Document e722bKXeo4MKpygwrgLbmKJr9

MWBB-0012330 INDUSTRIAL HYCICNK fOUNSATION FOUNDATION FACTS Foundation Facts is a monthly news-letter issued to industrial concerns holding membership in Industrial Hygiene Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit association of industries for the advancement of healthful working conditions. Vol Marfift, 1947 ___q Walter S'. Paina Walter S. Paine, veteran industrial health and safety engineer of Aetna c=1 Casualty and Surety Company, and a member of the Foundation* s Legal Committee, died at Hartford, Conn., on March 8. Mr. Paine was born in England in 1883 and was educated at Green Mountain Junior College and at Syracuse University, from which institution he was graduated in 1911 in mechanical engineering. He joined Aetna in 1915. g=> At the time of his death Mr. Paine was a member of the board and chairman of the executive committee of the National Safety Council. He was also active in the American Standards Association. Annual Index Issued it----- J The annual index, covering INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE DIGEST for 1946, is now being issued to Member companies and Subscribers. Additional copies may be had upon request. Please note that the Foundation does not have extra copies of arti cles abstracted in the Digest, unless the abstract so states. For copies of Ori ginal articles please communicate with the publications from which the material is taken. Lists of these publications, together with addresses, are also available upon request. <3 Role of the Supervisor There are many esses, says the National Foremen's Institute, "where superL--J visors cannot do anything about a health hazard. It may be a job for an engineer. O^iBut it is always the supervisor's responsibility to call existing or developing =(]health end safety hazards to the attention of management. For, in most cases, top ^pfjeXecu'tive8 have no one to turn to but the supervisor for information on what is going Cnon at the plant* And since top executives know that a disregarded health hazard is always accompanied by inefficiency of operation and frequently results in labor o ctrouble, they expect their supervisors to spot and report health hazards whenever end ^l^wherever they develop." I? "Men versus Machines? 03118654 The first "letter to the editor" in the March issue, of Fortune is by eodore F. Hatch, the Foundation* s Research- Director, commenting upon a recent r--particle on "Men versus Machines." Mr. Hatch points out that "if we are to realize the full benefits from further mechanization, machines must be designed to meet human es well as functional requirements." I -H-F INDUSTRIAL. HYGIENE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH Iis). PA. TA3LW, QF CONTENTS Page News Items........,........... .............................. ........................... 1 Occupational Disease Statistics................. ..................... . 5 Legal Developments................................. ................................... 6 Book Reviews and Notices........ ................................... 3 Industrial Medical Practice...................... 9 Industrial Health Hazards and Their Effects.......... . 15 Skin Diseases and Bums*..*........ ................................ 25 Control Methods....................... 25 Methods of Detection and Determination.................. 30 Laboratory Toxicological Studies........ . 31 Industrial Relations, Personnel........ ................. 32 Rehabilitation...................... 36 Absenteeism, Hours of Labor, Etc............................. 36 Insurance and Medical Econcmics........................................ 36 Public Health............................ 37 Accident Prevention........ . 39 Index.................... 42 03118655 HBBB-001233# March, 1947 Vol. XI No. 3 Industrie! Hygiene Foundati 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh 13, Pennsylvania 9-r, in' c o [SSI c=a IMDUSTKIIL HIGIEKE DIGEST Literature and News News Items 245 Industrial Health. Specialists to Meet in Buffalo. Professional personnel in industrial health work will assemble at the Hotel Statler, Buffalo, N.Y., April 26 through May 4* The meeting comprises the 32nd annual gathering of the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF INDUS TRIAL PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS} the 9th annual conference of the AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTAL INDUSTRIAL HYGIENISTS: the 8th annual meeting of the AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE ASSOCIATION: the 5th annual conference of the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL NURSES, and the 4th meet ing of the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL DENTISTS* The sessions will be replete with new subjects of interest, including, round table discus sions for chemists, engineers, physicians and nurses; a symposium on developments in industrial hygiene; a discussion of state codes and indus trial hygiene administration; conferences on environmental control and analytical procedures; clinics on fractures and traumatic surgery, includ ing a symposium on back problems; hazards incident to the use of the atomic bomb, etc. (Copies of the preliminary program may be secured-froa Indus trial Hygiene Foundation or from Dr. Edward C. Holablad, Managing-Director of the American Association of Industrial Physicians and Surgeons, 28 East Jackson Blvd., Chicago 4, 111.) 246 Qe,pupations! Diaease Clinic Eatablighed in Pittsburgh. The School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, announces the es tablishment of an Occupational Disease Diagnostic Clinic by the Department of Industrial Hygiene at the Falk Clinic, Pittsburgh, at 9:00 A.M. each Saturday. This clinic is for the study of diseases whose etiology is as sociated with industrial environment. It is open to cases referred by physicians for study and diagnosis only. Reports of findings will be trans mitted upon completion of study to the referring physician. Opportunity must be afforded in all cases for a study of the individual job or process by industrial hygiene personnel. Fees only for the laboratory work neces sary or hospital expense when deemed advisable will be charged. This clinic rill provide facilities for graduate students in industrial medicine who are enrolled in the School of Medicine. 03118656 HWB8-0012333 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 2 Marchr TQA7 24? V--3 Industrial Hygiene .Sarvica. in 0hp. He* regulations for the prevention and control of industrial diseases vent into effect January 1* They pacify the maximum permissible amount on an eigit hour exposure to 62 dusts, fuaee, gases, mists end vapors to which workers can be exposed during employment* The regulations ere being admini stered by the division of industrial hygiene, Ohio Department of Health* Since the work is primarily a service to industry and labor it will function largely on a basis of requests from individual industries, labor organiza tions, health officers and physicians* -- A* (Feb. 15, 1947) Sew Superintendent for Ohio Division Named* Effective as of January 16, 1947, the Industrial Commission of Ohio appointed James H. Fluker to the post of Superintendent of the Division of Safety end Hygiene, to succeed the late Kerry 1. Sain. At the same time the Commission named as Assistant Superintendent, to fill the vacancy caused by the advancement of Hr. Fluker, G.S. Kallenbaugh of Canton* Both officials entered upon their duties immediately. -- O.I.C. Monitor (Feb., 1947) Republican national Health Bill. Four Republican members of the Senate Committee on Labor and Public 1elfare have introduced the "Rational Health Ant of 1947" - Senate bill 545. The sponsors ares fiobert A ^Taft- -(Ohio), chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare; H. Alexander Smith (B.J.); Joseph H. Ball(Minn.); and Forrest C, Donnell (Mo.). The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare for consideration. Speaking for him self and the co-sponsors of the bill. Senator Taft stated) "Free service will be furnished to those unable to pay. Voluntary health insurance plans will be encouraged, so that health insurance say be available to the great numbers of those mho desire it without forcing any one, patient or doctor, to abandon his present practices.....Our proposal proceeds on a fundamentally different pfailesphy from that of the Murray-*agner-Dingell bill endorsed by President Truman last year* That bill proposes federal compulsory sickness insurance. All classes of the population would have to pay for tills insur ance, in the form of payroll taxes or otherwise, so that a huge sum amount ing to from three to five billion dollars a year would pour into Washington. This is in contrast to the less than 250 million dollars our plan would re quire." The bill sets up in the executive branch of the Federal Government an independent agency to be known as the National Health Agency. It would be under the direction of a Hational health Administrator (who must be an outstanding physician) appointed by the President, with the advice and con o o sent of the Senate. -- Social Legislation Information Service, Inc. (Feb. 1, 1947) C=3 Pollution Flrfit Tines Trial* Jab. Research in the water laboratory of Ford River Rouge plant* s medical department is aimed At converting waste compounds into valuable by-products, as well as its primary objects of protectlug-employees' health and eliminat ing pollution of Detroit River, J.E. Cooper, Director, says* Among develop ments ore plans for oil separators in various departments to remove oil from water before it enters the sewer* -- Modem Ind. (Feb., 1947) 3118S57 Industrial Hygiene Pipe at - March r 134%; o-i CVI 251 /f/ad/lntOTicatlon from Bread. ( l / Before the Academy of Medicine of Belgium, Nelis and Stijns described^ iricrge number of alimentary lead intoxications in & Luxembourg community. as Inquiry revealed that the source was a flour which contained lead and had 5 been obtained from a mill the grindstone of which had been relined with lead over a total surface of 300 square centimeters* Samples of the milled flours contained between 40 and ISO mg. of lead per kilogram, and bread msde with this flour contained SO mg. per kilogram. In all those who became poisoned e 15-day period of fatigue was followed suddenly by abdominal pains, stubborn constipation, bile stained vomit and anorexia. Loss of weight and anemia generally were severe. There was neither fever nor changes in arter ial pressure. Burton1 s blue line on the gums was distinct in nearly all the cases. The blood contained numerous erythrocytes with basophil granulations. The urine contained lead. All patients were cured, but the majority had a prolonged convalescence. The authors noted that individual sensitivity to lead varies greatly and that children exhibited a special resistance to this form of intoxication. -- Belgian Hews, J.A.M.A. (Mar. 1, 1947) 252 pneumoconiosis in Cutters of Firenroof Brick. f Before the Belgian Society of Occupational Medicine, M. Andre reported the professional and pathologic history of a certain number of workers who, after working for years in a limestone quarry, later worked as cutters of fireproof bricks in glass factories and metallurgical shops. These sec were completely incapacitated for work because of dyspnea, which in some cases was extreme. The Inhaled dusts contain particles of silica. X-ray films reveal the development and aggravation of the disorder. In some there is true silicosis; in others a sillco-tuberculosis syndrome exists; in still others simple fibrosis. Most striking is the absence of parallelism be tween the roentgenograms which generally do not show advanced development end the grave functional symptoms. The author concludes that the cutters of fireproof bricks should benefit from the advantages provided by the law on occupational diseases (pneumonoconioses). -- Belgian Hews, J.A.M.A. (Mar. 1, 1947) 253 President* s Conference on Fire Prevention. The President has called a national conference on fire prevention to meet in Washington May 6,7 and 8. The annual toll of deaths has aver aged 10,000 and the property loss in 1946 exceeded $560,000,000, and the conference will endeavor to plan action to reduce those figures drastically. Representatives of municipal end State governments, Federal agencies, and of non-official organizations with a basic interest in fire prevention have been organized into a coordinating committee to draft agenda and to appoint committees. Major General Philip B. Fleming will be General Chairman* The general plan will follow that of the Highway Safety Conference held last year* 254 Matronal Science Foundation Bill Under Active Corarideration. Efforts have been renewed in Congress to establish a National Science Foundation which would do the following? (1) Support financially and pro mote research in the fundamental sciences; (2) Support financially and pro mote research in medicine and health; (5) Expand the Sation*s scientific 03118658 HWBB-M12335 Tmtewtr1*1 Dl^eat -_4 Marchr 1Q47 "talent through the granting of scholarships and fellowships; (4) Support financially and promote research for national defense; (5) Coordinate the diverse scientific activities now conducted in the several departments end agencies in the Federal Government; (6) Pronote the development of science through international cooperation* -- Social Legislation Information Service, Inc. (larch 17, 1947) BCG program in lew loric. The tuberculosis control progran of the state health department calls for the manufacture and nee of the BCG vaccine. Dr. Robert E. Plunkett, Albany, Assistant Health Commissioner, has announced. Dr. Konrad Birkhaug, formerly of prway, has been engaged to set up the program for the develop ment of- the vaccine and is now working under the direction of Dr. Gilbert Dalldorf.. Plans for the distribution of vaccine are being developed jointly by the-medical education and public health committee of the Medical Society of the State -of lew fork and the state health department. Dr* Plunkett said. A limited number of physicians are to be trained in its use. This is part of'the state's $20,000,000 20-year plan to eradicate tuberculosis. -- J.A4k*. {Mar. 1, 1947) : TgAigfaHal. Aapidenta DweHf^-in Pmnavlvapia,, - -Industrial accidents in Pennsylvania declined slightly during 1946 - for>the first time since the beginning of the war, according to the State Department of Labor and Industry. The department said that 1156 persons -. were.killed on Industrial jobs last year, compared to 1197 in 1945. The number* of-non-fatal accidents dropped from 117,485 to 116,220 during the same^ period* All in&astries showed declines in fatalities. Son-manufac turing and anthracite mining concerns reported slight increases in nonfptal injuries. Almost 97 per cent of all accidents resulted in loss of fV re - th8B"'teven days work. -- United Press PinAfoul e THfliiag*., Gyftva HiHrr C*ua C*nz*T. Add to the dangers of the atomic age a new disease that causes greying hair, liver damage and bone cancer. It is called "plutonism" and the atomic bomb element, plutonium, 'which is poisonous, would be respon sible. Workers in industries using atomic piles for power generation or other purposes will have to be protected against this new disease, just as workers in old-line in&stries must be protected against lead, mercury and other poisonous chemical elements. So far as now known, no human o o hbaevinegbheaess ydeemt osnusftfrearteedd ftrhormougthh isandimisaelaesex,pebruimt eitnstateioxnis.tenDcre. AanudstiitnsMefBferucetss of the Argonne Rational Laboratory (formerly the famous Metallurgical Lab oratory at Chicago sherd the first chain reaction was performed) reported -the experiments and the danger to the conference on medico-legal problems sponsored by the Institute of Medicine of Chicago, the Chicago Medical Society and the Chicago Bar Association. The acute form of plutonian is like the acute sickness that comes when the entire body is irradiated with x-rays or radium. In addition there is gross liver damage and shrinkage of the spleen. When injected into the veins, the chemical is at first eoneentreted in the liver and spleen and later is transferred within the body to- the bones. -- Science Hews Letter (Mar. 15, 1947) 03118659 HM8B-0012336 Industrial Hygiene Digest .---5 March. 1 Q47 Occupational Disease Statistics 258 Occupational Disease. .Statistics. C&lif.5 Conn. Dec. Feb. 1946 1947 Carbon Monoxide 1 Carbon Tetrachloride 2 Cellulitis Chemical Poisoning (NOC) 44 Conjunctivitis 162 Dermatitis 547 62 Heat 1 Hernia Infections Inflammatory Conditions 99 Lead 5 Metal Fume Fever Miscellaneous Hasal Septum Perforation Noise 1 Pnetsaoconiosi s Pulmonary and Bronchial 7 Affections Radium 1 Silicosis Skin Diseases (other than dermatitis) Synovitis Undulant Fever Upper Respiratory 6 Affections .. . Totals 875 65 Ind.2 Feb. JL24Z 8 1 1 Mich.2 Feb. mi so 7 5 5 Ohio1 Dec. 1946 4 256 1 112 5 Wesh.^ Jan. 1947 2 1 10 1 4 65 12 11 2 4 Wis.2 Jan. mi 6 2 54 1 1 latal 9 5 10 49 168 1040 1 7 1 116 6 1 125 2 1 10 11 1 20 28 6 1 55 5 5 22 22 5 5 4 10 10 87 409 142 68 1652 (1) Occupational Disease Claims filed with the Industrial Commission. There were 59,686 d*ys lost, including five deaths from silicosis and three from unspecified causes. c o (2) Occupational Disease Cases filed with the Health Department. (5) Occupational Disease Cases filed with the Department of Industrial Re lations and tabulated by the Department of Public Health* (4) Occupational Disease Claims filed with the State Department of **abor and Industries* 03118660 HWB8-0012337 Ttvfristrial, gyyianA Mgeat. - March. 1947 Legal Developments ^259 v=fl S3. (Si > M Federal Labor Laws and Agencies. A Guide tor Stewardg and Supervisors- This, is an official handbook containing a simplified description of the most important Federal lavs and agencies affecting labor* It vas writ ten for union, officials and industry supervisors to help them understand national labor lava, It is offered for use in labor education programs where labor legislation is taughto The material is grouped under the fol lowing headings: (1) labor information and general services available from the US Department of Labor: (2) labor-amn&gesent relatione; (5) wages and hours; (4) social security; (5) securing employment; () job training and education; tod (7) veterans0 employment and labor matters* -- Bull, Ho, 79, Biv, .of Labor Standards, U,S, Dept, of Labor, 78 pp, (1946) Copies in United quantities available free from that agency, Washington 25, DC @ ,,w b--J Miner1 a Lev Fracture in Parking LoWEnolover* a Pralaeiu A fractured leg sustained by claimant in defendant* s parking lot, located 2SO feet from the mine entrance, when he slipped and fell in the snow after getting out of his automobile 25 minutes before working time, was non-compensable, because the parking lost was furnished by defendant as a convenience and was not connected with defendant8 s business or located am defendant* s -praises, -- w. Glen Aiden Coal Company. Pennsyl vania Superior Court, Ho, 117, January 17,1.947, (CCH) Cnrniwctlftw Between Aqcident and Eve Defect, Although the experts testified that claimant9 s eye defect wes in no may-connected with the accidental injection of hot liquid dye into the eye, the court did not feel that it was unreasonable to infer that since there vas no eye defect before the accident, and since there was a defect immediately after the occurrence of the accident, that the accident caused the disability, -- y. Southwm Toretad Corp,, South Carolina Supreme Court, Ho, 2765, December 16, 1946o (CCH) o o Since the employee had 20/70 vision in his left eye prior to an accidental injury resulting in the loss of the eye, claimant was not entitled to specific compensation for the loss of the remaining vision, -- Robinsonr XftjCft, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, January 00, 1947, (CCH) AM-a Burnt) finf ThIiirr frrri--------------claimant suffered injury to his foot and ankle and was scarred -as the result of acid burns suffered in the course of employment, but the fact that claimant limped was improperly taken into consideration in for mulating an award for disfigurement, and there was no medical testimony supporting an award for leg injury, -- DurfiPt Vn JiTVCQr CoiB* South Caro lina Supreme Court, Ho, 15,909, January 24, 1947, (COT) 03118661 HWBB-0012338 Ia&sWeJL Hygiene Digest - 7 March 1H47 264 CoTisftl Connection Between Ininrv nnd Mental Condit.lon--Ante-H frrn1 p--- jfedicgl TefiUagnyThe preponderance of the nodical testimony showed that claimant1 s men tal condition was a post-traumatic neurosis, the result of an injury sus tained in the course of employment, snd was in no way connected with claim ant' s arteriosclerosis; the 50% total disability award was affirmed. -- Dobson Crucible Steel Co. of Awiarfea. Mew Jersey Supreme Court, No. 225. February 24, 1347. (CCH) 265 Development oil Tuberculosis from Common Cold-Connection *r? th Employment in Overheated Poom. The provisions of the Workmen* s Compensation Act were not intended as health insurance, and the claimant, who failed to prove any injury to him self other than lowered resistance, due to the exertion of his employment, was not eligible for compensation as the result of tuberculosis contracted through a cold, allegedly brought on by working in an overheated room. -- Guthrie v. Texas Eployra Tnguranca Association. Texas Court of Civil Appeals, Amarillo. No. 5762. January 13, 1947. (CCH) 266 Pulmonary Fibrosis from Chlorine PSimes--Qulescent Tuberculosis--Common Law Action V. .Occupational Dlflaftgea Art. Claimant was not entitled to recover under common law for pulmonary fibrosis caused by the inhalation of chlorine fumes, as the disease is covered by the Pennsylvania Occupational Diseases Act, and Ms only remedy was under that Act. --> .v; Matronal United States District-Court, Western District of Pennsylvania. Civ. No. 5470. January 29, 1947. (CCH) 267 Petition for Rehenriny--Tlaa Mtt-Mnn fny Ttewtfa-Benefits. Since the statutes provided a limitation of time for the payment of compensation for death resulting from an occupational disease, the ruling in the Slocum case was decisive, and the rehearing was denied. -- Potta y. Fortney. Indiana Appellate Court. No. 17,534. December 25, 1946. Tcca) 268 Pot aonlng. from Chemicals and Qaae*--Charge ter Jury--Safe Place _tn Worfe. A disability award to claimant who was poisoned- while working with chemical dyes was affirmed, since it was felt that the employer did not provide claimant with the necessary protections, and the exceptions were overruled; it was not error for the court to refuse requests to charge even when they contained correct and applicable statements of the law because their substance was fairly covered in the instructions given. -- Lsvesmie v. Clearwater Manufacturing Co-. South Carolina Supreme Court* No. 2768. January 9, 1947. (CCH) 269 Chemical .Poisoning--Medical Testimony--Dermatitis Renena* Claimant* s dermatitis repens, allegedly the result of contact with water containing 2/10ths of 1% phenol, was noncoapensable, since the medical testimony conclusively showed that such a phenol solution was commonly used as a germicide, and that if a dermatitis resulted from the use of too strong a solution, the result would be a bum, not an infection. -- Masonite Corporation v.. Scruggs. Mississippi Supreme Court. No. 36,343. February 24,- 1947. (CCH) 0^118682 MWBB-0012339 TndnfcrlaUwrtne TH^gt - 8 Mareh. 1<U7 270 CopenBabllltT af-pllinaeis Contreated Before Effective Dta_of Qccupt^n1 PisBAMa jfcfc. The claimant unquestionably had silicosis bat was not eligible to re- oeive. compensation for the disability, as the amendment to the Workmen1 s Compensation Act, which provided compensation for silicosis, expressly pro vided compensation only for silicosis contracted after the effective date of said amendment, and claimant' 8 disease was probably active before said date. -- goal v. QeWnnd SBoValegg Cnal Carp. Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Ho. 5200. March S, 1947. (CCS) art.fiielawaM.s.Death-fTM Sillcoflla--Madlcal Tagtlaonv. .Therf -was sufficient medical testimony to indicate that decedent's fatal stomach uioers and other conditions were precipitated by silicosis contracted in the coarse of employment as a bricklayer. -- Glaw v. Bathie^aw-flteel Co. Hew fork Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial U--u Department* Ho. 259-22. December 80, 1946. (CCH) (r Book Reviews and Hotices 272 Applications at Get^ieidalp Erythwmal and infrared 'Energy. K. Luckiesh. Van Sostrand, He*, fork* 465 pp. Price $5.50. (1946) This volume covers the field of the physiological effects of the por tion of radiant energy including light, infrared and ultraviolet, but the section of most interest to industrial hygienists consists of four chapters on germicidal energy and disinfection of air. In the first of these chap ters are discussed the effective range of wavelengths for germicidal action, comparison with skylight and sunlight^ description of sunlamps and germici dal lamps, and definitions of the units used in measurement. The other chapters deal with disinfection, first of controlled air, then infected comun&l air, and finally air in occupied interiors. They contain full directions for sampling and disinfecting by the various methods, end for mulas and data for all calculations. All the possible disadvantages of irradiation as well as advantages are considered. Other chapters deal with disinfection of water, erythemal and tanning actios of light, arti ficial sunlight, radiant energy is common illuminants, and measurements and units. The extensive data are presented in a readable style. o o A Guide to Hational Labor Relations -Ant^_ Procedures-and Practices. L.G. Silverberg. D.S. Dept, of Labor, Div. of Labor Standards, Bull. Ho. 31. - 53 pp. (1946) This guide explains the act and the functions of the board in simple language, and two of the main divisions are entitled "how to obtain exclu sive bargaining rights* and "how to remedy unfair labor practices." A summary of important decisions concludes the body of the pamphlet, but -two appendixes give the locations and territories of HLRB regional offi ces, and the text of the law. 03118663 Industrial Hygiene Digest --9 Jtorah, ifi-yjgm 274 Tha far .and Woman's Employment.. The Experience of _tha On* W JCWdca United -States. International Labour Office, Montreal* 287 pp. (1946) In the first part of the book, wartime employment of women in the United Kingdom is thorou^ily discussed--the great change in their status, their " varied work, in industry, civil defense and otherwise, and finally the pro^s pects in the post-war period* In the second part, women's war work in the United States is similarly treated, and the last chapter deals extensively with the similarities and the differences between the situation in the two countries* "Much remains to be done to equalize the economic position of women in relation to men in both countries* Since, however, progress in this respect has tended to accompany social recognition of the value of women's labor in fields other than the home, the war experience has added to the status of women in the economic life of both nations*1* 275 The Health of..-the Industrial -Worker lw India. T* Bedford, Government of India, Department of Health, Simla* 54 pp* (1946) On the author* s tour of the industries of India, he found much that is common to industry everywhere, but also hazards that are augmented by Indian climate and conditions. The heat and humidity in themselves reduce working capacity, but there has been little done to alleviate them, for instance most factories have corrugated iron roofs, Exposure to silica dust is severe in the pottery, porcelain, cement, glass, and iron indus tries, and there is no real attempt to deal with the hazard. Dermatitis is frequent and little'attention is paid to it* Labor turnover is high, and women and children are employed to a greater extant than in Britain* Housing and sanitation are bad. Inspectors and health officials are poorly trained and poorly paid. There are bright spots; some welfare work is conscientiously done. The author relates what has been done in Great Britain and gives some of the regulations, with the hope that a beginning may be made in India toward the betterment of conditions* Se proposes subjects for research problems; (1) factory construction and ventilation; (2) studies of the thermal environment; (5) factory lighting; (4) dust and dust diseases; (5) other industrial diseases; (6) tuberculosis; (7) hours of work; (8) nutrition; (9) vocational selection; and (10) sickness, accidents, and labor turnover* Industrial Medical Practice o c 276 Influenza Vac nirvana Comparison of Intraaitaneoua and Subcutaneous Methods. D,W* Van Gelder, F.S. Greenspan and H.E. Dufresne* tf*S. Sav. Med. Bull., 41, 197-206 (Jan.-Feb*, 1947) (1) Serum antibody titers, using a modification of the Hirst Bed Blood Cell Agglutination-Inhibition Test, have been determined on four large groups of individuals who received inactivated influenza virus vaccine either intracutaneously or subcutaneously, or control material. (2) The incidence of reactions, both local and general, was lower in the group receiving the vaccine intracutaneously (5) The greatest rise in titer against both A And B influenza virus occurred in the group receiv ing a single dose of 0.1 cc, influenza virus vaccine intracutaneously. (4) The striking serological response to intracutaneous vaccination war rants further clinical trial. -- Authors* summary and conclusions. ^ 1 03118664 Trvfrmt/rlAT H^Anfl .TRgftst - 1C\ HWBB-00123U 27? Qa tea MesiimlBa,,iif gatardad fneiiaasaaiflala8__Daiavad Radio-Onanit.v Tatra-Pulmnn*rv mgplacftwant Qf Particles. A. Policard and 2. Martin. Bull. Acad. Med., 15Q, 35-37 (1946) It is well-recognized that a paeumoconiotic lesion may progress after the cessation of the patients exposure to dust. The authors record the case of a coal miner who had worked for 18 years (with an interruption of 5). The progression of disease was followed until his death, 20 years after leaving the mine. Findings of the autopsy are given and a discussion of the case follows. The nodule may have existed previous to its discovery by radiograph} it May have been radio-transparent and may only recently have be cane opaque,, by the deposit, for instance, of calcium or iron.- The general lymphatic absorption and blood dissemination of the coal dust implies a gradual movement which may, in the course of time, alter the radiographic picture. -- From J.I.H.&T. SflMft Kfantolflgic Qfraqmtianfl in gUlfioalg* H. Heimann. Occ. Med., 470-475 <on, 1946) A series of hematologic observations made of 65 persons with silicosis is reported. For the entire -group of persons with silicosis, wilh and with out superimposed infection, statistical analyses revealed that the disease was associated with (a) a rise in the number of young polymorphonuclear leukocytes, (b) a rise in seen corpuscular hemoglobin and (c) an increased rate of erythrocyte sedimentation. Is simple silicosis, as well as in sili cosis with infection, there is a shift to the left of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and an increase in the rate of the erythrocyte sedimentation. These data suggest that neither an abnormally increased sedimentation rate nor a shift to the left of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes in silicosis necessarily indicates that pulmonary infection is present as a complication of the fibrotic condition of the lungs. Fatal Industrial Accident (Fatal a Hmnnpt-riH a Caufifld by Electric Shook Affair CUnJcal frira og. Plinn*-rv TuberculpalaJ F. Damiani. Lotta contro la tuberc., j, 99ff. (Mar.-Apr., 1946) (Italian) A man, 93 years old, had had bilateral pulmonary tuberculosis, which had healed after bilateral pneumothorax and prolonged treatment in a sana torium. Recovery lasted for more than 10 years, as demonstrated by periodic clinical examinations, roentgenograms and examinations of the sputum. He was in excellent health all these years, during which he worked as he had before his Illness. He then suffered an electric shock during work, and immediately afterward complained of pain in the chest. The pain 0 0 ilonwcreedasbeydtefrrommintahletusbeecorcnudloduasy, barocnccohmoppanneieudmobnyiaf.evEerleacntdrichecmuorpretynstiss acannd fol damage the respiratory tract with resulting pulmonary emphysema or pulmon ary edema. Vhen injuries of this type occur in lungs with healed tubercu losis, they may activate the old process. The recurrence is of industrial origin and its victims are entitled to the benefits of industrial laws. -- Occ. Med. C=3S& Tuberculosis In Industry. B.L. Vosturgh. Bull. Bat. Tuberc. Assoc., 52. 87 (June, 1946) Under a program of routine screening of all prospective, employees, the Schenectady General Electric Plant has noted a reduction in the rate of active tuberculosis from a high of 5 t>er 1000 to a level of 0.5 which 03118665 b--li L----J o c C=fl Industrial Hygiene Diyaat - 11 ***** jLa has held for about 10 years. Persons with inactive disease were permitted to go to work under conditions of careful observation, including periodic x-ray studies and interval sputum examinations. Proven active cases were rejected, -- From J.I.H.&T. 281' The Inherent Efficiency of the X-rav Methods Used in the Detection of Tuberculosis, R,H. Morgan, H.E, Hilleboe and I, Lewis, Pub, Health Repts.,> 201-211 (Feb, 7, 1947) (1) A simple method of studying the inherent diagnostic error of all mass chest radiographic methods is described and experimental results are presented, (2) Fluoroscopy is found to be not wholly satisfactory in this study for detecting minimal tuberculous lesions, (3) By correlating the percentage of x-ray lesions detected with the maximum resolving power of the eye at various distances, it is shown that 35-millimeter, 70-milli meter, 4- by 5-inch celluloid, and 14- by 17-inch sensitized paper are all inherently capable of detecting random samples of minimal, moderately advanced, and far-advanced tuberculous lesions with a high degree of accu racy. -- Authors1 manaary. 282 Flbroavoaltis, Including its Industrial Implications .and_with Special Referenqe to Referred Pain., F.W. Slobe, Occ. Med,, 2, 329-349 (Oct. ,1946) Fibromyositis--a localized (occasionally diffuse; area of infiltration within or about a muscle--is one of the commonest ailments of adults. Although many predisposing and associated factors are recognised, the exact causation is not known* Pathologic data are scant* Referred pain and tenderness are frequent manifestations and are likely to cause errors in diagnosis. Characteristics of referred pain from the four most frequent sites of origin are described, namely, the dorso-lumbar region, the lower part of the back, the shoulder girdle and upper dorsal region, and the cervical region. Illustrative reports of eases are presented. General measures of treatment are- outlined, special emphasis being made on the diagnostic and therapeutic value of injections of procaine hydrochloride. The industrial implications are important and are discussed from the stand points of prevention, causation a nd the differentiation between fibromyo sitis and actual or alleged strains, -- Author1 s summary. Pacific Mosquitoes Reach This Country in Tires In a routine Public Health Service quarantine inspection, of a cargo ship arriving at Los Angeles from Hew Guinea, a sanitary inspector dis covered that mosquitoes had been breeding in fresh water contained in about.half of the nearly 9,000 tires which were being returned to the United States from combat areas. The tires contained water varying in amount from one cup to five gallons per tire and it was estimated that the average tire examined containing water contained also from 20 to 30 larvae. Some of the mosquitoes were the kind that carry dengue fever and filariasis in their native Pacific Islands, The ship before docking was thoroughly sprayed with freon-pyrethrua aerosol, and later many, dead adult mosquitoes were found. -- Government Services Section, J'.A.M.A. (Feb. 22, 1947) 03118666 HHBB-00123*i& MWOB-0f)123/|3 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 12 starch. 1947 285 The Connection Betwaan^Accldanta and Chronic Pancreattyff. Ho Cadotsch. Helvet. and. acta, 2t 254 (1946) The commonest Injury of the pancreas is its rupture. Others are the development of pancreatic cysts, acute necrosis of the pancreas, purulent pancreatitis and primary or secondary chronic pancreatitis, which is rare. Acute pancreatic necrosis can develop immediately after an accident (some cases of this sort have been reported). After a certain latent period of weeks or months an acute necrosis may also appear (Schrader collected 14 such cases from the literature)* The author exactly describes the case of a 26-year old man who after a heavy blow against the abdomen immediately fell ill with violent pains and ileus on the next day0 The biopsy shoved a fine fissure at the back of the tail of the pancreas, besides fresh necrosis of the adipose tissue of the omentum and mesentery* The fissure was sewn* The course after the operation was serious; first a fistula of the pancreas, then a pleuritic exudate and, eight months later, a chronic pancreatitis developed with hypoglycemia, enteritis and pains* Debility and attacks of pains lasted two and one-quarter years. The man was 50 per cent disabled. In the litera ture there are besides this case only three cases of traumatic chronic pan creatitis, and only a single one of these has been verified by biopsy* -- Occ. Med. Fractions of the Civilian Medical Division of the Tar Department. Condensed Report. 1942-1946. F*C. Smith* Occ* Med., 2, 285-297 (Oct., 1948) The work of the Civilian Medical Division is explained and reviewed. From the nature of the work of the employees, the ratio of staff to employees and the scope of services rendered were smaller than in the best equipped industrial plants* An important part of the work was referral of patients to their private physicians for non-industrial ailments discovered. In all cases of sudden illness while at work the employees are required to visit the emergency room before leaving, and serious cases are transferred to hospitals. A mental health program was included. Health education was a prominent feature. A number of typical miscellaneous cases are described briefly. Oxygen Treatment for Chlorine flaa Exposures. T.W. N&le. West Virginia Med. J*, 42* 178 ff. (July, 1946) Hale reports 25 consecutive cases of exposure to chlorine gas in em ployees working in industry where chlorine is utilized. The patients were coughing violently, and their faces presented a red, congested appearance. An oronasal mask which has a rebreathing bag. attached is fastened to'the c o patient's face. With the patient placed in bed at rest the oxygen supply is started at 95 per cent oxygen and 5 per cent air. The patient is told to take slow deep breaths. In the average case coughing will be alleviated almost immediately* The percentage of oxygen is gradually reduced until 50 per cent of oxygen is being given and is discontinued if the patient has stopped coughing. Oxygen wa6 administered for 45 minutes in three esses, for 55 minutes in two cases and for 30 minutes in two other cases. The re maining cases required oxygen for 20 minutes or less to clear them up* There have been no complications except for one patient with severe pro longed exposure and a history of allergy; this patient had a mild attack of asthma. Prior to the utilization of oxygen in high concentrations for the treatment of chlorine ges exposures, many such victims suffered from bron chitis end other complications. These complications have not been observed in any of the 25 cases in which this method of treatment has been used* -- Occ. Med. 03118667 i--j C=3 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 13 B -00123^ 236 Carbon tetrachloride Poisoning: A Report of One Case with Neemry nT1^ nnf Ban-Fatal Case with Clinical Laboratory Studio. W.B. Martin and others. Annals. Int. Med., 5, 488-49? (Sept., 1946) Frequent severe renal damage following exposure to carbon tetrachlorid vapor is emphasized. Two cases are reported. The first was marked by mod-= erate jaundice and progressive impairment of renal function, the patient dying of uremia complicated by pneumonia. The second case developed prog ressive evidence of impaired renal function for about two weeks, but recov ered gradually with conservative therapy. -- From J.I.H.&T. 287 The Systemic Treatment. of_ Arsenic Poisoning with BAL (2,,^-Diaercflptop-ropapol). H. Eagle. J. Vener. Disease *nf*, 114-121 (May, 1946) Pharmacologic and clinical data have been summarized which indicate that BAL (2, 3-dimercaptopropanol) is of value in the systemic treatment of certain types of arsenic poisoning* In the severe complications, mortality is apparently reduced and the period of hospitalisation shortened. In the milder complications, recovery is apparently accelerated. The results to date emphasize the importance of prompt and adequate treatment, and a recom mended dosage schedule is given in the text. -- Author's summary* 288 Picric Acid in Therapy of C&natlc Soda Bums on Drefl* C. Bellesini. Med. d. lavoro, JZ, 222 (June, 1946) (Italian) Belleaini treated-burns from splashing of chemical solutions into the eyes, particularly those of sodium hydroxide, by liberal washing of the eyes with isotonic solution of sodium chloride and local application of a 2 per cent ointment of trinitrophenol. The latter is applied every 12 hours after instillation in the eye of one drop of a 1 per cent solution of cocaine for six or more days* Good results depend on early application of the treatment -- Occ. Med* Editor* a Botes See treatment outline by Dr. Ralph S. McLaughlin in Transactions of Foundation's 11th Annual Meeting* 289 Alkali Bnrna of__the Jva. II. Clinical and Pathological Course. W.F. Hughes, Jr* Arch. Ophth., 189 ff. (Aug., 1946) The clinical courses of burns produced by a variety of alkalis, such as lye, lime and ammonia are very similar^ the alkalinity of the solution is probably the most important factor governing the severity of the lesion. The material for the present study included sodium hydroxide burns of the rabbit eye and clinical observations os several types of alkali burns of the human eye* The course of an alkali burn may logical ly be divided into three stages, acute, reparative, and late complications* The characteristics of each stage are described in detail; one feature of the first stage is the evidence of deep and rapid penetration of the alkali into the anterior ocular segment, with disappearance of mucoid and necrosis of cells in the corneal stroma; in these respects alkali burns are most unlike acid burns, which are nonprpgressive. Edema of several portions is another noticeable feature* In the reparative stage, the edema subsides', the epithelium is regenerated, and the other processes, of the first stage are reversed. Various damages may occur or remain for some time in the third stage, including corneal infiltrations, ulceration, opacification, or staphyloma, overgrowth with a vascularized membrane, iritis, secondary glaucoma, cataract, or symblepharon* Possible causes and significances of some of these disturbances are discussed briefly. From Occ. Med* 03118668 HUBB-HQ12345 Industrie! ..Hygiene Digest - 14 March. 1Q47 290 2b' ^ ^ --1 J ,2 n " 3) Mechanism of Radiation. Effects Aminat TuwnTM. S. farren. J.A.M.A., JJE, 462-465 (Feb. 15, 1947) The author reviews and evaluates present knowledge and points out fields of research. The important points are: (1) the grest variation among tumors in sensitivity to radiation; they are classified os radiosen- sitive, radioresponsive end radioresistant; (2) it is impossible to di&- tinguish between the effects of different types of radiation; (3) the large amount of radiation necessary to destroy cancerous tissue completely; (4) the effects on the connective tissue, which sids the direct action on can- cerous cells; and (5) the similarity of the effects of atomic bombs and ordinary x-rays and radium, except in degree. Fields for investigation include the use of isotopes, which have given partial promise of success, and others in continuation of the subjects mentioned. Surgical Refrigeration and Preaft-rvatjow. of L.7. Crossnan and F.M. Allen. J.A.X.A., l5Sf 377-582 (Feb. 6, 1947) Experience to date continues to confirm the safety and benefit of re frigeration anesthesia. Mot only is this anesthesia, by brief chilling advantageous for orthopedic and reconstructive operations, but also suc cessful healing has been reported in limbs which have been refrigerated for a number of days or weeks. Besides clinching the haralessness of the low temperature, these observations point the way to new developments in surgery. Recent experiments define some limitations and also extensions of hypothermic treatment. They suggest use6 of reduced temperature pro- phylactically in some operations involving shock, especially for bums. -- Authors1 conclusions. ysvchoBomatie Consultations in Industry. E.A. Irvin. Ind. Hursing, , 27-35 (Jan., 1947) Psychosomatic medicine, which gives proper consideration to man1 s emotional life, is a new term, but the approach is as old as the art of healing itself. All examinations of patients should be made with four _<n? points in mind: (1) medical history; (2) physical examination; (3) lab oratory studies; and (4) personality study and evaluation. A number of do* s and don'ts ere offered, based on the recognition of these four points and their equal importance and assurance of privacy of the infor mation. Four illustrative cases are* described. In conclusion -- "The industrial physician, as well as all physicians, should be aware of physical ills and emotional upsets, and the effect each may have on the other." c o TropicalDiseasea in Industry. Z.T., Bercowitz. Ind. Med., 45-51 (Feb., 1947) The return of veterans to industry raises the questions whether tropical diseases which they have incurred will make them become lia bilities and whether they may spread to fellow workers. The last ques tion can be answered definitely in the negative, because tropical dis eases, as a group, require insect vectors for their transmission, and because conditions of heat and humidity for development of most para sites are very different from those experienced in industry. Therefore, there is no reason for excluding a person who has had a tropics 1 disease from a plant. However, the veteran may have chronic or recurring 03118669 HHBB-00123W Industrial Hygiene Digest - 15 Marchf 104 symptoms of some tropical diseases, and a full description of the most com mon of these diseases, including diagnosis and treatment, is given for the benefit of plant physicians who may have to deal with them* The diseases discussed are amebic and bacillary dysentery, malaria, and helminths. 294 Health Education Inlndugtrv. The Nurse' s Part. Ruth E. Grout* Ind. Nursing, , 17-22 Uan., 1947) Health education in industry includes individual and group instruction* The individual instruction given by the nurse or doctor on home visits, and P the help given by supervisors on the job, are both important* For group instruction, it is well to start with a special problem that is of recog nized interest. A health planning group of employees and management can be of great assistance* A file of educational material should be at hand, and a number of sources of such material are listed. Bulletin boards, house organs, and a loud speaker system are sids in spreading information* 295 Amino Acids. S.W. Fox* Scientific Monthly, M, 105-108 (Feb., 1947) This paper deals with the amino acids of physiological importance and their relation to peptids, proteins, vitamins, alkaloids, hormones, antibiotics and other substances of biological importance. Of special interest is the value of some of the amino acids as detoxifying agents* Methionine has been successfully used to treet hepatitis of the type caused industrially by TNT or carbon tetrachloride* Work on similar properties of other amino acids is in the experimental stage* L--J O 0 t=a Industrial Health Hazards and Their Effects 296 Control of H^at in Industry. W. Hachle* Occ. Med., 2, 550-559 (Oct., 1946) Certain needs for investigation emerge from review of present know ledge: (1) Some scale or expression which takes into consideration all thermal factors in hot environments is needed, and this should be corre lated with physiologic effects at hi$t levels of stress; (2) The effects of low grade fever require investigation as a cause of deterioration; (5) The role of radiation as a factor in thermal stress needs to be clari fied and evaluated; (4) Wherever possible, data on theraa-L-stresses in industry should be elaborated, described and correlated witji clinical observations, since it is from such data that the practical problems will be defined and the requirements for investigation determined. -- Author's conclusions* 297 phvslologir Effects pf Muff!ear Erergv* S. Warren. Occ, Med*, 2, 447-451 (Nov., 1946) The comparatively few known effects of nuclear energy are discussed, with emphasis on the fact that very little is known. The injuries from atomic energy in the Manhattan District have been kept to an almost un believable minimum, and hence the. experience cannot serve as a source of 03118670 MUBB-0012347 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 16 Marrhr ^047 physiologic effects, but other sources are the Bikini experiment, and obser vations of the Japanese exposed at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and additional ./ knowledge will be gained as other experiments progress The author1 s ear lier experiments on the effect of radiation on white cell count, and on the partition of radioactive phosphorus in the blood and its excretion, are re viewed* 298 Atonic Energy in Industry end the Phrasal Sciences* & Allison. Occ. Med., , 459-446 (lov., 1946) The author discusses possible uses of atomic energy in industry, ap plication of isotopes to physiological problems and the difficulties in making rapid progress in experimental work in atomic energy. e Connection Between Rnentgen Rav Riaks for Workers and Changes in Their ffLood Pictures* M. Helde. Acta Kadlologlca, 21f 508-515 (1946) This Is an investigation of various blood changes as related to prob able amount of exposure to Roentgen rays. Hypersegmentation, granulocyto penia, pathologic lymphocytes, and shift to the left'appear to be well cor related with amount of exposure. Anemia, leukocytopenia, granulocytosis, leukocytosis and basophilia are not well correlated with exposure. -- J.I.H.&T. 500 o 0 C=3 gironie frog CmfcHua gvdmyid* and Its Rarlv Symptoms. P. Barthelemy end R. Moline. Paris mod., J&, 7 ff. (1946) The authors had the opportunity of observing workers is a factory making ferronickel storage batteries, the negative electrode of which was of cadmium hydroxide. There are several stages of Intoxication. The first stage (the latent period) occurs after about two years of work. There are no signs or symptoms, and no delayed symptoms after cessation of work. The second stage (warning period), occurs after two years of work. The first symptom is a yellow ring on the teeth. This is a true pigmentation of the enamel and an impregnation of the tartar also. It begins at the neck of the teeth and covers first the lower third, and, later, half of the teeth. There are no changes of the gingivs. The color is yellow to golden yellow. In heavy -smokers the color is partly concealed by the color caused by tobacco. There are no roentgenologically visible changes up to the most advanced stages of poisoning and, also, for some months after the patient has ceased working. Prom the ring, conclusions can be drawn concerning the duration of work and the time passed after its termination. In the third stage (painful period) there is asthenia, then darting pains increased by movement, localized at certain points of the pelvis, in the bodies of the verierbra, in the epiphyses of the extremities or in the os calcis. Development is much slower than that of the ring, the observation of which therefore gives the possibility of prophylaxis. In the fourth stage (roentgenographic period, or period of disability), roentgenograms show the Milkman syndrome with decalcification and with transverse fissures in scapula, tibia, femur and pelvis. But there never is a spontaneous fracture. The roentgenograph!c changes proceed in accordance with the pains, increasing more and more. The sick person becomes extremely weak, and his condition deteriorates. The gait is difficult and painful, with little steps. The patient is completely unable to work. Therapy. --Intravenous injections of calcium gluconate -are given in a series of ID injections until all the symptoms 03118671 u--u ! dQ 0 o t=3 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 17 March i- 1(Hg mrsj disappear. Vitamin D is also given (in the form of Sterogyl). All the pejS sons affected were heeded.-In this way by Dr* Lafitte* toahzlasU---When ? the ring develops, 12 injections of calcium gluconate should be given everg four months* It has been agreed by the management of the factory that =r every worker should work on cadmium for six months only and get calcium gli^ conate from the beginning* Hence all the symptoms of poisoning disappeared with the exception of the characteristic and pathognomonic yellow ring* -- Occ. Med. SOI. Tetraethyl Lead PM . D*A*K* Cassells and E.C. Dodds* Brit. Med* J*, , 681-684 (Hov* 9, 1946) Tetraethyl lead is the active ingredient of ethyl fluid, an anti-knock compound. Cassells and Dodds are concerned with the hazard involved in the cleaning of storage tanks which have contained leaded gasoline. After the cessation of hostilities a number of tanks which had been constructed for war purposes were no longer required* The regulations governing the clean ing procedure were overlooked or disobeyed in some instances, with the re sult that 25 cases of poisoning occurred, two of which were fatal. The earliest symptoms were disturbance of sleep and symptoms referable to the alimentary tract, such as lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea* Subjective nervous symptoms were irritability, restlessness, nervousness and -anxiety. Pallor was not a feature, nor did punctate basophilia appear* I? death does not occur, recovery is usually complete* All that is neces sary in the milder cases Is removal from exposure, light exercise in the open air, a normal diet with plenty of fluids, and the relief of sleepless ness by a suitable sedative* the treatment of the severe case calls for strict nursing supervision In view of the impulsive suicidal tendencies and the need for adequate fluid intake and sedation* -- J*A.M.A* 502 Recent Developments In PwemftenntQBifi. L* Carozzi* Praxis, 485 ff* (July 25, 1946) The author presents a review of recent literature on pneumoconiosis in practically all countries where effective work has been done. The new compensation laws of'Belgium, Spain, France, Italy and Great Britain are included* 503 Fluorides in Industry., Anon* Mich* Labor & Ind*, Jfij 6 (Nov,, 1946); ifl, 6 (Dec*, 1946); il, 7 (Jan*, 1947) Elementary gaseous fluorine exhibits many hazards on account of its high reactivity but is not widely used in industry. Besides being ex tremely irritant and toxic, it combines explosively with hydrogen. Hext in toxicity is hydrogen fluoride, which is supplied commercially anhy drous and 60% and 58% in water. In contact with the skin it causes pain ful burns which are slow to heal* The vapor in the presence of moisture is corrosive to glass and most metals* The anhydrous liquid is used in petroleum refining. In plants where there is possible exposure to the liquid or the vapor, showers and bubbler fountains should be abundant. A distinct color should be used for pipes conveying the liquid. Neo prene clothing should be worn where there is danger of splashing* Any acid in contact with the skin should be washed off immediately, and tools contaminated with the acid can be made safe by immersing them in an alkaline solution* Fluorspar is used extensively in the steel industry, 03118672 HW88-0012349 Industrial Hygiene Digest,-.18 Jlarch. 1Q47 tut it does not cause a major hazard. Fluorides are sometimes used in the coating of welding rods, and hydrogen fluoride is evolved during welding. Cryolite sprays are used as insecticides. The hazard from any of these pro cesses can be avoided by suitable ventilation* Outbreak of Industrial Fluor!Rig In Cattle. HoH. Green. Proc. Eoyal Soc. Med. (London), .22, 795-798 (Oct., 1946) Green says that, during the calcining of ironstone, smoke drifts on to neighboring farms, and on the nearest of these an obscure disease of cattle was reported. Samples of urine established a diagnosis by revealing 26 to 69 parts per million of fluorine. Samples of water from the affected farm showed only 0.5 part per million of fluorine, but grass samples within a few hundred yards of the burning mounds showed over 2,000 parts per million on the dry matter. The urine of the human family on the farm showed 1.5 to U--k. o4.f2thpearctsatptleer m uriinlleiosnhouft nfleuvoerritnhee,lesthsusbeainvgeraabgoinveg nleosrms atlhaanndofnaer-teanbothveththaet value in the drinking water. Surface contamination of green vegetables is suggested as the source. -- J.A.M.A. Tfrreaherls Lunr: Fan-gold meaae Resembling- Tuberculosis nr Mnrhns Schflurnmn. -E. loxaall. Acta Med. Scandinavica, 12Sf 191-219 (Aug. 31, 1946)(ScandiaaYian) Toraell describes eight cases of thresher's lung. This condition is caused by the inhalation of dust from molded ("burned") grain. In the severe cases the onset Is sudden, accompanied with shivering, fever, malaise-aad -- cough with mucopurulent or sanguinolent expectoration and dyspnea. Eye symp toms and rhinitis may also occur. The clinical signs include a bronchial ^catarrh at the bases with dry subcrepitation, mild leukocytosis and an in creased sedimentation rate. The x-ray picture resembles that of miliary tuberculosis. -In severe cases the densities Increase and merge into a dis seminated patchy fibrosis with bronchiectasis. Cultivation of sputum samples on Sabouraud s medium yields Monilia, a yeastlike fungus; that is, thresher* $ lung is a bronchomoniliasis. Treatment with potassium iodide seemed to-exert a noticeable influence on the mild cases of thresher* s lung. I'--lL-H -- J.A.M.A. Pneumoconiosis in Dockers Dealing with Grain and Seed. L. thinner, R. Hermon and D.J.T. Bagnall. Brit. J. Radiol., 12, 5D6-5U (Dec., 1946) Dunner and his associates observed 55 dock workers who for years had been handling cargoes of grains, seeds and certain chemical materials such as bauxite, iron ore, sulfur and manganese. These workers are exposed to large amounts of dust. The analyses of cereal dusts have disclosed the presence of appreciable amounts of silica, fine hairs, starch grains and cellular matter. These substances may produce lung disease. Of 55 grain workers 11 had pneuaonoconiosis. -- J.A.M.A. Sty p--n b b Tbe Visceral Consequences of_.Anita C arbnn Honoxlde Poisoning. M. Loeper and others. Arch* d. mal. prof., , 1--11 (1944) (French) a study of 17 cases of acute carbon monoxide poisoning showed no evi dence of angina pectoris. In one patient there was a transitory hyper tension, and in others, there was a hypotension. Abnormal pulse -rates and occasional extrasystoles were observed. Electro-cardiographic effects 03118673 Industrial Hygiene Digest. - 19 .Marchr were many and variable^ The authors observed that the prognosis depends o individual predisposition and the presence of circulatory defects. Exten sive animal experiments gave evidence of the anoxemic hypothesis of carbon monoxide poisoning, though the authors felt that the results did not exclu the myoglobin-fixation theory. -Banal involvement occurred in 29 cases. The authors felt certain, on the basis of animal experiments, that the renal impairment in carbon monoxide poisoning is a result of renal asphyxia. __ From J.I.H.&T. 308 Bronchial Stenosis and Atelectasis From Sulfur Dlorida. W.A. Murray., Can. Med. Assoc. J., 599 ff. (June, 1946) A case of bronchial stenosis and atelectasis following exposure to sulfur dioxide in servicing refrigeration leaks, is fully described. Dilation of the pectoral branch bronchus of the upper left lung, the part most affected, contributed most to recovery. Care in avoiding additional exposure has prevented a recurrence. 303 Carbon Tetrachloride.. Chemical Safety. Data Sheet SD-3. Manufacturing Chemists Assoc, of the O.S., 60S Woodward Bldg., Washington 5, D.C. 11 pp. Price 20/. (June, 1946) First is given a list of properties and a table of vapor pressures. Carbon tetrachloride is potentially toxic by inhalation, prolonged or repeated contact of the liquid with skin or mucous membrane, or by oral intake. The symptoms of poisoning include headache, mental confusion, depression, fatigue, nausea, loss of coordination, and visual disturbances. Poisoning is insidioup, symptoms often being delayed two to eight days. The--accepted maximum allowable concentration of the vapor is 100 p.p.s. by volume for eight hours daily exposure. Directions are given for con tainers, unloading and emptying, storage, handling, and waste disposal. The section on handling is quite full, including employee education and training, personal protective equipment, engineering controls, cleaning and repairs, and repackaging and reblending. Finally the health hazards and their prevention and control are discussed. Ventilation and preplace ment and periodic physical examinations are prominent among the methods of prevention and control. In first aid, the most important first step, as in any poisoning, is separating the victim from the noxious substance. Fresh air, warmth, calling a physician, and artificial respiration con stitute the first aid methods. 310 Ethylene P*ehloTida. Queries and Minor Hotes, J.A.M.A., 152, 577 (Feb. 22, 1947) The inquiry concerns the toxic effects of ethylene dichloride used commercially as a finisher in celluloid products, and whether any by products are produced by the action of ethylene dlchloride on the acetate. The patient working with those chemicals complains of nausea and weak ness for several hours after contact with the fumes, and his liver is palpable about two inches below the costal margin. The reply is that - ethylene dichloride alone is capable of producing the manifestations, and other synq>toms of short and prolonged exposure are given. The upperliwtt* of safety possibly lies between 100 and 200 parts per million. The- inquirer is referred to the paper by Heppel and others (see our Abst*. N. 964, Aug., 1948) which includes an extensive bibliography. 03118674 MHBB- 0 0 1 2 3 5 1 Industrial Hygiene Digest -~gn March, 134? 511 c Formaldehyde. Chemical Safety Data Sheet SD-1, Manufacturing Chemists Assoc* of the tJ,S*, 608 Woodward Bldg., Washington 5, D.C. 6 pp. (Apr. 1946) (Price IS cents froa above Association) This was the first in the series of chemical product safety manuals pre pared and under preparation by the Associations Designed for supervisory staffs and management, the manuals concisely present essential information for the safe handling and use of chemical products* This manual gives the important physical and chemical properties of formaldehyde, usual shipping containers and methods for loading and unloading, container storing and handling, labels, personal protective equipment, medical controls and first aid* The hasards arise froa skin contact and vapor inhalation* A maximum allowable concentration of ID pop.m* (American Standards Assoc*) is accepted* The fire hazard is small* >v-*rr Chemical Safety Data Sheet SD-6* Manufacturing Chemists u--u Assoc* -of the U.S. -4 pp. Price 15 cents. 'Nov,, 1946) Paraformaldehyde is a mixture of polyoxymethylene glycols containing 95 to 99^ formaldehyde. Although it ..potentially presents the same hazards as formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde is in many ways less hazardous because it dissolves slowly in water and therefore is much less reactive* It de- polymerizes under a variety of conditions to give soluble formaldehyde vapor, file powder is inflammable, and the dust.may fora an explosive mixture with air. A fine water spray or carbon tetrachloride, may be used as extinguisher* Directions are given for shipping containers, ventilation during unloading and emptying, storage, and handling. The first aid directions are substan tially the same as for formaldehyde. A physician shopld be called at once in any severe case. ^5 5?Cn !_i CJH G=3 Intoxication of aJPaallv of Five P*rama -in the Coarse of Function with Methvl Bromide (Three Death*} P0 Mazel, J. Bourret and L. Bochd* Arch* d* male profess*, 2t 58 ff. (1946) (French) As a result of the use of methyl bromide in refrigerators and fire extinguishers and now as an insecticide, the number of cases of poisoning of human beings has increased. Two rooms were treated with methyl bromide after careful sealing. The family slept in two adjacent rooms. One child died early and two children died the next day, after stupor or convulsions and coma. The father showed slight characteristic symptoms later, and re covered in four days. The mother experienced pains and tremor and later convulsions and periods of unconsciousness. Recovery was slow'and its com pleteness unknown. Autopsies of the children showed hemorrhagic infiltra tion of the pulmonary alveoli in the infant, a meningeal subarachnoidal herorrhage in the 5-year old child, and only a sligit lung congestion in the 6-year old. Other symptoms often resulting, including some permanent sequelae, are mentioned. In one case occasional convulsions were observed 11 years after exposure. French law of 1945 gives detailed directions for avoidance of injuries. Only persons authorized by the government are -allowed to conduct disinfections. The disinfected rooms must hot be used before a chemical test-(detector with amyl acetate) or experiments with animals have proved that they are free from gaso (The case described indicates that equally stringent tests for leakage should also be conducted.) -- Froa Occ. Med. GG118S75 i ___ Si--T| 0 0 Industrial Hygiene D-tgftgt. - 7], Marchr IQ 514 Acute. Fatal Paiaonlrar bv MathvL Bromlda, ?,, Ravault, J, Bcurret and G. Vignon, Arch, d, mal* profess,, Z, 43 ff* (1946) (French) A worker disinfected a room with methyl bromide in the morning without wearing a mask* At 5 P0M* he experienced headache and somnolencs. After 8 P.M* he had repeated convulsions, and became completely unconscious. There were no changes of the reflexes and there was no Babinski sign. The next day he had more convulsions with opisthotonus, and his temperature was as high as 104F, He died after 2-1/2 days* The report at autopsy was typical pneumonia with dilatation of the vessels in the medulla* -- Occ, Med, Arch* d* mal, profess*, 319 ff* (1944-1345) (French) On examination, the blood of 27 workers with slight but clear signs and symptoms of trichloroethylene poisoning (asthenia, fatigue, headache, ver tigo, nausea, etc*) showed no characteristic changes, but often a slight leukopenia* In the discussion, Derobert confirms these negative observa tions, tut reports three fatal cases of trichloroethylene poisoning showing acute pulmonary edema* -- Occ* Med* 516 Research In Industrial Medicine in Gwaat Britain at Wat*. D, Hunter* Occ, Med*, , 501-328 (Oct*, 1946) Dr, Hunter reviews the work accomplished in Great Britain in a number of branches of industrial medicine, including toxicity of arsine, organic compounds of mercury, benzene, and tzdortfcocresyl phosphate, clinical ef fects of vibrating tools, and industrial lung diseases* The treatment of all these subjects is rather full, with copious references* The Cash Value of Health to Taxpayers* From 1900 to 1940 the average expectation of life for white males rose from 46 to 65 years chiefly on account of reduction in mortality at early ages, but due to a small extent to decreased mortality in mature years* Recent publications of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company show the amounts which invested at 2-1/2$ interest would pro vide an income equivalent to the expected future earnings of indivi duals in specified age and income levels* By Applying such figures to the proper categories in the age-income distribution of the population of Indiana, it can be shown that the relatively small reduction in male mortality during the productive years of life, from 1900 to 1940, resulted in a gain in 1940 of nearly $50,000,000 to dependents of males who would have died under conditions of mortality in 1900* These facts have a broader implication since the State through its taxpayers attempts to care for dependents and the aged* Conservation of produc tive individuals represents a two-fold gains first, in reducing cost of dependent care, second, in providing more producers of wealth to foot the bill for those less fortunate* Spending relatively small amounts for preventive health work saves much in ultimate welfare costs. In down-to-earth terms small sums for health taken today from the change in the taxpayer2 s pocket forestall later inroads on his billfold for remedies*------- R*E* Serfling, in Monthly Bull* Indiana State Board of Health, (Dec.>> 1946) 03118676 HWBB-001235g HWB8-O012353 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 22 -March f 1947 317 Report of Bureau of Industrial Hvtftanq, .State of Connecticut. A.S. Gray, Director. 60th Report of the (Connecticut) State Department of Health. ^ pp. 103-125 (1945) The field work of the Bureau for the fiscal year 1944-1945 involved fl.- 767 plant surveys and 1730 plants visited. The hazards examined in the ^ surveys included carbon monoxide (in bus garages and heat treating of tools), lead in a number of operations, cadmium, manganese, fluorides, xylene, methyl --T) ethyl ketone, and other organic solvents, radium in dial assembly, gamma ray in industrial radiography, silica dust in the quartz crystal industry, and foundry dust. A manual of analytical methods and a safe practice manual have --] been published (see our Abats. 184 and 204, Feb., 1947). Concepts Derived from Tmraatiygfcions Partalninf to Hi ph Altitude Flight. A.R. Behnke. J.A.M.A., 450-456 (Feb. 15, 1947) Considerable progress was made during the war in the knowledge of man's reaction to *ttie forces and conditions involved in aviation. The problems involved are becoming more numerous and more difficult in the postwar era, but the experience gained will be of great assistance. The author discusses some of the concepts and conclusions derived from extended research programs of the National Research Council, the Army and the Navy, including: (1) selection tests and evaluation of performance; (2) body composition (obese persons are more susceptible to decompression sickness); (3) effects of de compression, including expansion of abdominal gas, explosive decompression, pneumothorax, aero-otitis media, and decompression sickness; (4) anoxia and respiration, including effects of carbon monoxide and of low oxygen pres sures; (5) acceleration; (6) protection against injury; and (7) prevention of accidents. The treatment of each of these subjects includes the review of a number of papers. 6 {Sarcoidosls?\ A. Anglin. Canad. Med. Assoc, J,,, 177-132 (Feb,, 1947) The-aodern concept of sarcoidosis, also known as Boeck* s sarcoid, Besnier-Boeck*s disease, Schaumann*s disease and benign lymphogranulomatosis, is that it is a systemic disease in which many tissues, or any tissue, may be involved. It is very difficult to distinguish from some forms of tuber culosis, and this fact has led some authors to believe that sarcoidosis is an atypical form of tuberculosis. One other suggests that it may represent a reaction to the lipoid form of a variety of organisms. The prevailing opinion, however, is that it is a specific disease due to an unknown agent. In its general course it resembles silicosis, but while silicosis predisposes to tuberculosis, there is evidence that patients with sarcoidosis have a high degree of immunity to tuberculosis. This disease usually occurs in young adults. Various chemical treatments, hyperthermia and radiation have been if attempted with little success. Prolonged rest in bed has often been favor able. Prognosis is difficult to determine except by observation of the course of the disease, but is often favorable under good conditions. Four case reports are presented. 529 L--J Kell* s Disease: Rare Condition? K. Robertson. Brit. Med. J., g, 810-312 (Nov. 30, 1946) Robertson reports 40 cases of Neil* s disease occurring between the ages of five and 78 years. The condition was encountered four or five times every year during the period of the last 10 years. Nearly 30 per cent of 03118677 <3_n C=3 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 23 March. IQdf ur>: csi the cases have been diagnosed within the first four days of the illness awQ specific treatment started. The blood urea level has been raised from the earliest stages in all the cases* Its determination is the most important co single pathologic investigation. A careful inquiry into the patient's wori home surrounding and habits with regard to bathing in fresh water is of thse utmost importance. Twelve patients have been given specific antileptospiral serum during the first four days of the illness and one other received peni cillin within the first two days. In this group there has been no mortality. This compares favorably with the remainder of the patients, none of whom received treatment until after the fourth day and among whom there were six fatalities--a mortality of 30 per cent. Penicillin when used freely during the early septicemic stage may be of greater usefulness than serum. Fifty per cent glucose intravenously (50 cc. every eigfct hours) proved valuable. The mechanism of cortical renal ischemia is of great importance in the etiology of the syndrome1of water and nitrogen retention seen in the more severe cases of Weil*s `disease and may explain the apparent success of spinal analgesia in reestablishing renal function by invoking sympathetic release. The need for early use of this treatment in oliguric cases is emphasized. -- J.A.M.A. 321 Decompression Slnkneas--Some Factors Which Affect the Incidence of Banda a,t Altitude. W.L. Burkhardt, E.F. Adler, A.F. Thoaetz, A.J. Atkinson and A.C. Ivy. J.A.M.A., J3, 375-577 (Feb. 8, 1947) It seems clear from our observations and from those of others that, with the exception of age, altitude and exercise at altitude are the most important factors which predispose to bends and chokes in aviators. Denitrogenation by breathing undiluted oxygen prior to or during ascent is the most effective method for the prevention of bends and chokes. A high fat diet (250 gm. daily) was found to be the most effective pro cedure for reducing abdominal gas pains in our subjects. A very high protein diet predisposes to bends and a very high carbohydrate diet has the opposite effect. -- Authors' conclusions. Skin Diseases and*-Bums 322 Occupational Dermatitis; Its Control and Prevention bv Cooperation of the Industrial PhvsifHa*,. Engineer and Chemist. S.H. Peck. Coap. Med., I, 13 ff. (Hay, 1948) In this general review of the problem of occupational dermatitis, Peck emphasizes that in order to diagnose, prevent and control industrial dermatitis, it is necessary to have a sound knowledge.of (l) the indus trial process, (2) the chemicals which are encountered by the worker which are capable of producing dermatitis and (3) the mechanism by which the chemicals produce dermatitis. While it is the responsibility of the in dustrial physician to diagnose and treat industrial dermatitis, a proper ' program for control and prevention of the outbreaks of dermatitis needs the cooperation of the chemist and the industrial"engineer. It is impor tant, therefore, that certain broad principles regarding the mechanises which produce dermatitis are understood by the non-medical personnel of 03118678 HWBB-0012355 Industrial Hygiene Pipes! - 24 .March f 1Q47 an industrial plant who are charged with the responsibility for safety mea sures in the plant. The distinction between primary irritants and sensiti zers is clearly drawn with definitions end illustrations. The sensitizers have received the greatest publicity as causes of industrial dermatitis in spit* of the fact that they cause less than 20$ of the cases. Among the factors which form the basis for the diagnosis of industrial dermatitis the author discusses the history, the clinical syndrome, the site of the erup tion, the clinical appearance, end the patch test. Regarding dermatitis* due to plastics, it is pointed out that completely polymerized resins rarely if ever ceuse dermatitis, but the monomers, the low polymers, plasticizers, stabilizers end modifiers can be primary irritants or sensitizers. The literature on deimatitis due to synthetic resins is reviewed. In making practical suggestions for control of dermatitis, the author discusses such factors as housekeeping in the plant, individual protection, protective datiiing and protective ointments. It has been his experience that a 'u,--ou thorough discussion with the workers, explaining to them the purposes of the materials which they have been given for protection, is a greet help in obtaining their cooperation. At least the shop foreman should be thoroughly instructed in the purpose of the preventive materials, and in turn he is to instruct his men in their proper use. -- From Occ. Med. c c C=3 524 Occupational Dermatoses in Aircraft Workers.. Chromate Dermatitis. F.A. Ellis. Occ. Med., 2, 452-462 (Nov., 1946) Of 235 patients referred during 1944 and 1945 from a large aircraft manufacturing plant because of a possible occupational dermatitis, 155 (56.6 per cent) proved to have non-occupational dermatitis. Eighty-one (54.4 per cent) were considered to have occupational dermetitis. Twenty-one (9 per cent) had contact dermatitis of undetermined origin. Primary irritants were the- cause of the eruption in 56 (44.4 per cent) of the 81 patients with occupational deimatitis. Contact dermatitis was the cause in, 24 (50 per cent)} in 20 ( 83.4 per cent) of these the derma titis was due to chromates. In about one fourth (23.7 per cent) of the cases of occupational dermatitis the disease was due to chromates (ap proximately one case in a thousand per year). Injuries associated with dermatitis were present in 14 (17.5 per cent)} dermatitis due to treat ment accounted for the seven (8*5 per cent) others. Contact dermatitis due to chromates has a. fairly typical picture and distribution. It is usually an acute, weeping, crusted dermatitis involving the exposed parts, and with occasional generalized dermatitis. Nummular lesions similar in form to mummular eczema developed in some of the patients. The eyelids were involved in eight (40 per cent) of the patients who had a contact dermatitis due to chromates. No positive reactions to resins were obtained in these patients. Hardening to chromates does not develop in workers sensitive to chromates. Patch tests with five per cent solution of sodium chromate and with the dry painted metal elicited reactions of similar degrees of positivity. Five per cent solu tion- of potassium bichromate caused reactions similar to those caused by five per cent solution of sodium chromate* ---- Author's summary and con clusions. Ragweed DermeHtia. B.J. Slater, J.L. Norris and N. Francis. Occ. Med., Z9 298-300 (Oct., 1946) Ragweed occasionally causes dermatitis, similar to that caused by poison ivy, oak or sumac. Two cases are descrived, with illustrations. 03118679 NW8B-0012356 Industrial Hygiene_Tlgest - 25 Marchr 1 qa They are of interest because they show the importance of recognising ragweed dermatitis when it occurs in an industrial employee. The best advice tc any afflicted person is to go to a place where ragweed does not grow, or next best, to use oral desensitisation by the ragweed oleoresin in com oil. Control Methods 325 Proceedings of the 59th Annual Meeting of the Smoke Prevention Association of America. Conference on Smoke Prevention and Conservation of Fuels, Minneapolis, June 24--26, 1946. 78 pp. (1947) At this conference e number of papers covered a wide range of subjects connected with smoke prevention. Importance of Smoke Abatement in City Planning. H. Olson, pp* 2-5* In Minneapolis, as in other cities not only the better classes of residents, but also industries, are moving away from central sections of the city on account of smoke pollution. Food processing industries and others require clean air for their work. Thus smoke abatement is a vital factor in city planning. T)n.<rh and Its "Relation to Smoke. S.B. Fly. pp* 7-10. The smoke abatement problem sharply divides itself into two parts, the smoke problem and the dust problem* Several years ago Pittsburgh undertook a very elaborate dust collection, extending over three years* The deposited mater ial from 100 locations was weighed and analysed for volatile material, fixed carbon, ash, iron, silica and sulfur. The dther customary dust collection methods were also used* The large volume of impressive data has yielded nothing definite regarding the efficiency of combustion in the city* This conclusion has been verified by a more recent test with an electric preci pitator and a recording tape, during and after a steel strike, when the mills were not operating* With the mills off, the record showed 1*77 ar bitrary units of dust per hour* With the mills at 6056 capacity, the figure was 1.61, and at full operation, 1*68 units. The difficulty with this test was that most smoke or dust is recorded mornings and nights, when atmos pheric inversion-produces moisture which carries the dust with it* .In the dust collection tests, the deposited material includes organic and inor ganic dusts that have blown from some distance, and the volatile matter and fixed carbon includes constituents of the organic dust* On Sundays and holidays under a heavy atmospheric lid there was a heavy deposit, while on clear working days the deposit was light. Therefore a dust fall really measures weather conditions and is not a true measure of comtastlon* Direct visibility tests, such as are constantly made by the U.S* Weather Bureau, likewise do not measure smoke pollution, because there is no in strument that will differentiate smoke free dust, fog, and haze. ' The Weather Bureau observations, then, should be called "visibility record* or "air pollution," rather than "smoke observations." Also, the points of observation are too few to give a representative picture of conditions c=a over the city. A Comparison af-Swawrrml Variations In Dnstfali and Other Factors Related to Air Pollution* Chicago Assod* of Commerce, pp. 11-15. This report of a similar survey in Chicago was presented in connection with Dr. Ely* s paper, and confirms its general conclusions. Curves for 031186S0 HWBB-0012357 Tnrinet-Hfil TH peat - 2fi HflT-rh, T047 "haze, smoke, dust," austfall coal consumption, wind velocity, precipitation and temperature shows only slight correlation between haze, smoke, dust, and coal consumption, and the dustfall curve tends to follow that for wind velocity* A complete program against air pollution should include private dust and dirt abatement efforts comparable with those directed to smoke abatement. There is also the question whether additional methods of analy sis will aid in identifying the sources of air pollution, and evaluating their relative importance. A-Proposed Standard for Regulating Pern-isalble Discharge _o Solids from Stacks. J.H. Carter, pp. 15-16. The author shows that the usual method of specifying the total solids per cubic foot of gas, with or without size restrictions, does not give a fair picture of nuisance value, and proposes a method depending on eetthng rate. A suggested ordinance reads: "The amount of dust having a settling velocity, of.....feet per minute or greater which may be emitted from any stack shall not exceed. .pounds (or other unit) in any one hour for each foot of stack hei^it above grade squared." This method has the following advantages: (1) it regulates the qmount of dust in terms of its nuisance value; (2) it considers the stack height as a factor; (5) it takes settling rate into account; (4) it applies to all types of dust; (5) it creates no new problem for the*manufacturer of equipment; (6) plants emitting dust for limited periods can be regulated; and (7) it simplifies the establishment of viola tions. The elutriator provides a simple method of measurement. Effect of Smoke Abatement Surveys Conducted in Various Cities. H.B. Learners, pp. 49-55* A survey of heating plants was made in seven cities to determine faults which would lead to excessive atmospheric pollution. A general classifica tion puts the following industries in the order of greatest smoke: (1) laundries and dry cleaning plants; (2) hotels, apartment buildings, and hospitals; (-5) schools and churches; (4) miscellaneous manufacturing plants, and (5) large manufacturing plants. At Cincinnati a sootf&ll collection -(total solids without analysis) over a period of years shows 17.7% more soot from October through April than during the remainder of the year. For Rochester the figure was 25.5%, New Tork 25.0%, and Chicago 17%. It is estimated that in Cincinnati 15% of the total .smoke is due to homes and small apartments* (There is insufficient data to make a critical compari son of this paper with those of Ely and the Chicago organization*) There are other papers of interest to combustion engineers, including the subjects of standardization of combustion equipment, education in use -of equipment, automatic controls, overfire air jets, and several relating especially to railroad operation. Essential Safeguards in Praduetion and Pae of Atomic Energy* J.E. Wirth* Occ. Ked., 2, 428-458 (Nov*, 1946) Essential safeguards in the production and use of atomic energy oust be directed toward the working area and the surrounding community. They must encompass (1) personnel, by education and organization; (2) monitor ing, by the personnel and by e separate health-physics unit stressing per sonnel monitoring, area surveys, research and developments; (5) equipment, such as personnel-monitoring and area survey instruments, barriers, venti t=3 lation, protective clothing, technics and handling devices, and (4) well trained laboratory personnel and special tests for analyzing human excreta for chemically and radioactively toxic elements* -- Author's summary. 031186S1 BB-001235* Industrial Hygiene Digegl^RI March. 19a 527 Asbestos Dnat Anon. Safety Rev. (U.S. Navy), 1$ (Jan., 1947) The brief article calls attention to the hazard of exposure to asbes tos dust and the need of adequate localized ventilation. All working places with possible exposure should be checked for asbestos dust, and whe^ mechanical exhaust ventilation must be supplemented by wearing of personal protective equipment, it should conform to Bureau of Mines specifications. 528 Air-Operated Svsten Dumps Cyanide with Safety. Anon. Compressed Air Mag., .52, 49 (Feb., 1947) At the Kerr-Addison Mill in Virgini^town, Ontario, cans of cyanide to be used in the extraction of gold from ores, are handled mechanically by a system that is completely inclosed and controlled from the outside. Except for loading and unloading, the operation is automatic. After a can has been placed on the skip and the chamber has been closed, it is hoisted by an air cylinder. At.the limit of its travel it is tripped and its contents are dumped into the hopper of a reagent feeder that 'discharges into condi tioner tanks. Reversal of the piston stroke returns the skip to the starting position; but before the empty is replaced by a full container, the fumes and dust in the enclosure are exhausted to the atmosphere. Thus hand dumping with its attendant skin rashes are avoided. Diagrams are presented. 329 Dust Control Lessons from Fontana Dam. F.N. Chirico. Occ. Hazards, 24-25 (Feb., 1947) Certain features of the dust control system introduced during the construction of Fontana Dam in North Carolina were not only unique but because of their extreme effectiveness in curtailing hazards have become a pattern for the industry. The most radical of those features was a mechanical water spray mounted on the frames of the electric shovels, continuously and thoroughly wetting the rock. This process reduced dust concentrations to averages of 1.4 to 2.7 M.P.C.F*, and was much more efficient than intermittent hand wetting. It was also unnecessary to-wet the rock during crushing--a point at which hand wetting has been found undesirable. Elimination of dust fog also increased night visi bility. Other dust-reducing features included wet drilling, efficiently designed ventilation systems, total enclosure of indoor screens, with self-closing doors, top and skirt-board coverings at transfer and dis charge points, dust-tight manholes, counterweighted hinged covers on chutes, discharge of the dust collector effluent through high stacks, and the installation of water sprays with conveniently located shut-off valves. Specially designed ejector ventilation systems were installed in the cement unloading plant, supplying clean air to the workers and removing the cement dust which was subsequently collected. An average of less than 10 M.P.C.F. was attained at that point, less than five in the concrete mixing plant, and less than four in the quarry and rock crushing plant. 330 Report-on an Investigation into Dust and Ventilation Conditions ln.tfaa Copper Mines and the .Broken Hill Mine in Northern Rhodesia .with Parti cular Reference to .Silicosis. J. De V. Lambrechts. 42 pp. Lusaka: Govt. Printer. (1945) The emphasis in this report is upon dust. It is recommended that dust sampling results form a basis for ventilation requirements. Depths 03118682 HWBB-0012359 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 23 March. 1947 will.4arobably not be great enough for many years to necessitate attention to the heat problem or that of the use of water underground. Under existing conditions it was decided to regard all dust occurring in these mines as potentially dangerous. Average dust concentrations for the mines as deter mined by the use of the Kotzs konimeter were higher than the accepted stan dards. It was concluded that the measures taken against silicosis were in adequate. A maximum count of 600 particles per cc. is recommended as a goal. Improvements in the technique of rock drilling and primary blasting are suggested. Other dangerous operations are reviewed. -- Bull. Hyg. Safe Use and Storage of Volatile Paints and Thinnara. Tf.T. Utley. Safety Eng., 22, 18-19, 43-45 (Feb., 194?) The automobile refinisher does not always realize that the thinners and solvents that he uses are as flammable as gasoline, and often tqkes chances that he would not take with gasoline. Another hazard is that refinishers are often unwilling to wear respirators* Operators can be con /1` vinced of the necessity, however, by wearing one for a few jobs and then observing.-the amount of material that has been absorbed on the pad. Six essential safe practices are given in summary; (l) have adequate ventila tion and always use respirator when spraying: (2) adopt good housekeeping practices in storing paints and thinners; (3) keep oily rags in metal con tainers and immediately dispose of all empty paint cans and other contain ers; (4) never use blow-torches or any type of open flame near spray booths, or where spray gun is being used; no smoking; (5) recognize and eliminate danger from thinner vapor; and (6) keep.all equipment clean and in its proper place. The Presgrfc- Status of the Control of Air-Borne Infections. Report of the Subcommittee for the Evaluation of Methods to Control Air-Borne Infections, of the Committee on Research and Standards. J.E. Perkins, Chairman. Am. J. Pub. Health, 15-22 (Jan., 1947) The subcommittee offers the following five points to summarize its group judgment concerning the present status of the application of engin eering methods to control air-borne infection: (1) The oiling of floors, blankets, and bedding has now developed to the point of practical applica tion in the suppression of dust. Such measures reduce bacterial contam ination of the air, but there is as yet insufficient evidence that they prevent disease. (2) The available evidence strongly indicates that methods of air disinfection (ventilation, ultra-violet irradiation, and glycol vapors) are useful adjuvants to aseptic techniques in the reduc c o tion or elimination of air-borne infections in operating rooms and in con tagious disease and pediatric wards. Installations are indicated under conditions where there has been demonstrated or there exists potentially a significant incidence of cross-infection or a serious risk to patients. It is essential that competent engineering supervision be available to insure the adequacy of the original installation, to maintain its con tinued effectiveness, and to protect both personnel and patients. (5) It is not yet possible to compare the relative efficiency of ultra-violet irradiation and glycol vapors. Only the former method has been developed to a point of practical application. Recent designs of glycol vaporizers and automatic control devices give promise that adequately controlled studies may be conducted in the near future* (4) The general use of ultra-violet irradiation or disinfectant vapors in schools, barracks, and 03118683 N W B B -0fll235t} P-i u--1 c o D=3 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 29 _Marchr ^4 in specialized industrial environments is not justified at the present time (5) There is no justification for the indiscriminate use of ultra-violet light or other methods for disinfecting air in homes, offices, or places of public congregation. -- From Authors* conclusions. 333 Prevention of Health Hazards.in Repair _Garages._ A Summary of Health Hazards Found in a Survey of the Garage .Industry in the .State of Washington anfl Methods _for Their Correction. State of Washington, Dept, of Labor and In dustries and Dept, of Health. 52 pp. (1947) The first subject treated is the carbon monoxide hazard. Its principal source is the exhaust gas of cars with motors running, but it can also come from heaters. A comparison of natural, general mechanical, and exhaust ven tilation is given. Exhaust ventilation is required by State law, and is best accomplished by inlets close to the car exhausts. Natural ventilation is only partly effective and only in summer. General mechanical ventilation is too expensive except in connection with heating. The ventilation should reduce carbon monoxide concentrations below 100 p.p.a. The next hazard is spray painting. Washington regulations require isolation of the operations, adequate ventilation, adequate personal protection, and fire prevention. A complete change of air per two minutes throughout the working space is called for. Several diagrams illustrate right and wrong ways of installing ventilating systems. In the wrong ways there may be considerable unventila ted space. Respirators are sometimes desirable even with good ventilation, and operators should be instructed in methods of spraying that will cause least exposure. Fire protection involves avoidance of combustible mater ials on floors and walls, use of safe electrical connections, and grounding of tools. The remainder of the booklet consists of briefer sections on degreasing, dermatitis, sanitation, illumination, welding and forging, dust, and acetylene generators. A companion-piece to this bulletin, entitled "Garage Gripes," has been prepared for distribution among garage employees, for their education. "Packaged" plants for export complete in every detail and requiring only assembly at destination to start production are planned by a group of engineers who see the need for many types of manufacture in foreign countries to build demand for American products. Temperatures can be read approximately by the color assumed by a new alloy which takes on a different color for each 25 degrees between 500 and 900C. Improved molding qualities are imparted to gypsum plasters by the addition of newly developed modifying chemicals without taking the prod uct out of the low price class. War-developed laminated paper bags are so strong and water proof that flour packed in them has been floated harmlessly over Niagara Falls. - Chemical Digest (Spring, 1947) ! 03118684 HWBB-0012361 Industrial-HvMane TH***+. - ffl 10A7 354 Sumidlfiers_an Aid in Eliminating Swploaians. R..J. Branham. Safety Eng., 35, 52 (Feb., 1947) The U.S. Rubber Company made exhaustive tests to determine the cause of several recent fires and explosions and how to eliminate them, before building a new cement house. It was learned that when the relative humidity was 25-3d an electrostatic voltmeter measured a static acamulation above the 6,0Q0 volt capacity of the instrument. The condition was dangerous even with all the precautions that could be taken. However* at 40% r.h., there was almost no chance for explosion. Therefore, where there is no moving machinery the r.h. iB kopt at 45%, and 50-55^ where there is moving machinery. At these humi dities the voltmeters register near negative. The danger point appears quickly when the r.h. drops below 40%, There should be wide uses for humi difiers in other rubber plants and similar industries. Air-Activated Storage Bins for Pulverized Materials. Anon. Compressed Air Mag., J, 46 (Feb., 1947) Powdered or sluggish bulk material held in storage bins for processing is erratic in its action. Sometimes it has a tendency to cake and to rathole, and then again it will avalanche when released. Poke rods and electric vibrators have been used to start the flow, and it has even been the practice to pound the walls of such structures, causing weakening and leakage. These disadvantages are overcome, we are told, by Richardson Scale Company's air- C---J activated bin equipped with a leak-proof -control gate that permits the dis charge of accurately proportioned quantities. To insure free flow at all times regardless of the height of a bin, the new design calls for perforated pipes inside the structure. If material jams when gate is opened, the op erator shuts it again and manipulates a valve, admitting low-pressure air to aerate the mass and loosen it. The pneumatic system includes a pressureregulating device and an Aridifier for the removal of moisture from the air. Cates are of special design and, when closed, are sealed tight by means of hog-bristle brushes which also serve to eliminate much of the dust that is usually in evidence where powdered materials ere delivered to mixers. -Spactroobatomfttric Estimation of Haruronates (Expreagad afl Glucuronl in Plasma or Serum. W.B. Deichmann and Marjorie Dierker. cil. Chem., J3, 755-760 (June, 1946) (1) A photoelectric procedure is presented for the estimation of hexuronates expressed as glucuronic acid in plasma or serum without preliminary removal of ordinarily interfering compounds (proteins, glucose, etc.) The principle employed is similar to that utilized for -toe estimation of glucu ronic acid in urine, which was reported earlier. (2) The greater portion of the hexuronates normally found in blood is present in the plasma or serum. Values found for untreated experimental subjects, rabbits, and rats, in terms of glucuronic acid, ranged from 0.4 to 2.5 mg. per 100 ml. of plasma. (5) Analysis of plasma or serum is recommended for the study of the rate of absorption or the metabolism of a compound that conjugates in the body with a 3 11 S'6, ?t; W s==3 fel 03) jo CL--oi O 0 t=3 Industrial Hygiene Diip=>gt - 31 March. IQ^7 hexuronic acid. The administration of cyclohexanone or 2-aethyl-2,4-pentanediol to rabbits or rats induced no change in glucuronic acid values in the cellular fraction of blood, while increases of hexuronates in plasma were significant (up to 120 mg. of glucuronic acid per IDO ml.) and in direct relation to the quantities of hexuronates excreted in the urine. -- Authors' summary. Laboratory Toxicological Studies 337 Thvraol-Barbital Turbidity Teat in Experimental Carbon Tetrachloride Poison-. ing. H. Brieger and M.H.F. Friedman. Occ. Med., 463-469 (Nov., 1946) In a series of 15 rabbits given high oral doses of carbon tetrachloride, positive thymol-barbital turbidity reactions were found in the serums of 14 animals (93.5 per cent) Plasma..and serum gave equally reliable results. Neither aging of the serum or pl&asa nor the presence of heparin influenced the reaction. The positive reaction was, in general, not due to carbon tetrachloride lipemia, nor was it influenced by the reduced food intAke of animals receiving the hepatotoxic agent. -- Authors* summary. 338 Skin-Senslti2ing Properties of DDT, for, .the Guinea Pig. J.E. Dunn, R.C. Dunn, and Barbara S. Smith. Pub. Health Repts., 1, 1614-1620 (Nov. 3, 1946) Also published as Reprint No. 2754. Price 5 cents from Supt. of Documents. An attempt to induce cutaneous hypersensitivity to DDT in guinea pigs, using several methods, was unsuccessful. A possible explanation is pre sented for the previously reported induction of cutaneous hypersensitivity to DDT in the guinea pig. Histopathologic changes in the shin following injection of DDT in corn oil and of corn oil alone are described. -- Authors' summary. 339 The Action of Thloglvcolle Acid and Thioglvcolates on Antnala After Subcu taneous introduction. C.P. McCord, B.E. Stofer and Pearl Williams. Ind. Med., 63-65 (Feb., 1947) Thioglycolic acid, diluted to pH 4, and buffered to pH 7, and sodium thioglycolate were subcutaneously and otherwise injected in vary ing amounts into rabbits and rats. The effects of infection of the acid were usually severe, always local ulcers, liver damage, and blood sugar changes were found, and death resulted from single injections of 1 cc. of 5% acid per kilo. The effect, however, is comparable to that of other acids at similar concentrations. The thioglycolate, when 2 to 4 cc. per kilo based on 4.75% thioglycolic acid was used, killed irre gularly 50% of rats tested. Rabbits are less susceptible. 340 Observations err the Effftgt9~rrf Trimethylf Phgfcahat^ .Unon Experimental Animals. W.B. Deichmann and S. WitherupN^T.Eharm. and Exp. Therap., 333-342 (Dec., 1946) (1) When absorbed from the gastroenteric tract of rabbits, rats or guinea pigs in sufficient quantity over periods of a few hours or 03118686 HM8B-0012362 HWUG-0 0 1 2 3 63 Industrial Hygiene Digest - _S2 Marrh. 1Q47 days, trimethyl phosphate induced an acute toxic state characterized by a gradual decrease in the rate and magnitude of respiratory movements, general body weakness, a mild degree of hyperexcitability, fine tremors, dyspnea, collapse and death as a result of respiratory failure. When sublethal oral, cutaneous or subcutaneous doses were administered day by day for several days to rabbits a corresponding type of intoxication developed more slowly o and was accompanied in some instances by loss of weight and flaccid paraly ses of the extremities, the latter being followed at times by spasticity of certain muscles of the extremities. (2) The lethal oral dosage of tri methyl phosphate for the rabbit is 1.05 ml./kg., for the rat, 1.65 ml./kg., P-n and for the guinea pig, 0.94 ml./kg. (5) Some portion of the administered trimethyl phosphate or some product of its metabolism appears to be excreted in the urine of rabbits in conjugation with sulfuric acid. -- Authors' summary. Metabolism of Radium Fixed on Bogy Tissue. H. Fajerman, P. Dauael and R. Muxart. Coopt, rend., 222. 1255-1257 (1946) (French) A procedure is given for the study of the retention of radioactivity in bones of white rats given subcutaneous injections of radium chloride. When radioactivated bones are decalcified in vitro with the aid of various acids, a notable portion of the radioactivity is removed with the calcium salts without destroying the bone structure; this suggests the possibility of treating radium poisoning in vivo. -- C.A. 542 The Comparative FfftcAencv of Various Liver Function. T^ats in Detecting geoatic Damage Produced in Dnf bv Xvlideng. J.L. Svirbely, A.R. Monaco and W.C. Alford. -J. Lab. and Clin. Med., 31r 1155-1143 (Oct., 1946) Xylidene at a moderately low concentration is an effective agent in producing jaundice and fatty livers in dogs. With prolonged exposure, the livers pass into a cirrhotic stage. Microscopic examination of the liver showed evidence of parenchymal damage with no evident impairment in the cells of the reticulo-endothelial system, since these retain their function of phagocytosis of iron-positive pigment. The bromsulfalein retention test is the most reliable one in detecting liver damage. Next in order of re liability were the rose bengal retention test, the serum phosphatase acti vity, prothrombin time ratio, bilirubin retention and urinary urobilinogen excretion tests, and icterus index. Bergh, fibrinogen and albumin-glotailin ratio estimations., do not appear to yield information early enough to aid in the diagnosis of liver injury. This order of efficiency agrees very well with the results obtained by Neefe and associates in their work on liver damage produced in human subjects by administration of yellow fever o o vaccine and with the findings of Drill and Ivy in carbon tetrachloride poisoned dogs (see our Abst. No. 1115, Oct., 1944) -- From Authors' summary. I Industrial Relations, Personnel C=0 545 stopping Grievances Before IhflY Qgflg. Editorial. \Jod. Ind. pp. 49-52, 54, 56 , 58 , 62-64 (Feb. 15, 1947) "In the most successful plants, management attitude toward a griev ance is that of a doctor's toward a disease: detect it early, cure it 03118687 V./ o' .a 0 o t=a Industrial Hygiene Digest - 5 5 March. TQd7 fast." Also, like the doctor, management should objectively determine the facts. If the grievance is real, many potential similar grievances will be avoided; if it is fanciful, it is even more necessary, harder, to find the cause of dissatisfaction. The method used by Thompson Products, Inc., is fully described. Ey posters end o^her means, employees are urged to air their grievances, and questionnaires were sent to employees asking their opinion about the company and their supervisors. In general, there ere four levels at which grievances are considered, and very rarely it is necessary for top management to consider them. Supervisors are located in the plants where they can be in touch with a number of employees. Features of griev ance plans of other companies are also described. 544 State Plcns for Disability Compensation. C.W. Strow. Am. Econ. Sec., .2, 12-16 (Aug.-Sept., 1946) The California system adopted in December, 1946 establishes a scale of compulsory benefits for disability based upon the formula for unemploy ment compensation under which weekly benefits run from $10 to $20 up to a maximum of 23.4 weeks in the benefit year. Payments are to begin May 21, 1947. A state fund called the Unemployment Insurance Disability Fund does not monopolize since voluntary plans either through self-insurance, benefit associations, or commercial insurance are allowed to compete. Financing is to be secured from a one per cent tax upon the pay rolls of employees to be withheld from their wages for the benefit of either the state fund or a voluntary plan. All voluntary insurance plans must have consent of employer and employees and approval by the State Board* The chief problems are how voluntary plans can meet the compulsory benefit provisions, whether one per cent tax will cover cost of benefits, how exchange of credits between vol untary plans or between voluntary plan dad state fund due to mobility of workers can be effected. The values of this California Plan lie in the freedom of choice given to employer and employee to choose their type of disability insurance and the opportunity to fit the terms of such insur ance to the local and internal conditions of each individual firm and fac tory. It also affords a chance for labor and management to cooperate com pletely in solving the problems of disability especially in benefits and claims. However, there are many problems, both technical and general, in working voluntary plans into the California system and time alone will reveal how it csn be done. 345 Solving the Problem of the Toricitv of New Chemicals in Industry. H.F. Smyth, Jr. W. Va. Med. J., 42, 177 ff. (July, 1946) A manufacturer of chemicals established at its own expense an indus trial fellowship under the author* s direction at Mellon Institute. The organization now has a staff of 18 technically trained persons and faci lities to house about 5,500 animals. By means of close contact with the research, production, sales, and medical departments the fellowship is made aware of all new chemicals being developed by the manufacturer. First a range-finding test is made in a short time at relatively low cost, end the results can be-aade known to the producer before the stage of pilot plant operation is reached. In this range-finding test, phar macologic experiments are perfomed on small animals, including tests of the effects of swallowing, skin penetration and contact, eye contact, and inhalation, all by standardized methods. The quantitative results allow the investigators to select from their files another chemicsl, 03118688 HUB8-0812364 T^dnstr^l Hygiene Digest - 34 March. 1347 whose hazards bear a known relation to the new one under study. This infor mation, although not quantitatively precise, is a guide to plant physicians in observing the first men to handle the new chemical in quantity, When it ueccmes apparent that the new material will be made and sold in larger quan tities, it is appropriate to perform more detailed studies which will reveal more precisely the quantitative hazards which must be guarded against in ap plication of the chemical. -- From Occ. Med. Relationship of Recreational Participation to Industrial Efficiency. C.E. Creed. Research Quart.f 17r 19? ff. (Oct., 1946) Selections of 72 male workers at Servel, Inc. were made on the basis of being one of the poorest five or one of the best five in groups of 150 or more. A questionnaire was sent each to measure the time that he was engaged in any type of leisure activity, 71 activities being listed. The factors having the highest correlation with the superintendent's rating as "good" were; (1) total hours of recreation; (2) number of activities; (?) number of passive activities (such as chess, card games, magazines and movies); (4) hours of passive recreational participation; (5) hours of active rec reational participation; and (6) number of active recreational activities (e.g. archery, badminton, baseball, hiking and gardening). It is concluded that there is a high degree of relationship between rating and recreational participation; not that the type of recreation made them better or poorer workers, but that there are specific activities in which the better or poorer workers respectively participate* Recreation provided by industry can be more efficiently* administered, is more .available and is cheaper than when it is paid for and selected by individuals. The results of this survey do not mean that only the activities preferred by the best workers should be provided. -- From Occ. Med. L----u 0 o i^fi] L----- J c=o Eve Conservation and In creased Production. C.P. Tolmen. Trans. Am. Acad. Ophth., jjQ., 225 ff. (July-Aug., 1946) The author emphasizes the value of conservation of the eyes as an element of good management. Two out of five average industrial workers have visual deficiencies which keep them from doing their best work. The vision of at least 90$ of these workers can be brought up to a satisfactory level by corrective glasses. Suitable adequate lighting and scientifically dhosen color schemes will also aid greatly. One employer reports that after supplying one-fifth of his employees with needed glasses and instal ling an improved lighting system, output, was increased by 19$ and quality was improved by 16$. Another, by increasing illumination from eight to 60-foot candles, on work involving punching of tabulating cards, increased production 5Q% and reduced errors 69$. -- From Occ. Med. A Study of Rsvehifltrift Tllneefi .An Coal Miners. F. Post. J. Mental Sci., 2, 574 ff. (July, 1946) A study was made of 100 men employed in underground work in the mining industry who were treated at the Jordanturn (England) Nerve Hospital for various psychoneuroses and other psychiatric ailments. Occupational fac tors were absent or unimportant as causes in more than half the cases. Very few men broke down on account of the unpleasant and dangerous nature of underground work, apart from a few cases arising under artificial wartime 03118689 Industrie! Eygiane-Digefet - M&rrhr tq^ <m o CSJ conditions. On the other hand, almost 60% of patients blamed their work for their illness when they first came for treatment, and 40^ frankly disliked being coal miners on account of the general conditions of work rather than co its dangerous nature. The author thinks that observations made on psycho- 03 logically ill men cannot be applied to miners as a group without complemen- sc tary field studies among the normal mining population. Only investigators who are working in the mine itself and who are in constant close contact with miners should make pronouncements on mining questions, tut even authors who fulfill those conditions draw conflicting pictures, varying greatly with the personality of the investigator. On the whole, however, it is difficult to eradicate the general impression of an atmosphere of disgruntled resent ment and restiveness, which must provide a favorable culture medium for neu rotic reactions. Preventive medicine has done much to avoid the causes of physical disability, but an investigation into the psychological aspects should lead to adjustments likely to improve the general outlook of the miner and at the same time to attract badly needed recruits. -- From Occ.Med. 549 Can the Diabetic ffork? Ethel M. Spears. Conf. Board Management Rec., .2, 19-20 (Jan., 1947) Diabetes arises from failure of the pancreas to secrete insulin needed by the body to turn and store the sugar of the food. It is not curable but is generally controllable through the use of insulin and limitation of diet. The average controlled diabetic who continues under the care of his physi cian and is cooperative is usually able to live a comparatively normal life. He can accept practically any type of work and can perform his job in in dustry as efficiently as non-diabetic workers. Some severe cases may have insulin shocks occasionally, but usually know when shock is about to occur. They should not be placed in situations where danger would result from shock. First aid is essential for diabetic individuals on account of their low resistance to infection. They are not more susceptible to colds, pneu monia and other general illness than are non-diabetic employees, although they have more skin infections and are more subject to arteriosclerosis. Periodic examination will aid in determining the presence of diabetes. fine-1 all ged Medicine Bad for You As for the five million 4-F1 s, the correct figure was not five million, but 4,217,000. Of these, 2,048,000 were the aimless, legless, blind, the mentally diseased, the idiots, imbeciles," and morons. What medical care could have cured idiocy, brightened the morons, restored the amputated leg? Another 280,000 were syphilitic. Treatment for syphilis is offered freely everywhere. How could compulsory insurance have eliminated this group? If you continue this breakdown, you end up, not with five million, tut about 1.5 million whose rejections might possibly be due to lack of medical care. And it is doubtful if compulsory insurance would have altered this figure. They did not, most of them, lack care because they could not get it. They lacked it because they had not been educated to want it. -- From Better Homes and Gardans (Jan., 1947); Abet, in Occ. Med. (Feb., 1947) 03118680 HWBB-0012367 Industrie! Hygiene Digest - 36 March. 1347 Rehabilitation | 1 Legal and Administrative Handicaps tn a Rehabilitation Program. B.E. Kuechle. Occ. Med., Z* 421-427 (Nov., 1946) This paper was presented at the Foundation meeting in November and has been abstracted in the Digest for November, 1946. It was officially publiahed in Transactions, 11th Annual Meeting. (55) Absenteeism, Hours of Labor, Etc. Sickness Absenteeism Among Industrial Markers. Second and Third Quarters of 1946. W.M. Gafafer. Pub. Health Repts., 2, 272-276 (Feb. 21, 1947) In both quarters of 1946, the most significant feature of the sickness statistics is the decrease in all four classes of diseases. The decrease is greatest for respiratory diseases, approximately 40% of their incidence for 1945. All classes of diseases had been increasing from about 1939 to 1944, and the present decrease marks a return to more nearly normal condi tions. The figures for the fifth cause of absence considered in the statis tics, non-industrial accidents, do not show a definite trend. Insurance and Medical Economics ^0! Statistics of Lo-BBfts and : Rate=Makiwg InTorkmentfl Compensation Insurance. Anon. J. Am. Ins., 24f 23-25 (Jan., 1947) The fundamentals of rate-making in workmen's compensation insurance are presented in this paper which is one of a series dealing with various kinds of insurance. Calculation of a fair rate is complex on account of o o differences in wages, hours worked, exposure to hazards, and state laws. Statistics assembled by the National Council on Compensation Insurance are valuable in evaluating'those differences. The highlights of their methods are described. Statistics are of greater importance in workmen* s compensa tion than in any other kind of insurance. Continual changes in methods are taking place, and the device of reflecting loss experience in the insurance cost has been a potent factor in improving industrial safety over the years. Treads In Social Insurance. A.D. Marshall. Insurance Series No. 67 (Per sonnel Aspects of Insurance Planning). Am. Management Assoc, pp. 3-13 (1946) The paper describes the social insurance plan in force In the General Electric Company plants, its history, and its future needs. It now embraces 03118691 Industrial Hvyiene Digest - 57 March. 1347 'soCo m life insurance, retirement and permanent disability pensions, mutual benefitC^N associations for sickness and non-industrial accidents, (including dependents of about 20% of the employees), scholarships and loan funds for education, 1 a relief and loan plan for emergencies, and savings through payroll deduc- ea tions* The three basic principles of the plan are employee contributions, employee participation in the problems of administration, and demonstrated desire on the part of employees for any new feature or change in the program. Tiro additional factors are the opportunity for the employee to participate at the earliest reasonable date after employment, and constant study of plans to meet employees' changing needs* Several pages of questions and answers, covering details of the program, follow the prepared paper* 554 ProcAAdinys of the Confers* on Prevents and Health Economics, Sept. SO-Oct. 4r 1946. School of Public Health, University of Michigan, inn Arbor, Mich* 245 pp. (1947) About 40 papers were presented at this Conference, with the number on Health Economics slightly in the majority* Preventive- medicine is dis cussed from the viewpoints of social obligation,! clinical and social ap proaches in teaching, its place in the medical curriculum, end teacher training* Teaching in biostatics, industrial hygiene, epidemiology, and public health administration are considered as gateways for instruction in preventive medicine* Tha Community Approach Through Teaching la Industrial HvfH on* is dis cussed by G*E* Hall, pp* 89-90* He points out that industrial hygiene is part of the general field of preventive medicine and shows how sanitation, accident prevention, removal of industrial hazards, and job analysis are -parts of the picture* Be points out fields in which progress is needed, including appraisal of mental capacity in job analysis, employment of physically sub-standard workers, and interest of the employer in the wor ker outside his working time* Over all the discussion of Health Economics hovers the shadow of possible socialized medicine* Among the subjects appearing and reappear-, ing in the various papers are the need for some form of health insurance, the description of some plans for insurance, grave doubts about the suc cess of any compulsory government insurance, and difficulties that are inherent in any plan* After the general subjects are discussed, there are several papers on teaching health economics* Public Health 555 Progress Toward ft World Health Organization- Office of International Health Relations, U.S* Public Health Service* Pub. Health Repts., 2, 225-248 (Feb. 14, 1947) This paper presents a summary of the proceedings of fee first two meetings of the Interim Committee of the World Health Organization, held at Hew *ork, July 19-26, 1946, and at Geneva, November 4-15, 1946, respectively. The organization is one of the specialized agencies of the General Assembly of the United Nations* The work so far accomplished consists of organization, appointment of committees, progress toward the 03118692 HWBB-0012369 Industrial Hygiene Digest - March. ic>d7 establishment of headquarters, and definition of relationship with the United Nations, its other specialized agencies and other bodies* A third meeting will be held at Geneva on March 51, 1947* 2^6 (O - Economy of Bed Osage in Tuberculosis. H.E. Hilleboe. (Editorial) Pub. Health Repts., , 185-187 (Feb. 7, 1947) Questions involved in making the best use of the limited supply of beds for tuberculous patients are discussed. The author concludes: "Available beds should be used principally for the spreaders of tuberculosis whose le sions can be arrested, and for minimal cases with laboratory evidence of active disease. This does not preclude the hospitalization of a limited number of minimal cases when the question of activity is still in doubt. This is in accord with changing social views on illness. It is becoming more and more widely recognized that a tuberculous patient is not only an individual in a community but also a carrier of a disease in that community. We must choose carefully in terms of social welfare if limited resources are to be utilized and tuberculosis eventually eradicated." L----- J u. 0 o c==a Tuberculosis Case Finding A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Various Roentgenograph!e and Photofluororranhic Methods. C.C. Birkelo, W.E. Chamberlain, P.S. Phelps, P.E. Schools, D. Zacks and J. Terushalmy. J.A.M.A.f 1SS. 559-566 (Feb. 8, 1947) A Board of Roentgenology was appointed by the administrator of veter ans1 affairs to study the effectiveness, for tuberculosis case finding, of various roentgenologic and photofluorcgraphic methods. A 55 mm. photofluorogran, a 4 by 10 inch stereo-photoflaorogrsm, a 14 by 17 inch paper negative and a 14 by 17 inch celluloid film were taken, within a few min- utep of one another, on each of 1,256 persons. The four sets of films were interpreted independently by two radiologists and three chest specialists. A second independent reading of the 14 by 17 inch celluloid films was ob tained from each of the five interpreters. The material was analyzed in considerable detail as to the variation resulting from the limitations of the various methods as well as from the subjective errors inherent in film interpretation. The results of the analysis justify the conclusions that, except for a slight disadvantage to the miniature technics resulting from overreading, not one of the methods, not even the 14 by 17 inch celluloid, is superior, for case finding purposes, to any of the other methods. In addition to this conclusion, a number of other recommendations may be derived from this study. These are as follows: (1) The problem of in terindividual and intraindividual variation in film interpretation is of such large magnitude that it becomes important to subject this problem to a very extensive and detailed investigation. (2) That a revision of the method of classifying x-rays, including that of the National Tubercu losis Association classification, is needed. Such revision must be based on extensive study and actual experimentation. (5) In mass survey work it is recommended that all survey films be read independently by at least two interpreters. All persons whose films were selected as positive or suggestive for tuberculosis by one or the other of the interpreters should be recalled for further study. -- Authors' summary and conclusions. 03118693 Industrial Hygiene digest - 59 March. 1QA7. MWBB-001237 cvO, GljI 0 o Accident Prevention 358 Who Are_lour Accident-Pranesr and Whv? W.F. Hubbard, Safety Eng,, !, 14-14, 51-34 (Feb., 1947) A long program of investigations of accidents resulted in bringing greater empha-sis on toe human factor in the safety effort. A survey dis closed toe need of additional guards, but scarcely one accident could be charged against those hazards. The causes lay not in the machine meth ods, or training, but in the man himself. This idea led to a study, not of "When, Where, and How" but of "Who, How often and Why." Four questions were set up, and largely answered by the survey: (1) Are workers prone to a certain type of accident, independent of the type of exposure in their de partment? The accident pattern is seldom sufficiently definite to rely on, but there are certain types of accidents which repeat in an individual, for eign bodies in the eye, strains and dermatitis were the most usual in this company. (2) Does the number of accidents which a man has in one period foretell toe number he will have in the next? Ho, Some men are consistent ly above or below the average, but how much above or below varies greatly. (3) Can a serious (compensable or lost time) accident be foretold by the type or number of accidents in a given period? This question gave toe real lead. It was found that about 10$ of the men could 'be selected in one month that would account for about 50$ of the lost time or medical - expenses the next month. Thus each foreman had only one or two men to watch closely. (4) If any one of the above is true, can a man's diffi culty or proneness to accidents, be located and corrected so as to prevent future accidents? Five general types of accident-prone workers were found: the fast moving, the clumsy, the worried, toe new to the job, and toe falsely brave. The first group can be helped by toe foreman and made slower and surer; the clumsy Should be assigned to safer jobs; the worries of the third group can be located, talked over, and often solved; experience is the cure for the fourth, but generally not much can be done for the fifth, because they refuse to learn. Simple direc tions are given for computing statistics to determine the accident-prone. 359 Shall We Throw Out Frequency Rates? H.A. Zeiger, Safety Eng., 20 , 34-35 (Feb., 1947) The author contends that accident frequency rates, of themselves, have very little significance fbr concerns genuinely interested in safety rather toan records. He thinks that managers in general will agree with that view, although safety engineers will disagree. The frequency rate can be computed quickly; It is exact; it was the first method set up; and it has been thoroughly sold. However, it has certain disadvan tages. Unjustified conclusions are drawn from too little statistical data, and it is a number, and does not measure effect. Authorities have argued against the severity rate that it depends too much on chance, overlooking the fact that frequency is also a matter of chance. The severity rate requires longer to calculate; on the other hand it has one great advantage; it can be translated readily into dollars and cents. A formula is given for calculating the severity rate from the frequency . v 03118694 Tqdii3triaL_H_vgiene _Digast - 4Q March ^_1947_ rate when the data are at hand, and frequency and severity rates for several large corporations in 1944, showing the superiority of the severity rate in indicating actual safety* .<&9 (o Co Ij--i Behavior Accidents* J.F. Agar. Paper before 1946 Fall Safety and Fire Conference. Abstracted in Chem. Engineering, J&, 249 (Jan., 1947) "Behavior" accidents result from the failure to follow established pro cedures and to use prescribed safety devices. This class of accidents must be prevented at the source--the individual. Behavior is ordinarily caused, rather than a spontaneous phenomenon. Officials responsible for a safety program must get at the reasons why men fail to follow instructions. This calls for a study of the man, the conditions of his job and the adequacy of the instructions given him. The following is offered as an eight-point safety program to cope with behavior accidents: Development of a basic program, selling the program to the workers, outlining safe practices, training the workers, constant emphasis on training, encouraging workers to "see* what they look at, discovery of causes for behavior failures, and treatment of the causes. Tan Years of Safety fork in a -Scottish Colliery Group. The Safety Record Qf the Fife . Coal Co^ Ltd.r 1936-1945. J.N. Williamson. Colliery Guard., 174- 133-137, ,171-174 , 207-210 (Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 1947) (Abstract of read paper) Legislation in itself does not increase safety; effort toward greater safety must in the main come from the industry itself. The author describes the progress toward safety made by the Fife Coal Company, Ltd. in Scotland and its results. A Bentral Safety Committee has been working for a number of years. A subcoszdttee has prepared a code of standards, including pro visions for support of workings, layout and maintenance of haulage systems, protective equipment, coal-cutting, and electricity, and additional codes are being drawn. The responsibilities of the colliery safety committee, safety inspectors, labor bureau, and first aid organisations are outlined. The primary object of a safety movement is the awakening and maintenance of interest in safety on toe part of executives, managers, foremen, and the rank and file. The last is the most difficult group to keep interested; but by the use of posters, signs, calendars, pay-line slogans, personal letters, employees1 magazine, competitions, and the use of the press, worth while results have been secured. Among the educational features, boys1 and adults' safety classes, and training of supervisors and of future executives have been prominent. The use of protective equipment of O 0 all forms has led to a continual decrease in injuries to hands, heads, feet and eyes, from 1931 to 1938, although the rate of those injuries rose somewhat during the war years. Among the occupational diseases, "beat" or subcutaneous cellulitis is highest in incidence. Reporting and treat ment of this disease in its incipient stage has checked its progress in a larg8 number of cases. Nystagmus is now rare on account of improved lighting standards provided by the general use of cap lamps. Only two cases of Weil's disease occurred during the period, and their occupational origin has not been definitely established. On the other hand, the inci C=3 dence of both dermatitis and pneumoconiosis has increased since 1943, and -the situation calls for research and speedy control of the hazards. The results of the entire safety program are shown in tables and graphs of injury frequency. The decrease in injuries of the company's employees 03118695 \ NHBB-0012372 Tnmifltrlfll Hygiene Pi peat - 41 Ma.rsh .34 has been about 70/S from 1930 to 1945, a considerably greater decrease than is shown for ail British and all Scottish collieries. There is a rise in 1942 in all three curves, but they all dropped to new lows in the three succeeding years. In the philosophy of safety outlined in the author's conclusions, the following are pertinent statements: "Safety is not some thing superimposed upon mining operations but is an integral part of them. Accidental injuries are not acts of God or an inevitable by-product of the injury but the result of lack of planning, training, supervision, and dis cipline........It is the responsibility of management to provide employees with safe working conditions, safe equipment, and proper supervision. It is the responsibility of employees to develop a safety sense and to do their work in the safest possible way." 352 Safety Fundamentals in Explosives Handling. K. Raider. Safety Rev. (Navy Dept.), , 16-17 (Feb., 1947) The author discusses seven fundamentals that are of primary impor tance. He summarizes them as follows: "(1) Free exit must be available. (2) Personnel should be limited. (5) Amounts should be limited. (4) Safety distances should be established and adhered to. (5) Preventive maintenance must be periodic end complete. (6) Standard operating proce dures should be written for every job and followed closely. (7) "While the effect of explosive material is relatively local, the missiles can cause damage over a greater radius. All these things we have discussed may be considered tangibles. To them must be added a further word of caution. Call this an intangible if you will--personnel morale. The most expert safety planning may be of no value unless it is accompanied by mental alertness to detect abnormal conditions and by an attitude of t respect--without fear."l l 7. * ttnw Ophthalmic Eye-Care Can Prevent Many Industrial Accidents. N.F. Stump. Trans. Am. Acad. Ophth., .32, 219 ff. (July-Aug., 1946) Studies of eyesight in factories reveal that persons with uncorrected visual inefficiency are more prone to accidents than workers with effi cient visual performance* In one series- of experiments three separate groups were compared: an accident-free group, a group with high frequency of minor accidents, and a group which had had serious injuries. In far acuity, depth perception, and relation of muscular balance at near and far distances, the Ortho-Rater results showed a gradation in the same direction among the same groups* In two other eerie* of experiments at factories in different parts of the country,, .the classifications were made according to visual standards and accident ratings found for the different groups* Again there was marked correlation between good visual performance and freedom from accidents* -- From Occ. Med* c=o 03118696 HWBB-0012373 Industrial Hygiene Digest - _42_ INDOC March r1947 /T^bsenteeisra 'C-o i94g (2nd and third (5^ quarters 351 ^^cident . behavior 360 industrial g_n prevention through eye-care 363 (cj^proneness 358 ^statistics frequency rates 559 jr-borne .infec tions control of 332 r. .pollution conference proceedings 325 ,.jing acids (0)as detoxifying agents 295 gtgs dsst L--^control of 327 Axi&tlqp high altitude problems 318 BAL irsenic therapy 287 ls.i. eye 'rom alkali 289 lerapy 288 i.uja frgflisfti ^Qchronic poisoning from ^ 300 monoxide poisoning etiology 307 Jtetrschloridg joisoning 286 safety data sheet 309 lymol-barbital test 537 flftinrtne poisoning [f^S>xygen therapy 285 pining p^sychiatric illness 348 ^ipfsfety (Scotland) 361 Cyanides safe handling 328 n__ skin sensitization 'J ^ (animals) 538 decompression sickness 321 Dermatitis in aircraft workers 525 industrial control and preven tion 522 . from ragweed 324 Diabetes and ability to work 349 Pi ability insurant California Plan 344 Dust control Fontana Dam 329 Efficiency recreation and 546 Ethvlene dichloride toxicity 310 Explosions safe handling 362 from static humidity as a factor 334 Fibromvositis 282 Hue rides in industry 303 Fluorosis industrial in cattle 304 Fcrafildehyde safety data sheet 311 Garages health hazards in 333 Glucuronic acid estimation of 336 Grievances handling of 343 Health education nurse* s part in 294 Heat control of 296 Industrial health India (Bk. Rev.) 275 report (Conn*) 317 Industrial medicine during war (Gr. Brit.) 316 Industrial toxicology solving problems in 345 Influenza vaccination comparison of methods 276 Labor .lfews_snd agencies federal 259 Labor-relations act guide (Bk. Rev.) 275 Liver function tests animals 342 Medics-Lsexrvice plan war department 284 Methyl bromide fatalities from 313-314 Mining,, copper dust control 330 Nuclear energy in industry 298 physiologic effects 297 safeguards 326 Pancreatitis accidental injury and 283 Paraformaldehyde safety data sheet 312 Pneumoconiosis grain and seed dust 306 a review 302 Preventive medicine conference (Univ. of Mich.) 354 Production,, increased and eye conservation 347 Psychiatry, industrial 292 Pulverized materials storage (air sctivation) 335 effects (Bk. Rev.) 272 Radium metabolism (animals^ 341 Rehabilitation legal and administra tive problems 350 Sarcoidosis 319 Silicosis blood findings in 278 progression 277 03118697 EH8BB-001237it Industrial Hygiene Digest - 45 IHDSC (Continued) .Marche I9d7 .qnoial insurance trends 353 Solvents safe use and storage 331 Sulfur dioxide lung damage from 308 Surgeryf industrial refrigeration technique 291 Tetraethyl lead poi soning 302 Thioglvcollc acid toxicity (animals) 339 Thresher* s lung 535 Trichloroethylene blood findings from 315 Trimethyl phosphate toxicity (animals) 340 Tropical disease in industry 293 Tuberculosis case finding 357 effect of electric shock on 279 hospital problems 356 in industry 260 x-ray detection 281 Tumors, malignant radiation of 2 Weil* s disease 3 Women in industry during war (Gr. Brit.) 274 Workmen* s compensation rate making 352 World health organization 355 X-ravs blood effects 299 03118698