial Hygiene Digest -32 ^ -a- 509 Successful Physical and Medicinal Treatment of Severe Carbon Monoxide EncenhaiJS Z ' ! tis. Report on the Uae of Pervitin. H.G. Scholtz and H. luschneld. Uout. Mode Woch., .67, 1382-1385 (December 19, 1941). (German). <s Details axe given of treatment with pervitin, combined with, physical therapy, fa a case of encephalitis, following carbon monoxide poisoning. The dosage was i creased from 3 mgn. per day to 15 mga. and was then reduced as bodily and ment5 activity increased, until, after a period of five months the administration of Pervitin and scopolamine bromide, which had been added later in the course of the treatment, was 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 his confidence in ultimate recovery and to secure his participation in physical therapy. 510 The Early Recognition and Treatment of Shook. By the Conoittee of Shock and Blood Substitutes of the Associate Committee on Medical Research, National Research Council of Canada. Canad. M.A. J., 48, 198-205 (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 tho 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, bums, hemorrhages, and operations, shock should be anticipated. General principles of treatoent are: (l) Arrest of hemorrhage, (2) Closure of wounds of chest, (3) Posture-head low position, (4) Relief of pain by moipbine, (5) Prevention of further injury, (6) Conservation of body heat, (7) Marly res toration and maintenance of blood volume, (8) Control of dehydratio* Iqt adminis tration of isotonic salt water orally or intravenously, (9) Pronotion of comfort and confidence, (10) Evacuation to an operating unit. Burn abode la briefly discussed. Plasma loss continues for 48 hours and hematocrit readings should be taken continuously. Serum transfusion is the only adequate troatment. In the crush or compression syndrome renal failure frequently complicates shook, - Early administration of alkali may help prevent renal failure, and pressure band, aging may relieve the syndrome. Anesthesia if needed in shook should be by cyclopropane or ether, never spinal. The article is supplemented by three appendices: The administration of dried serum; technical aids to intravenous administration of fluids; and reactions caused by intravenous infusions. A bibliography is obtainable on request. 511 Syphilis in Industry. N.A. Nelson. Am.J.Syph., Gonor. 4 Tsn.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 disease is cornualcable at all times when a positive blood test is found, is prevalent, and Its results are seen in industry as in other fields. A posi tive blood test frequently excludes able men fTcm employment. It has been shown that a syphilitic worker is fully as efficient as his non-syphilitic brother, provided he does not have cardiovascular or neuraxis involvement. The decision is thus left in the hands of an intelligent physician. The author urges that public ignorance be attacked first through industry, by allowing the physician instead of the uninformed layman to determine the medical policy. 512 Relationship of Disease and Weather. H. Kreisman. Heat. &Vent., 40, SL-86 (February, 1943)' This article describes tho air conditioned room recently installed at Northwes tern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois. The technical details of the installation are Illustrated and discussed. 03118286 r 5* 7??) sg Industrial hygiene Digest - 33 513 Which Jobs for YoTMLWorkers? U.S. Dept, of Labor, Children's Bureau. 5 pamph-^ MO(October, 1942-February, 1943). s Pamphlet No.l, "Qnployaent of Young Workers in War Industries," introduces the series. The keynote is found in the statement printed on the title page of eacfc^ pamphlet: "The young worker of today is the skilled worker of tomorrow -- Pro- tcct 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 vjorkers under 18 years of age should and should not bo 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, and legal standards, where applicable should be fully observed. Tho standards developed by the Children's Bureau are 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,) 514 Health and Welfare of Women in War Factories. 3rd Report from the Select Ctst* sittee 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 aedioal arra Bits for vjomen employed in Royal Ordnance Factories and other government factories. It is comprehensive and detailed and embodies feature* and. cations found in similar publications issued in the United StatsS* which have been reviewed in recent issues of the Industrial w* 515 Nutrition in War Industry. F. Ignatleff. Canad. Pub. Health U., 88. dlS^QT* (Decumber, 1942). . An essential service in tho production of war material is the canteen o* restaur ant where attr'-.oive, nutritious and economical meals are served. These seels and rest-period refreshment are important factors in combatting fatigue, Insreas ing efficiency and improving the health of workers. Is ths plant discussed e trained dietitian is in charge. The menu is based on a study of the' ITfcjh of the 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 2Sf milk are. served. The personnel department and the medical department have ebsrge of a program of education which includes lectures on eating babits healthy break fasts, and proper choice of food in the canteen. These lectures are given dur ing the worker1s training period. Additional News Item 516 The OWI announces that more than 97 per cent of Naval and Marins irounded, from Pearl Harbor to March 31, 1943, have recovered. Those figures were costmined in a report by OWI on the care of the wounded by the medical departments of the Army and Navy. Percentage figures for the roeovery of Aay wounded are not available at present owing to incompleteness of records from ths fighting frontsAn analysis of available data on Army "wounded shows that recoveries are oomparable to Naval and Marine percentages. Of all Navy and Marins personnel seundad only 2.6 per cent died subsequently. Fifty-three per cent were returned to duty. Still under treatment as of March 31 were 43.5 per cent. Invalided from service were 0.9 per cent. . 03118287 9 HWBB--8 0 0 / 6 4 / cc r-^1 1,, ~~ ' ,---* w-- _ e -w id _*~^l Vw l<j= .--- J 5" ;: --. -- 's'. ----- . INDEX (May, 1943) Absenteeism 499 Air analysis fumigants 487 solvent vapors 486 Ammonia . poisoning 441 Analysis alipbatio nitrates 485 lead by polarograph 481 trinitrotoluene 436 Anemia toxic 475 Arsenic poisoning liver cirrhosis 417 Asbestos electron microscopy 480 Ascorbic acid and lead absorption 428 B Anthracis in bone meal 416 Beryllium toxicity 418 Black dermographism 4a Carbon disulfide poisoning 450 Carbon monoxide anoxemia 443 camp 3toves 444 encephalitis treatment of 509 optic effects 442 Carbon tetrachloride health hazards 451 Carcinogenic activity survey of compounds 467 Cyclotron workers blood findings 473 Dermatitis airplane industry 455 cutting oils 456 rubber mask 458 Dermatoses 457 prevention 495 Disease and weather 512 functional 501 Disinfection droplet and mist 498 ozone & radiation 493 vacuum & germicides 497 Dust control exhaust hood design 491 Electrostatic precipitator portable 484 Eye infections 465 Fatigue mining 478 Ferrous alloys industrial hygiene 438 Fiberglas health aspects 419 Fluoride absorption & excretion 439 Clycols toxicity Health 452 fixed pace work effoctsSOO industrial and the war 507 Heat_______ and moisture 479 tropical 477 Housekeeping 490 Hydrocyanic acid skin absorption 445 Industrial medicine private practitioner 503 Herat conjunctivitis 462-463-464 Lead danger in motor fuel 425 poisoning scrap rccoveiy 424 toxicity of alloys422-423 Lead tetraethyl in gasoline 426 Magnesium health aspects lung effect 427 429 Manganese intoxication 430 Medical service industrial 508 Mercury handwriting test 431 Methanol chronic poisoning 453 Minors in industry 513 Hitrogcn oxides poisoning Nutrition 446 515 Phosphorus skin irritation 432 Physical oxaminations 502 Pneumoconiosis aluminua 414-415 iron dust 420-421 porplyry 435 Pulmonary irritants 440 Respirators Bureau of Mines Approval List 489 Sewage treatment health hazards 49 6 Shock diagnosis and treatment 510 Silica, free determination 483 Silicosis intTathoracic lymph nodes * 436 lung function f 434 lung residue analysis 482 ~ Silesian pottJ#* 433 Skin cleanser# 439-460 Sulfur physiological effects 437 Sulfur dioxide " in fine gases 447 pneumonia Syphilis 448 511 ' Tetra-chloro-para-benzo- quinone toxicity 474 Themal environment 476 Trinitrotoluene diet & poisoning 434 Tuberculosis 505-506 case finding 504 Ventilation ships 492-494 War gases and chemicals oocular effect 449 Weil's disease immmo sexm 466 Welding eye effects fatality health hazard lung effects Women in industry 471 468 470 472 514 03118288 r 4 j= Vi ir rr 0I9Z000-80I1H