Document dpdoBmGBGXMd8yQG7q81Y4zQ

FILE NAME: Metropolitan Life (ML) DATE: 1935 June DOC#: ML028 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Internal Report - Study of Dust Conditions the Bridgeport and Stratford Plants of Raybestos-Manhattan < t* r -K 1 t> Tho Bridgeport lojQt. t Tho Bridgeport plant engages in the -weaving of brake-band Hiving and clutch facing and the treatment and processing of the same. The buildings and processes are the same as at the time of the first survey, but the majority of the looms have been changed from their previous locations. Tho mothods used in tho collecting of duot samples and counting are identical with those givon in reports of other plants of this company and as outlined in the United States Public Health Service Bulletin No. 144, Treasury Department, Washington, D.C. Learns. -Slack un 1 l i m 4L .this, tees: - 3id M osul * Loom #54 Loom #55 4 space Fletcher 12 space C & K 2 5/16 x 1/8 ring stock 2 7 A 6 x 133 " 2 9/16 x 5/32 ring stock 1030 - 1 cotton 2 5 A 6 - 1032 mule 2 7/1 6 ) 1030 - 1 cotton ) 1033 - 1 cotton wet filling 1033 - 1 ootton wet filling ifiSim MfQ. 12 space 0 & X 2x3/4 2 1/4 x 1/4 Raybeatos 2 1/2 x 1/4 1032 mule yarn wet filling Lpom y/61 12 space Fletcher 2 x 3/16 Rayhestos 1032 mule yarn vet filling J&Bk& i 20 space C& X 1 3 / 4 x 3 /1 6 - 05 . 820 - 30% cotton yarn 1022 zinc yarn wet filling Loom y/70 20 space C & K 11/2 x 3A6 -05 1 3/4 x 3/16 ' , 820 - 3 0 % cotton yarn 1022 zinc yarn . wet filling dry binder Loom #71 20 space C & X 1 1 / 2 x 5/32 - 05 ....820 - 30* cotton yarn 1022 zinc yarn wet filling dry binder -*-r-1 ...... ........ *...... ........... 4 t 1 iOSSL 3S. 12 space C & K 2 9/16 x 5/32 ring stock 1030 - 1 cotton.yarn 1033 - 1 " * wet filling dry binder ) ! i n i; i i Jjasm 32A 12 space C & K 2 3/8 x 245 - 05 820 - 3055 cotton yarn 1022 - zinc yarn wet filling wet binder IjQ.om fe? 16 space Fletcher 2 x 3/16 Raybestos 1032 mule y a m .. wet filling dry binder Loom 4LL 6 space C & E 3 x 5/16 4 x 5A6 Free wheeling 4 1/2 x 5/16 1030-2 cotton yarn 1033 - 1 cotton yarn 1032 - 1 cotton zinc y a m 1030 - 1 cotton y a m wet filling partially wot binder iftaauKS 20 space C & K . 1 1/2 x 5/32 - 05 820 - 30/5 cotton y a m 1022 zinc y a m wet filling dry binder i I f * * Loom 41.0 12 space C & K |$*lA-05 820 - 30% cotton yarn 1022 zinc yarn wot filling dry binder Loom //25 12 space C & K 2 x 3/16 - 05 820 - 30i cotton y a m 1022 - zinc yarn wet filling dry binder * L a m 33& 16 space Fletcher 2 x 3/16 Raybestos 1032 mule y a m wet filling dry binder Loom #46 .10 space 0 & K 3x3/8 3 1/2 x 3/8 Raybestos 4x3/8 , 1033 mule y a m wet filling dry binder 4 * Xooro 2 4 space Fletcher 5 x 5/16 Baybastos 1033 mule yarn wet filling partially wet bindor 1 st > Lorn 1 2 space Fletcher 9*1 no ^ire 9 3A x 1 1030 - 2 cotton yarn dry weaving loom '36 - TO.rp xftPJB, 3 space Fletcher 12 x 3/3 industrial automotive 1032 - 1 cotton zinc y a m 1033 - 1 cotton yarn 1030 - 1 " w 1030 - 2 w wet filling wet binder Air Velocities - Taken jdih inmnpmaisr. s i Misas! Jnfeka Bridgeport. Slant Pratt & Whitney Grinder - 925 feet per minute Automatic drillers -- 1028 feet per minute 2nd floor - inspection table tnafiblwfl on north side -- 270 feet per minute " south side -- 58 feet per minut The following table shows the results of analysis of air samples taken at representative positions: ; * / i 6*pit No* iUUon fid >L03p #m iaX Mima & mi;;zz~nu*n*h, ikc. fiAtu - l* u a. n. Of Air Stapled fOOpllCg HUUonr of *11Slow of ?yo*i Pnrtlefc* p#r fortlcl** U99 r eu. f t. utr lhtn 10 tier tart lu p ltd in eret:at dlh^ct>r> twr I. ft. If ..mrUd i Botiuoo loon* #60 6A9/3J 44.7 M 61 a W M looac #70 od 71 49.9 6.1 5.5 5*3 3 V- Aftbf.ftoo 4.7 V# 4 At loon #69 58.9 6.1 5.3 iy - . t 9 8*to>ia Iomo #54 and $3.8 95 0Mf*l al?| eofttjr of * 38.1 rooo aor Iom #7$ 33 8*> a #4 6/14/35 30.4 5.2 4.5 y 7 8 5-4 : 4.6 v/- II 6.0 5.2 3^ 0 Rt&ariir 1 M) OD oh loo* 1 otn on oceh loo) ondor kolt Arito #5* not ronnlndl not uot.r lt drl*o Itiniuy jrnloj itftir tnrtlni Pl loo blorn off frlio/ 3 I t loo* #50 6A 9/35 46.2 6 A t loo* #44 61.6 7 A t lo sa #30' 43.3 9 A t loo* #27 . * 39.6 ' 10 A t looa *24 57.3 u A t low ) *25 77.8 IS BotwMO to n * I f u i 42.2 10 14 At loon #46 6/20/35 40.3 15 At lu p o o tlo a U B I 0 34.1 fo r orna took at ' Blading*and *11.ow in g * 28.7 ao*n (took 3i faao 10 I f . 6/ 24/35 32.9 14 At loon (tt? 6/27/35 29.3 Btuiin.I;n;itjfi-J .14 111 toSffi ' 11 At loo* *J1| oil 6/17/15 3S.4 >11 brkli lining * 5.5 3-1 . : 3.6 7.5 3.0 3.5 9.9 ` 4.8 9.6 , 8.1' . * 9 5*5 % -* ,.m ' : 1 4.6 w 2.6 3. */ 0 6.3 2.5 *1/ 2.9 7 8.3 i* 4.0 V 8.1 y * Erhtutt jntu oa ^ * .brw'll* 6.8 .vV<tj 4.6 %7 *imloj fwr KrUnd un) lun# tiw* ' >ff. ffldit/ 1.6 V Afbtii'* 1-J 3.3 vt V Arbutoi . 4 loan la rom Jt?. or.7 jna ranuln  1 lo* i32 4 /2 3 /j 39.*7 lini 1) ir K lav* **| n ivln j rooo " 31.3 li 1 p*rp **-ohio<t / l * JA.6 *nJ >, 22 H ir *7 * 55.8 25 &*</ olr eoi " 80.3 U U rt & K it* U 1 &% 18 Gnaoml a lr inpoetin i J6.8 and paeklai brake Untnj 20 torneai t i r . noar fan11 38.8 prati fr litoti (aotni 2) Bauoan t*> U ria knuckl * 61.8 fruttti toma elvteh f telai 26 h t n n tao O rili pratica a 25.5 Ori11In; rlaat bolaa 29 Saan aa #26 8/21/35 29.6 29 At fr a tt A abituo? * 27.6 (Tintori aorua brake llnlnc 21 tonam i a lr . mehlna * 38.5 bop 26 tonerai a lr . atiratina 8/29/35 97.6 rana 2? tonam i atra ahlpptng 8/21/35 63.9 bldf. J0 (ornai utalto alr * 68.0 2.5 . ` S.3 ' * 1.7 3.3 6 , 5.3 2.6 1.6 - 3.1 0 5.6 * ti i f 1.3 I 1.7 t 2.0 u 3.1 i i* 2.2, 4 2.2 1\ 2 .2 , 4\ 0.95 1.0. 0.5 1.1 1 X.5 1 1.6 i 2.7 li 1.9 r 1.9 p 1.9 il 0.36 r 0.90 f 0.65 3 , H II rnkv ' Untai a Cliitch f tetre Brakd Untai a a Glutei iaclnj . braVo llnlnc ina ram'ln j j ojv if ?*y * *'.r|> Uy hui1 19 tn-U U o'.i.; **0 a.>**. Jlulrt WVj-3 eett>n mrr in? *a"-.| 1533-1 esitaci . IOy or*aa JS 3 *n 9 ma roll in i Unlng 1 in eutl lng Untai feh w st i | s U i | Ir bof* us*d te elten atehli Exheuet eyet JisEwsjiaaama Brnka Iwpartoant 6 t U s a i #28 M 89 1,56* fb 38.l i Ri . U .7* 8 l0 j l u t a i ) (no t r n Ule) .tu a m m a m ' ......-H; ' Jrd floor 6/19/35 2n4 flnpr puWMi (5 flitr Ut Hnr l i t flear * autalda -* 665 57* 761 4W * 663 a triitiMma m * bruta toptrWahl 89*. All f ara uaod t tela tla avarici 75* aabnctoa ani 25* cotto. Sample So. 34 20 23 26 . 28 29 31 24 Station - RAYB3ST0S DIVISION OK RAY3KSTaS-^.NriA?fAK. INC. Bridgeport, Conn. LEnD ANALYSES Date of Sampling Cu. Ft. Air Sampled Milligrams of Milligrams of Lead per cu. ft. Lead per cubic air sampled meter of air At loan #29; Buick staffed .04 lining 6/27/35 General air near small press for clutch facing 6/2J/35 Between two large II knuckle presses; woven clutch facing Between two drill II presses drilling rivet holes Sane as #26 6/21/35 At Pratt & F.hitney It grinder woven .brake lining . , General air machine ' If shop 29.3 36.8 64*6 25.5 29.6 7.6 38.5 General air - saturation 6/20/35 room ^ 97.6 .' 0.00065 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.00069 .0.000 0.023 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.0244 0.000 0.000 0.000 Dead Intake in Milligrams on basts of workman breathing 10 cubic met-s air in 10hr. nnv Type of Dust 0.23 '"'r' /? Asbsitss lead 0.00 Braklinir.g 0.0*0 Clutch facing 0.00 0.00 0.244 Brake lining n i e 0.000 0.000 Brake lining clutch facing -7- { 1 \ t .Eats. s. 1230 Survey n& 2335. Bridgeport Elant 3 x sL lsih z Between looms #60 and 61 " #70 and 71 Average of 3rd floor counts Millions of Particles per cu. ft. -p.Air. Sampled. 1930 1531 1,380,000 if 1,000,000 i. 1,950,000 6,100,000 5,500,000 55 5,700,000 55" 2 nd floor Average of 2nd floor counts 2,970,000 z/' 1 5,700,000 5>i> lat .floor -- warp room (.: Average of counts % ,685,ooo 3,100,000 /V t ' v ..` > . -o~ *1 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS - Bridgeport Plant, ' All of the dust counts in. this plant show less than ten million particles per cu&ic foot of air sampled. While these counts are not considered as dangerous concentrations, they are much higher than on the previous survey made in 1930, with the exception of those in the warp room. All but four of the looms have been moved to different locations since the first survey. A check of the records, would show a comparison of tho type of yarn used and rate of production at the time of the two surveys. Sample #15, taken at the inspection table on the second floor shows the highest count. The concentration at this point could, be decreased material ly by the proper exhaust equipment. The present system is not designed property to take care of tho dust generated. Sample #34- shows the presonce of lead. This amount is not consid ered dangerous, but it would be advisable to have the workmen at these looms examined periodically for qny signs of lead poisoning. The only sample in the L `, Brake Department showing lead was sample #29* This is not considered a danger ous amount, but does indicate that there is a potential hazard present. , i.-'tv--}.. *v*~' ..v.ii;4'./Vr*'. 'r Percentage frequency of occurrence of dust particles % Size of duct particles in microns Q (a  Size of dust particles in microns * a bmtCod. E U a t Tfte Stratford plant engages in tho manufacture of molded brake lining, molded clutch facing and packing. The molded type brake lining is made in two different processes. 4 One typa Is m&de by nixing aabsatoe, rubber, UthiTge, mica, v/hitins, sulphur, zinc oxide and high test gasoline in a mixer. This mixture is formed into sheets by ordinary rubber mills with heated rolls. The sheets are cut into strips for brake lining. The second type is made of a mixture of rubber, asbestos, lith arge, sulphur, zino oxide and resin. This dry mixture is made into sheets by means of an hydraulic press. The sheets are cured in steam-heated presses. Strips for brake lining are cut from these sheets.^ Both types of lining are ground to width and thickness on Gardner grinders or Blanchard grinders. The lining iff formed into arcs in heated presses and holes are drilled for rivets on automatic drill presses. Molded type dutch facing is made from asbestos board. Asbestos .and water are mixed in bsaterB to a pulp. This pulp is made into sheets on wet process machines. The sheets are dried in ovens and rolled to thickness in calenders* The large sheets are cut .into strips from which the clutch facing rings are punched. The rings are impregnated in large tanks. Different speci fications call for different saturants. The rings are ground to thickness on. Blanchard grinders. The inside diameters are ground in internal grinders and the outside diameters are ground on external grinders. Rivet holes are drilled on automatic drillers. The finished clutch facing is than inspected -10- p * * * before packing for shipment. Shoot packing is made from a mixture of asbestos, rubber, litharge, whiting, sulphur, zinc oxldo and high test gasoline. These . materials are miked in closed mixers. Tha wet mix is mede into largo shoots in mills with heated rolls. It is either sold in largo sheets or it is cut into gaskets or rings on punch presses. The vapor arising from tho heated rolls, due i to the gasoline, is collected by hoods and pipes and reclaimed in two large con densers. The following tables show tho results of analyses of air samples taker at representative positions: . KJ * tu fi lo. lu tto a ttta itjsL u m in t taijssH taam . us.. lu iilu i. Cui. UU f frspllfli e* n . itr fru lli llU tu i t tortici per . f t. ir m pU i VUUlM f tortUUii In tteA 10 lPA li im iill U nitor, ter ru. ft. ir Ulte lu i.'i i l i yglnriitr u lto lA l/M 7.0 4.7 4.2 to d s b u r l i tifi W tHii 0 47.9 2.9 7.1 i l n n A i ai U ) t u r a i K U #7 u H Im I to.7 9*7 3.9 4rk tu c k 4 O m ini t i r Wti 90.5 2.4 2.9 Iran 15 7, 17 il 9 tu ri ti tu A 99*9 2*0 1.1 ito ; *ht fu tili 4 I t f i cito prwfi trvek 1.9 10*0 11.0 WUc U U i| fette truck iWut tO I t t i fru tiu * r 7 b u r t l ( U | tur w 42.7 1*2 1.1 0 u r tosr ia f t u t ONIUI a to tste s U U . smMcb $4.7 9. 3te f u t ut j*o 4539 krO t U tU i la b u o i tri tu** u n 53*4 t.O i.t H i i Um (MtoMir S tilili* i t m i im ito i l 94.7 >4 u l i MACfc tornito 44*0 4*4 n j , w iti* tri t*feUt u i Ilpu< u feajtc lib ito u l V*l/W W54 1*4 in to lib ito ktete llU U itoN u O m n i tif i tola M ir 4#.- 1.0 H U cbr tor p u l i i iitaiU i tu r i U UUU ut* f i l i n i l C u tn l tir lii|* ttu 40.0 2*0 f tote Uli u Ornarti tir i u p U n 47.1 1*4 f lutck freisi u i httkr U lt( 17 b lu p r tette **4 li / ) ti #4 toU tac tolto te tri U * l i I tu c k r i critotr A 554 0*9 lutck to iU | W b to m J *t 12*1 V.0 lU p K tll! Metito tof tette lu te i li ClM lM tf g rit tt 4l*t 14 lutto f r it ti ai littM I t (U t IM tott 444 4*0 ai li. M totfttc 4H U fate U4* 1.4 p u ti te AO 1.7 34 l.l Ite 2.9 1*1 - 1*2 14 0. 1.1 9.9 2 .1 fU U(ru r Ullcruu Ute ,-mr tu, f t, f U te p p ir Itoli U t f Ir 0.000 0.000304 O.MOU 0.00324 0.000 - 0.000 0.0134 O.OU! 0.000 0.000 - 0.000 0.000 4.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 - - - - - 0.000475 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.01U 0.000 0.000 0.000 0*000 0.000 0*000 U si tette t i lUUr< tor 0.kr. iy teU t rtu traitMr IO toU M * n f Ir 0.000 0.134 0.145 0.10 0.000 - 0.000 0*000 0*000 w - - 0.U4 0*000 - 0.000 0.000 ! 0*00 o.oao oc Trito M irti t bici ito rto i ttiito i ir* flk n r** 4WtU klu r 1*4 teli n M li( littore Im , uiu< rtoter XtetlM 4150 AstoiU k i* .U fttr# tt fle*r flfer* (i m i tedi l i t i tttote toreugh p ip iiU itoi ' Uttorc* tU U to rtetor Ta l i n n M tr ,* libito lib ili! uli eivtsk fate# rlr i > Tka liti t t r n b i u n Mt te lai flU te In k r t u l l i 9 n i * 5 tatto freisi frtfrU lib ito ! 2 t i I m i t 4$ out /* ite Irte U l t e U n i t tote 1 m (tetto i t o tei b b u it otto 1 u b il e tu to r trite 1 telai tutto r u t t i taktest 2i< >9 At d r il l to* tote!# ITO 24 U toU teftfrr . to l te 1129* telilo f fettes H a iti 25 At U U fM l ( r it o htoiM Aoa 14 Ai u n i i rito teCMte #109 at At Intarsi! irlM i MtoiM 244 a Al UW rtol a s te * MktM #124 27 At tote A90. toUi m UM toat lu te je total 1 l i m b i irlteara #3 4 94 Al fU c tto rr M to iU i irtU U # m tolte A te Ai t u t o r ***ln 70* Orto lU U f . *AV . 41*4 404 9.7 11*9 97.7 444 994 42*1 44.2 *7. .1 M Ut 1*9 0.000 0*00031 0.000 9.0U U4 U4 -- -- 124 7.7 4*1 9*3 " 0.000 . * 0.000 14 1.9 0.00002 0.020 14 1.1 0.000 0.000 114 10.5 0.9027 0.095 1.7 14 *4 1.9 0.00043 0.000045 0.0152 0.032 um * usi tuntu ilt>nTM .<ur .niHO]l>uU <m * r.r W>tM W.4< HO] * " " " O f t <rUU (rU te ri, i. X i i n 6400 . 4441 0.000 0.27 . 0.000 0.75 0.152 0 . 22 trfc Usi . . * I feto! tu a r eiuk fa * * Ui trito U sisi 7.8. M torid #) . r .i . ink* #4 tie t t M terU l ttk ir tee* b to r i r i n r i d i *ti| teste 2u toteste *fU t mb - n to m t 171U1 -11- Caapsraiiss JDaia s 19.30 fiupaz dA 1939 gtym y ( * Stratford. Plant 1930 1939 Cincinati grinder Filling beaters 655000 529,000 1,400,000 1,400,000 Air velocity readings - taken with, anemometer Fibre room - pulverizer - 590 feet per minute fibre opener 1450 n it it Blanchard grinder #4 - - 590 n tt 1514 n it tt (right side) it (left side) Drill press machine #70 - -'571 n it tt Internal grinder machine #102 large opening - 1111 n . it small openings 434 n ti it External grinder machine1'15*105 200 it n n Sander waohlno #92 743 u it it r Size of dust particle's In microns 9799_____ 999 998_____ 99 9B SS 90 m 75 SO 'SO <0 SO t o to & Z r a t d z OJ acts I f sov ro f \ I r . _________________ i t -12- * CONCLUSIONS AND RECOH^iNDATTONS - Stratford Plant Sample //6`taken at the fibre opener shows a high dust count. This is accounted for by the method of handling the fibre and not the opener itself* The fibre is dumped from bags onto the floor and then shoveled into the opener. t The fibre is carried to a hopper above and then falls through a pipe into a truck which is located about six feet from the opener. The operator stands between tho opener and the truck and shovels the fibre into the opener at the same time that it is falling into tho truck. The du9t concentration at this point`could be decreased by the proper handling of tho fibre. Samples #2, 3 and U show that there is lead present in the air at these points* While those samples do not show a dangorous amount, it would be well if the workmen engaged at, these places were examined periodically for signs of lead poisoning. Notice was taken at the time of this, survey of the method of handling litharge. This material is handled carelessly as it can be found lying on the floor in tho room where it is weighed and around the mixers. * Sample #13 shows a low count. Three men were engaged in filling the beaters* Practically all of the material put into the beaters was waste asbes tos board* Very little raw asbestos was added. No doubt the count at this position would be higher if more* raw .asbestos fibre were used out of tho bags. It is recommended that the bags of asbestos fibre be stored in a room isolated from the remainder of the plant. This would eliminate dust gonorated in tho p^Ung and unpiling of these bags in the room and exposing more people to the dust-than is necessary* Samples #15, 24, 28, 30, 31 and 32 all show that lead was present in the air sampled. Sample #30 is the only one that appro&chos a dangerous amount. -13- This sample also shows a high dust count. The high dust count at the two Blanchard grinders,#3 and A i3 due to the method of handling the brake lining during the grinding operation. Thi3 lining is the P.G. molded type and a number of strips are placed together for grinding of the edges. After the edges are ground on one side, the operator blows off the clinging dust 7dth an air hose and reverses the strips to grind the opposite edges. This type of grinding should be done on the grinding machines designed for this particular work* It was observed that a great amount of the dust present in the air is caused by the handling of the material after grinding. Dust clings to the individual pieces# and when the stacks are moved about they are not put down carefully. This results in dust clouds arising. Samples #25 and 26 show high, counts. Large size brake lining was used at the time these samples were taken. It was observed that the exhaust hoed on machine #105 did not catch all of the dust from this type lining. Wien pW n ?t. sizes of lining are ground on this machine the hood' seems to catch moat of the dust generated. The hood should be changed to take care of all sizes of lining ground on this machlno. HEALTH HAZARDS Asbestod dust gives rise to a pneumoconiosis or fibrosis of the lungs which has been discussed in the previous report made on the .sbestos industry. Developments in our knowledge of asbestosis are continually taking place and a summary of any new facts discovered will be added to the general composite report of the asbestos plants survey which is to be brought out later. Mica belongs to the class of materials in which silica occurs in a combined form known as silicates. Little or nothing is available in the literature with regard to the effects of this dust on the lungs, though it seems likely that it belongs with the more mildly injurious dusts. Our present know ledge of the effects of the silicates is meagre, but work is being carried on in Various quarters in on attempt to determines their classification more accur ( ) ately with regard to health. Experimental investigation of mica dust was mode 1 recently by A. Policard of the University of Lyons, Franco. His conclusions from observations on white rats were that these dusts are noxious to the lung tissue, resulting after a time in changes in the cells and in phagocytosis and producing a mildly chronic fibrosis similar to that seen in silicosis. Mica particles grouped in plaques were found in the alveolar tissues. With his conclusions regarding the theory that sericite is the chief factor in the causation of silicosis, authorities in this country cannot agree, although the matter is constantly receiving attention* of Lead) Toxicity of Lead in Rubber Mixing (Litharge - red or yellow oxide Compounding and mixing are the most hazardous processes in rubber making. If these processes are properly isolated from the rest, compara(1)Policard, A., The Action of Mica Dust on Pulmonary Tissue, Journal of Indus trial Hygicno, Baltimore, Vol. XVI, No. 3# May, 1934 PP* 160-164* -15- tively few workers need remain exposed. Lead poisoning is the commonest of the industrial intoxications. The toxicity of lead`depends upon a number of factors such as : the form of lead taken into the body - vapor, dust or solid; the solubility of the lead compound in human tissues; the mode of entry of lead into the body - inhalation, inges- 0 tion or skin absorption; the extent of exposure; individual susceptibility which is heightened by numerous conditions particularly by previous attacks of poisoning. Among the most readily toxic of the inorganic lead compounds are the oxides, the carbonate, the sulphate and the chromate. Lead is a cumulative poison and, with a few exceptions, industrial lead poisoning is usually a chronic condition caused by the inhalation or in gestion of small amounts of soluble lead over long periods of time. This process of poisoning may go on slowly for a long period without manifesting any of the characteristic acute symptoms. Lead inhaled., however, is far more rapidly and purely toxic than load ingested, since it reaches the blood stroam mote directly and comparatively little is eliminated unabaorbod* There is little agreomenfc in the estimates made by various authorities on the minimum amount of lead which can cause poisoning if taken into the body. For practical guidance, however, it can ho assumed that from 1 to 2 milligrams taken in daily over a period of months or years may cause poisoning. A number of factors also enter into the estimation of-the amount of air breathed by a mow at active work during the working day. Ten cubic meters of air in a ten hour day is an estimate which very probably errs on the safe side for the average workman. On the basis of these calculations, the lead content of the air of workrooms where men are continuously exposed should bo kept as low as 16 0 .1 of a milligram per cubic meter of air ox* elso strict measuros for protection should be installed to prevent poisoning. The symptoms of chronic lead poisoning are many and may manifest thn/nflolvoe through tho gantro-intonliinnl tract an In the familiar "load colic" or the neuro-rausculnr system or both. Among tho symptoms most commonly noted are colic, metallic taste in tho mouth, obstinate constipation and loss of appetite, muscular weakness, particularly of the hands and wrists, neuritis and joint pains, loss of weight, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, gastric distress or fatigue are among tho minor symptoms that may or may not be present. The principal diagnostic signs for the detection of lead poisoning . / in its early stages or of lead absorption, which is essentially pre-clinioal poisoning before the onset of symptoms, are ashen pallor of the skin, tremor, lead line on the gums, stippling or basophilic degeneration of'the red blood cells, hematoporphyrin in the urine and mild secondary anemia. Other abnor malities in the blood which are characteristic of lead poisoning are polychro- matophilia, changed relative proportions of lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, increased mononuclear cells and increased reticulocytes. Repeated physical examinations should ba made of workers exposed to load at fairly short intervals, of from two to six months, depending upon the severity of exposure. It is important to prevent the occurrence of lead poison ing, since, even though it is not often fatal under modern conditions, it fre quently results in premature development of chronic degenerative conditions in the circulatory system. The physiochemistry of lead poisoning and the treatment to be pursued (2) ^ ^ ^ J ^ ^ I c ^ ^ W l f L e a d ^ i w n i n ^ W m i a r a ^ a ^ W i l k i n s , Balt. 1926, pp. 265. -17- associates at the Harvard School of Public Health and by K o h o e ^ and his colleagues of the University of Cincinnati, Tpyj-clly. S illB x ls m . .Solvents &Qd Plastics , Benzol is by far the most hazardous of the solvents commonly used in industry* It^has been established that the maximum allowable concentration for i i prolonged exposure is 100 parts per million. Because of its recognized and very: serious danger to the health of operatives, its use as a solvent in spray coating operations has been largely supplanted by less toxic substances or by its less j harmful homologues toluol and xylol. These substances are not necessarily les dangerous to life if breathed in, but, because of a lower volatility and a marked' odor, they are less likely to escape unnoticed into the atmosphere. More- j over, they do not damage the blood forming organs causing chronic permanent injury to health to the same extent as does benzol. Solvent naphtha derived from benzol is a mixture of toluol and xylol and in the same class with these f substances with regard to health hazard, while petroleum naphtha is classed with' benzine, gasoline, the chlorinated hydrocarbons and with the alcohols, acetates and ketones, and with which severe poisoning is rare, lihether or not these sub stances have any action on tho blood is still controversial. Usually poisoning by them is of the acute anesthetic typo. The effects duo to exposure to heavy fumes are headache, nausea, dizzinoss, blurred vision, mental confusion end loss of consciousness. These effects generally disappear fairly quickly in fresh air* Chronic effects from prolonged exposure are less definite but similar, with muscular weakness, tremors, and various nervous disturbances. Of the alcohols, all highly soluble, methyl alcohol or methanol is one jof the most toxic to human beings when inhaled, inasmuch as it is not oxi- dived tn +'bn body tp t-hR extent as ethyl ntcohol .which is 0th0H'iS<? moxgj^ds.. l 4 v. o r 1 9 3 3 -______________ ____ ? (3)Kehoe.R,A., Thamman, F., Cholak, J., On this Normal Absorption and Excretion of ; band. Journal Industrial Hygicno, S<jpt. i #i**,n**i|* < . *WT r *** -- -- -- 1--- --t r n r irr -^ i r i i m n i i h i i i u i ii, i gin in m > ri \ i h i m n t i t " i ~~ -18- Somo degree of tolerance con be developed to the anesthetic effect of the alcohols, particularly ethyl alcohol; probably duo to acceleration of the normal rote of oxidation. While methyl, butyl and amyl alcohol are increasingly toxic-judged by thoir respective -v,1r lctly poisonous actions, this property is offset, as far as thoir indu;-.:' - rspect is concerned, by a decreasing volatility and % solubility. As is the case with benzol, the toxicity of methanol has been blamed on its impurities, but there is ample evidence of a sound nature that methanol itself is the chief toxic factor. The effects of the vapor, accumulating as it readily does in the body, are directly poisonous to the nervous system, and have a special affinity for the retina. Large doses cause prolonged coma, blindness and death. The minimal toxic dosage is not well established. Hender- U) son and Haggard quote Loewy as putting it at 200 parts per million for ex perimental animals if inspired over a long period. It has been recommended that the concentration should be kept below 1 part per 10,000 parts of the air, or (5) 100 parts per million. ' Methyl alcohol, in addition to its toxicity, has an irritating effect on the skin* Bnkolitfl - Formaldehyde jiunp.fi. . Practically nothing is known regarding the possible effects of bakelite dust on the respiratory system. The phenols in its composition might be potentially harmful if exposure to them in the form of concentrated vapors was sufficient. Cases of poisoning due to inhalation of formaldehyde vapors, except by accident, however, ere rare duo to its extremely irritating effect on the eves and nose which usually pauses workers t.o rrmove__thcmr.ol v p . s _ j-he. (/ijHenderson, Yanuoll, and Haggard, H.Y.'. (Yale University), Noxious Gases; jGhnaic?:!.Catalogue Co, Inc., N.Y.C., 1927. p . 157. (5)lnternationr-1 Labour Office, Occupation and Health Brochure No. 55, Geneva, l?2q -19- fumes before injury occurs* Concentrations of formaldehyde in excess of 20 - 200 parti per million may cause symptoms. (6) In one case studied by a factory medical inspector in Holland marked (7) nervous disorder with strong somnolence was attributed to such fumes. Skin affections due to bakelite are of frequent occurrence and are popularly known as "bakelite itch". The face end forearms ere most commonly affected in workers handling those resins. Skin lesions are especially prev alent under conditions favoring perspiration. They may be avoided, therefore, by provisions for good ventilation and by frequent washing of the exposed skin in alkaline solutions Unusually sensitive persons should be removed from this type of work Linseed O il In addition to the danger of spontaneous combustion, linseed oil when heated gives off irritating fumes of acrolein No chronic ill-Gffects have been noted from this substance though it is irritating to the mucous mem branes of the eyes, nose, and throat ` Th8 addition of resins to the mixture gives rise to volatile ethereal oils which have caused headaches, nausea and (8) even stupor. Although Dr. Bnrnofr ' in a study of linseed dermatitis did not find the pure oil as irritating as linseed coke, dermatitis or infections especially of the hands are common in workmen who come in contact with either (9) of these substances. Workers showing hypersensitivity to the oil may have to be removed from the work. (6) Ssyers, R.R. end Dallavalle, J.M., Prevention of Occupational Diseases, Mechanical Engineering, April, 1935 P 232. (7)International Labour Office, Geneva, 1928, Occupation and Health, Brochure #115, Bakelite. (8) Barnes, M.H., M.D., Linseed Dermatitis, Journal of Industrial Hygiene, Vol. XIII,. No. 2, February, 1931, pp. 4-9-55 (9)U.S. Public Health Service, Treasury Dept., Wash. D.C., Public Health . Bulletin No. 215, Skin Diseases in American Industry, 1934, PP 4-1-45* - 20- S t iji S L s s a s E fi In addition to tho toxic properties of the substances handled, occupational skin disease due to rubber compounds, to accelerators.and anti oxidants is very common in rubber workers and in those exposed to the above solvents and'oils, especially those derived from cool tar products. There is attached our booklet entitled "Prevention of Oil Pimples" which describes some i of the protective measures with which these skin troubles may be decreased. One of the most frequent causes of dermatitis in the rubber industry is hexamethylenetetramine used as an accelerator and paraphenylendia- mine or similar coal tar compounds. A on per cent solution of "hexy" is said to be sufficient to cause dermatitis and in hot weather skin trouble is almost inevitable if this substance is carelessly handled. It is not, perhaps, sufficiently well understood that continued exposure to certain of those skin irritants may develop a sevsitivity in workers who did not at first appear to be susceptible. Once dermatitis from "hexy", for instance, has occurred, the individual is sensitized to the substanc e and, much as with poison ivy, is unable to tolerate even slight exposure there after without skin outbreaks. Heat usually quickens the reaction. Protective ointment containing alkali has been recommended. ' Dark, oily-skinned persons are usually more resistant to the irritating effects. Those having frequent outbreaks of dermatitis or those found sen sitive to these substances through patch- tests should be transferred to other 1 occupations f 'Ia 1 -21- Protectivo work clothing v?lth pro-visions for changing it und good facilities for washing, together with the enforcement of rules regarding personal (10) cleanliness, helps to prevent both skin troubles and cases of poisoning. hraisa t Chroma compounds and the health hazards associated with them are dis cussed in the accompanying booklet "Protection of Workers Exposed to Chromium and Its Compounds" (10)U,S. Public Hoalth Service, Public Health Bulletin #215, Skin Hazards in American Industry, Government Printing Office, Wash. B.C., 1934, PP 1-10. } II 1