Document ev8Xvk9edNLrLR2kdBrwg5xap

< L *- FOUNDATION FACTS . Thfx newa.tatter li Imiuird monthly to member comrutnin anti trade asnorfations ufflllittod x-ith Air Hyclcne FoumJatlrm. Its auriioje is to report Foundation news and aeiivitU-x. Air Hygiene Foundation I* a partnership of Industry and aclenee omnlxed to protect the health of the IS million workmen in heavy Industry. -V * -A *^*>y . * "hiay, 1V4U mu. s Commutes''Interested in Sick Absenteeism to meet May 27 An "instruction1* meeting of companies participating in the Foundation's ...;rVOy 0f "Cldc Absenteeism in Industry," and companies desiring more information -it the survey, will be held at Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh, on ifa^ 27 at 10 A.K. ..-tern Daylight Time. Notices of the meeting have been rushed to all companies affiliated with the Foundation. Tho purpose of the meeting is to oxplain how to keep tabs on workdays lost through illness, and to answer questions companies may have respecting the work. Such subjects a3 forms for recording absences, amount of clerical work involved, expense, confidential character of the material, benefits of such an "inventory" to manager.nt, etc., will bo explained by tho following specialists: Dr. A.J. Lanza, Chairman, Foundation's Medical Committee Dr. R.R. Sayers, Representing Public Health Servico and Association of Industrial Physicians and Surgeons Dr. C.D. Selby, Medical Consultant, General Motors Corporation Dr. W.M. Gafafer, Senior Statistician, Public Health Service Mr. R.J. Vane, Statistician, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company- Dr. Lanza will outline tho subject. Dr. Sayers will explain the collabor ation of tho Public Health Sorvice. Dr. Gafafer and Mr. Vano will explain the tech nical dotalls, the "do's" and "don*ts," Dr. Selby will speak from tho experience of a company engaged in such a survey. The above authorities on the subject of sick absenteeism met at Mellon Institute on Kay 3 and planned details of the survey as well as the program for the May C?th meeting. All companies interested in this vital work should bo represented at tho "instruction" meeting. Foundation's Work Summarized in Mellon Institute Report Enclosed with this monthly Digest is a copy of Mellon Instituto* s Annual report, Just released. Please see the special section, starting on page 9& devoted ti the work of tho Foundation during the Institute's fiscal year. Janos J. Denny, 55, noted Canadian metallurgist who worked with Dr. W. D. Robson in experiments with aluminum dust as a possible silicosis preventive, died at T-.r -nto on April 30, according to the Associated Press. Members of the Foundation staff havo articles in the current issues of the NATIONAL SAFETY NEV.'S end SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Pennies for prevention save dollars worth of euro May, 1940 Air Hygiene Foundation, 4400 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. DIGEST OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE Literature--News--Development s News Items 350 Legislation Relating to Compensation for Partial Disability from Silicosis. T. C. Waters, member of the Foundation's Legal Committee (Hullikin, Stockbridge and Waters, Baltimore, Md.) gives the following summary regarding states which do not grant compensation for partial disability from silicosis: 1. Arkansas. This law does not become effective until approved by refer endum to bo held November 5, 1940. No compensation payable for disability from sillcosi3 or asbestosis of less than 33-1/3^ of total disability, (Enacted 1939). 2. Idaho. No compensation for partial disability from silicosis. (Enacted 1939). 3. Maryland. No compensation for partial disability from silicosis or asbostosis. (Enacted 1939). . 4* Massachusetts. No compensation for partial incapacity due to silicosis or other occupational pulmonary dust disease. (Laws of 1939), 5. Michigan. No compensation for partial disability due to silicosis or other dust disease. (Act of 1937}. 6. Now York. No compensation for partial disability due to silicosis or other dust disease. (Act of 1940). 7. Ohio. Compensation payable only on account of silicosis in the event of temporary total disability, permanent total disability or death. (Act of 1939). 8. Pennsylvania. No compensation for partial disability due to silicosis, anthraco-sillcosis or asbestosis. (Enacted 1939). - 351 American Industrial Hygiene Association, First Annual Meeting, Hotel Pennsylvania, Hew York City, June 4-5. 1940. This gro'p meets Jointly with the American Association ot Industrial Physicians and Surgeons who held their 25th annual meeting this year* Pertinent material presented will be abstracted in future issues of this Digest, 352 Over-Keating and Over-Erortion Results in Death of Boiler Fireman. Occxipatiunal Hazards, 2_, 36 (April, 1940). Compensation was sought for tho daath of a boiler fireman. Tho employee who had heart trcublo, hardening of the artojies and high blood pressure died suddenly, shortly after he finished shoveling fuol into the furnace. It was shown that a groat deal of heat was thrown off from tho open furnacos, and that undor the con ditions tho job of keeping the furnaces going was quite exhausting. The Court said that tho doath of the fireman was compensablo as resulting from an "acci dent" j that the facts and circumstances surrounding the death load to the con clusion that tho doath was hastened by tho over-heating and ovor-exortion arising directly from performing dutios in connection with his employment. To say that the doccasod, in his condition, might havo died suddenly at homo or in any other plnco is merely entering tho field of speculation. Ozbolt vs. Wobor-King Manu facturing Co., ct al. (Louisiana), 193 C. 303 (Ian., 1940). ' Digest of Industrial Hygiene - Z 353 Employee's Negligence and Violation of Company Hulo Doesn't Prevent Award. Occu pational Hazards, 2, 3? (April* 1940). A packing house employee suffering an attack of indigestion went to an adjoining pickling room to got a drink of water. In that room, he noticed a barrel contain ing a substance which looked like, and which he thought to bo baking soda. The barrel vsi3 paintod rod to denote danger, and labeled "sodium nitrate." The em ployee dissolved some of the substance in wator, drank it, and became fatally ill. The Company resisted a claim for compensation on the ground that the death did not arise in the course of employment; that the death was caused by an act of self-medication in violation of a company rule requiring ailing employees to re port to the company hospital. The Court granted an award, to the widow and childvcn of the deceased employee. It said, "Acts essential to life, comfort, and convenience of employees while at work are incidental to his service, and injuries sustained in their performance 'arise out of the employment* and are com pensable. Tho violation of the rule governing employee3did not remove the employ ee from the course of his employment." There was no question but that the employ ee in this case was negligent, but tho Court said that negligence of an employee is not a factor in a workmen's compensation case. Security Mutual Casualty Co. vs. Wakefiold (U.S. Cir. Ct. of App., 5th Cir.) (Texas), 108 Fed. (2nd) 273 (Jen., 1940). 354 High Court Speak3 on Impartial Physicians. Labor Standards, U.S, Dept, of Labor, 3; 26 (March, 1940). - Workmen's compensation administrators are often confronted with conflicting med ical testimony as to tho nature and extent of disability and lt3 relation to trauma or employment exposure. In such cases tho usual procedure is the selec tion of on impartial physician to examine the claimant and pass an opinion upon the disputed facts. Because this opinion is often accepted by the administrators as final and conclusive, the role of "impartial examiner" is highly important. The question arises whether a physician who is professionally employed more or loss frequently by insurance carriers can be termed "impartial" from the view point cf the workmen's compensation claimant. This question was recently pre sented to tho Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts by a compensation claimant in that Stata* It is thought to be the first case of this kind passed upon by a high court. In on opinion handed down this month the court held that "it cannot bo ruled as a mattor of law that a physician is not impartial because merely he has testified in numerous cases on behalf of insurance companies." The court indicated, however, that a different question would arise if the physician had been "habitually employed or consulted by this employee or this insurer in res pect to othor than/injury hero involved." While thus ruling on the precise question of law, the Massachusetts opinion, however, contains this comment: "We agreo with the argument of the employee that it is the duty of the board to exor cise all possible care to appoint as impartial physicians under the act only such as arc really impartial, and that erery effort should be made to avoid the appear ance as well as the fact of favoritism or sympathetic inclination towards one - party as against the other." 355 Blood Clot a Compensable Injury in Georgia. U.S. Dopt. of Labor, Monthly Labor Review, 50, 671 (March. 1940). The Georgia Court of Appeals recently upheld a decision of a lower court which allowed compensation to an employee for a blood clot caused by jarring in tho operation of'a gas shovol. The employee operated a gas shovel weighing 17 or 13 ton3, and wa3 obliged to sit in a cramped position. The constant jarring and jolting resulted in the formation of blood'clots in both legs, causing sevorc pain and disabling him for work. Tho industrial board rulod that tho employee1s condition rosultod from an occupational diconso and therefore was not couponsablo Digest of Industrial Hygiene *3. . under the State workmen' 3 compensation act. The lower court reversed this find ing. The Court of Appeals, in affirming tho docision of tho lower court, was of tho opinion that tho industrial board erred in finding that the blood clot, technically called phlebitis, was an occupational disease. Any injury, the court said, resulting from a sudden jarring, such as the shovel caused, was an injury compensable undor tho workmen's compensation act. (Lumbermen's Mutual Casualty Co. et al* v. Layfield, 5 S.E. (2d) 610.) 356 Unemployment Benefits No Bar to Workmen* s Compensation. U.S. Dept, of Labor, Monthly Labor .Review, 50, 670 (March, 1940). ' An anployeo receiving unemployment bonofits under the unemployment compensation act is not disqualified from recovering compensation for tho same period under the workmen's compensation act, according to the Supremo Court of Michigan. This wa3 hold in two recent decisions. Tho court ruled that in both instances tho awards wore statutory, and, although thore was no doubt as to 3ome inconsistency in the provisions, they were bound by tho vrording of tho acts. The employee, in the first case* Suffered from an injury which necessitated the amputation of part of a finger and prevonted him from continuing in tho saao lino of work. He wo3, however, given a job a3 a sweeper, and was so employed when he was laid off. The second case concerned on employee who had sustained a hernia and, for a short period, was paid compensation for total disability. He thereafter returned to work and wa3 working full time whon laid off. The employee, in each case, ob tained unemployment benefits, and later applied for and received an award of workmen's compensation for the same period. Both men were employed by the Ford Motor Co., v/hich claimed a deduction of this award during tho period the employee was paid unemployment benefits. In upholding the award of workmen's eompensa- tion, the court pointed out that there was nothing in the unemployment-compensa tion act which precluded the employees from recovering under the v.oifcmen's compen sation act, and vice versa. Tho legislature, it was said, intended to create tvn; independent organisations to administer two kinds of compensation, payable from different funds, and until the enactment of tho unemployment-compensation act thero would have been no dispute as to the employees' right to compensation. It was also observed that members of the Michigan Unemployment Compensation Commis- . sion and tho agency administering the workmen's compensation act are public offi cers, and that they may not refuse compensation to persons entitled to it under the act. Ib this connection, the court declared that if a deduction of the award was permittod the court would he granting relief beyond the terms of the work men's compensation act, and, for these reasons, concluded that tho remedy to pro- vido for deductions or for denial of compensation under cithor act is with the legislature. (Henry v. Ford Motor Co., 289 N.W. 244; Bartels v. Ford Motor Co-, 289 N.Tu 322.) 357 Genoral Session on Toxicology. American Ceramic Society, Toronto, Canada, April 7-13, 1940. Pathological Influence of Pust3 in the Ccremic Industry. Dudley Irwin. -- An explanation of tho function of tho lung and hov: tho presence of dust interferes with it3 normal function. Tcxicity of various kind3 of dusts, the ways of deter mining tho amount and toxicity of dusts encountered in industry, and methods that may bo applied to prevent tho development of silicosis aro discussed. Hclctivo Toxicity cf Loud una Some of Its Common Compounds. Lawrence T. Fairhall. An investigation was uuido of the relative toxicity of load and various lead com pounds, commonly encountered (including lead arsonate, lead carbonate, lead chro mate, litharge, rod lend, load peroxide, load phosphate, lead sillcato, lead sulfato and load sulfido) following tho administration of these substances by mouth, by intrsperitonoal injection, and by inhalation. . Symptoms of lead poisoning, ouch as muscular incoordination and anemia wero sought; blood chungos with reopoct to the rod cells, particularly basophilic stippling, polychromasia, and OU90 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 4. i morphologic changes wore noted; end blood calcium determinations wero mode. Body weight changes and mortality figures were collected. The lead was administered in known amounts by ingestion, injection, and inhalation, and its distribution in such tissues as tho livor, kidney, bones, lungs, and carcass was determined oftor such exposure. The toxic effoct of load compounds was more evident on inhalation than when administered either by mouth or by intraperitoneal injoction and emphasizes the importance of this typo of exposure in du3ty trades employing lead. Tho order of toxicity as shown by feeding experiments did not vary much for a number of the compounds studied. Lead carbonato, lead monoxide, and lend sulfato, however, wero shown to be more toxic by mouth than metallic lead or the remaining lead compounds. Lead carbonate and lead monoxide were more tox ic following inhalation than the other compounds studied. Health of Brick and Tile Plant Workers in North Carolina. M.E. Trice. -- This paper reviews some of tho data obtained in an investigation of the North Carolina brick and tile industry to evaluate the siliceous dust exposure of the workers in terms cf hazards to health, particularly with respect to silicosis. The dis tribution of the 48 plants is shovel by map and classified ns to raw material em ployed, i.e., alluvial clay or shale* Plant equipment end operating practices are reviowed in a general discussion of tho industry. The extent of the dust exposure of the workers by occupational classification is appraised in terms of millions of particles of dust per cubic foot of air, vdiich 13 based on particle- count analyses of 183 samples of air-borne dust collected in 28 plants. An eval uation of the health status of the workers is based on medical date obtained in the clinical and x-ray examination of 1550 employees in an equal number of plants, most of which were tho seme as those in which dust samples were obtained. There is presented on analysis of the more important medical date. The investigation disclosed that none of the employees had silicosis, a fact which apparently is explained by a low quartz content of tho atmospheric dust, an absence of excessive concentrations of dust, and a high labor turnover* Engineering Control of Dust with Special Reference to Respirators. A.D. Brandt. A brief discussion of tho more common methods of reducing or controlling the respiratory hazard due to dust. Specific methods named are (1) control of dust at point of generation; (2) isolation of dusty processes; (3) process changes; and (4) roduction cf dust in inspired air by means of respiratory protective devices. Tho general methods are (1) general ventilation, (2) good housekeeping, and (3) a rigid inspection of all control devices. The remainder of the paper is devoted to a detailed discussion of respirators, their propor use, construction, main tenance, and Bureau of Hines approval. 358 List of Respiratory Protective Devices Approved by the Bureau of Mines. H. H. Schrsnk, U.S, Bur. of Uinos, Inf. Circ. No, 7030 (Fifth Supplement) (April 18, 1940). See No. 792, November 1939 (Digest of Industrial Hygiene)for previous . approvals, SCHEDULE 14D--GAS MASKS. Type A,--Acid Gas Masks. 4. DaYis Hydrocyanic Acid Gas Mask. Approval IK-1424, issued to Davis Emergency Equipment Co., Inc., Docombor 11, 1939. 5. Willson Chlorine Gas Musk. Approval EM-1426, issued to Willson Products, Inc,, March 8, 1940. Type C.--Ammonia Gas Masks. 9. Yfillson Ammonia Gas Mask. Approval EM-1425, issued to Willson Products, Inc., December 20, 1939. SCHEDULE 21 --MECHAMICAL-ETLTER RESPIRATORS. Typo A.--Pnounc'coniosis-Producing or Nuisance Dusts, 22. M.S.A. Alkali Duct Respirator. Approval Etl-2136, issued to Mine Safety Appliances Co., Decenbor 1, 1939. 23. American Optical Co., R9100 Rospirator. Approval EM-2137, issued to American Optical Co., March 6, 1940. 0Lo 0^ Pigo^ of Industrial Ifygieno - 5. ' SCHEDULE 21 --MECIL^IIC/J--FILTEi RESPIRATORS CONT'D. Lead Dust* 7, American Optical Co,, R1000T Respirator. Approval EM-2138, issued to American Optical Co., March 16, 1940. Typo B. --Fumoc 2. M.S.A. Corafo Respirator. Approval BM-2139, issued to Mine Safety Appliances Co., March 27, 1940. Notices of New Books 359 Dorntatolcfflc Allergy by M.B. Sulzberger, M.D., 540 pp. $8.50. Charles C. Thomas, Baltimore, Md. This bool: is q compilation of locturos pivon by the author and is "intended to be only a primer, an `Introduction' to Dermatologic Allergy." The titles cf the Chapters aro as follows: I. On Definitions and Classifications. II. On the Skin as a Protective Organ; the Skin as the Recorder and as the Possible Origin ator of Allergic Changes. III. On Some Fundamental Phenomena of Allergy and Their Significance as the Common, Basic Factors in Certain Diseases end Reactions Due Either to Non-living Allergens or to tho Agent3 of Infectious Diseases. IV. On the Investigation of Individual Cases Presumed to bo Based on Allergy. V. On Common Allergic Skin Reactions and Skin Diseases: Their Classification and Some of Their Distinctive Characteristics. VI. On Eczematous Contact-Type Dermatitis (Dermatitis Eczematosa or Eczema)Significance, Differential Dia/piosis and Etiologic Investigation. VII. On Urticarial Responses to Skin Tests. On Urticarial Skin Diseases, Including Atopic Dermatitis. VIII. On Some Manifes-- ' tatiens of Allergy in Infectious Diseases. IX. On Allergy to Tuberculin and on Tuberculodoms--Including the Sarcoid Group. X. On Allergy to Fungi (Dermatomycote3) and to the Fungous Extracts (Trichophytin); on Deimatomycoses. XI. On Allergy as tho Basis of the Manifestations of Cutaneous Syphili3--(Including Specific, Acquired "Chancre Immunity"). XII. On Allorgy and Allergic Skin Re actions in Miscellaneous Infections; end in Other Exposures tc Living Agents and Their Products (Parasitic Infestations, Insect Bites, etc.; Foreign Sera, etc.). XIII. On Allorgy to Drug3 and on Drug Eruptions. XEV. On the Future of Allergy. .There are several appendices, one of which is a tabular presentation of criteria for determining the industrial character of a dermatitis. Papers on Mr, Dust and General Industrial Hygiene 360 Analysis of Occupational Diseaso Claims Filed During Year 1939. Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor^ 55 Upril7 l340). A preliminary summary shows a marked increase over the preceding year from 1,358 to 1,713, This seems to be due largely to an unusual number of claims for skin diseaso. Many of those are largely preventable. Lead poisoning claims slightly increased but 3howcd less than 1937. Prepatellar bursitis and tenosynovitis in creased as did claims for poisonings other than lead, 3uch as benzol, arsenic, mercury, manganese, anilin, sulfur dioxide and volatile petroleum products. There wore 160 claims for silicosis, of which 40 wore complicated by tuberculosis. The foundry industry had 53.1,? of tho claims and tho ceramic industry 37,955. In every caso where cases of silicosis developed it was found that high dust counts developed. During the past year tho occupational disease law was amended to include all occupational diseases. Tho definition given is: "A disease peculiar to a particular industrial process, trado or occupation and to which an anployoo is not ordinarily subjected or exposed outside of or away from his employment," o5 o 9 Digest of Industrie! Hygiene - 6. 361 Analysis of Silicosis Claims. Ohio lad. Com. Monitor, 13., 56 (April, 1940). . Since the amendment adding silicosis to the list of compensable occupational discasos became effective July 31, 1937, a total of 387 claims basod upon sili cosis have boon filed with the Industrie! Commission of Ohio. Approval was given to 131 claims, 190 wore disallowed and 66 are still pending. Up to March 9, 1940, tho casos allowed were distributed as follows: Foundries 67, of which 16 were in steel foundries, 35 in iron foundries and 16 in non-ferrous foundries. This is 51.2 per cunt of tho claims filed. In tho ceramics industry there were 52 cases, or 39.7 per cent of the total. They were distributed as follows: Building brick and tile 1, enamels 2, firebrick 1, floor and wall tile 11, glass house refractories 8, insulating brick 3, insulators 4, 3ilica brick 1, silica sand and aiatomacoous oarth 2, stonewear products 2 and tableware 17. In cut stone work there were 8, or 6.1 per cent, 6 being in monument work, 1 in quarries and 1 in building. Polishing, buffing and grinding accounted for 3, cr 2.3 por cent of tho total and coal mining 1, or .7 per cent. During the month of March, 5 claims were allowed and 9 disallowed. 362 Limitations of Compensation Insurance. L.T. Parker. Pit and Quarry, 2, 49 (April, 194077" The original intent of workmen's state compensation laws was to assure employees of reasonable compensation for disabilities, and to enable employers to secure protection against expensive damage suits by employees; in other words, to elim inate the necessity of suing for damegos. Generally speaking, of course, an em ployer who provides state compensation insurance cannot be sued by an injured employee for damages. Nevertheless thousands of employers who pay premiums for state industrial and compensation insurance arc often astonished when awards for damages amounting to thousands of dollars are made to injured employees. The laws of Pennsylvania and many other states do not provido compensation for illnoc; arising from occupational disease, unless it results from violence. In this con nection, a higher court has rendered a leading decision in the case of Dillo v. Allegheny, 195 Atl. 110. The facts of this case oro that a worker was employ ed in a grinding department using emery wheels for a period of five years, when he became ill and incapacitated. No exhaust-fans were supplied to draw off the dust. After a time the employee offered testimony to prove that he had contract ed silicosis. Since the laws of the state do not provido for compensation to employees who contract occupational diseases, the employee sued for damages, alloging negligence of the employer in failing to supply: (1) adequate exhaust fans to carry off the du3t, and (2) sufficient ventilation--all which were re quired by state laws. Tho lower court held the employer liable in the amount of $6,000, On appeal, the higher court declared: It is wall settled that an employee has a common-law right of action against Ms employer for injuries caused by disease contracted by tho enployeo in the course of his employment and duo to tho negligent conduct of tho employer in violation of a statutory duty. Under certain circumstances an injured employee nay be unable to collect in surance benefits from tho state and may sue the employer for damages. For illustration, in the loading case of Hamilton v. J. Lc Roy Company, 261 N.f. 506, it was disclosed that c Mr. Hamilton acted as manager of a plant while it was in operation, but during off-seasons ho performed various kinds of manual labor around the plant. One day Hamilton was seriously injured -while ongagod in tak ing en inventory of stock located in the warehouse of the factory. The owner of the plant quite naturally expected that Hamilton Aould bo paid compensation in surance for tho injury and that ho could not sue for damsgos. However, the In dustrial Commission refused to approve Hamilton's compensation claim on tho grounds that he was not an employee protoctcd by the compensation insurance laws because at certain periods ho acted as a representative or manager of tho plant. As a result, Hamilton brought suit against the company for danagos. The laws of certain states provide that employers who post noticos, supplied by tho . ouci .Digost of Industrial Hygiene -7. - commission, stating that they carry insurance, shall not be sued by injured em . ployocs, or their dependents for damages. If the employor forgets to post those notices in conspicuous places, or the industrial commission neglects to sond tho notices, the employee may sue for damages. Another portion of the law pro vides that all employers who have paid insurance premiums may bo sued by employ ees who {ire injured because tho employer failed to comply with "lavaful require ments for the protection of the lives and safety of employees." In a leading ca3o (91 O.S. 205) it v.'as held that if an employer fail3 to place a guard on a mechanical apparatus, tho employee may sue instead of accepting compensation. 363 Proceedings of the Sixth National Conference on Labor Legislation. U.S. Dept, of Labor, Div, of Labor Standards Bulletin No. 35, 109 pp. (1940). In these Proceedings, the Report of the Committee on Prevention and Compensation of Industrial Injuries and Diseases is of most interest here. The Committee re commends: that compulsory compensation for all industrial injuries; that insur ance should be in an exclusive State Fund; that "injury" should be defined to include occupational disease and coverage should be "blanket" instead of by schedule; that medical and hospital service should be unlimited; and that power should be vosted in labor departments or industrial commissions to establish nriTHTtttm standards of safety and health by the promulgation of industrial health and safety codes. The Committee approved a resolution petitioning that Senate Bill 1620 (Wagner National Health Bill) include provisions making it possible for State labor departments to obtain funds for the furtherance and promotion and control of industrial hygiene, and that labor departments have an equal opportun ity with departments of hoalth to secure such funds. These are only highlights of the Report. Copies may be obtained from the Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. 364 Guarding the Health of Garment Workers. L. Price. Lab. Infona. Bull., _7, 6-7 (January, 1940). In 1913, the International Ladies* Garment Workers Union established its Union Health Center in New York to promote the health of its members and their families Prospective members must pass a physical examination. Those with physical de fects or who are over 50 are taken in as "non-beneficiary" members. No one with acute or contagious disease is accepted. Up to 1920 an average of 3000 examin ations had been given; in 1939 the estimated number is 95,000. Several of the locals of the union have siek benefit associations with premiums"ranging from $1.00 to $6.80 per year. Some provide care for tuberculous members and one offers hospital Insurance. All members pay $1,00 a year, entitling their bene ficiaries to $150 death benefit. ' 365 Disabling Morbidity Among Industrial Workers, Final Quarter of 1939 end the Entiro Year. W.U. Gafafer. U.S. Public Heclth Reports, 55 , 650-652 (April 12, 1940). These statistics ore based on periodic reports on sickness and non-industrial injuries lasting more than one week among 170,000 male members of industrial sick benefit organizations. The frequency (annual number of cases lasting 8 days or longer) of 88.8 per 1000 men was slightly larger than the corresponding frequency (82.2) for 1938. Influenza and grippe appear to be primarily responsible. The 1939 frequency for pneumonia is 30# larger than that of 1938 but only slightly in excess of tho figure for 1934-38. That of 1939 is the highest recorded for the ton year poriod 1930-39, v/hilo that in 1933 is tho lowost. 3G6 Pnouaoconiosls from Mineral Colors. J, Hagen. Arch. f. Gewerbopath., 9_, 621-633 (1939). (German). Feur men had beon engaged for from 15 to 28 year3 in crushing minornl colors. Tho author found 3llico3is of slight to medium degree and one severe case. Analysis of tho minoral colors showod up to 15# quartz, but mostly 1.5 to 2.5#. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 8. 36? Use of Respirator Masks Ends Sickness Absences. H. U. Scherr. Factory Man. & Main.,-98, 49 (April, 1940! An examination of sick-list data revealed that 80$ of the absences for illness in this plant were in tho cloth-cutting department. Constant nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, frequent coughing, and various other respiratory complaints wore common among tho workers in this department. Fluoroscopic ex amination showed a type of pneumoconiosis caused by tho inhalation of wool and cotton lint given off from the fabric in cutting. The uso of respirators has completely eliminated sickness absences in the cutting department. 368 Favorable Health Showing. The Management Reviow, p. 129 (April, 1940). Health conditions among tho 18,000 men and women employees of tho main offices of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company are so favorable that tho mortality in this group is only about one-half that of the general population in tho corresponding ago classes, according to the statisticians of the company. While not directly attributing this extremely low mortality to any specific cause, tho statisticians nevertheless explain that for a period of more than 25 years the insurance company has made periodic medical examinations available to employees. They point out that this favorable health showing is of special in terest in view of tho "modem movement in favor of periodic health examinations." In 1938 there were only 68 deaths among the group of 13,000 employees, and this figure is the equivalent of a crude death rate of 6.1 deaths per 1,000 for males and 2.5 for females, or a combined rate of approximately 4 per 1,000. These rates are only about 60 por cent of the "expected," according to the "modem Ordinary insurance experience." Making allowance for the difference in the specific sex and age composition of tho employee group and of the general pepu- lation, it was found that in practically evory instance mortality from specific , diseases among the employee group was more favorable than for the general popu lation. The employeo tuberculosis death rate, wit]', allowance still made for difference in sox and age composition, is less than 30 per cent of the rate for tho general population. 369 Silicosi3--Racket or Responsibility? Ceramic Ind. 34, 41-42, 63 (April, 1940). A general discussion of the subject of 3ilicosis--etiology, pathology and pre vention. It is generally felt that the dust hazard in the pottery industry is not sorious as many of the processes are carried out in the wot state. In order to eliminate the incidence of silicosis entirely, adequate exhaust systems should be used, etc. In porcelain enameling whore ware i3 sprayed, it is important that proper exhaust be provided and that the overspray enamel not be permitted to accumulate on the sides of the spray booth, for the enamel is highly siliceous. In the glass industry, mixing, grinding and handling the sand are hazardous but proper protection has practically eliminated silicosis. Although several surveys have shown that cement dust is not a cause of either tuberculosis, pneu monia or silicosis, care should bb taken to avoid breathing tho dust. Careful physical end periodic examinations and care in the selection of personnel are advocated. w 370 Roentgen Examination of the Structure of Faeumoconiotic Lungs. H. Gartner. Arch. f. Geworbepath., 9., 634-659 (1939). (German). Tho principle of this method is the deflection of x-rays by crystals and is em ployed for recognizing different dusts. The author oxaininod 15 pnounoconiotic lungs and the 6 rock dusts 'which causod the damage. After destruction of the lung tissue by nitric acid or hydroeon peroxide, the remaining dust was treated again, driod, and one part ashed. X-ray examination by this method permitted the naturo of tho dust to be detoiminod, oven if it was mixed. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 9. 371 Prevention of Coal Dust Explosions by Rock Dusting. Mine Safety Board Decision 32. U.S. bureau of Mines, Information Circular Mo. 7109, 3 pp, (March, 1940). To prevent the propagation of mine explosions, the Bureau of Mines recommends: (1) That all coal and lignite mines, except anthracite mines shall be rock dust- od. (2) That rock dust shall be distributed upon top, bottom, and sides of all underground openings of every description, to within at least 40 feet of all working faces end the areas not rock dusted shall be .kept wet. (3) That rock du3t shall bo maintained in such quantity that the incombustible material in representative samples of dust collected shall not be less than 65 per cent. Where methane gas is present in the ventilating current, the minimum percentage of incombustible matter in the mine dust shall bo increased 1 per cent for each 0.1 per cent of methano. (4) That when the rock dust in any area becomes caked so that it cannot be dispersed readily as a cloud in the air, that part of the mine shall be redusted immediately. (5) That the dust to be used shall not con tain more than 5 per cent of combustible matter nor more than 25 per cent of quartz or froa silica; all of the dust shall pass through a sieve having 20 meshes per linear inch and GO per cent or more shall pass through a sieve having 200 meshes per linear inch; the dust shall not absorb moisture from the air to such an extent as to cake and destroy its effectiveness as a dry dust. (6) That rock dust barriers shall not be regarded as a substitute for generalized rock dusting. The kind of rock dust to be used should have the approval of the State Mine Inspection Service. Pure limestone or pure dolomite produces the best rock dust# If the mine personnel is repeatedly oxposod to breathing high concentrations of the dust, the percentage of free and combined silica should be -as low as possible, preferably less than 5 per cent, persons engaged in the - application of rock dust should wear approved dust respirators as listod in Bur eau of-Mines Information Circular 7030 or revisions thereof. 372 Constant Dust Feeding Device for Laboratory Use. C.E. Williams and W.P, Battista, J; Ind. Hyg. & Toxicol., 22, 152-153 (April, 1940). A plan is presented for an inoxponsive apparatus having a capacity of three pounds per minute for introducing dust into an air stream at constant rates. The machine was designed with a capacity sufficient for loading air streams up to 15-20 gr. of dust per cubic foot in a maximum air volume of approximately 1000 * c.f.a. By using adapters at the hopper outlot practically all dry dusts common to industry may be fed except those which contain largo chips or blocks, 373 How to Design Bxhanet Hoods for Quartz-Fusing Operations. E.C. Riley and J.M. DallaVallel Heating and Ventilating, 37, 25 (April, 1940). Because of the high temperaturo and fumes to which they are exposed, quartz-fus ing operators must be protected by exhaust hoods. Effective removal of fumes was obtained with average air speeds of 100 f.p.m. at the face of the hood when large . volumes were handled, Howevor, to produce greater cooling effect for the oper ator, it is recommended that large air volumes bo used at relatively low velocity (100-200 ft. per min.). The hood should bo largo enough to permit the fusing to be dono inside and the burner should bo directed into the hood. 374 The Effect of Lint on Air Filter Performance. E.B. Rowley and R.C. Jordan. Heating, Piping and Air Cond., 12, 61-67 (January, 1940). In devising methods fer rating efficiencies of commercial air filters for air con ditioning, a series of studies have been made. This one employs lint. A deter mination of size distribution of lint taken from commercial filters was made and an artificial lint tku3 prepared. Ton per cent of lint in dust decreases the life of a filter more than 805i, indicating the importance of including it in artificial dust for test purposes. 0 ii 0 4 Digo3t of Industrial Hygiene - 10. 375 V.'hr.t13 the Best Way to Remove Dust? Ceramic Ind., 34, 65-66, 68 , 70 , 72 , 74, 76, 78 lApril, 1940). Duot control rather than dust elimination is the only practicable approach in cortain manufacturing operations where the production of finely divided particles is c.n inherent part of the process. Of the available methods, exhaust ventila tion Is probably the most widely applied. The principal typos of industrial dust collectors arc: (1) Gravity or settling chambers -- effective only in re moving relatively coarse particles, 100 to 200 microns in diameter. Used pri marily to reduco dust load ahead of more effective equipment. (2) Centrifugal or cyclone chambers -- may be used for particles as small as thirty microns, although tangential cyclones will remove 5 micron particles. (3) Baffle type collector -- primarily for removal of coarse particles, it may be used at higher temperatures than those feasible with cloth filters. (4) Fan typo centrifugal collector -- source of air movement togothor with dust removal action by centri fugal forces. (5) Wet or ?ra$her type collector ~ dust precipitation by action of water spray and impingement on wotted surfaces. {6) Electrical precipitator- duo to high initial and maintenance cost, limited to higher temperature install ations and whoro material collected is of considerable value. (7) Cloth type filter -- accomplishes high recovery of finely divided dry dusts at economical .cost. Either type {tube or bag, end cloth screen) are efficient for particles of 0.5 micron. Plant atmosphere can be controlled by placing it under prossure with filtered air from outside the factory. In the pottery industry fettling of diiuaerware, shaping of insulators, and sprayed glaze are sources of dust hazard. The free silica content of pottery bodies varies around 35#, therefore careful precautions must be taken to avoid dusty conditions. The vacuum cleaner is of groat value here. In the glass industry the only danger lies in tho `handling of raw materials. Numerous methods of control arc in operation for this hazard. In on enamel shop the silicosis danger is slight except, perhaps, in sandblasting operations. Dust control in spraying and brushing are desirable, however, from tho standpoint of cleanliness and savings involved in reclaiming enamel. 376 Determination of Cloth Area for Industrial Air Filters. C.E. Williams, T. Hatch and L. Greenburg. Heating, Piping and Air Cond., 12, 259-263 {April, 1940). An attempt is made to roduce the problem of determining tho cloth area of indus trial cloth filters to lt3 fundamental terns. Filtering velocity is shown to have little Importance -per so as a criterion of filter operation and in its place emphasis is placed upon the maximum allowable filter resistance, a practical limit which is fixed at 3 in. water gage. This represents a compromise between Initial filter cost end power and maintenance cost. It is well below the danger point with rospoct to safe filter pporation for all du3ts except those of extreme ly fine particle size, such as lenp black. For practical operation, the maximum allowable rosistonce must not be reached until the end of the required period of operation between cleaning periods. Thus, tho basic filter specifications are (1) maximum allowable resistance end (2) minimum operating time. It is suggested that those should be specified by the purchaser of cloth filters and that the re quired filtering velocity bo determined from tho values thus fixed. The filter resistance is shown to be dependent upon several factors of which velocity of filtration is only one. Others of equal or greater importance are the particle sizo of the du3t, the porosity cf the deposit on tho filter, and tho loading of dust, A resistance equation is presented in which those several factors are com bined in their proper form. Tho resistance coefficients for several industrial dusts, , bused upon laboratory studios, are also given. They are shown not to vary ulgnificuntly among tho several materials studied but to depend primarily upon tho particle sizo of tho dust. Within the range of sizes occurring in industrial exhaust systems the coefficient was found to vary many fold. 0U o3 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - II. 377 Are You Buying an Schnust System? Part III. Filters, Washers, and Precipita tors. 1'. S, Krnvath. Ilouting and Ventilating, October, 1939. "Gravitational Flit err.: This typo of filter whilo theoretically capable of clean ing the air of impurities down to 5 to 10 microns in diamotor, nevertheless would have to bo so hugo that its cost and space requirements would make it prohibi tive........ V?hcro a plant is isolated from any residential or business districts, this type of filter, a slow speed planing mill exhauster anda high stack, may constitute an efficient and economical setup. Its greater use, however, is as c classifier in conjunction with a cloth or other type filter, by removing all heavier particles the life of the final cleaner is materially lengthened........ "Cyclones: The cyclone unlike the gravitational filter increases in efficiency ?dth l decrease in sizo of, at least, tho diameter. Requiring but a fraction of tho space of the gravity filter and cnpablo of cleaning efficiencies which at times challenge those of the cloth filter, tho cyclone is probably tho mast wide ly used dust collector........ Cyclones find their greatest use where the dust or material i3 non-abrasive in action. Whore the dust i3 abrasive, cyclones may be used in conjunction with the final cleaner a3 a low efficiency classifier, keep ing the diameter large and the inlet velocity relatively low. "Cloth Filters: This type of filter has enjoyed the greatest popularity where high efficiencies are necessary for reclamation of valuable material, where re circulation is desired as a means of reducing heating losses, or in residential neighborhoods where it is unlawful to discharge visible solids into the atmos phere. Vihile the cost of such a unit is considerably higher, than a cyclone to handle the same volume, its efficiency is unquestioned, its life extremely long, and its maintenance quito simple as long as the proper care i3 given. YJith this type of filter it is essential that precleaning be provided to prevent tearing of the begs by high velocity largo particles slipping around the baffle plates or going directly through worn baffles. Predefining also reduces tho dust load ing of the air going into the filter so that the intervals between rapping per iods nay be materially increased without sacrificing exhaust efficiencies at the hoods........ "Air Washers; There are many different typos of air washers, scrubbers, and purifiers on tho market, each of which undoubtedly has features making it pre ferable to different plant engineers. While some utilize the inertia of the entering du3t laden air to get rid of tho larger particles as by a rapid change in tho direction of air flow, others have a regular cyclone built into the washer as a primory soporator, its efficiency enhanced by the constantly wetted wells, which at the same time increase the lifo of the unit........ While it is the writer' 3 opinion that tho efficiency of the air washer is definitely lower than that of the cloth filter, when the cloth filter is properly applied and maintain ed--it is the lack of proper application and maintenance in so many cloth filter installation* that tends to make tho air washer the more practical unit. When separating coarse material, tho efficiency cf the air washer may approach perfec tion........ Points against the washer are the need of an individual pump and drive (usually the case), the coot of v/ater when supplied from city mains, or the necessity for sludge tanks, supports, wear resistant jumps, etc., when recircu lating water........ Hoctrical Precipitation: Vihile olectrical precipitation prosents probably the most officiant type of separation, its initial cost is considerably higher than the washer or cloth filter due to tho costly electrical equipment necessary........ As long as the cost remains high, its use will undoubtedly be restricted to the reclamation of valuable material or extromoly dangorous ones, espocially whore recirculation is desired, but as the price is reduced this filter will be moro and moro widely used." 0 L tt 0 6 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 12. ' \ 373 Dust -- Foe of Management, Bnployoe and Machine. Brick and Clay Record, 96, 2d-.23 (April, 1940). ' Tho Medical Anglo on Dust.--A brief discussion of tho medical aspects of silicosis. How You Can Dot ermine tho Amount of Dust in Your Plant. -- A short outline of the subject of dusts, dust sampling and counting with discussions of the various typos of devices for the purpose. V/hat Some Clay Plants Have Done to Rid Themselves of Dust. -- Although the free silica content of clay is relatively small, the presence of certain quantities have been an incentive for confining clay du3t and preventing its escape into the v/orkroom. The dry pan, although ono of tho major dust producing units in the plant, can be effectively hooded end the dust which it generates can bo com pletely confined. A properly designed enclosure will carry a minimum of fines from the process, and will not disturb batch ratios where various ingredients are pulverized together. Exhaust air and dust hoods are required on conveying equipment only at points of material transfer. Bucket elevators must be venti lated, and the casings enclosing them must he tight. Confinement of dust from screening equipment requires more study than any other dust producing apparatus in tho usual clay plant. Necessary volumes of air exhausted hero will vary with the type of enclosure provided and with the size of the screen. Grinding wheels which arc used for sizing finished products should be equipped with adequate ex haust systems, in order to prevent contamination of tho plant atmosphere and tho subsequent detrimental effoctsto men and machines. Although the prime reason for installing dust collecting systems in heavy clay products and refractories is to insure-the employees a healthy working atmosphere, it has been shown that a by product is the lower machinery maintenance costs and possible salvage of valuable materials. . 379 Pneumonia in Industry. H.A. Lindberg. Ind. Mod., 9_, 203-205 (April, 1940). Iron and steel workers are constantly exposed to intermittent extremes of temper ature, unsheltered work, and humid and drafty conditions. The average frequency of pneumonia in occupations involving exposure to inclement weather was 13.6 cases per 1000 men. The case rate among men subjected solely to hazards involv ing vddo ranges of temperature was 12.6 per 1000* Those rates may be contrasted with tho frequency of 3.9 cases annually per 1000 factory men exposed to nc in dustrial condition which might bo regarded as particularly hazardous from a pneu monia standpoint. Iron and steel workers who havo recovered from pneumonia show a higher rate of heart defect than cases in a Y&ole group of the same plant. Tho excess in cases of pneumonia in iron and steel over men in other industries is about 605 per year and excess deaths about 171 per year. To eliminate lowered resistance due to exposure, chilling, dampness, and temperature extremes, the workor should be constantly reminded of his goneml health. Seventy-five per cent of all pnoumococcic pneumonias arc preceded by an upper respiratory infec tion; therefore control of pneumonia must start hare. After prevention, early diagnosis is the next important step. There are now available two powerful therapeutic agents -- anti-pncumococcic serum and sulfapyridine which are most offoctive when \13ed early in the course of the disease. In Illinois, by an in tensive campaign, pneumonia mortality in scrum treated cases was reduced 37.6$ last year, 390 Industrial Workers of 1960. C.P. McCord. Ind. Med. 9_, 173-178 (April, 1940). The increase of persons over 50 years of age is proceeding apace -- in a few yoars it will be twice tho present number. Now thoy are 1/5 of the total; at the present rate of increase, they will be 1/3 by 1960. This fact has deep signifi- canco for industry both with respect to changed demand for certain products end with the change in ago groups of available industrial workers. Tho author holds ah optimistic viow for tho future--that quality rather than quantity will bo tho trend. ()L'-^7 v h * ^ k Digest of Industrial Hygiene -13. ' 381 Integration of Industrini Hygiene, with Industrial Medicine. H.G. Dyktor. Ind. Med., 2 193-196 (April, 1940), Tho official industrial hygiene unit and the plant medical department have a field in common where they may profitably cooperate. The former may mako cpcciul tests, examinations !uid studios which the latter is not equipped or qualified to do; provide detailed and specific Information on toxic substances and harmful conditions; provide comparable statistics on other plants in the same industry; furnish industrial health statistics duly interpreted; corrolato work of indus trial hygieno in many plants to obtain uniformity; stimulate tho plant medical deportment to concentrate on preventive measures; and to stimulate tho plant medical unit to interest itself in the worker's life outside tho plant. The plant medical unit can assist by: displaying a sincere desire to inprovo the health of workors; supporting the official industrial hygiene unit in its educa tional campaign to make both employers and employees "health conscious"; supijlying the industrial hygiene unit with records of absenteeism for analytical exam ination; advising the industrial hygioae unit of its own experience in preventive and control measures; supporting the unit in obtaining recommended improvements as soon as thoy have been decided upon; and cooperating in the largor concept of industrial hygiene (non-occupational diseases, housing, etc.). 382 Pro-Employment Examinations (North Carolina). M.F, Trice. Ind. Med., 9_> 138-193 (April, 1940). Physical examinations of workers and prospective employees who may be exposed to the hazards of asbestosis or silicosis are compulsory undor provisions of the . North Carolina Workmen's Compensation Act. To secure uniformity of findings, this work was assumod by the Industrial Commission and is carried out by the Division of Industrial Hygiene with the State Board of Health as joint sponsor. Occupational, family, and past medical histories arc taken. Physical examin ation, serological tests, x-ray of chest with fluoroscopy, tuberculin tests, and sputum specimens included in some cases are carried out by means of a mobile laboratory. Persons unfit for employment in dusty trades are rejected and when pulmonary tuberculosis is found or suspected, the worker is referred to a sana torium. Those having a positive serology are informed of the fact and adviced . to see their physicians. In cases of death from doubtful cause, autopsies may bo ordered by the Industrial Commission -- if this is denied, all right to com pensation ceases. .. 383 Industrial Medical Education. J, Am.Med. Assoc., 114 , 583-586 (February 17, 1940). Of 52 medical schools, tho average time devoted to instruction cf industrial hygiene is about 5 hours. The time allotted in 24 schools is 3 hours, or less; in only soves is 10 hours or more scheduled. Twelve schools offer elective courses in industrial hygiene. Sixty per cent of recent graduates encountered industrial medical problems early in their private practice. However, only 9 schotIs offer definite graduate level courses in industrial hygiene. Other methods of approach to this problem are continuation courses, special society meetings, symposia on industrial health, county medical society programs, and tho Congress on Industrial Health of thd American Medical Association. 384 Visibility and Ease of Seeing. M. Luckicsh and F.K. Moss. Ind. Med., Ind, Hyg. Sec,, 2> 33-39"(April, 1940). Although tho degree of fatigue induced by a given visual task is not now meusurnblo in absolute terms, it may be regarded as axiomatic that fatigue is roducod when tho conditions for seeing arc improved. Frequency of blinking is a most convenient and sensitivo criterion of tho o:i3e of seeing thut has been dcvolcped. Ease of seeing an determined by the rate of blinking increases a3 the visibility of tho visual task increases. Ot-i'Oii i Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 14. 385 Basic Principles of Industrie! Sanitation. J.M. DallaValle ond R.R. Jones. J. Am. Pub. Health Assoc.. 30, 3S9-3G4 '(April, 1940). Industrial hygieno may be considered as being organized into the following divi sions: Sanitation, Environmental Principles; Ventilation Requirements; Engineer ing Control Principles; Records and Posting of Notices. Under oach of those points the authors have given details of procedures and principlos. Industrial hygieno is to be considered as sanitary or public health engineering with special emphasis on tho industrial environment. It should not be restricted to control of occupational diseases. It also offers the opportunity to extend the treatment of venereal diseases as well as the determination and control of malnutrition, tuberculosis and other diseases. The industrial hygienist can simplify the task of the public health administrator, who ordinarily must wait for cases to come to the attention of the family physician or clinic. Such an opportunity to roach large sections of tho population cannot be disregarded. 566 Operator Fatigue is Minimized by Modern Machine Tools. Stoel, 106, 50-52, 83 (April 22, 1940). A discussion of specific improvements which not only lessen the fatigue of oper ators but increase their efficiency by removing mental and physical hazards. To be efficient men must be masters of their machines. Modern machine tools are as safe as any piece of machinery possibly can be. 387 Syphilis Case Finding in Industry. A.E. Russell. J.Aa.Med.Assoc., 114, 1321 1324 (April 6, 1940). Most of tho principles of the control programs in tuberculosis con be applied to the control of syphilis. The interest of industry in the health of workers has proved that it pays dividends in more than one way. There are over 15 million people in the mining, metal and manufacturing trades in the Unitod States. A syphilis program vfhich vrf.ll include this group and their families v/ould roach about half the people of this country. The annuel attack rate of syphilis per hundred thousand of population in the United States in 1935 was 796 compared with ' 47 in Great Briteih (clinics only), 20 in Denmark and 7 in Sweden. 388 ' Industrial Cooperation In Syphill3 Control in New Jersey. John Hall. J. Soc. Hyg., 26, 56-61 (February, 1940). . An account of tho procedures used in a definite program of syphilis control in industry. Experiments in publicity and serological test programs are discussed. An attempt to have the serology conducted by private laboratories was not very successful. Tho results of a questionnaire sent to industries already making tests of their employees showed rates ranging from 1.7# to 4.0#. Among a group of Negro oyster shuckers 100 out of 500 were found to be syphilitic* In a group of over 3000 Negro itinerant farm workers 30# wore found to be positive. Progress in thi3 program, especially it3 educational feature^ should result in a reduc tion of this disease* 369 Industrial Anti-Syphilis Programs at Tork. J. Soc. I$yg,, 26, 82-88 (February, 1940). A condensed report from four plants tc illustrate industry's attempt to solve the problem of venereal disease among its workers. Included aro a large depart ment store, a foundry, and tractor and packing companies. When Jobs are assured and tests aro confidential, onployoos 3oem ready to cooperate. The program of tho small foundry succeeded not only in interesting its employees but their foailios as well. ' OUCP Dices- of Industrial Hygiene - 15 yyo A SvThilis Central Program In Industry. C.A. Y/ilzbach, J.Soc.Hyg., 26, *19-55 (February, 19-10). After two ye-xrs of operation, the anti-syphilis program in Cincinnati has tested 64,000 .-.-orkors. The results arc entirely confidential. Many industrialists have been inducod to join tho program raid no worker has been discharged because of positive findings. In one series of 5000 tests, 2.6$ were positive. An out line of the xerogram is given. ayl Incidence of Syphilis in Industrie! Plants. H. Heimann. Nov; York State Dept, of Labor. Industrial bulletin, 19, 45 (Harch7 1940). The syphilitic worker is a grave liability to industry. Among the reasons cited f.r.-r: (1) Delay in healing of traumatic rounds, resulting in extra largo compen sation bills cni loss of time; (2) tho development of central nervous system syphilis with its associated mental symptoms resulting in lack of proper judgment and skill in the v/orkor; (3) the chance for spread of the disease by extragcnital contact is great in 3cme lines of work where many workers must handle the material being processed; (4) the syphilitic cannot, with safety, work with substances which are liver toxins, such as carbon tetrachloride and certain chlorinated hydro carbo:i3. A compilation of data on the incidence of syphilis in workers, collected by various authors, shows wide variation as recorded in the different investigations. Cignifleant factors in the variations appear to be: age, sox, coJor, nationality, social status, and method of case finding. In an anilin dye plant no positive Vassermans were found in 61 tested. In a rotogravure plant one positive (0.9$) was discovered in 110 examinations. In a felt hat' plant 143 persons were tested with two positive cases (1.3$). Out of 385 tests in tho fur industry there were four positives (1.0$). Out of a total of 699 tests there were 3ovon positive results, an incidence of 1.0$. There were two Negroes, both with negative serologies. Only 10.2$ of thoso tested were women-- all were negative. 392 Effects of Syphilis on Health and Earning Power. A. Lillywhite. J.Soc.Hyg., 26. to-72 (February. 1940). A presentation cf the results of a study nude of a group of reliof applicants in Georgia. Tho ability to work of syphilitics and non-syphilitics was compared. A handicap of the former was apparent in all age groups: 51.9$ of the infected could do hard work, 62$ of the non-infected wore able. A greater incidence of non-syphilitic diseaso was found among the syphilitic group. Syphilis contri butes to the burden on the connunity as it incapacitates many who must bo given public relief. 393 Frailial Occurrence of Nystagmus of Miners. J. Ohm. Arch. f. Ophthal., 141, 20-31 (1939). (German). , Tho author studied 128 families with 303 persons. He concludes that nystagmus seen in families shows striking similarities in one or more of the attributes, but also some dissimilarity. The relatives of the seme generation are more alike than tliose of different generations. 394 Comparative Investigations on the Reaction of the Lens and Comen to Infra-Red iidiu* 3-nkkor. Arch. f. Oputhol., 141, 170-178 (1939) . (German). Ginn.junkers' cataract docs not arise from direct absorption of infra-red rays by 1 but by absorption of heat rays by tho iris, which heats the lens, caus ing it t..- become clouded. This is tho author's contention which he attempts to 1 r >vc ;.n the busis of experiments. .Vi\, Injury tu Health by Radiation in Arc Voiding-. LoCcnipte, Arbeitsschutz, pp. 9-10 l L.~.o), ICcarm). . J`!l ^'lV,-j:tii;ation into disturbances of the genitalia of arc woldors by tho Miniotry .-,f Labor. An extremely high portion of ultra violot ray3 with a very short 0**1 0 bluest of Industrial Hygiene - 16. . - wave length were found but no radiation of shorter wave length. As very sensi tive instruments were used in the investigation, the author believes that there is no radiation noxious to the genital organs. 396 Industrial Health. J.Am.Med.Assoc., 114, 573-586 (February 17, 1940). ' This is *: general discussion of the relationships of industrial medicine and is of importance because it represents the attitude of organised medicine towards this field. The article ha3 a wide scope, covering the general subject of in dustrial health, the population groups involved, the unequal character and dictribution of industrial medical sorvices, effects of occupation on health, indus trial accidents, occupational diseases, ordinary illness in industry, the physi cian in industry, industrial hygiene, physical supervision, therapy, functions of the medical service in industry, industrial health activities in organised medicine, industrial hoalth in the government, and industrial medico! education. It i3 believed that the principal causes of lost tine to industry are the dis eases and complaints found in general practice but the industrial physician usually only diagnoses and treats miner injuries and ailments. His opportunity in the lareer field of general hoalth protection is being grasped more fully. Tlio inadequacy of training in industrial medicine is revealed by the fact that the average amount of time devoted to industrial hygiene in medical schools is barely in excess of five hours. This can hardly be remedied as long as the opportunities in the field of industrial health are so few. Little advantage has been taken of the advanced training centers in heavily industrialized com munities, showing that there is evidently snail demand for this field of practice Papers on Industrial Poisons, Cancer, Dermatitis, etc. 397 Ascorbic Acid In the Treatment of Chronic Lead Poisoning. A.H. Dannenborg, A.H. V/idoman and P.S. Friedman. J.Am.Med.Assoc., 114, 1439-1440 (April 13, 1940). "Extremely largo doses of ascorbic acid were without effect in the treatment of lead intoxication in a child aged 27 months." 393 Load Poisoning In Roofers. H.J. Magnuson nnd B.O. Raulston. J.Am.Med.Assoc., 114. 1528-1530 (April 20, 1940). All of the patients involved here gave a liistory of holding galvanized roofing noils in their mouths while working. Analysis of the coating of the nails show ed that they contained 3% lead. The explanation for this sudden outbreak is attributed to a change in typo of noils used* Although galvanized nails had been advocated for the past ten years, it has only been since early in 1939 that Federal Housing Administration specifications stimulated their use. 3y 3tudy of the solubility of lead in saliva, it was found that significant amounts of the element wore dissolved. Although the men had not been told to put tho noils in their mouths, they contended that they could not work fast enough to earn an adequate wage unless they used this method. Tho authors fool that the spectro- graphic determination of load in tho whole blood i3 of definite diagnostic value. 399 Determination of Snail Amounts of Cadmium in Air. S.S. Gurvits. Zavodskayu Lab. 0, 424-427 (1939). (Russian). - The lack of sensitivity of colorimetric methods for determining cadmium in eir i3 duo to tho colloid stabilizers, which decreases tho intensity of tho colora tion by 65-70#. To avoid thi3 orror the ca&aium was determined colorimotrically with a soloniura photocell in a 20# sodium sulfide solution without a stablizer. The reagent i3 sensitive for 0.03-0,04 mg. of cadmium in 25 cc. solution. For the roago 0.004-0.36 mg. of cadmium, tho error was from -1.4 to *9#. Small amounts of cadmium up to 0.5 mg. can thus bo determined in tho presence of 15-20 timon as much zinc with an error up to 8,6#. -Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 17. i 400 Lend-Eenrinr Steals: Control of Possible Health Hazards During Fabrication. J.W. Kaliey and E.D. Martin. Met.ol Prog., 3, 412-416 (April, 1940)* Experimental work on leaded steel's shows that no lead is given off by tha solid steel, oven though heated. The 0.255*: load is dispersod throughout the motal in small portlclaa and since lead is insoluble in iron it cannot migrate tc the sur face. If the steel is turned to scale or melted, the lead in the metal so alter ed bccoiao3 avallablo and a cortain proportion of it passes into the air. The proportion of lead reloasod undor various conditions has been determined, so that simple engineering calculations will show whether a hazard con develop under any particular circumstances. The amount of lead given off at any but the highest temperatures is so small that no calculations aro necessary. This investigation indicates that there is no health hazard in handling, machining, heat treating or in ordinary forging of lead-bearing steels. The most rapid rate of lend release is caused by oxygen cutting and arc welding, and in most cases calculations will show that an exhaust system is needed, or that the work should be dons cut of doors. In practically all cases the amount of air to be moved for satisfactory exhausting 13 small, and inexpensive oquipmont will be effective* 401 Basophilic Aggregation Test (For Lead Absorption and Lead P lsoning). Ohio Dept, of Health, Adult Hyg. Div., 7 pp. (1940). ' ~ ~ A short booklet giving in concise fom the technique and interpretation of re sults of the basophilic aggregation test. 402 Automatic Detection and Estimation of Dangerous Coneontrations of Ammonia and Sulfur Dioxide in Air. B.A. Zaitsev. Zavod3kcya Lab. ,, 673-638 (1939).(Russian) The detection and automatic estimation of dangerous amounts of ammonia and sulfur dioxide by various methods is described. A tentative method was developed in which the air and the absorbing liquid are passed through a special coil end then through a gas separator from which the liquid is separated and its changing pH measured with, an aut-.matic photoelectric colorimeter oquippod with optical or sound-signal devices. The absorbing fluids were 0.0005 N sulfuric acid for ammonia and 0.0005 N hydrogen porioxide for sulfur dioxide, with 4 mg./ liter of brcmphenol blue indicator for both. The sensitivity of the apparatus can bo varied by changing the ratio of air velocity to the velocity of the absorbing liquid. Diagrams of the apparatus are included. 403 Colorimotric Determination of Mercury in .Ur by Means cf Dithizone. N.3. Kuzyatina. Zavadskaya Lab., 8, 174-177 (1939). (Russian). Two absorption tubes containing 5 mg. of O.IN potassium permanganate and 5 cc. of 100 sulfuric acid arc used for passing the air tlirough at the rate of 60-80 liters per hour. After the absorption, an aliquot part of the potassium perman ganate solution is taken, the permanganate i3 reduced to manganoso by the addi tion of a slight excess of chronic acid at room temperature and the mercury con tent of tho solution determined by shaking with 0,05-0.1 oc. portions of a solu tion of 1.2 mg. dithizone in 100 cc. of chloroform and comparing the resulting color with that of standards in a colorimeter. Dotails are given. 404 Dotermination of Lead in Air bv Means of Dithizone. V.JI. Prikhnya. Zavodskaya Lab., 8 , 235-236 (1939)'."'(Russian). Modified Pnlnor tubes containing nitric acid a3 an absorbing agent were used for tho determination of lead in air. Two tubes in parallel and one control tube were used. At an air spood of 10 l.p.n. tho control tube was found to contain no lead, 405 Portable Ay-nrotus for Exact Analysis of Mine Gases, Motor Exhaust, Etc. A. Schmidt. Gluckauf. 75, 193-205 (1939). - A description of a portable apparatus employing the mnnomctric method of analysis Giving high accuracy with large notir.uring rango. A table for prossuro corrections duo to chnngea in tompornture during tho analysis is givon, 0 L `i 1 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 18. . 406 Pvrotnnnlc Acid Method for Determination of Carbon Monoxide in the Blood. H. Komatu. J. Oriental ile.l.. 50. 775-*783 (English Abstr., 191) (1939)^ The 10# error usually attributed to the Sayers method (cf. Chen. Abstr. 20, 60) can be reduced to 1^ if the standard ia made up of blood of the somo specios. Carbon monoxide is first washed through potassium hydorxido solution, exactly tho some concentration of pyrog;illol as tannic acid is used in both, the oomplo blood ia diluted 1:20, and tho standards are made up in 5# steps. 407 Methods for the Detection of Toxic Gases in Industry. Carbon Monoxide. Leaflet IJo, 7. Great Britain, Dopt. of Scientific & Industrial Research. K.1I. Stationery Office, London, 1540. T:iis ia another of a sorios on tho detection of toxic gases in industry, A stan dard method has been devolopcd for carbon monoxide which consists in drawing sam ples of air through a known area of test paper, treated v.ith palladium, chloride, at a slow and constant rate, by moans of a 5 liter aspirator. This method en ables interfering gases to be removed by allowing tho sample to pass first tlirougfc a tube of activated charcoal. Sampling is continued until a stain is obtained on the test paper which compares with the standard color chart (suppliod with tho leaflet); tho concentration present i3 then determined by comparing the time required to reach the necessary color with the time given on the chart. In this way concentrations of 1 part in 500 can be detected in less than 2 minutes, and of 1 part in 10,000 in half-an-hour. Full instructions for preparing tho tost papers and for carrying out tho test are contained in the leaflet. 408 Estimation of Carbon Disulfide. A. Ca3tiglioni, Ann. chim. applicata, 29, 19 6-198 (1939)Italian). It has been shown that carbon disulfide will form a precipitate v/ith piperazine, with the composition C4Hi6N2cs2* The reaction is quantitative only in tho pre sence of a larger excess of piperazino. The reaction tabes place best with 95# ethyl alcohol as solvent. Tho precipitate is dried at 105. Determinations can be mado within 0,1-0.2#. For the determination of vaporous carbon disulfide, the air can be bubbled through a concentrated alcoholic solution of piperazine. 409 Starch-Iodide Method of Ozone Analysis. C.E. Thorp. Id. & Eng, Chem., Anal. Ed., 12, 209 (April 15, 1940). . The use of a buffer solution was found to greatly increase the sensitivity of the potassium iodide reaction without introducing an error such as is caused by the addition of free acid. This solution consists of 5 gmm3 of aluminum chloride hexahydrato and 1 gram of ammonium chloride, made up tu 1 liter. Five cc. of thi3 solution arc added to each 100 cc, of potassium iodide test solution before the test is run. The solution should not be acidified during tho titration. ' This will give a minimum sensitivity of 0.00062 mg. of ozone per cc. of potassium iodido. Comercial ozonizars produce as high as 70# impurities in tho form of oxide3 of hydrogen and nitrogen. Potassium iodide will liberate free iodine in tho presence of these gases also. An absorption bottle containing chromic acid and a tube containing potassium permanganate should bo provided to moke suro that only pure ozono reaches tho tost bottlo. Detoxication cf Lead. . Hecso. Klin. Wochschr., 19^, 104 (1940). Abstr. from Squibb Abstr. Bull., 13, 496 (April 24, 1940), When rabbits were administered sodium 8-hydroxy-5-quinolinesulfonate, their tclcrunco for basic lead carbonuto v.r.s doubled. When liver extract (campolon) is given simultaneously, tho toxicity of the lead compound 13 reduced to onooevonth of its normal valuo. These two outstances will also render rabbits lead fast, i,o., they will tolerate tho basic load carbonate ns long as tho antidoto3 are givon simultaneously. 01 -j i o I Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 19. 411 Pomovnl of Nitrous ?umes from Mine Air. H.C. Dod, Chesu Eng. Mining Rev., 31. 494-195 /l939). (Australian)^ The removal of WOg by ammonia with the formation of tho nitrate and ammonium nitruto is accomplished by "bullets'* of chemical used with the explosive. 412 Health Aspects of Oxyacetylono Procosse3. A.G. Cranch. Stool, 106, 73 (April 22, i940H " Carbon monoxide is encountered so rarely in oxyacotyleno processes as not to be a health hazard. Zinc, cadmium and load fumos are a definito hazard, as ore the fluxes containing fluorides. Ventilation is the best safeguard for these problems especially for working in confined spaces. 413 Mechanism of Dovolopment of Lead Anemia. IV. Tho PhyBiochemical Nature of the Splenic and Liver Substances which Decrease Erythrocytes. S. Kin.' J. Mod. Coll. Kcijc, 9_, 101-107 (1939). (Japancso). After injection with load acetate, the spleen and liver seen, to contain some specific chemical substances which are able to decrease the mmber of erythro cytes. The author attempted to determine the physiochemical nature of these sub stances which were obtainod from the splenic and hepatic veins after injection of the lead, Tho anemic action of the splenic substance disappeared after heat ing for an hour at 100. Tho substance was soluble in water, but did not dis solve in ether and alcohol; it was adsorbed easily by charcoal or kaolin. Its action was also retained after ulta-violet radiation for three hours. 414 Rato cf Elimination of Carbon Monoxide from the Blood of Survivors. L. Breite- nocker. Bcitr. z. gur. Med., 4, 93-136 (1938), (German). A study of tho sequelae of carFca monoxide poisoning in eight light cases with out unconsciousness and with quick recovery, seven serious cases with prolonged unconsciousness but recovery, six cases with unconsciousness lasting until death ensued. Unconsciousness develops when nearly half the hemoglobin is bound to the carbon monoxide. The gas Is eliminated in from 10 to 24 hours and this period . . has no rolution to the seriousness of the symptoms. If the poisoning occurs quickly, consciousness will be recovered at the level of 50% carboxyhemoglobin. It persists longer if the poisoning came about slowly. In these casos it may last until daath occurs, which may not take place for several days, although the carbon monoxide is entiroly eliminated and there are no secondary disoases. The duration of exposure soems more important than the percentage of carbon monoxide in the blood. These investigations show that the results of anjnai experiments may only bo applied to man very cautiously, as carbon monoxide never disappears from human blood as quickly as is described in animals. 415 Skin Hazards in Morican Industry. Part III. L. Schwartz. U.S. Public Health Bulletin No. 249, 99 pp,,23 illustrations (1939). Tills bocklot by the wall-known authority on this subject contains a discussion of the skin hazards to be found in the following industries: citrus fruit; cigar; acid; pulp and pnpor; organic solvents; chromic acid and chromates; iron and steel; paints, varnishes and lacquers; glass; photographing, photoengraving, lithographing, printing, typewriting and hectographing; and oxplosivo manufacture. There i3 a bibliography but no indox. Copies cro obtainable from tho Superin tendent of Documents, Washington, D.C., for 35 cents. fr-t Mite L.F. tfober. J. Am.Med.Assoc., 114. 1442 (April 13, 1940). Bites onu dermatitis from scratching in several.department store wurkors led to tho discovery that it was duo to a rat mite (Liponyssus bccoti). Whenever rats are driven, from n building and bites upponr on pooplo living or working thoro, the prcsonco of rat mites should bo investigated. Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 0. 417 Industrial Dermatitis from Gloves, W.D. Norwood and E.E. Evans. T.Am.Med. Assoc., 114, 1523-1528 {April 20, 1940), Studies of an eczcmatoid type of industrial dermatitis of the hands appearing in workmen wearing leather glovos was shown to bo enusod by two factors: (1) tho traumatizing effect of the gloves, and (2) allergic sensitization of the hands duo to the presence of denuatophytosis elsewhere (usually on the feot), The authors believe that since dermatophytosis of the feet is almost universal among industrial workers, "glove phytids'* will be recognized with great frequency, A method of treatment was usod which gave good results. 418 Dermatitis from Orthodichlorobenzene. J.G. Downing. J.An.Mod.Assoc., 112, 1457 (1939). This is a report of the sensitivity of a glazier to a solution in which Y/indow Gashes had been dipped. It was proven by observing tho reaction when the sub stance wa3 dropped on tho arm. In a similar manner it was demonstrated that the guilty ingredient was orthodichlorobenzene, which has become industrially impor tant as a solvent and wood preservative, 419 Onychia Due to Handling Sugar. C.L. Cummer. Arch. Derm. & Syehil, (Soc. Trans.) 41, 142-145 (January. 1940). A woman working in a bakery, handling jams and jollies, had practically all her fingernails affected. Some nails were stripped off, others were split and lifted from the bed. Granular tissue could be broken away when the nail plate was lifted. No mycelium or spores wore found on microscopic study. When the woman stopped her work and after treatment with x-raya and boric acid ointment and solutions, the condition cleared up. Thero is a photograph of tho damaged nails. 420 Factors Influencing Carcinogcnisis with Mothylchclanthreno, III. The Effect of Solvents. M.B. Shimkin snd H.B. Andervcnt. U.S. Public Health Reports, 55, 537-545 (March 29, 1940). Solvonts exert a dofinito effect upon the latent period and incidence of carcinogenisis v.lth methylcholanthrone injected subcutaneously in the dissolved stato into inbred strains of mice. The latent poriod is very short when tricaprylin is used, and over twice as long when butyl phalate is tho solvent. Significant differences in tho production of tumors are observed with solvents of heterogen eous nature. Tricaprylin seems to bo the most consistent and rapidly acting solvont for mothylcholanthreno of those tosted but has the disadvantage of pre sent high cost* 421 Gangrene of a Foot Following Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. J.A. Wilson and W.C. Carey. Ind. Mod., 9^, 197-198 (April, 1940). Description of c case of carbon monoxide poisoning in a man 72 years of age with tho somewhat unusual sequel of gangrene of an extremity, 422 Chronic Ar3ino Puistning Among Workers Employed in the Cyanide Extraction of Cold: A Report of 14 Caso3. F.M.R. Bulmcr, H.S. Rothwell, S.S. Polack and D.W. Stewart. J. Ind. llyg. & Toxicol., 22, 111-124 (April, 1940). A miner variation in procedure and gradual decrease in natural ventilation due to tho onsoi, of cold weather resulted in theso cases of chronic arsine poisoning. Blood findings, arsenic determinations of pubic hair and urino, blood chemistry, symptoms snd physical findings, including oloctrocardiograph!c interpretations are presented and discussed. Workers with an unaccountable decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin should be oxaninod carefully and removed from work. Markod stippling of the red. blood cell3 in tho absence of a lead exposure should also bo regarded with suspicion. In the treatment of theso caso3 vholo blood trans fusion and iron therapy wore of real value especially in mon presenting marked blood impoverishment. Digest of jiniustri.il Hygiene - SI* 423 Effects of Sulfur Dioxide on Plants and Animals. C. Settorstrom. Ind. is Eng, Chen., 32, 4V3-4?y (April, 1940). Apparatus was designed and constructed for the purpose of conducting a series of experiments testing the effects on plants and animals of exposure to low concen trations of 3ulfur dioxide. The present paper is concerned particularly with the industrial end engineering aspects of tho work. Precise control of the gas concentrations and at least partial control of other important factors such as temperature and humidity were achieved. Records kept over a period of two years of tho sulfur dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere showed an average of 0.034 p.p.m. raid a maximum of 0.75 p.p.n. Factorial experiments were of use in intcrpreting tho results of quantitative data and in obtaining the maximum amount of information from a given expenuituro of time and energy. This followed a logical end systematic contrasting of pairs (or groups) of plants, the members of each pair having been given identical treatment except in respect to the factor under investigation. Tho experimental dataware subjected to statistical study by the method of tho analysis of variance. Alfalfa was selected as tho principal test plant because it is sensitive to sulfur dioxide and is of considerable economic importance in several of the large agricultural areas which are subjected to sul fur dioxide. Under none of the conditions studied (exposure to 0.10-0.20 p.p.m. of sulfur dioxide up to 25 days) was there decrease of yield of alfalfa, under most of the conditions it had no significant effect on yield, and under some of the conditions it brought about significant yield increases. The data indicates that deficiencies in sulfur content of nutrient supply were made up by absorption of sulfur dioxido frem tho air. Alfalfa grswn with a deficient supply of water 3ecmcd to respond more readily to the stimulating effect of the sulfur dioxide. In general, resistance t*' 3ulfur dioxide decreased with increase in relativo humility thcuch differences of at least 20$ appeared necessary to cause detect able degrees in susceptibility in the range above 40 per cont. Young plants were much more resistant to injury than older plants. Middle-aged leaves vjorc the most susceptiblo. In tho animal studies guinea pigs, mice, grasshoppers and cockroaches were used as experimental material. No significant mortality or signs of distress occurred among healthy animals at concentrations of 33 p.p.m, or below. A lengor oxposure to the gas was necessary to cause mortality when the sulfur dioxido treatments were given in intermittent doses. Signs in living ex posed vertebrate animals at the higher concentrations included lethargy, rhinitis, lachrynation, coughing, conjunctivitis, moderate dyspnea, distention of the ab domen, woakno3s, end paralysis of the hind quarters. The results clearly in dicate that concentrations of sulfur dioxide such os prevail in city atmospheres have no direct effect on health. Tho possibility of indirect effect cannot be evaluated from tho data Given in this papex*. 424 Toxicity of .Ammonia, Chlorine, Hydrogen Cyanide, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Sulfur Dioxido to Fungi, Green Plants, and Animals. A Preliminary Report. Carl Sotterstron, Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Inc., Yonkers, N. Y. This paper constitutes a preliminary report of the results of a rather comprehen sive study of tho toxicity of several industrial gases t: a number of organisms. Concentrations tested varied from 1,0 to 1000 p.p.n. in doso intervals of four. Organisms were exposed for pei'iou3 ranging from cnc minute to 16 hours. Organ isms tostod included eight plant fungi; two animal pathogens; rye and radish 3ceds; tomato, buckwhout, and tobacco plants; flies, mice, and rats. Data are prosented showing susceptibility of oach one of the organisms to each of tho gasos over tho range of concentrations and exposure periods. Studios of tho effects of each *>f the gases on pH of soil, agar, and oxpresnod plant Juices are summarised. Relative toxicity of the gases to the organisms and rolativo suscep tibility of the organisms to the gv.sos ure noted. . Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 22. 425 Benzene Poisoning. I. Gray, I. Greenfield and U* Lederer. J.Am.Med.Assoc,, 114, 1325-1330 (April G, 1940). Chronic poisoning results from the inhalation of benzene in industries whore it is used as c solvent and evaporates into the air of the workroom. Heroopoiotic (blood-forming) insufficiency, varying from mild anemia to complete aplasia which is incompatible with life, nay result from such an exposure. This is an account of n fatal case of chronic benzene poisoning in a pressman who had been exposed to the Vapors from colored inks. Blood studios showed a very low white cell count -- dropping from 2,800 to 500 shortly after admission to the hospital. A diminution of the granular types of white colls was accompanied by a marked in crease in the lymphocytes. From the prognostic point of view, repeated blood studios seem of groater value than urinary sulfate determinations after the ex posure to bonzune ha3 ceased, V.'hite cell counts below 1000 givo a very grave prognosis. This patient also revealed tho phenomenon of autohemagglutination. 426 Functioning and Reacting Ability of the Blood Forming Organs in Chronic Benzene Inhalation: Experimental Investigations M. Scbmittnanu, H. Linnig and F. Camerer. Arch, f. Gowcrbcpcth., 9., 719-737 (1939). (Goman). Exposure to small concentrations of benzene in air seems tc result in a decrease in leucocytes with a rolative lymphocytosis hut nc symptoms. In workmen exposed thusly, minor infections produce a loucocytosis, especially of the monocytes which my be 90jS of all loucocytes. Normal experimental animals respond to irritating injections by leucocytic reactions -- a decrease .of granulocytos followed by a rise, Thero is also a leucocyte rise caused by an increase of lymphocytes, a leucocytic reaction of the spleen and bone marrow. In animals which had previously inhaled benzene, there was an ondotheial reaction: the granulocytes and lymphocytes fall only a little after equalization of the first ' rise. In the spleen thoro was marked phagocytosis of tho proliferated endothelium 427 Further Studies on the Absorption, Mobilisation, and Excrc-tion of Lead. S. L. Tompsctt. Brit. J. Exp. Path., 20, 512-516 (December, 1939). Animal experimentation shows that inclusion of hydrochloric acid in a load-con taining diet increases absorption from the alimentary tract. Ammcnium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium carbonate fed with both high and low calcium diet increased tho blood mobilization of lead. After lead ingestion ceased, a large part is excreted within 14 days on low calcium diet, and a substantial amount even on high calcium diet. 428 Tho Metabolism of Hucleopm^tains in Lead Poisoning. G. Iffichotte and F. Uolfino, Hass. mod. ind., 10, 562-582 (1939). (Italian). Original research. on ten cases of load poisoning shows a pronounced tendency to uric acidemia becoming more acuto as tho poisoning tends towards chrenicity. No relation was seen between tho degree of uric acidemia and kidney function, and no such connection is likely tc exist in cases of rocont leal poisoning. 429 Vitamin C Treatment of Chr-nlc Benzene Poisoning Ar.i.ng Photocngravers. J. Hagen. Arch, r. Gowerbepath., 9, 693-704 (1939). (German). Four photoongravcr3 had*"*slight changes in tho blood picture. While still work ing, they were troatod with vitamin C end the blood findings improved. Tho author rocoiimcnds that in the supervision of workers ascorbic acid in urine be deter mined as well, as making blood examinations and that whore tho concentration in the uriao is low that vitamin C be given h,th prophylacticaliy and therapeutical ly, 'long with other remedies. - ... 430 Cadmium an:l Its Cor.iy-.unds. Ohio Popt. of Health, Adult Hyg. Div., 6 pw. (1940). A short booklet giving in concise form general information, industrial use, selector abstracts and a list of references on this clement and its compounds. Air filter 374, 376,377 Ammonia determination 402 effects 424 Apparatus dust feeding 372 Arsine chronic poisoning 422 Ascorbic acid 397 Benzene poisoning general *425,426 treatment 429 Book reviews 359 Cadmium determination 399 general 430 Carbon disulfide determination 408 Carbon monoxide determination 406,407 general 414 gangrene 421 Carcinogcnisis 420 Chlorine effects 424 Conference, Labor Legislation 363 Dermatitis gloves 417 orthodichlorobenzene 418 mt-nitc 416 Dusts lint 374 mineral color's 366 INDEX (May,' 1940) Dust control 375, 377, 378 Examinations pro-onployment 382 Fatigue 386 Cases, nino detemination 405 Cases, nitrous 411 Hydrogen cyanide effects 424 Hydrogen sulfide effects 424 Industrial hygiene, general 381 Industrial medicine education 383 general 381, 396 Industrial sanitation 385 Pneumoconiosis 366 x-ray 370 Pneumonia 379 Radiant energy infra-red 395 Respiratory protection approved devices 358 general 567 Rock dusting 371 Sick benefit association 364 Silicosis general 369 Skin hazards 415 Statistics morbidity and mortality 365,368 population 380 Lead determination 404 detoxication 410 Lead poisoning general 393,400,413,428 bas- egg, test 401 treatment 597 Mercury determination `104 Nystagmus, miners 393 Onychia 419 Ozone determination 409 Stools, lead bearing 400 Sulfur dioxide determination. 402 effects 423, 424 Syphilis ` i87,*583,389,390,391 392 Vision 384 ffolding 412 Workman* s compenoation 350,352,353,354,355, 356,360,361,362 OL^iS Bulletin A special meeting of those members of Air Hygiene Foundation, interested in the Foundation's survey of "Sick Absenteeism in Industry," will be held at Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh, on Monday, May 27, at 10 A.M., (Eastern Daylight Time.) This is an "instruction" meeting for companies desiring to participate, or desiring more information about the survey, described in Medical Bulletin No, 4 which was sent to members recently. The specialists directing the work will give complete details on tho mechanics whoreby participating companies can chock up on their losses through sick absentaoism, Questions which companies may wish to ask will bo answered fully. Forms for recording absences will be explained, etc; Tho speakers are: Dr4 A.J. Lanza, Chairman, Foundation's Medical Committee Dr. R.R. Sayers, Representing Public Health Service and Association of Industrial Physicians and Surgeons Dr. C.D. Solby, Medical Consultant, General Motors Corporation Dr. W.U. Gafafer,Senior Statistician, Public Health Service Mr. R.J. Vane, Statistician, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Dr. Lanza will outline the subject. Dr. Sayers will explain the collaboration of the Public Health Servico. Dr. Gafafer end Mr. Vane will explain the technical dotails, there's and don'ts." Dr. Selby will speak from the experience of a company engaged in such a survey, amount of cler ical work, expense, etc. This survey is a kind of planned "inventory" which the Foundation offers its member companies as an opportunity for them to reduce their losses through sick absenteeism. If your company is interested please re turn tho enclosed form indicating whether you will be represented. May 8, 1940 Air Hygiene Foundation 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa. 0L j 9 Tho will be represented (nrae of .company, association, etc.) by______ ___________________________________ _______ at the "instruction" (nciao and title of representative) meeting on "Sick Absenteeism in Industry" which will bo held by Air Hygiene Foundation at Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh, on Monday, May 27, 1940, at 10 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Signature: Title: