Document a1xEXZyYBBdgGK3meDB9Y9Jwb

r U96000-88HH Air Hygiene Foundation of America, Inc. $ 4400 Fifth Avenue, Fi'rtrburgh, Fa. October 1, 1937 REFERENCES 70 RECENT LITERATURE ON INDUSTRIAL DISEASES (A) News Items. 475 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES. Survey of Labor Law Admin., p. 6. (Aug. 1937) Five States - Delaware, Indiana, ISchiyan, Pennsylvania, and V.'ashinyton - have recently passed occupational disease compensation legislation. This makes 21 States and the District of Columbia that compensate for some or all occupation al diseases, a new Pennsylvania law also provides a special State fund to __ ! handle the "accrued liability" problem in silicosis. Instead of placing the burden on the injured worker or his dependents through greatly curtailed ben efits, as some States have done, Pennsylvania, out of a special fund, assumes the obligation of a pert of the awards over a transition period of 10 years. Further legislation to compensate for occupational diseases is forecast by pro vis ions for investigation this year in seven States Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. 476 ATTENTION CALLED TO FOUNDATION'S PROGRAM. 3us. Week, p. 1. (Sept. 4, 1937) Late in July the United Automobile Workers (C.I.O. subsidiary) announced,the es tablishment of a Medical Research Institute to promote industrial hygiene and to assist workers in thdir accident and occupational disease oases. Both U.A.W. and some of the newspapers seemed to feel that the new agency was the only one doing serious work toward the conquering of silicosis, lead and chromium pois oning, and industrial skin diseases. Friends of Air Hygiene Foundation of America, Inc, Pittsburgh, have been quick to point out to the papers, and the papers even quicker to publish, that it is doing yeoman work along these lines and that the 180* companies supporting its non-profit endeavors will welcome the cooperation of additional company supporters. *Now 190. 477 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE EXHIBIT, Safety Engineering, 74, 43 (Aug. 1937). Ho re prints are available but information may be secured from -the Division of Labor Standards, U. S. Dept, of Labor, IVashington, D. C. A special occupational disease exhibit has beer, prepared by the U.S. Department of Labor and is available for display at conventions, exhibits, etc. It shows the effects of oocupetional diseases upon workers, employers and the general public. It also suggests remedies, emphasizing prevention rather than trea-baent. The display shows various corrective measures which may be taken to owroome occupational diseases hazards, adequate exhaust ventilation of the working at mosphere, and in general healthful sanitary working conditions. One panoi eon- tains four transparencies illustrating certain occupations idierein dust ia the . ohief hazards. Stone finishing, underground mining, sand blasting and mixing of lead pipaents are tomang the occupations included. Another panel Illustrates the hazards from inhaling fumes and toxic gases. 478 SILICOSIS CHARGES REDUCED IN CALIFORNIA. Eng. News Rec. 119, 283 (Aug. 1937) A 75^ reduction in the silicosis surcharge rate on industrial compensation in surance was approved last month by the above oonznission. There is an indica tion of a trend towards elimination of surcharges. ' IXji (01 a -zj -2- 479 PROGRAM OF THE INTERNATIONAL LA30R CONFERENCE OF JUNE, 1937. C. Goodrich. ' U.S. Monthly Lab. Rev. 44, 385-94 (Apr., 1937). On the program of the International labor Conference, which met in June, the f lowing subjects v.'ero to bo considered* the desirability of raising the age limits for employment; the reduction of hours of work in the textile, printing* and chemical trades; safety provisions for workers in building construction ar2 the planning of public works in relation to employment. Any agreements reached by the Conference, by a two-thirds majority, will be referred to the member gov ernments for formal action. The United States has been a member since 1934. 480 BRITISH STUDY TOXIC GASES IN INDUSTRY. Keating k Ventilating, 34, 70 (Aug. 1937) A series of booklets describing standard methods for the detection of toxic gasei in industry is published by the British Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The first issue deals with hydrogen sulfide. The use of an efficient system of mechanical ventilation or air purification is necessary wherever this gas appears. It is pointed cut that in concentrations cf one part in 1000 by volume this gas is nearly as poisonous as hydrocyanic acid ar.d can kill almost as quickly. 481 KITE - CAPS FOR RESPIRATORS. H. S. Cover, South Bond, Ind., Nat. Safety News, 36, 100 (Sept., 1937) Information obtainable from the author, who is manufac turer. A Bnite-cap" is a knitted hood that may be slipped over the filter apertures of respirator, and is specially suitable for work in heavy dust. When a heavy de posit or cake is fomed on the cap, it may bo taken off and shaken, and usually replaced. It was ospecially designed for the manufacturer*s respirators, but fits others having a similar flat surface. 432 GAS INDICATOR. The Linde Air Products Co., 30 E. 42nd. St., New York, N. Y. Keating, Piping, Air Conditioning , 136 (Sept., 1937) Information obtainable from company. The company has developed a new gas detector known as flU.C.C.,f ges indicator. It shows presence of combustible gases, indicates oxygen deficiency and includes a toxic chamber for determining the presence of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sul f.ide in toxic concentrations. 483 WON'T RAVE DUST. Arthur Van Vlissingen. Factory Man. Main. 95, 83 (Sept. 1937) No reprints. A brief account of the air conditioning and dust removal system in the foundry o the Ford plant. It includes local exhausts for dust and pickling fumes and warn air blowers in hot locations. The materials used in the blowers, etc., are se lected to fit local conditions. In cases where an ordinary blower will last 6 months or more, it is used and replaced, rr.ther than one made from a more re sistant material. (3) Papers_on_ Dust, Dust Diseases and General Industrial Hygiene 484 OCCUPATIONAL AID ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF IKE CEMENT, CLAY AND POTTERY INDUSTRI R.R,Sayers, J.IT. DallaValle and S.G. Bloomfield. Public Health Bull. No. 238, 50 pp., 1937 Obtainable from Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C., fc 20 cents, cash. . The bulletin presents a canpleto occupational survey of the three industries, ar. is the result of a study of 9 cement mills, 16 potteries, and 47 clay plants, ir. eluding brick, drain tile and other tile, sev/er pipe, stove lining, terra-cotta products and other refractories. For each industry, a general description of th process is followed by flow-sheets showing the course of the materials and the operators who handle or control them, and by an alphabetical list of all occupa tions, with the materials handled, important and contributory exposures and a ($09612 brief description of the operations, for each listed occupation* A classified list of occupations by departments is also included* The survey does not invofiSe an original study of occupational diseases, but the hazards are discussed and ^sh studies of diseases as have been made are reviewed. In the cement industry, workers are predisposed to certain diseases of the resjffir- atory system and to diseases of the skin, eyes and ears, and the exposure to di^jt is possibly a factor in the high rate of digestive illnesses among workers in -Use finishing end of the mills. Although the' frequency of minor respiratory disease is high, the more serious diseases, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, have caused relatively little disability among these workers. The serious exposures in theclay industry appear to be the following! inhalation of clay and other dusts, extreme dry heat, exposure to weather and dampness, lead poisoning, and carbon monoxide. The dust hazard varies with the class of dust, free silica content, concentration, particle size and length of exposure. Many of the inorganic dusts appear to be harmless, but those containing free silioa produce serious damage in a short time. These irritating dusts cause chronic catarrh, pleurisy, hard breathing, bronchitis, and predispose the workers to tu c=f\ berculosis. Lead poisoning in the glazing department depends upon the method used >-- and the lead content of the glaze. Pouring and "fettling" (removal of superfluous glaze) are the most hazardous occupations in glazing. In the pottery industry the hazards are much the same as in clay work, eepecially silicosis and lead poisoning. Danish and English surveys have shown a high inci dence of silicosis among pottery workers, although tuberculosis is not frequent. A survey of this nature has been much needed, both in the industries reported and in others, and the Bulletin will be valuable to all concerned with occupational hazards. 485 AN INQUIRY INTO TEE HEALTH HAZARDS OF A GROUP OF WORKERS EXPOSED TO ALUMINA DUST. (British) Charles L, Sutherland, A* Meiklejohn and F.N.R. Price, J. Ind. Syg, 19, 312-19 (Sept., 1937). The serious mortality from silicosis among workers in the china bisouit process in the manufacture of English bone china has been traced to the fine flint used in the "placing" of the clay ware for the biscuit firing. Research directed toward discovery of a suitable substitute has led to the trial of aliaaina (aluminum oxide The question immediately arose whether alumina is free from any health risk com parable to that from silica. A representative group of workers in an aluminum factory, exposed to considerable amounts of fine alumina dust, were sulmitted to clinical and radiographic examination. No evidence of pneumoconiosis or other lung disease was discovered and there was no indication that any system or organ was adversely affected. In the manufacturing process gas containing faint traces of fluorine was generated, sufficient to cause a transient irritation of the upperespiratory passages, but no lesion arising from inhalation of the gas was dis covered. 486 SILICOSIS - PART 3. LEGAL AND MORAL -RESPONSIBILITY. Charles S. Pearce. Ceram. Ind. 27, 50-52 (July, 1937). The author points out that the employer has a moral responsibility was well as a legal one, for accidents and industrial disease. Industry should carry its share of the cost of occupational disability and the manfuacturer should charge enough for his products to eower expenses incurred in tbe care of his workmen. Compensa tion laws are not made to tax the manufacturer but to compel him to protect his employees) and just as accidents in the plant are considered a liability on in dustry, so should lead poisonii& silicosis and other disease contracted in perfor mance of Indus trial activities be compensable. In the last few years suits in silicosis cases have reached a half billion dollars; compensation laws to cover all industrial diseases constitute a protection both to manufacturers and -4employees, The question has arisen whether vitreous 6name1 spraying causes silicosis. However with the modern equipment fer dust removal, working n--o ditic-ns may bo made so ideal that tho effect of this substance may never be de termined, and reflection should not be cast on the enameling industry. In g awarding compensation, the small weekly cr monthly payment is better for the i needs of the worker, than the payment of a large sum. Tho system of m.pensa tion should cover appropriations for investigation and resb'reh. Personal ! histories of employees should be kept and all workers entering an occupation * involving lung hazards should have x-ray chest examinations. 437 DISCUSSION 07 INDUSTi^AL ACCIDENTS AND DISEASES.' 1936 CONVENTION, ir'TEHKATIOi:' AL ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDEITSfBOARDS AT) C0KJISSI0NS, TOPE>A, L.NSaS. Q - 7.3. Dept. Lab^r, Div. Labor Standards, Bull. No. 10, 1937. Obtainable from Supt. f'f Documents, ''Va.shir.gt n, D.C. far 0 cents, cash. The next 5 abstracts and No. 523 include the papers of greatest interest fr"m the standpoint of occupational diseases. In a id it ran there is a go-;^ deal of discussion ef c j-.pcns*.ti--n problems, several pfpers " p's.*:', eye disabilities, one cr. procceupatiore.l examinations, and others -r.-injuries and occupational diseases outside ur field. 488 A PRACTICAL DISCUSSION 07 THE SILICOSIS ER0BLEI7. 0. A. Sander. Above Bulletin pp. 253-9. Bulletin obtainable as above. The author, r/he has had unusual experience in the diagnosis of silic. sis md appraise 1 ef disability, presents an account ef the 4 year old survey of 15,000 T/i scene in vr- rkers. Thera has beer, n- trouble ir. getting employees in this State to submit tc x-ray and other cxananati.ir., as the medical records re main the privet-, prop-, rty of the examining physician* Only individuals with advanced silio 'sis c-r with active tuberculosis are prohibited from reentering a dusty trade. The effect of silicosis is not noted by the individual until a great reduction in lung capacity has aeeurrod. The author believes that only the unusually heavily dusted individual "progresses" toward increased fibrosis; progression of the slightly dusted person is so. slaw that injury would not be apparent in the course- ef an ordinary working life. 489 SILICOSIS EXPERIENCE IN ONTARIO. G. Wilkie and T. N. Dean. Above Bulletin pp. 164-75. Bulletin obtainable ns above. A description of the costs and practical operoti''n of the Ontario Workmen's Compensation Act as it applies particularly to silicosis. Tho most significant facts shown by the tables arc that ir. the mining industry the compensation rate is $2.43 per $100 payroll, including only those exposed to silica, and in stor.ecutting $3.50 per $100 payroll, while in foundries the rate is $0.36, and ir. all ethers, including porcelain and glass, agricultural implements, autos, etc., porcelain onaslvfare, and all other industries, the rate is below 10 cents per $100 payroll. 490 THE EARING OF ARTIFICIAL SILK IE TEE UNITED STAINS AND SOiE OF TTS DANGERS AT TENDING IT. Alico Hamilton, H.D., Div. of Labor Standards, Dept, of tabor, 'Washington, D.C. Above Bulletin, pp. 151-9, 1937, Reprints obtainable from author, and entire bulletin obtainable as ab^vc. A brief history and a good description of tho rayon manufacturing processes is presented. The visc-.se process, which is most generally used, involves the hazards of exposure to hydrogen sulfide and. carbon disulfide. We are badly in need of precise informx.ti-.n ->r. tho effects of carbon disulfide; in fact, there is deplorable ignorance of the hazards of this occupation. HiJBB-0009615 -5- 491 DIAGNOSIS OF SILICOSIS. A. L. Kefiuver. Ohio State Med. J. 33, 910-11 (lug. 1937). 'jo reprints. This paper is a brief review of the diagfcpsis of silicosis, first pointing that there have been many theories to explain the action of silica on the lung but that they have been disproved by exhaustive ar-inal experimentation. A bri account of the relation of particle size ard time of exposure to silicosis is followed by a concise list of diagnostic signs, the most common being dyspnea, and the list emphasizes the feet tlx t simple silicosis has few clinical syr.pto The Importance of x-ray examination is stressed, and the relation of silicosis to tuberculosis is discussed briefly. V`t_T 492 SILICOSIS. E.M.F. Behranan, M.D., 450 Sutter St., San Francisco, Calif. Calif. West. Med. 46 (Apr, 1937). Reprints obtainable from author. ^ This paper is r. brief review of silicosis especially in its industrial aspects, ^ and supplonentc ar. earlier paper paying more attention to the medical side. The ' well known facts about silicosis - prevalence, cost 'f claims, stages, suscep 0 tibility to tuberculosis - are presented briefly. The author believes that ever:- silicosis victim is, or was, ar active quiescent or potential tubercular, otherwise silicosis would net gain the headway it does, nor would tuberculosis kill 75> of silicosis victims. After a brief discussion ef the legal phases, especially ef responsibility fer the "siliecsis racket", ho suggosts the follow ing measures as a solution of Hit problems of prevention of the disease end the hcr.cst disposition of half a billion dollars worth of claims; (l) compensation laws that will allow and recognize the physical 'nd radiologic examination of applicants for employment in dusty trades; (2) periodical examination; (3) pre ventive noasuroe, including dust counts, increased ventilation, wet processes, control of dust at its point of generation, determination of what is a harmful dust, prohibition of dusty work for tubercular workers, standardization of records, examinations -nd inspections, ascertainment of dust hazard and limits ef safety, and the use 'f hi efficient respirator; (4) creation of a medical board cf appeal; (5) compensation awards made only on occupational disability, and (6) first-aid safety measures. For the disposition of cases new pending, tho recommendations are; (l) cooperation between the legal profession, the doctor and the employer, and allowing only export witnesses of tho highest caliber, with opproval of -the expert, review of the testimony, or both, by the local or national Roentgen Ray Society; (2) expenditure by employers for estima tion and elimination of hazards; (3) modern legislation, and (4) elimination of the quack and charlatan in medicine and law. The most important move in tho : author*s opinion is ttic- creation ~f a medical board of review, to decide wheth er a ease is compensable, and a lay commissi n to decide to what degree a claimant is disabled. THE SAMPLING OF INDUSTRIAL DUSTS BY V!E..MS OF TEE "LABYRINTH". 3.V.A. Briscoe Janet 7F. Matthews, F.F.Holt sr-d Riyllis V. Sanderson. Bull. Instn. Min. Jfet. (June, 1937); Colliery Guardian, 155, 283-8 (Aug. 13, 1937). Roprints obtainable fran Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, Salisbury House, Finsbury Circus, London, E. C. 2, England, Price Is 9 d. IThen it is necessary to obtain large samples of industrial dust as for sol ubility tests, filtration methods arc inadequate, and the authors developed an apparatus consisted of a rectangular box containing 32 copper plates, 6 x 3^ in., alternately supported at the top and bottom, leaving a free space 6x3/4in. The collected dust is easily removed after taking off the side of ihe box, and may be taken separately from each of the 16 or 17 comparHnonts. In a later form the baffles were similarly arranged in a copper tube 3 in. in internal diameter, with an inner celluloid tube which facilitated removal of the dust. This apparatus permitted an air flew of 1000 cu. m. per hour (about 600 cu. ft. per minute). In one case where there was little dust, it was run for 25 days, sampling about half a million cubic meters of air, and 100 grams of dust were collected. Tests were made with both instruments on several types of dust, flint, cement, asbestos and sillimanito. Vi, i,---u 'jiA - 5Tho dust was collected and weighed separately from each compartment, and in ^ some cases size distribution counts were made. Both the weights and average particle sizes show a gradual decrease from the first to the last compartment.^ Both by extrapolation ar.d by the use of the salicylic acid filter, an efficien cy of collection averaging about 95^ was found for the apparatus. On the others hand, using the particle oount as a criterion ar.d the thermal precipitator as oo a means of sampling, H. E. V.-atson found or, overall efficiency of 44?S. Of the EJ particles from 0.2 to 0.8 micron in diameter, more were found at the outlet * thr.r. at the inlet. Watson attributes Ihis effect to the breaking up of ag gregates, but the authors also sur-.st that largo particles of hydrated mate rials may break up under the heat ..^ccssarily used in preparing the thermal precipitator samples forming many smaller particles. However, the object of the apparatus is not complete co1 lection, but largo scale collection for sub sequent examination, and in or.c experiment in which two labyrinths were used in series, the dust at the outlet of the second had practically the same size gradation and apparent composition as at the outlet of the first. The advan tages of this apparatus lie ir. largo scale collection of dust without altera tion of its original properties. The data are presented in a number of tables, or.-* several illustrations show the apparatus and the gradations of dust ob tained. 494 MEMORANDUM OF THE COMMITTEE OK DUST SAMPLING INVESTIGATIONS. (THE INSTITUTION . OF MINING AND IETALLUF.GY.) H.S.Patterson. J. Chem. Met. & Min. Soc. So. Africa 37, 356-7 (Fob. 1937). v This paper is a contribution to tho disoussior. of a paper by Green and Watson, published ir. 1935. The author points out the.t the efficiency of the konimeter decreases with increase in the numbers of particles and that almost the same counts -vero obtained by the konimeter for clouds containing numbers varying be tween 4,000 and 2,000 particles per co. For fine dusts (mostly belor 0*5 mi cron), as found in South African mines, the efficiency of tho konimeter is again much smaller, often far below 50?s. 495 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN FULlDttARY DISEASE. P. H. Ringer. N. Y. State J. Med. 37, 1005-10 (June 1, 1937). The author lists 9 diseases that may be expected if respiratory tract symptoms are in evidence. The discussion is devoted mainly to tuberculosis, but occupa tional dust diseases are mentioned as one of the possibilities, and the great importance cf tho patient's history is pointed out. 496 CLEANING THE FOUNDRY AIR. The American Foundry Equipment Co., Miabawr.hfl, Ind. C. A. Snyder, Nat. Safety News 36, 54, 102 (Sept., 1937). Mimeographed oopies obtainable from author or company. Tho foundry operations involving a dust hazard include: (l) sandblastings (2) tumbling barrels; (3) grinding wheels; (4) shakeouts; (5) sand handling equip ment; and (6) miscellaneous operations. Sand.Dlasting should be dono in rooms with sufficient mechanically fcrcod draft to keep the dust inside the enclosure It is also essential that each operator be suorli.d vith an efficient air-pres sure helmet. The airless centrifugal method, nov: usee to some degree, eliminate the need for an operator in the blasting area. Turner tag barrels should be oper ated with ample ventilation. A vent pipe velocity of 4,000 to 5,000 feet per minute viill give a sufficient air movement to keep dust concentration below this danger point. In shakeout and sand handling equipment each problem requires special consideration, no set rules being applicable. For general work iiio use of vacuum cleaners above the rogulrr working zone is highly recommended. Variou types of OK dust collectors are discussed. Centrifugal collectors, with ef ficiencies mted at 30 to 80?J by weight, are not recommended. Multiple cyclone collectors have much greater efficiencies on account of tho more effective ap plication of centrifugal force. ~et collectors have attained on efficiency ranging from 90 to 95 per cent. 61oth screen arresters can be installed wher'requirements are severe, ar.d efficiencies of 97 per cent are reached. Cloth HHBB-0009617 tube or beg collectors ore favored by many industries because they are a mors ef ficient cleaning mo char,ism, consume less power, ore easily maintained and in spected and have efficiencies of 98 per cent or more by weight. Dust counts of discharged air show 10 million particles or less as determined by the impinger method. Although the olectrical precipitation system is the most efficient of all air collooting devices, its usually prohibitive high installation cost limi its use to cases where reclaimed dusts are exceedingly valuable. 497 CONTROL OF DUST IN ROCK DRILLING. Theodore Hatch, Nat. Safety News. 6, 23-24 (Sept. 1937), No reprints, but a fuller paper will be published later. The author has written a nimbcr of papers on tnis subject, and the present paper is a brief review. Underground operations due to confined spaces are the most dangerous, as dust concentration builds up higher than it would bo in the open. The principal sources cf dust arc* rock drilling, blasting, mucking and ether rock handling operations, pneumatic drills shatter rock to a powder, and particlcs thus generated vary in size from l/4 of ar. inch to sufcmicroscopic di ameters. The amount cf dust produced by a rock drill is surprisingly largo. One rock drill operating at the rate of 100 feet of drilling per day actually crushes over 200 pounds of rock in 8 hours. It has boon found that in one minute a rock drill produces as much as one billion particles of hygienic in terest. Dust control methods in rook excavation includet (l) wet drilling and wetting down rock walls and muck piles} (2) general ventilation} (3) dust ex haust hoods on drills and over mucking operations and other sources of dust; and (4) personal protection by means of respirators and positive pressure mks, 498 HOY,' TO CONTROL DUST IN CLAY PLANTS. John M. Kane, American Air Filter Co., Brick 4 Clay Rec. 91, 69-71 (August 1937) No reprints. Dust control ir. clay plants is practical, effective and inexpensive, and an im portant factor in the tendency toward improved working conditions is the con fining of dusty operations. The usual dusts generated ir. brick plants aro net as hazardous as those found in allied ceramic operations, because their free silica content is lewr and derived largely from impurities in the clay* However, the presence of silica, over, in low concentrations, and the unfavorable effect on workmen of the presence of any dust, have been added incentives for con fining the dust at its source, thereby preventing its dispersion in the work room. Details of the application of confinement of dust aro given for bucket elevators, conveyors, dry pans, screens and bins. Protective measures for all these appliances can be summarized under two head ings} adequate ventilation and tight casing wherever possible. In bucket el evators not only the exhaust fi*cr the elevator, but additional volumos from the point where the clay is fed to the elevator b.-efc, must bo taken into account. In conveyors, exhaust equipment is necessary only at the point of material transfer. Although the dry pan is one of the major dust producing units, it car. be effectively hooded, and the dust generated can be completely confined by a dust hood made in sections and fitted tightly to the frame supporting the vortical shaft. The exhaust air will carry a minimum of fines from the process without distrubing batch ratios. The confinement of duet from screening equip ment requires careful study. A hood with removable sides can be fitted closely to the screen deck, enclosing the screening operations without interfering with inspection and servicing. Storage bins for dry clay require exhaust connec tions, as the air displaced by the falling material carries with it the fine dust stirred up by the falling clay. Tables showing necessary air volumes and design of exhaust equipment are given for each operation to bo protected. The principles of operation and relative advantages of the various types of col lectors arc discussed briefly, including the cyclone collector, the dynamic precipitator, the wet collector and the filter. G_n > o^_=r -8- 493 FILTERING H..R_"fUL DUSTS. E. Kur.dig, Corpus Engineering Ccrp., Worcester, Mass. Safety Eng, 74, 41-42 (.,ug. 1937), Info mat icn obtainable from author or w Cor.pc.ny, ^ A unit air filter so designed thrt the fi].tcr ur.it car. readily be cleaned is dan scribed in this article. The size of such a unit is usually about 20 inches square in face ar a -nd will handle approximately 800 cu. ft. per r.in, with a pressure drop of 0,20 tc 0,25 inch cf water. Multiples of these filters are eras ployed to suit the individual requirements. Portable air filters with connect^ ing hese of 3 inches t' 4 inches ir. diameter leads to the to^ls of the ir.divid-* ual v/orkers whore the dust-laden air is draw:: off end sucked at a high velocity into the filter chamber. The air th.cn passes at a lev: velocity through the ci r filter and is freed from silica dust, and my be discharged back into the room throu.-h the far.. 500 A HIGH PRICE prR "EGLECT, John Lc Verne, Nat* Safety News, 36, 51-52, 76 (Aug. 1937). Thousands of miner injuries become major ones because employees neglect treat ment. Forty percent -f all workers who have held skilled positions are obliged to pursue unskilled jabs after injury. Occupational skin diseases require the analysis of tin. material with which the v:-rkcr c mes in contact in or "or to de termine the cause f the disease. Different kinds of dusts in varying atmos pheric o enocr.tr: ti-vr.s ir.va x the lun.-.s through inhalation. The danger of silica dust is not 'vcrcstir.ntod, and unless it is gene rally recognised it will be in creasingly dan .w mus. The 'r.ly direct means <-f attack on silicosis is preven tion, invalvir ran >val from the atmosphere by exhaust systems and improved ven tilation, and the use cf respirat-. rs. 501 "PORTABLE" X-R..'' APPARATUS. Roswell T. Pettit, I!B, 728 Columbus St. Ottawa, 111. Ini. Med. 5, 353-5 (July, 1336). Reprints obtainable from author. The author cr.l'T attcr.ti'r. to a number of requirements that must be met in order to obtain accurate r-cr.tgcnigr.ms in the diagnosis of silicosis and tuberculosis Toe often these rtquircncnts have not been fulfilled, especially in "portable" x-ray apparatus, offered by c. number of manufacturers. In spite of the claims made for them, they are r.ot ear-able of the accurate representation of fine de tails that arc essential in working with silicosis. Portability is not often a requirement f*r adequate x-ray apparatus; on the ether hond, whore transportctic. is necessary, a complete standard outfit car. be carried on a one-ton truck. Whor. apparatus is thus taken to a plant .and set up the actual taking of photographs car. be accomplished quickly - often 60 exposures in an hour. 502 SOLUBILITY OF SILICA RUSTS. E. J. King. Nature 140, 320 (Aug. 21, 1937) In a recent paper, Barrens and ".Tilccx reported that scricite and asbestos havo a much highor solubility in blood serum than free silica. The author criticises ^hoir procedure in that the speed ar.d tire cf ccntrifucclizstion was insuffioic' tb separate fibrous materials, which settle more slowly then roughly spherical particles. Using the phosphoncly'die acid test as a measure of silica actually in solution, and keeping the materials suspended for 1 tc 8 days at 37 C (the j, body temperature). King found that the quantity of silica dissolved from seri- cite (plate and fibrous) in sodium bicarbonate solution was decidedly less than o than from quartz, and a similar relation held at 100 C. Also, in aoetic acid solution, the s, lub-ilitics of kaelir. ar.d mica were much lower than those of quartz ar.d precipitated silica. A3>\r)mlt9)j jiSDjD -9503 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE DE-GNOSIS. Leonard Grecnburg, M.D., Executive Director, Di$. of Industrial Hygiene N. Y. State Dept, of labor, 30 Centre St., New York, N.Y.** Ind. Bull. 1_6, 306-7 (Aug., 1937). Reprints obtainable fr^m author. Compensation f'r occupational disoasc presup-osos that we knew a great deal abe such diseases. In order the t wo nay adequately com; cr.sate we must necessarily s knew both diagnosis and treatment, fer the amount of oompenstti-'n is certainly i correlated with the .necessary duration of therapy. The essentials -r.f diagnosis are outlined, including the two important factors cf occupation or.'5 the history* of any special exposure. Qccup"tional diseases arc directly traceable to the vast increase ir. the number cf new substances ir. industry, chiefly as a result of chemical research. There are three sources ef the difficulty of diagnosis. In medical colleges the students as a rule arc not giver, sufficient training in cccupe. tional diseases, and ir. practice many physicians have no opportunity to loam about them by experience. Due to the rapid strides in chemical industries and the intrs hieti mi of new substances little is known about their toxicity. For a more adequate examination of the worker it is necessary; (l) tc secure his pas' occupational history as well as his present occupation; (2) tc investigate the working environment, with reference to heat, cold, moisture, noise, ventilation, illumination, etc.; (3) to knew what substances are used and to what hazards he is exposod, such as dust, fumes, gases, chemicals, etc. A well directed occupa tional history exr.mir'tdon will suggest to the experienced physician just what t> lock for in thu patient In order that diagrvs if up he mad- mu-t effectively and uniformly. c->cr;r't?.-`n and. supervisi^jt,by t.;c Dost, is necessary. The ideal State- administrative organisation for do*ktr.g with x!.: diagn.-.ejr, .?, the oceupa' tional diseases should consist of; (l) w*ll trai~od physicians, experienced in occupational disease; (2) chemists for the analysis of sample.' r.i material in the 1 abort; tr 17/ ar/ in the work place; (3) a well equipped chemical 1 aberatory to handle all the v-'ik cxpiditiously; (4) access to important reference books ard periodicals; (c, facilities for the hospitalization of eases; (N) a board of ir partial medica] exports to pass on medical examinations, and (7) mere dime dovoted by the medical schools to training the student in the field of occupa tional disease; There should bo closer cooperation between the compensation unit and tH. industrial hygiene unit. 504 EXPERIENCE TiTIH SILICOSIS UND_F 7/1 SCONSIN'S '.YORXknN' S COMPENSATION ACT, 1920 TO 1936. M. D. Kossoris. U.S.Monthly Lab^r Rev., 44, 1089-1102 (May, 1937). TS -zj V/iscorsir. is the only State with a long and continuous experience in compensa ting silicotic disability. During the 17-year period surveyed, many important questions have been answered by the courts, necessitating amendments to the com pensation act. Preliminary statistical data show a heavy concentration of claims during 1933 and 1934, due partly to unemployment and partly, it is olaimc to the fact that as a result of subjecting enployees to medical examinations many of those with symptoms cf silicosis wero discharged, although most of them wore not disabled. SOME FACTS ON COMPENSATION COSTS TflTH SIECIAL REFERENCE TO INCLUSION OF OCCUPAA TIONAL DISEASES. Henry D. Saycr, Manager, Casualty Dept. Assoc, of Casualty 4 Surety Executives., 1 Park Ave. New York, N. Y. Safety Eng. 73., 51-2 (May *37), 73, 52-55 (June '37) 74, 45-46 (July 37). Reprints obtainable fr~m author. "The author calls attention to some difficult problems in the field of occupa tional disease compensation. The cost of workmen's compensation has been grad ually increasing, largely because its field has bc-en constantly broadened. It has been claimed that since the inclusion of occupational disease the cost of compensation has increased only by a small percentage, but that is true only if the additional c^st is assumed to be spread over all industry, which is not a fair assumption. In TTi scons in, for instance. It has beer, increased tenfold among the industries actually affected. The "classical" occupational diseases, such as lead poisoning, do not involve a serious increase in compensation, es pecially with the development of protective methods. New industries, however, such as radium painting, present special difficulties, as the danger was not dif F3 m r,___ n - 10 - covered until damage was done, and the companies involved have been subjected true and false claims for large compensation sums. In the field of componsa for silicosis, accrued liability presents a difficult problem. Should the cappi oyer be responsible for the entire liability for silicosis and asbestosis whh were developing slowly and unr.oticcably, before it was made compensable? The * author thinks not, and that it is not the insurer's liability. The worker musE assume some considerable portion of it. Another point of view is that part cfj|E tho burden should be publicly assumed, but there is nc concensus of opinion on that point. Another difficulty is` the estimation of the cost of compensation for silicosis or ether lung diseases, in advance of the actual claims. Accrued cost is a large factor in accentuating this difficulty. Tho experience of other countries having componsation laws does not help materially in solving this prob lem, because the laws and systems of Ontario, Great Britain, South Afric-, and other countries arc so unlike ours. Another difficulty lies in the relation of dust diseases to tuberculosis, Tho tubercular should be removed from dusty oc cupations, but h-. should not be cast into tho industrial scrap hoar. ..gain, silicosis may bo so slowly progressive as not to disable affected workmen ap preciably before the usual termination of their working lives. An aged silicotic workman, retiring in old age may die from pneumonia, apoplexy or hardening of the arteries, where it may be credible that he would have pulled through for a few years longer had his lungs been unaffected. In such a case, is the dis ablement to be charged entirely to silicosis, and in case of death, are the de ceased's dependents to be entitled to full death benefits? If so, the oost will be incalculable. How is partial disability to be compensated? An im partial and expert board of physicians is an imperative need to determine the medical questions involved. Ir. Ontario idic average medical cost per case is S3,000. Under the British law there arc nc medical benefits. The most vital factor in keeping down costs is prevention, but difficulties arc involved even here. Too much cannot be expected from preventive measures. They will not ob viate a lung fibrosis already farmed. Prevention, h.vrovor, is not a matter of dust control alone, or of silicosis. The safety engineer of tho future must be disease prevention-minded, as well as accident prevention-minded, and the indus trial chemist and hygienist must play a part. Finally, the author advocates compensation for specific diseases, rather than allinclusive laws, as are now in farce in several states, as mention of spocific diseases will emphasise pre cautions against the particul r disease. 506 COMPENSATED INJURIES. New York State Department of labor. Division of Statis tics and Information, Ind. Bull. 16, 56-63 (July 1937). A copy cf the Bulletin is obtainable from the Industrial Commissioner State Offiee Building, Albany N.Y. for 10 cents cash. In New York State in 1936, awards amounting to $500,000 wore made in 1882 cases cf disability caused by exposure to harmful substances or by continuous mechan ical action such as rubbing, friction, pressure and vibration, excluding cases of accidents, injury, but including both occupational diseases and accidental in jurios due to harmful substances. These cases are tabulated according to spe cific hnnafiUp^tstnnees and to industries. Out <-{ 984 cases of occupational disease, 481/cascs of dermatitis, and soap, washing powder and cleaning solu tions were responsible for 114, tho highest number. Out of 597 accidental in juries due to corrosive substances, 175 wort- caused by lime. Claims for all classes of disease an-', injury shewed an increase over the 1935 figures. - 11 - 507 METHODS IN HANDLING TEE SILICOSIS PROBLEM IN ONTARIO. G.C.Bateman, Secretary, Ontario- Mining Assoc. 320 Bey St., Toronto 2, Ont. Am. Inst. Min. Met. Engrs.^ \ Tech. Put. 822, in Mining Tech. 1, July 1937. 11 pp. Reprints obtainable fr-mi > author. jg The author gives the various stages through which the workmen's Compensation Act of Ontario passed, from its inception in ISIS to the present day. Results i of examinations made by a doctor believed to be an expert in diagnosing silico^ sis showed an incidence so high that the accuracy of diagnosis was questioned.J* and advice was asked from South Africa where the techniquo of examining was weff established. A survey disclosed that the number of silicotics was vary much smaller than actually reported. This led to the adoption by Ontario of the South African methods ar.d standards of diagnosis. However, a huge present and prospective liability was created. Men had been awarded sums ranging from $500 to $2,000 as silicotics and removed from industry with the idea that removal would arrest the disease. It 'was also thought that with this award the em ployer's legal responsibility ended. However, it developed that the legal posi 0 tion was different. Awards could only be considered as compensation, which could only be for disability and as a progression of the disease was considered a result of the original disability, the mines wore hold responsible. Later it was discovered that removal from dust exposure did not improve or arrest the dis ease. :.ic.n lost hepe, their economic status was lowered, they were difficult to rehabilitate, and wh t was no doubt nest important, the psychological effect of a the notification that the individual was a silicotic was extremely bad. A care ful analysis of progression rates shows practically no difference in favor of those removed. Eight of nine men classified as silicotic in 1926 are alive and working today. The ninth died of pneumonia, Hov.-cvcr it is only just to say that the basis of classification has been substantially raised since 1926. In 1933 some amendments were made to the act, discarding lump sum awards and making the industry responsible at any time for increased disability resulting- from the progression of uncomplicated silicosis. The company would not be responsible for tuberculosis unless it developed within two years from the time of leaving dusty employment. The amendments ere not quite clear, so individual coses arc tried on their merits and there is a question regarding the two year period, which may possibly be lengthened. Competent diagnosis is a nooessity, as there are practically no physical or clinical signs, and only an x-ray con give any indication of the disease; its interpretation, however, is to a great degree a matter of personal opinion. Emphasis is placed on the need for having competent unbiased examiners trained in diagnosis of silicosis. The article concludes with an explanation of how the act is administrated; -- examinations, compensa tions, assessments and costs. All applicants are examined and no one is acccpte with the type of chest that would indicate a susceptibility to tuberculosis or silicosis. All workmen below ground a&rt have certificates and must bo examin ed annually. The responsibility of issuing or refusing certificates rests upon the physician. Compensation claims made to the Board include medical aid, hos pital or sanatorium costs, without cost limit. In case of death compensation is paid to widow for life or until remarriage at $10 for each child up to 16 years of age. Compensation to the widow is a fixed sum, irrespective of what the claimant nay have received. Assessments and costs arc carried by the mines ac cording to the number of non employed and the nunber of dust shifts worked. Every effort is n'dc tc rcduco hazards and immense improvements have been accom plished through active and intelligent cooperation of the industry. s_>-- a s >rf^\ '\j i /f -12 50S PTHVENTIVE AND INDUSTRIAL JEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH. NEXT STEFS IN ORGANIZA TION AND ADMINISTRATION. Lcvcrctt D. Bristol, M.D., Health Director, American Telephone and Telegraph Company, New York, N. Y. Ind. lied. 6_, 425-8 (July 193 J. Am. Med. Assoc. 109, 245-3 (July 24, 1937). Reprints obtainable from autho The author predicts ttic.t tls dividing line between curative and preventive med ficine will be less and less evidnet, that medicine -.'ill become decreusingly pathologic and increasingly more physiologic, and that voluntary and state ef forts for preventive medicine will be more- adequately interlocked. He suggest as an immediate step in that direction, that a county association be selected, under the sponsorship of the American Medical Association, to carry on an ex periment in the organisation of preventive medicine. Four steps desirable- in the future development of industrial medicine include: (1) more emphasis on pre ventive medicine; (2) better ard moro teaching of industrial hygiene in medical and public health schools; (3) a method now being planned for the measurement or appraisal of industrial health and safaty activities, and (4) a plan whereby the quality ar.d quantity of r.cdica.1 services in industry may be surveyed, measured and possibly approved and certified. The American Medical Association has authorized the formation of a Council of Public Health, which will serve as a guide tovrrd the two aims last mentioned. City health administration must become more decentralized with the possible de velopment of neighborhood health districts and full tire district medical of ficers, and committees of private physicians and health representatives should b*. set up for advisory supervision. On the other hand, rural health administra tion should be more centralized, v/ith the county as the smallest unit, and the state department of health, with federal financing if possible, should assemo more authority. No one pattern for usual health administration Is applicable to all communities, but the isolated small town health departments must be suc ceeded by a bc-ttcr organization. 509 PERIODIC EXAMINATIONS 0? INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES. 7.'. S. Austin, Ind. Ifed. 6, 422-424 (July, 1937). No reprints. The author deals with the desirability and importance of regular periodic exam inations of the worker ir. industry and entrance examinations for the applicant. No employee should be discharged for his age alone, and tho faithful, long-time employee is cf mere value to the company, provided he is physically fit, than the r.t-w -worker who still must be trained. Examinations should be thorough, yet not fatiguing. The doctor's relationship to the employer and employoo is o del icate one; he must have tact and be just to both parties. The old idea that a doctor is examining a worker to disqualify him for work should be removed from the patient's mind. He should be educated to understand that it is to increase his efficiency -nd keep him at work longer than otherwise. Also, there should be cooperation between the industrial examiner and the employee; for instance, abnormal conditions discovered on examination should be referred to the employee own physician, while in ease of industrial injury or disease, the company physi cian should usually take charge. 510 ^ AN ALTERNATE METHOD OF COKrAKING THE DUST ARIES T..NCE OF .'.IR CLEANING DEVICES. Arthur Nutting, Chief Research Eng. Am. Air Filter Cc., Louisville, Ky. Heating, Piping A Air Conditioning. 9, 511-512 (Aug. *37). Reprints obtainable from author. A method >-f testing air filters according to the Standard Code dstablished by the A.S.H.V.E. has beer, used for approximately one year and numerous checkups were made. This code prescribes dust standardization, dust feeding method, rate of dust feed, air velocity through filter, method of rating resistance, method of sampling for arrestar.ee rating and method of rating filter for dust holding capacity. The article includes calibration cuivos with standard dust and fly ash screened through a 325 mesh sieve. HlfeB-000ifo22 -13- 511 recent advances i:; of? efciiledge of the froslev of air conditioning. c.-e.a. ^ Winslow, Dr. F.H., Diroct:r, Jchn B, Pierce Lab. of Hygiene, New Enver., Conn. ^ A;:,. J. Pub. Health 27, 757-75 (~ug., 1937) Reprir.ts probably obtainable fremg author. Air is essential to life in supplying oxygen and regulating the supply of wntejfo light and temperature, but is also a potential carrier of injurious substances* and organisms. The broad purpose of air conditioning is he obtain the positivte factors at their best and to eliminate sources of injury. Dust is first consid ered. The author believes that the total influence of silicosis and associated tuberculosis on the mortality of the working population may he more serious than that of industrial accidents, and that they are of vastly greater significance than industrial poisoning. Control of the dust hazard is one of the basic prob lems of air hygiene. The success in silicosis prevention in South Africa has sho". what can be done. The effects of ncn-siliccous dusts, though not as acute a problem, must 'loo bo considered. Outside of industry, we have little exact in formation or. the effect of atmospheric dusts upon health, but there are certs ini' esthetic advantages, at least, in removal of dust and soot from air before it en ters buildings, and removal of poller, from the air of a single room or of a larg building has bean proved practical in hay-fever treatment. Other topics discussed can only bo mentioned briefly hero. They include the- fol loving: air-bomc bacteria, which have boon shewn to be suspended in the cir in considerable numbers, but still ray not be- of greet practical importance; body and other odors, which have no direct harmful effect, but impair health indirect ly by affecting the appetite ar.d comfort; ionized air, about which earlier the ories have bc-.r. exploded, but which has a minor effect; and finally, heat inter change as related to canfort. The last is a complex problem, as the action of the body is more complicated than that of any of the instruments that have been devised to measure comfort. The- problem of th- heating and ventilation engineer with reference to these va rious phases of air conditioning is discussed, and some now solutions for some o. the problems are mentioned. The author says in conclusion that we should no Ion* er bo satisfied with the avoidance of obviously harmful conditions, but should achieve atmospheric conditions which produce an active sense of physical well- be ir.g. 512 SOME MEDICAL ASPECTS 0? A MINER'S LIFE. S.17.Fisher. Sci. & Art of Mining 7, 290 (I'ar. 27, 1937); Colliery C-uardir.n 154, 459-90 (Mar. 12, 1937). The author briefly discusses several occupational diseases including silicosis. In the case of silicosis he draws the conventional cicture of the course of sil ica and other dusts after they reach the lungs. He adds, however, that the process described occurs in healthy lungs. If abnormal conditions are prosent, due to a previous acute luna disease, frequent colds, or perhaps on inhereted tendency, the normal elimination of dust is soriously intorfered with, end the inhalation of fine, presumably innocuous lust, may result in. accumulations which greatly aggravate the original accumulation and lead toHtrying degrees of fi brosis. Thus many miners with little or no working history of drilling or shot firing develop fibrosis, Ir. other words, if for any reason alveolar dust elimir. ation does net keep pace with dust inhalation, any type of dust can be harmful. 513 THE SAMPLING OF MIKE ROAD DUSTS. N. Simpkin and S. V. Tfild. Sci. & Art of Mining 47, 262 (Fob. 27, 1937j, Methods in actual use may be divided into four classest (1) removal of the dust, wholly or pnrtiall-, in a definite strip from the roof, sides and floor; (2) removol cf the dust- in increments; (3) the use of some form of vacuum sampler, and (4) collection, from smooth plates fixed at chosen points on the roadway. In vestigations wore undertaken with the object of throwing light upon two points; (l) a reliable- but simple method that will ensure a true representation of the road dust from the viewpoint of combustible matter presont; and (2) the reason able and allowable deviation from the true composition of the dust. No con clusions are reported. S3 0 a - 14 514 ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS IN DEEP JUNES. (25TH REPORT TO TEE COMMITTEE ON "TEE CONTROL OF ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS IN EOT AND DEEP MINES".) B.R.Lawton. Trans. Instn. Pin. Engrs. London 93, 37-47 (Apr., 1937). The results of investigations of temperature conditions in deep coal r.inos, oarried on in Great Britain during the past few years, are summarized in this brief japer. The depth of the mines investigated arc from 2700 to 3900 feet. At th* coal-face the. dry-bulb temperatures ranged up to 106CF., end the usual wet-bulb range was 70-88F. The air temperature was generally below the strata temperature by 7 to 35. It was shown that the presence of mer. raises the humidity. The air velocities used insured comfortable working conditions ir. spite of the high humidity. Air velocities cannot be increased in? finitely without stirring up cast clouds. In one case 600 f.p.m- was foe.::- sc; high, at a particularly dusty location, although the usual range was from ICO to 800 f.p*m. 515 A SUGGESTED SC ESI 2 FOR MI ID COOLING BY CONFESSED AIR. 7. J. Walker. J. Chem. list. A Min. See. S. Africa 37, 351 (Feb. 19:";. The author proposes a system of re gene rati a; ceding similar to that used by Claude for liquefying gases. Air is compressed at the surface to a suitable pressure and then expanded to a pressure ccrre.-noncing to about The cooled air passes down the mine in an ir.sul'td pipe ar.i then ao "he places where ceding is needed. Suitable heat oxcheny.z s extract hcae from the mine air and the reheated air is finally utilized in driving air motor:: for various mine operations. The cold air discharged from these motors produces an addition al cooling effect. 516 SURFACE REFRIGERATION AT THE TURF SHAFT OF THE ROBINSON DffiP, LIMITED. K. J. ISacWilliam and J.T. McIntyre. J. Chen. Met. A Min. Soo. So. Africa 37, 438-57 (Mar. 1937). A description of the largest mine-cooling system in the world, capable of cod ing 12 tons of air per minute from 65 to 33c wet bulb, thereby allowing access to rich veins of geld or heretofore inaccessible. An incroase of steping depth of 1,500 fist beyond the present depth of 8,500 feet is expected. (C) Papers ~n Industrial Pflsons, Cancer, Etc. 517 BRONCHOGENIC CARCINOMA. Carlton B. Pierce and Charles F. Ingersoll. Ind. Med* 6, 411-422 (July, 1937). The article describes a series of cases of lung cancer taken from all occupations According to ttiis survey, farmers were most frequently afflicted, and housewives next, while laborers in the various industrial trad" were least afflicted- How ever, the ratio for all trades and professions was a-'-jua equal. In sex domdnar.c.. moles were higher chan females. Fourteen d:fferenn -.res are described miuh eharts showing various stages of progression cf tnc disease. Emphadzod is tnc insidious character of the disease and the peculiarity of the oncoming synmems. Concrete relation to industrial occupation ir. couaaceion with th; disease is not considered. 518 INDUSTRIAL HEALTH IN SHANGHAI, CHINA; II. A STUDY OF TFE CHROMIUM HATING AND POLISHING TRADE. B.E.Read, S.G.Hatom, Y.B.DIu pnd VKY.Lce. Chinese Med. Assoc. Spec. Rept., Ser. No. 6, 1936. This report deals with a study of diet and general health conditions in the plat ing and polishing industry in Shanghai. As a general practice workers ar housed whore they work and given thoir food as part of their remuneration. Twenty-sevor per cent of the workers were boys aged 11 to 15 years, and the diets supplied wer entirely inadequate for the needs of growing boys or for hard work, and very de ficient in fats and animal proteins. Underwei^it, poor general health and dis eases due to dietary deficiency aro prevalent. The usual working day is 11 hours with only 2 rest days per month, Work is dono under ftppolling conditions of over crowding, bad ventilation and -sfostlnoss. Apprentices sloop on the workshop floe HUBB-0009624 p5) C 'Sj U' Cs HUBB-0tto9625 - IS and a loft above the shop is considered a superior sleeping accomodation. No protection against the irritati action of chromium fumes is afforded, and con sequently nasal affections are common in the majority of workers, and serious cases are frequent. Altogether the report presents a sordid picture of work ;l done in the worst possible environment, chiefly by children and young persons with little or no protection against the laiown hazards of their occupation. SIS ULCERATION OF THE HASAL LEFnP-AIHS ,>FD PERFORATION OF TEH SEPTUi: IT A Copper- PLATIITG FACTOR*:, UNUSUAL AND SUEDE" INCIDENCE. ?.S.3ars,'y, N.Y.State J. Med. 37, 1031-4 (June 1, 1S37). ' A sudden outbreak of ulcerated nasal mer.brar.es and other nasal disturbances oc curred in a plant limited to copper, bronze and nickel plating, and was follow ed by one pneumonia death. The author's investigation showed that as a result of changes in the process 'r.d the working conditions, there had been an increase in the amount of spray Emanating fran the cyanide baths. The alkaline mist thus produced contained sodium copper cyanide, free sodium cyanide and caustic soda. The tanks to which most of the atmospheric contamination was traced were farth est from the windows which served as the main source of ventilation and which were closed in cold weather. After improving conditions, omearwhile closing the plant, no more trouble was experienced. The author believes that many such cases have not been recognized, as he has found no reports of similar cases in eopperpleting establishments. 520 LEAD POISONING DIAGNOSIS. Ifey R. Mayers, MD. Division of Industrial Kyg., N.Y. State Dept. Labor, 80 Centre St., New York, N.Y. Ind. Bull. 16, 289-90 (July 1937) Reprints available at above address. Under the present excellent development of laboratory technique, there is a tendency among physicians to rely on laboratory findings in diagnosis, to the extent of neglecting the clinical picture presented by the patient. Hiis is es pecially true in lead poisoning cases. Instances of this situation include cases recovering very slowly from lead poisoning; others where, in a patient who has been discharged as cured, there is a recurrence of symptoms after an interval of time has elapsed; and in cases developing subacute or chronic symptoms where there has been lead absorption for a lonr time but never an acute attack of the disease, and other similar situations. In the cases mentioned, the laboratory information cannot possibly supply the complete picture The most puzzling situation arises when repeated laboratory reports show a very small but persist ent number of stippled cells. Instead of prolonging laboratory tests, the pa tient should be examined for other causes, with the same thoroughness as in the original examination. For such patients there are two possible methods of treat ment:- (l) de-leading, which will both indicate whether the stippled cells arise from the mobilization of stored lead, and remove as much of the stored lead as possible, and (S^/tnerary which insures the continuation of the lead in the stored state. De-leadir.g must be carried on under carefully controlled condi tions, as there is danger in excessive treatment. In lead poisoning, as in other industrial diseases, there is no short cut to an accurate diagnosis and all factors must be considered. 521 CHRONIC LEAD POISONING. A. Nyfeldt. Uges^. f. Laeger, 99, 283 (March 11, 1937) (Danish). Chronic lead poisoning was contracted by an employee of the criminal identifica tion bureau of the police department whose daily occupation for 26 years has been the examination of articles for finger prints. "white lead is dusted in large amounts on each article and brushed away, causing considerable quantities to be inhaled by the operator, who is bending over to make the examination. The first symptoms of lead colic and lead neuritis appeared 20 years ago, and re cently symptoms of lead arthralgia have appeared. The presence of basophil punctuated erythrocytes confirmed the diagnosis. V-\V\, a--. a ! 522 LUMINOUS PAINT POISONING. Minnie I'. McMahon, Division of Industrial Itygiene, 0009626 N.Y. State Dept, of Labor, 80 Centre St,, New York, N, Y, Ind. Bull. 16, 231-2 (July, 1937) Reprints available at above address. . Luminous paint is made from zinc sulfide crystals which have been made radioac tive by combination with radium and sometimes mesothorium salts, mixed with either drying oil, varnish or a gum and water. It is used on watch and clock dials, gauges and dials for airplanes, and scientific instruments. The industrjo began in this country in 1313, and 2,000 workers of whom 350 were painters, werfc employed in 1929# The occupation proved to be hazardous, and a number of deaths and disabilities resulted. In 1929 a survey of the industry in New York State was made by the above bureau, shewing that 38 workers were using luminous paint. Seven were found to be radio active, indicating that they were in danger of the consequences, including necro sis of the jaw and other bones, and anemia. No official code of preventive rules has been adopted, but rules have been formulated from the best practices observed. There are 26 of these rules, which include medical and dental examination,- in struction in the hazards, the use of rubber gloves in all possible contacts with the paint, enclosure of materials in lead glass and metal containers, washing of utensils, covering the tables with paper, prohibition of eating or keeping food in the workroom, the use of smocks and caps during work, large and well ventilat ed rooms, and above all, strict prohibition of pointing the brushes with the mouth or fingers and of all contact of the paint with the skin. Neglect of this rule was the principal cause of the deaths that occurred in this industry in its early stages, end it is now rigidly enforced. However we do not yet know the effects of exposure to emanations of low power over long periods, and it must be considered potentially hazardous until further tests and studies have been made and sufficient time has elapsed to show any susceptibility under the best work ing conditions. 523 HEALTH P&STECTION FOL HELDERS, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., New York City. Pamphlet, 27 pp. 1937. Free copies are obtainable from the Company. The health hazards to which welders are exposed include electric shock, burns, action of injurious light or heat rays, toxic gases and fumes, and metallic dusts. In oxyacetylene welding, the greatest danger is that of gas fires and expbcrtsns, and in electric welding the greatest care must be taken to avoid ac cidental contacts, and in the treatment of shock. All emergency cases should be treated as respiratory failure. Men trained to give artificial respiration should be available at all times. The radiant energy given off in welding in cludes light and infrared and ultraviolet reys, in sufficient amounts to be in jurious, and eye protection must be given by goggles and helmets. Specifications for such protection have bemn drawn by the U. S, Navy and by the American Stand ards Association. Harmful gases generated by the flame or arc include nitrous gases, carbon monox ide, and ozone. The nitrous gases are formed in electric welding, but rarely in injurious amounts in gas welding, and include nitrous oxide, which has no par ticularly irritating effect, and nitric oxide and nitrogen peroxide or dioxide, which are highly irritating. In prolonged exposure, 39 parts per million Is the maximum permissible concentration, and 240 to 775 parts per million are rapidly fatal. Cases of poisoning among welders from oxides of nitrogen and ozone have occasionally been published in the medical literature. Carbon monoxide acts as an internal asphyxiant and is particularly dangerous because it gives no warning of its presence. The maximum allowable concentration is placed at 100 to 200 parts per million for prolonged exposure. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is not so dangerous unless it is so abundant as to reduce the oxygen supply. The es sential first aid treatment both for nitrogen oxides and for carbon monoxide con sists in removal to fresh air and artificial respiration. The following preven tive measures are recommended by the Harvard Laboratories of Industrial Hygiene: (1) general ventilation; (2) local exhaust ventilation: (3) use of respirators for gases and dusts, and (4) use of positive-pressure air helmets. sg ^ ev - 17 Harmful metallic oxides giver- off in the form of ftones or dusts in the welding process include lead, manganese, sine (including brass and bronze)- cadmium a some rarer metals, and non-metals, such as phosphorus, selenium, and silicon, itu certain alloys, are possible sources of danger. Lead is the most dangerous, partly because when taken in the lungs it is not eliminated but is deposited various organs. Absorption of lead, however, is not necessarily followed by pois& oning, and individuals vary greatly in ability to absorb and eliminate lead. ^ The only safe preventive measure is either a respirator designed especially for* lead, or a positive pressure helmet. Cadmium is also definitely toxic, especially ly in vapor farm, but manganese and zinc are not seriously so. Workers with alloys containing silicon have shown fine nodulation in the lungs, resembling silicosis, but there was no clinical evidence of silicosis. Several possible explanations for this condition are suggested. Ventilating exhausts and suitable respirators should be provided for all possible sources of metal fume poisoning. 524 CARBON TETRACHLORIDE (TETRACHLORIDE THANE). Industrial Data Sheet D - Chen. 25 Nat, Safety News 36, 3S (Sept. 1937). Supplied to members of National Safety Council at 5 cents each. The principal hazard is that of poisoning by inhalation or by .contact with the skin. A concentration of 100 parts per million parts of air is considered the safe maximian for continuous exposure, but intermittent exposures may be higher for shorter pe riods, for example 400 parts pr million for 30 minutes. The health hazard is slight if proper equipment and ventilation are employed. Symptoms of chronic poisoning by inhalation include nervousness, loss of appetite, headache, nausea, jaundice, and kidney inflammation. Acute poisoning is indicated by head ache, nausea and lachrymation. Coma and death rarely follow in industrial activ ity. A victim should be removed to fresh air, and a physician should be summoned if symptoms are severe. Closed containers should be used if possible, but if rot. there should be adequate dorm draft ventilation, and gas masks and safety belts should be provided. Only selected persons should work with tetreohloride, exclud ing alcoholics, exceedingly fleshy or undernourished individuals and those with pulmonary disease, gastric ulcers, high blood pressures, liver, kidney or heart trouble. When carbon tetrachloride is mixed with other liquids, as in fire ex tinguishers, to reduce their flammability, only approved liquids should be used, and they should be mixed thoroughly, preferably by mechanioal agitation, and tested frequently with a hydrometer to make sure that evaporation has not changed the proportions. Fhysical examination and frequent inspection of the processes are necessary. Carbon tetrachloride in contact with the skin dissolves the skin fat, causing it to dry and become irritated so that it will ohap, and mild derma titis may follow. Cocoa butter, vaseline or a good cold cream will restore the oil to the skin, and-a lotion containing gum and glycerin is a good protective agent. 525 POISONING BY TRICHLORETHYLENE. E. Holstein. Zentr. Gewerbehyg. Unfallverhut (German) 24, 49-54 (1937). "Tri" poisoning has occurred in Germany with 25 fatal results out of 280 cases during the last 20 years. The factories showed 75% of trichlorethylene cases due to oement used for fastening uppers. 526 APRAXIAS AND OTHER NEUROLOGICAL SEQUELAE OF CARBON MONOXIDE ASPHYXIA WITH A RE PORT OF A CASE. I.C.Nichols and M. Keller. Am. J. Psychiatry 93, 1063-72 (Mar.'37 The paper describes autopsy findings in carbon monoxide poisoned patients who lived at least 7 weeks. Neurological and psychiatric manifestations are also dis cussed with special attention to aphasic disturbances. The case reported is that of a young man who could not relearn to write or copy simple geometrio figures, and was finally taught to write by spoken directions for each movement. After 2 years in the institution he developed eplleptio attacks. Other cases were mention ed in the discussion, and the condition was attributed to anoxemia. HWBTS-0009628 - IS 527 ASPHYXIATION AMD DEATH IN OXYGEN DEFICIENT ATE. Edward J. Powers. An. J. Pub Health 27, 880-82 (Sept,, 1937). 1 A case is described in which three men were killed in a linseed oil reservoir which had been closed for throe months. Tests of the blood of the victims proved that they died from the effects of oxygen deficiency and a pressure of carbon dioxide that far Exceeded that in alveolar air. .528 INFLUENZA AMD INDUSTRY. IV. Blood. 3rit. Med. J. 1_, 1079-81 (liay 22, 1937) A study of the epidemic of influenza affecting industrial workers showed that 19^ of the 6,354 workers examined in a period of 2 months were attacked in spitr of usually excellent working conditions, and that factory v.wkcr- of both sexes were more subject than other classc-s of workers. The rcaao.' ,'rr i.ais may be the unavoidable contacts of a large number of persons, ratr.c - tnar. poor hygienic conditions. Females and young workers are tho most susceptible. The relation of public conveyances to the- spread of influenza was also considered, but no evidence was found.