Document g2QddZQYBRV9JZ42VKEbDjaBe

FOUNDATION FACTS September, iyoy This news-letter is issued monthly to membet. companies and trade associations affiliated witC. Air Hygiene Foundation. Its purpose is to repoiffi Foundation news and activities. Air HygienP* Foundation Is a partnership of industry anC science organized to protect the health of thfiB 15 million workmen in heavy industry. {g CS Hi Are You Missing Any Bets? ar A safety engineer in a company affiliated with Air Hygiene Foundation was recently obliged to design some exhaust equipment. He spent much time and effort looking up data, none of which proved very helpful. After the installation was com pleted -- with considerable difficulty -- the engineer chanced upon two of the Foundation's engineering bulletins, "Design cf Exhaust Hoods" and "Design of Duct Work for Exhaust Systems." He complained: "Why didn't somebody tell me about these bulletins?" "Why they're exactly what I wanted!" The bulletins were available in hifi organisation all the time, gathering dust on someone's shelf. The engineer didn't know such bulletins existed, didn't know his company was a member of the Foundation, didn't know what services the Foundation affords. Costly cases such as this are all too common. Dr. H.B. Meller, Managing Director, urges Foundation members to "cash in" on. the value of their memberships. Infonn all interested individuals in your company of your membership in Air Ifygiene Foundation and the services they can derive through this membership. A circular describing these services is enclosed. Additional copies are available for distri bution through your organization, for bulletin board posting, etc. Incidentally,- do you have a complete file of Foundation bulletins? Publication lists are furnished upon request. (See July issue INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, pp. 324-25, for a good account of the Foundation's activities during the past year). Plans Progressing for Annual Meeting Plans arc progressing for the 4th annual meeting of Air Hygiene Foundation to be held at Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh, November 14-15. The wealth of important information for presentation forces expansion of the program from a one-day to a twoday conference this year. The program is being keyed to the theme, "Healthy Workmen Make for Healthy Business." Technical data include: Reports on Foundation's engineering research at Harvard by Philip Drinker, Chairman of the Preventive Engineering Committee; reports on Foundation's medical research at The Saranac Laboratory and University of Pennsyl vania by Dr. L.U. Gardner and Dr. E.P. Pendergrass, respectively. Reports on latest developments in employee health protection by Dr. A.J. Lanza, Chairman of Medical Committee. Dr. Lanza will also preside at a symposium on absenteeism which v/ill develop measures for use of member companies in reducing lost tine through illness. On the managenentol side, Andrew Fletcher, Vice President of St. Joseph Lead Company, will point out specific dollar-and-conts savings resulting from proper health precautions. V.P. Ahenrn, Executive Secretary, National Industrial Sand Association, is tu preside at a forum designed to show the importance of employee health in all employer-employee relationships, the impact of health on labor and community relations. Theodore C. 'Waters of the Foundation's Legal Committee will discuss legal trends and development:; of 1939 affecting industrial hygiene. 0311*7968 AIR HYGIENE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA. HNB6-0008081 Air Hygiene Foundation of America, Inc., 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. September 13, 1939 REFERENCES TO RECENT LITERATURE Oil INDUSTRIAL DISEASES (A) News Items r^. 621 FOURTH SILICOSIS JYMFOSIUM. ABSTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTH MEETING AT SARANAC LAKE, N.Y., JUNE 19-23, 1939. Industrial Medicine, , 354-61 (August 1939). The Fourth Silicosis Symposium covers a broader scope than the fonaer meetings, including medical and engineering phases of silicosis generally, followed by 0 rcs'ilts of stuiies of various types, and concluding with the discussion of the administrative, insursnco and compensation aspects of the subject. Excellent abstracts of the various papers appear in the above issue of Industrial Medjcino and those interested in the subject are referred to that publication. The pro ceedings of tho meeting, to be published later in the year, will make a valuable addition to any industrial hygiene laboratory. More detailed infonaation a* to the date of publication, address at which to obtain it, and price will b given in next month's abstracts. Complete abstracts of all papers will also be given here upon printing of tho proceedings. 622 THIRD ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM, DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, NORTHWESTERN UNIVER SITY MEDICAL SCHOOL. Tho Department is conducting its Third Annual Symposium on Industrial Disease and Hygiene on September 25 and 26, 1939, at Thorne Hall, Chicago Campus. Re gistration is limited to physicians, industrialists, safety engineers, hygien ists, personnel and industrial relations managers. The scientific sessions in clude discussions of the following subjects: non-tuborculous pulmonary diseases, kidney diseases of miu-life, soap as an agent in industrial dermatitis, weldinggas and electric, and a discussion of common beneficient uses of some poisonous metals and alkaloids. All tho spoakers are well known authorities in their fields. The registration fee for the two-day scientific program is $5.00 with an additional $3.50 for the banquet session at the ond of the meeting. (3) Papers on Dust, Dust Diseases and General Industrial Hygiene 623 CLAUDE BERNARD'S WORK ON EXPERIMENTAL PNEUMOCONIOSIS. G. Rosen. Bull. Hist. Med., 2> 412-16 (April 1939). This is an interesting short paper on Bernard's experimental work in the 1850,s. Bernard was unsuccessful in experiments on rabbits over whose heads he attached bladders containing coal dust. At the ond of several days' exposure the animals v/erc killed but dust particles could only be found in the nasal chambers and none were found in the larynx and there was no black pigmentation in tho lungs. Bernard attributed this to the filtering action of the upper respiratory tract. As others pointed out a few years later, Bernard's animals were not exposed long enough to produce an accumulation of dust in the lungs. 03117969 HuSb-0008087 References to Recent Literature - 2 624 SILICOSIS PREVENTION. DUST CONTROL IN FOUNDRIES. Division of Labor Standards, sS*\ U.S. Dept, of Labor Bulletin (No Number) 25 pp. (1959). For sal by Superinten dent of Documents, Washington* D. C. Price 10 cents. Silicosis control in foundries can be accomplished by two methods, both of vital importance. First, preventing dust generated by industrial operations from onto ing the working atmosphere; accomplished by effective local exhaust, dust collec ing systems, and wet methods. Second, by a number of foundry practices, includ ing good industrial housekeeping, isolating dusty operations, and integrating dust control with production. This bulletin deals with simple, inexpensive - methods and practices of dust control and does not describe elaborate systems that are now commercially available. It has been said that good housekeeping is _ _ i the cheapest single effective dust-control measure. A number of operating prac tices are given which, if carried cn "with the dust hazard in mind, will aid in reducing foundry v/orkers' exposure to silica oust. n=2. 625 PATH5L0GY OF PNEUMCCCMIOSIS. V/. di Biasi. Deutsch. raed. Wehnschr. > 65, 369-372 (1939), (German). 0 The author is connected with one of the largest hospitals in the Ruhr coal mining area and has had a very wide experience. He stresses the fact that so far as wo know, coal dust does not cause fibrosis: the so-called anthracotic fibrosis is 0 either a silicotic fibrosis rich in coal duwt or is scar tissue of other origin, loaded with coal dust. Also there is not sufficient evidence that 3ilicates pro duce fibrotic tissue. The author continues with a description of the patholog ical and anatomical alterations following inhalation of quartz dust and a state ment regarding their development. It is important to realize that early silico sis can develop with. ut further exposure, alth ugh it may do so very slowly. An example is cited of a man dying of silicosis 2C years after exposure had ceased. This is explained by the fact that colloidal silicic acid is gradually evolved from tiny dust foci, :-.nd thon leads to silicotic changes. r 626 SILICOSIS, A CLINICAL AND ROENTGENOLOGICAL STUDY. A. Bornard-Silorata. Rass. Med. Industr., 10, 73-117 (February 1939). (Italian). Case histories of 19 male workers with varying degrees of infection are given, with an account of the various difficulties of interpretation and diagnosis of the pulmonary lesions, all or a part of which were caused by inhalation of silica dust. The kind and duration of the patients' work is commented upon in connec tion with the x-rays. Most interest is centered on the cases of silicosis with tuberculosis. The author points out the possibility that less advanced cases may be confused due to the term used "silicosis with infection" and suggests that "silicosis with danger" or "silicosis without danger" would be preferable. :2? QUANTITATIVE SPECTROGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF SILICON III THE BLOOD. C. Richter. Arbeitsschutz, 141-144 (1939). (German). The author describes carefully the analytical procedure. She examined the bleed of 30 persons, 12 young men of various occupations, 7 invalid silicotic miners, 4 other silicotic miners and 7 other workers of whom 4 wero silicotic. The 3111con content found -,rs oumewhat higher than that heretofore reported--8 to 28 mg. silicon per 100 cc. blood--and was a little lower in the silicotics than in the others. The outhur adds that additional work is needed. 628 SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX IN ANTHRACOSILICOSTS. M. F. Sokoloff and J. T. Farrell, Jr. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 112, 1564-66 (April 22, 1939). The authors compare the incidence of spontaneous pneumothorax {the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity) in simple and in complicated pneumoconiosis. Of 507 anthracite ccal miners, .-ill incapacitated by chronic pulmonary disease and all having antirracosilicosis, 308 (60.7$) had a coexistent tuberculosis; one 03117970 HWBB-000808'* References to Recent Literature - 3 ' had a metastatic pulmonary carcinomatosis; and 199 were uncomplicated. In the entire series of cases studied, 22 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax {4.3$) were found, 8 having second- and 12 third-stage anthracosilicosis. Fourteen, occurred in association with tuberculosis. Seven were found among those having simple pneumoconiosis, and one in the case vrith carcinoma. Intense dyspnea, a sense of impending suffocation, severe pain in the chest, a feeling of constric tion on the affected aide and shock wore symptoms present in many cases; small collections of r.ir produced no symptoms and the condition was discovered only by routine x-ray. Roontgenoiogically, the condition must be distinguished from emphysematous biebs and pulmonary cysts. While emphysema, blot formation, and pleural adhesions arc always present in anthracosilicosis and are factors which greatiy favor the aovciopment of pneumothorax, and while the frequent coexistence cf tuberculosis ana the severe accompanying cough further predispose to pleural accidents, t>:is effect is greatly decreased by the always present thickened vis ceral pleura 'which resists tearing or perforation and thus offors an actual pro tection ageinst the formation of pneumothorax. Thi3 explains the low incidence cf pleural perforations (4.3-/.) in this group of anthracite coal miners with anthracosilicosis. 629 MULTIPLE GIANT BULLAE ASSOCIATED WITH ANYHRACODILICOSIS. E.R. tfieaa, C.A, Keiken and Robert Charr. Am.J. Roer.tg. * Radium Ther., 42, 136-91 {August 1939). A case is presented of multiple giant bullae (largo blisters or vesicles filled with fluid) of the lung associated with anthracosilicosis which was observed by the authors over a period of several years. They boliove the case to be uaique because of the multiplicity and the size of the bullae, which could readily have been mistaken for spontaneous pneumothorax. Diagnosis was confirmed by gross post-mortem findings and microscopic examination. The importance of differential diagnosis between bullae end pneumothorax is emphasized and a discussion ia given of the two conditions in connection with emphysema of tho lungs. 630 AN X-RAY STUDY OF THE LUNGS OF WORKMEN IN THE ASBESTOS INDUSTRY COVERING A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS, A.'.'/. George and R.D. Leonard. Radiology. 33, 196-202 (August 1939). The authors discuss seme of the conclusions thoy have reached after an extensive <c = experience examining asbestos workers. Each industry or occupation should be studied, by itself because the hazards of each vary greatly. The most Important variable v/ith occupation is the percentage of free silica in. the dust which can cause the development ;f a silicotic condition in addition to the asbestotic one. The authors are of the opinion that asbestos!s is not a progressive disease after the individual has been removed from the dust hazard. They feund also that the disease has no causal relation to tuberculosis. Unlike silicosis, X-ray appearance of tuberculosis and asbestosis are quite different. They found no clinical findings pathognomonic of asbestosis and state that diagnosis of asbestosis must depend alone on X-ray evidence. 631 PULMONARY ASBESTOSIS. V. A REPORT OF BRONCHIAL CARCINOMA AND EPITHELIAL META PLASIA. K.M. Lynch and V/.A. Smith. Am. J. Cancer. 36, 567-73 (August 1939). The authors present tho case history of a patient with pulmonary asbestosis and carcinoma and, ia addition, make a contribution to the statistics on the incidence of carcinoma and asbestosis. During the past 12 years ia 2343 consecutive necropsies (36 cases cf asbestosis among thorn) the incidonce of carcinoma was 0.30a. Omitting the asbestosis cases the incidence was 0.21$. Among the asbestesis cc3cs (25 in number) the incidence was approximately 6# (2 cases), but tho statistical value of these figures is questionable bocc.use of the small numbers. The authors also note the observation that advanced asbestosis may load to bron chial epithelial metaplasis of a type encountered in other locations where cy lindrical epithelium may give rise to squamous-cell carcinoma. 03117971 .-r?\ v< References to Recent Literature - 4 632 ASBESTOSIS. S*W Eaader. Deutsch. med. Wchnschr., 65^, 407-408 (1939). (German). A short but excellent description of the origin, clinical aspects and diagnosis of pulmonary asbestosis. Asbestos wart a and lung cancer of asbestos workers arc discussed. It is comparatively rare to find asbestosis complicated by pulmonary tuberculosis in Germany. 633 TUBERCULOSIS IN INDUSTRY. A.R. Riddell. Canadian Pub. Health o. 30, 156-160 (March 1039). The author concludes that ''although the relation of oortain occupations to the occurrence of tuberculosis is somewhat disquieting, industry in general does not constitute a menace in this respect." He states that "industrialization has ec raised the general standards of living as to more than counteract any adverse influence which specific industries exert." Insurance reports indicate a higher death rate among industrial as contrasted -with non-industrial groups in the same community. The influences which iaay exert tji adverse effect on an industry's tuberculosis rating are iiscussed, particularly posture and overcrowding. The results of surveys of overcrowded plants are revealing. The importance of tuber culosis in relation to silicosis is illustrated by observations on a series of 375 cases which oeourrei in Ontario during the past 10 years and one. group in one of the northern mining camps, where the transmission of tuberculosis tc con tacts was particularly noted. The economic aspect of tuberculosis exerts a severu strain on tho cGiflnun.it/ ana industry, and the results of treatment so tar as the individual workman is concerned are not encouraging, few ore ever again permanently self-supporting. The necessity of preventive measures for early detection of cases is pointed out. Such measures should include chest roentgen ograms, supplemented by laboratory facilities. 634 TUBERCULOSIS AND CAISSON DISEASE. J. Am. Med. Assoc. (Queries and minor notes) 112, 1990 (May 13, 1939). A man who had an attack of caisson disease made -a Imost complete recovery. At that time his lungs were filial although no roentgen->grems were taken. A'yeor later the man developed active tuberculosis. The reply states that there is no logical connection between these two conditions; it is quite possible that pre symptom tuborculosis was present originally but not detected. 635 A STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO DUST IN THE MINING AND MILLING 07 FXHDPHYLLITE. H.F. Easom, M.F. Trice and C.C. Carpenter. Division of Industrial Hygiene, North 'Carolina State Board of Health and North Carolina Industrial Com mission, Bulletin, 100 pp. (February 1939). For sale by tho Division, Raleigh, N. C. Price 50 cents. Pyrophyllite is a natural hydrous aluminum silicate containing 20$ alixaina, 74$ silice--of which from 25$ to 35$ is quartz. It is employed in the manufacture of rubber goods, textiles, roofing paper, soap, paint, toilet preparations, and ceramic products. Exposure of workmen in mining and milling processes, which are inherently dusty occupations, constitutes a serious hazard and many of them develop a lung condition designated as pneumoconiosis. Tho pyrophyllito dust causes a pulmonary fibrosis 'which appears on the x-ray film as massive tumor like 3hadov;s bilaterally situated in tho subapical region or as granular dens ities throug'icut tho lungs. Emphysema is common and nodulation rare. The path ology appears to bo permanent and tonds to progress. Tuborculosis is not neces sarily a complicating factor. The examinations reported hero cover 101 present and former employees; 35$ of those with 2 years or more exposure showed evidence of lung pathology. The bulletin also includes methods for dust control, numerous reproductions of X-rays and microphotographs and many plant and mine scenes. 03117972 HWB8-0008R HWB8-00080P References to Recent Literature - 5 636 OCCUPATIONAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS OF MORTALITY. M. Greenwood. Brit. Med. J., pp. 862-6 (April 29, 1939). (British). This Chadwick lecture is based upon the occupational decennial reports of the Registrar-General with special reference to the last of these reports which deals with the years 1930-2. The first of the series was the work of WiLliem Farr in 1851. His successors Ogle, Tatham and Stevenson, each in his turn added something to the method and value of the reports. In the hands of Dr. Stocks the latest report contains many new and important characteristics. The primary object throughout has been to show the influence exerted by occupation upon health, as measured by mortality. Industrial diseases have thus been exposed, in particular those duo to inhaling dust, of which silicosis is the outstanding example. By grouping occupations into great social classes the influence of prosperity or want is displayed; and this influence is further established now by including information about the wives of occupied men. Clearly, if both tho wives and the men exhibit a similar tendency to succumb to some cause of death, we cannot fairly ascribe this tendency to 3oae occupational exposure of the man. We have rather to study the social and geographical environment in whichthe wives share. Here the density factor known as housing, still plays an important part, even though less manifest than in the days of Simon and Chadwick. We have to rely even today upon mortality to measure good or evil influences, as we sadly lack information concerning morbidity, and means for correlating sickness with occupational factors. 637 OCCUPATIONAL MORTALITY: THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL'S DECENNIAL SUPPLEMENT, 3JGLW AND WALES, 1931. Editorial, Am. J. Cancer, 36, 110-116 (May 1939). This ediorial makes available in an American journal some of tho results of the excellent study made by the Registrar-General's office. (See preceding abstract.) Tables aro presented shoeing standardized morbidity ratios at egos 35 to 65 for cancers of various sites by sox, social class and by marital status for the females. Some of the discussions and conclusions from the original article are quoted. 638 DISABLING MORBIDITY AMONG EMPLOYEES IN THE SOAP INDUSTRY, 1930-34. H.P. Brinton and H.E. Seifert. U.S. Public Health Reports, 54, 1301-16 (July 21, 1939). This paper deals with sickness and nonindustrial injuries causing disability lasting 8 calender days or longer among persons engaged in the soap industry. The annual number of cases per 1000 was 76.0 for males, 98.1 for females, while the annual number of days of disability per person was 2.70 and 3.41, respective ly. The average number of days per case was 35.5 among males and 34.8 among females. Frequency rates by occupation among males ranged from 31.8 for office workers to 134.9 for soap handlers and process laborers. High rates were assodated with strenuous manual labor and low rates with white-collar and super visory occupations. 639 THE AGE BREAK IN THE INDUSTRIAL POPULATION OF RECKLINGHAUSEN. H. Niewohner. Arc. f. Hyg., 122., 1-19 (1939). (Gorman). The laborer reaches his working peak at 40 years. In Germany today there is a great deal of interest in this "age break" and possible methods of delaying It. It is not known how much weight to assign to natural physiological aging, and how much of the process is due to the years of hard work preceding the break. The author presents statistical material on tho age breaks among miners and among persons not performing manual labor, but many of his conclusions aro not well founded. If a more thorough comparison had been made with other groups, it would be found that many of hi3 conclusions would apply to all workers and not only to miners. 03117973 HWBB-000808* References to Recent Literature - 6 640 THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT AND ITS RELATION TO OTHER PERSONNEL ACTIVITIES. H.W, Lawrence. Ind. Med, 8_, 342-7 (August 1939). Compensation laws, benefit plans, sick and accident insurance, are all bringing to tbe employer tbc realization, in a financial way, that human failure is a matter of cost in a manner very similar to machine cost. This is why the med ical departments have assumed so much importance during the past few years. It is throught the medical department that the best relationships can be built up between employee end employer. The nodical department has a vital interest in workmen's compensation eases, in industrial and public relations, in employment and rehabilitation, in preventive activities of the safety and health department and in the training and educational departments. Industrial physicians must be well trained and capable not only in medical practice but in human relations as well. 641 WATCHING OVER HEALTH. A.G. Hammer. Nat. Safety News, 40 , 34 , 35, (September 1939). The- industrial physician makes his chief contribution toward a higher health level in the employees through complete physical examinations. A program for employee examination is proposed and described in this paper. 642 DUST IN CEMENT PLANTS. W. AnsMm. Zenont, 28, 15-21, 30-35 (1939). (German). The discussion includes the sources of cement oust, methods of collection and precipitation, distribution of particle sizes, distances carriod in normal |Ur currents, etc. A study of the health of the cement plant workers showed tjrt none had acquired active or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis during deomdes of oxpesure to the dust. Since cement dust does not contain free silica* but rather calcium silicates which are strongly alkaline in reaction, this fas4 ' seems to have exhibited protective effects. 643 THE CEMENT BURN. J. M. Meherin and T.P. Schcmaker. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 112. 1322-1326 (April 3, 1939). The author fiado the literature on cement burns meager. Ho presents la a table an average composition of Portland cement (lime 62$, silica 22$, etc.) and con crete (gravel oo^, sand 29$, cement 8>, water 8$). The pH of cement in solution varies between 11.b and 12. Five definite factors occur in the production of the bum: {1} abrasive action while manipulating concrete, (2) friction, (3) heat of solution, (4) marked hygroscopic action, and (5) alkaline corrosive action. Sixty cases are reported which had a total disability of 640 days, or an average of 10 days each and an average treatment of 14 days each; seven re quired hospitalization, of which 6 were infected although infections occurred in a total of 13 cases. Pain was the chief symptom bringing the patient to the doctor's office. Cement bums are theoretically preventable by the use of dry boots and gloves, frequently changed, showers and compulsory bathing, and the application of heavy petroiatum where practical. Treatment consists in proapt lavage with water, never with chemical neutralizers. The crust which fonw Is usually loosened within 24 hours by soothing ointment, leaving a fairly clean, ragged but simple ulcer. Once clean granulations appear, cod liver oil in oint ment proved satisfactory. 644 AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE AS AN ANALYTICAL TOOL FOR THE LOCALIZATION OF MINERALS IN BIOLOGICAL TISSUES. G.H. Scott and D.M. Packer. Anatom. Record, 74, 17-29 (May 25, 1939). * The apparatus is described and illustrated. Its principles and application to the examination of biological tissues are discussed. 03117974 HM 88-0008F References to Recent Literature - 7 645 DETERMINATION OP THE FINENESS OP PORTLAND CEMENT. NOTES ON THE WAGNER TURBIDI METER. T.W. Parker and R. W. Nurse. J. Soc. Chem. Ind., 57., 436-438 (1938). (British). The authors describe some modifications of the American Wagner turbidimeter apparatus and methods. The British Standard sieve No. 300 (separation at 70 microns) is used with 1.0 gm. of cement and 250 cc. of kerosene in the determin ation of sieve residue. In the preparation of the suspension 0.3 mg. of cement is made into a paste with 5 drops of oleic acid and 5 drops of kerosene on a polished porcelain tile, then made up to the standard volume with kerosene; a mechanical rotary shaker for the settlement cell is substituted for manual shak ing; a Cambridge Unipivot microammeter with a range of 0.60 microamperes is used in the determination of the turbidity. A standard sample of cement obtained from the Bureau of Standards showed a specific surface of 1890 sq.cm, per gm. by the above modified method, as compared with 1900 reported by the Bureau. 646 DETERMINATION OP THE SPECIFIC SURFACE OF POWDERS. II. P.C. Caiman. I. Soc. Chom. Ind. 58, 1-7, (1939) (British). The permeability method for specific surfaces of powders is shown to give an accuracy of 5% on particles down to an average size of 2-3 microns, independent of their shape and size distribution. The limitations of the method and its merits compared to alternative methods ore discussed. The method was previously described by the author in tho first paper of the series, noted in Abstract 35, 1939. It is the only one of the available methods which gives accurate measure ment of small size particles, the size range which makes the largest contribution to numbers and total surface of powders or dusts. 647 CLEANING AND STERILIZING GOGGLES AND RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT. National Safety Council, Industrial Data Sheet No. D. Gen. 16. Nat. Safety News, 40, 38 {Au gust 1939). ""~ The principal hazards of unclean equipment are infection, dermatitis and rashes cue to contact with the contaminated surfaces. Cleanliness insures the preven tion of these conditions and insures proper operation of valves, filters, screens, etc. The method recommended in cloaning material of rubber, metal, plastic, tex tile, leather or fabric construction is scrubbing in a warm soap and water solu tion. The use of solvents such as carbon tetrachloride, gasoline and naphtha is not recommended. Several methods of sterilization are suggested, the one to be followed depending on the type of material. A mmber of other pertinent sugges tions regarding the use and care of respirators is included. 648 ABC's 0? INDUSTRIAL DUST CONTROL. PART II. TYPES OP PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED. Roy P. Warren. Occupational Hazards and Safety, 1, 11-3 (August 1939). Regarding reasons for the installation of dust control equipment, industry might be divided into two groups: first, those to whom the search for dust control is retroactive, or who have suffered financial loss from litigation, fires, explo sions; second, those desiring only increased quality, reduction of losses or gain in operating facilities. It is pointed out that tho reasons of those in the second group are just as important and beneficial as those of the first group. The great increase in the installation of dust control equipment has been due in a large measure to the realization on the part of management that the equipment usually pays for itself by one means or another. 649 AN ALL-GLASS FLOWMETER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE ORIFICES. Chem. & Indus., 58, 514 515 (May 27, 1939). (British). Describes and illustrates a flowmeter of detailed construction that is easily cleaned and filled. 03117975 References to Recent Literature - 8 HtJBB-0008088 650 ADEQUATE VENTILATION AS A PROFIT BUILDER. Fred Merish. Steel, 3 pp. (July lo, 1939). Daring a recent study of ventilation in industrial plants, ?0fS of the plants visited were found to be using some form of obsolete or inadequate ventilating system. Industrial ventilation is an important part of plant operation that management has many times overlooked. There are numerous evidences of increased production, reduced cost, and hotter product in addition to better working con ditions that have bean brought about by comparatively inexpensive installations of certain types of ventilating equipment. Installations should bo supervised by expert ventilating engineers as the problems connected with than are sometimes more difficult than appear on the surface. 651 EFFECTIVE EXHAUST SYSTEMS. J.M. Kane. Nat. Safety News. 40 , 26-7 , 70. (August 1939). In many cases exhaust systems when installed are not completely satisfactory because certain basic concepts are not clearly understood or the importance of some details not fully appreciated. Major items in this category are: (1) the proper U3 of blast gates in the branch ducts; (2) the factors involved in pro viding for additional future capacity; (3) necessary specifications for design and installation of systems; and (4) the hazard from recirculation of cleaned air from dust collectors removing injurious dusts. (C) Papers on Industrial Poisons, Cancer, Dermatitis, etc. 652 THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF 31ALL AMOUNTS OF LEAD: AN EVALUATION 0? THE LSAD HAZARD OF THE AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL. A.S. Minot. Physiol. Rev. 18, 554-377 (October 1930). This is an excellent summary of recent investigations in regard to load poiaonicg. It covers briefly most of tlio important problems related to the subject, such as distribution of lead, a survey of normal load exposures, sources of "normal" lead, md the like. There is then a discussion of the amount of lead causing poisoning, and the methods of absorption. There is also a discussion of the biochemical and chemical action of lead on the body. The article ia prac tically entirely a summary of the existing literature and as such is extremely well written, with the important references and, on the whole, a good evaluation of divergent points of view. As it is written by an investigator who has con tributed valuable material to the problem, it is a very convenient way to become readily and authoritatively conversant with the present knowledge. 653 PATHOLOGIC CHANGES IN RATS AND IN DOGS FED DIETS CONTAINING LEAD AND ARSENIC COMPOUNDS. COMPOUNDS USED: LEAD ARSENATE, ARSENIC TRIOXEDE, CALCIUM ARSENATE, .NT) LEAD ACETATE. L.L. Firmer and H.O.. Calvery. Arch, of Pathol. 27, 433-46 (March 1939). This paper gives a preliminary and incomplete report of experiments that were carried out on young rats and dogs. Lead and arsenic compounds were added to an otherwise normal diet. Tho positive gross and microscopic findings were as follows: The rats that received 1.28 gm. of lead acetate over a period of 6 to 7 weeks were undernourished and the hair was dull. There was an average decrease of 17% in hemoglobin accompanied by a decrease in the number of red and white cells. Basophilic stippling ms observed in the rod cells. The weight of kid ney, spleen and heart was increased. The long bones were fragile. Microscopic study revealed a heavy deposit of load in all the bones. Animals receiving 3.53 mg. of load arsenate over a period of 10 to 12 weeks wore essentially nor mal on macroscopic and microscopic examination. Rat3 given 107 mg. of arsenic trioxide over a period of 6 weeks showed hyperplasia of bone marrow. Rats given 107 mg. of calcium arsenate over a period of 6 to 7 weeks showed edema of the 03117976 References to Recent Literature - 9 abdominal subcutaneous tissue and an increase in weight of spleen and kidney, g 18 and 31$ respectively. Dogs whose intake of lead acetate averaged 1.5 mg, per kg. per day showed signs of an invclvment of the central nervous system. The * teeth were spotted and the bones showed a deposit of lead. In the dogs receiv ing loss lead acetate, 0.33 mg. per day, there wore no central nervous system in symptoms. The bones were found to be brittle and there was a decrease in the *1 si2e of marrow cavity. Kidney changes were present. The authors concluded that small amounts of lead and arsenic added to the diet acted as tissue poisons, 654 BASOPHILIA AFTER DRINKING LEAD-CONTAINING WATER. A. Winkler and K. Wicsbrock. Ztschr. f. Kyg. u. Infect. 121, 433-37 (1939). (German). The authors examined the blood of school children in two villages. In the first village the water contained up to 2.3 og./l. whereas in the second, where the water was filtered, only small amounts were found. In the latter village only 9 children's blood showed 300-500 punctate erythrocytes per million, and 3C9 had values below 3C0. In the first village 13.9$ of the childrenlnd 300-500, 6.4$ had 500-1000, and 4$ had over 1000. The highest v.alue found was 2300. 655 CONTROL OF LEAD IN THE STEEL PLANT. E.D. Martin. Metal Progress, 35, 457-63 (May 1939). Lead, in concentrations as low as 0.25$ in steel, imparts to the metal certain beneficial qualities without the sacrifice of essential properties. The manu facture and use of the lead-steel alloys has led to the necessity of adopting certain rules pertaining to hygienic conditions iu the plants. The first part of this paper i3 devoted to the elementary principle of lead absorption an4$lead poisoniDg in the body, following which is a disoussion of the air sampling apparatus and technic that are generally used. In one particular plant lead sam ples at a number of points showed the most hazardous locations where it mu necessary to install local exhaust ventilation to bring the average exposure below dangerous levels. Measurements were made out-of-doors also to estimate possible atmospheric pollution by the steel plant. The result of the survey and the application of the methods of dust and fume control showed that it is not _ unreasonably expensive to control an occupational hazard. A succeeding article is to tell of the problems involved in the plants of users of leaded steel, such as in welding, burning and handling. 656 BENZINE POISONING. Edited by B. Behrens. Somm. v. Vergiftsf. 9^ Bull. No. 10, 69-74, 133-150 (1938). (German). One of the authors, H.H. Jansen, describes observations on neuritis iscbiadica and traumatic epilepsy after acute benzine poisoning. In the first case there was injury to the nerves of the legs with almost no tendency to heal. The second case was considered as one of epilepsy directly related to the poisoning. The third was a case of early traumatic epilepsy after acute benzine poisoning as a result of prolongod injury (localized). Another author, F. Quensel, des cribes a case that was first thought to be one of disseminated cord disease from acute benzine poisoning. Some years later Quensel had the opportunity of examining tho patient again. A section showod the presence of centers of multi ple sclerosis. On the basis of these findings, the disease and accident history, a connection between the benzine poisoning and the sickness was not accepted. The appearance of multiple foci of softening after acute benzine poisoning thus has not been proved. 657 THE USE OF BENZENE IN RUBBER SOLUTIONS. Koldehofe. ArbeitS3Chutz, pp. 80-82 (1939). (German). The author experimented on the use of rubber solutions with benzene and benzine as adhesives. He concluded that seams could best be made with rubber-benzine solutions, but a specially strong seam is achieved by employing a 12$ benzene solution. The German artificial rubber "Buna" needs benzene or toluene. 03117977 t ,/C5S > /- References to Recent Literature - 10 658 CASE OF POISONING BY NITR03&CENE. L. Vfalterskirchen. Wien. klin. Wchnschr, 52, 31? (1939). (Geman). A man was severely poisoned by taking a teaspoon of nitrobenzene, but improved rapidly after he was given an intravenous injection of chromosmon (methylone blue) with 33# dextrose and 0.2 mg. strophantin. 609 ACUTE ARSHCtC POISGNING. V/. A. Porter. Virginia Mod. Monthly, 66, 148--151 (March 1939). 3esidcs the usual treatment of arsenic poisoning Porter used 800 international units of vitamin B]_ daily. The salient feature in the patients receiving the vitamin was the absence of diarrhea. It is his belief that the use of vitamin Bj. has a definite place in the treatment of toxic neuritis from metal poisoning. Prompt inprovement of nouritic pains occurred after the vitamin B]_ had been ad ministered for only a few lays. 660 ACUTE ARSENIC POISONING FROM POTATO BUG INSECTICIDE. H. Syraanski, Sanm. v. Vcrgiftsf,, 10^, 1-8 (February 1939). (German). A man sprayed an arsenic insecticide for about three hours. That night he vomit ed and had diarrhea; the noxt morning he was unable to cut broad as usual for his lunch, but could do other work. The arft became weaker and lacked feeling; he could lift it from the shoulder but could not bend it. When he was examined about two weeks later the aim was colder than the left, weak, and somewhat re duced in circumference. Sensibility was decreased. These symptoms were somewhat less pronounced three months later. The findings are given in detail. | 661 DAMAGE TO THE MIT BRAIN AND P0LYCYTE34IA AFTER CARBON MONOXIDE INTOXICATIGX. F. Dittmar. Doutsch. ned. V/cnnschr. _65, 5C0-02 (1939). (Gorman). The paper concerns a fireman who was repeatedly exposed to small concentrations of fumes and carbon monoxide. He showed symptoms of a true polycythemia: en largement of the spleen, increase of basal metabolism, erythrocytosis (6.91 million), leucocytosis, lymphopenia and thrombocytosis. There were also symptoms of injury to the midbrain: nervous irritability, insomnia, disordered gait. The author points out that the polycythemia cannot be considered as an adequate phys iological regulation against the carbon monoxide anemia. Its occurrence with the symptoms of the midbrain refers to an irritation of the nervous centers; addi tional observations concerning this coincidence are necessary. 662 CIRCULATORY REFLEX OF THE CAROTID SINUS IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. H.W. Kayser. Arch. f. exp. Path. 190, 248-55 (1938). (German). At 50# carbon monoxide saturation, complete occlusion (by clamping) of the caro tids in cats results in decreased blood pressure and heart rate. This apparent reversal of the usual response of the circulation (via the carotid sinus) to such stimulation is shown to disappear after atropin, curdiazol, coramin or vagotomy, and is therefore to be ascribed to disturbances in the heart muscle, the vessels or the sensory endings in the carotid sinus. A similar apparent re versal of the reflex function of the carctid sinus is -attainable by clamping the carotids in cats which are anemic or have increased intracranial pressure; the some procedures cause this anomalous response to disappear as in carbon monoxide poisoned cats. The suggestion is made that carotid occlusion in cats alreadysuffering from reduced oxygen supply to the medulla results in sufficient anoxer.iia of this area to excite strongly the vagus center, impulses from which mask the usual carotid sinus reflex. It is striking that simple reduction of oxygen in the inspired air intensifies the normal carotid sinus reflex, never producing the apparent reversed described. 03117978 iiwSS-iifiSSft References to Recent Literature - 11 663 EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OH RESPIRATION DURING CARBON MONOXIDE COMA, ITS MODIFICA TION BROUGHT ABOUT BY BILATERAL VAGOTOMY, T3EAT!EOT WITH METHYLENE BLUE AND IN L?. 'd/j HALATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE. L. Bi Prisco. Folia med. 17, 173-181 (1939). (Italian) In experiments on rabbits during carbon monoxide coma, there was no CheyneStoices respiration, only a simple dyspnea v.lth increase of frequency and depth of respiration which became slow and arrhythmic in the pre-tcnainal stage. Bi lateral vagotomy slows the respiration, intravenous injection of methylene blue has no effect, tut inhalation of carbon dioxide increases the respiration rate and improves the general state. 664 NEPHROSIS DUE TO CARBON TETRACHLORIDE. H. Smetana. Arch. Intern. Med. 63, 760-777 {April 1939). This is a review of 3 cases of toxic nephritis, two of them fatal, duo to inhala tion of carbon totrnchloride vapors, with an excellent discussion and review of the literature, and also some excellent illustrations of renal pathology. The author concludes that in addition to hepatic damage, carbon tetrachloride poison ing sometimes causes alarming renal symptoms such as oliguria or anuria, nitrogen retention and subsequent hypertension; tho urine contains albumin, white blood colls, rod blood cells, casts and bile. Tho anatomic basis for the clinical na si symptoms is nephrosis, characterized by, (1) distention of the spaces of Bow man with albuminous precipitate, (2) by swelling of the lining cells, and swell ing and vacuolation nf the cells of the proximal convoluted tubules, (3) by*4o generation and necrosis of the cells of the distal convoluted tubules, and If those of the loops of Honle, with desquamation, and (4) by tho presence of ular, hyaline and cellular casts in the tubules, with plugging of thair liana* Concretions are present, the nature and significance of which are obacun*. fMpious clinical and pathological features of carbon tetrachloride poisoning arm discussed. 665 AMOUNT OF PHENOL IN THE ELOOD IN EXPERIMENTAL POISONING BI CARBON TETRACHLORIDE, CHLOROFORM AND l HDSPKORUS AND IN MECHANICAL INJURY TO THE LITER. D. Yanagihare. J. Chacon Med. Assoc. 2, 37-57 (January 20, 1939). (Japanese). In experimental poisoning as well as when the bile duct is ligated, free phenol in the blood increases gradually. Tho amount of conjugated phenol, however, shows no noteworthy change. Excretion of phenol in the urine decreases. With an Ech's fistula end the hepatic artery ligated in a dog, free phenol in the blood increases, the conjugated phenol falls. Thus it would seem that tho de toxification of phenol is not a specific function of the liver. 666 METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF TOXIC GASES IN INDUSTRY. VI CARBON BISULPHIDE VAPOR. Great Britain, Dept. Scientific & Industrial Rosearch. 8 pp. (May 1939). (British). This is the sixth in a series of descriptions of simple methods for detecting various gases encountered in industry. Tho mothod for carbon bisulphide does not differ greatiy from the other methods previously noted. Samples of tho air aro drawn by means of a Landpump of dofinite capacity, through a bubbler of alcoh.l containing the reagents -- diethylaminc and copper acetate -- and the mixture allowed to stand. The color, caused by the compound diethyldithioearbanate is compared to standards previously made from dilute solutions of carbon bisulphide in alcohol. Concentrations down to 1 part in 120,000 can be estimated by the method ?.nd the tests can be made by non-technical personnel. Concentra tions of the gas in the range of 1:15,000 to 1:30,000 have been shown to be slightly taxic and a preferable limit would be 1:100,000. Hh8B-3oSS89? References to Recent Literature - 12 66? DETECTION OF CARBON BISULPHIDE. A. Castiglioni. Z. anal. Chan., 115, 257-59 ? / (1939). (German). The reaction between piperazine and carbon bisulphide can be used to advantage for the detection of the latter; in concentrated solutions in alcohol a pale yellow precipitate of piperazine-carbon bisulphide is formed. The tost will serve to detect 0.5 mg. of carbon bisulphide at a dilution of 1:2000. 568 RADIUM POISONING FROM WATCH DIAL PAINTING. J. Am. Mod. Assoc. (Queries and minor notes) 112, 1855 (May 6, 1959). A woman has necrosis of the mandible and superior maxillae. Until 12 years ago she worked at radium dial painting but was tested then and found negative. If other causes arc eliminated, radium should be suspected, and her body tested for radio-active substancos. There is a/tisf of references. 669 BLOOD CHANGES DURING EXPERIINDTIAL POISONING EY BARIUM SALTS. G.G. Zolezzi and A. Stazzi. Med. del lav. 30, 44-55 (1939). (Italian). Experiments on rabbits with barium chloride and barium nitrate. Minimum, toxic and fatal doses oro listed. The smallest ones incite blood changes, larger ones at first have a vasomotor effect, and later a hemolytic one, leading event ually to anemia. 670 THE INFLUENCE OF DIET ON THE CHRONIC TOXICITY OF SELENIUM. M.I. Smith. U.S. Public Health Reports, 54, 1441-53 (August 4, 1939). J Experiments made on rats show that the toxicity of naturally occurring fooo selenium is largely determined by dietary factors. A level of intaka of salon* ium, which is highly toxic and tissue-damaging when fed in a diet of low pro tein-high carbohydrate content, is only slightly harmful, if at all, when fed in a diet of high protein-low carbohydrate content. Available evidence indicates that the toxicity of selenium, within certain limits as to levels of intake, is determined more by the protein-selenium ratio than by the selenium level. No mention is made of any possible connection between the protein content of the diet and the absorption of selenium by means other than in the food, 671 TOXICOLOGY OF DINITROTOLUENE AND PATHOLOGY IN EXPOSED WOIKEKS. Courtois-Suffit Arch. Mclad. profess. _1, 294-7 (1939). The principal toxic effect of dinitrotoluene results from the inhalation of its vapors. The rate of absorption in workers who are chronic alcoholics is greatly increased. The principal effect is on the nervous system and the blood. The author reviews his experience with this chemical in powder mills. 672 SKIN INJURY FROM DICHLGH)DIETHYLSULFIDE REMAINING UNDER A FINGER RI-O. E. Gillert. Med. Klin., 35_, 428 (1939). (Geman). A druggist working with a substance containing dichlorodiothylsulfide neglected to remove his ring when washing. A severe inflammation broke out a few hours later, beginning at the ring, and he was incapacitated for 4 woeks. 673 TOXICOLOGY AND HYGIENE OF CHROMIUM. J.A. Labat. Bull, trav, soc. phana. Bordeaux, 6, 191-201 (1938). (French). The toxicology of chromium compounds is reviewed. The destruction of organic matter with nitric-sulphuric acids, oxidation of trivalent chromiua to bichro mate with sulphuric acid, silver nitrate and potassium thio sulphate, and tost with diphcnyicarbaside to produco a red color arc described. 03117980 HUB3~utiuS09 References to Recent Literature - 13 674 APPARATUS FOR MICROANALYSIS OF GAS. C.H. Prescott, Jr. and J. Morrison. Ind. and Eng. Chea. 11, 230*33 (1939). This article describes modern refinements of apparatus and technic for the rapid analysis of minute amounts of gas. On samples of 5 to 25 cu. mm. at nor mal temperature and pressure, analyses may be made with errors for each component within 2% of the total sample. The errors are within 5$ on quantities of gas as small as the proverbial limit of 1 cu. mm. The methods described are available for water vapor, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, oxygen or methane. One hour is required for a complete general analysis. Under special conditions the least detectable quantity of a component may be pushed to a limit of 0.025 cu. mm., equivalent tc the carbon monoxide in 1 sq. cm. of a mono-molecular film. 675 A NEW INFLAMMABLE VAPOR DETECTOR. R.B, Brock. Chem. and Ind., 58 , 286-287 {April 1, 1939). This detector is not new in principle. It is, however, a new portable model of the Redwood Hydrogen Flame Apparatus. The size has been reduced to overall di mensions of 15-1/2" long by 15" high by 5-1/2" and to a weight with accessories of 16 pounds. The ease of manipulation of the fittings and of all other opera tions has been greatly increased. The Redwood Detector which is described in detail in Sir Bovington Redwood's book "Petroleisa and its Products," has been used in Great Britain for over 30 years, mainly for the determination of petro leum vapors, and still seems to have extensivo use in that country. In theUnited States, the Redwood Detector is practically unknown; in this country-* electrical detectors of the hot filament type have been developed during thi last 10 years to such a stage of perfection, that they surpass aiqr other type in accuracy, compactness, case cf operation and safety. Therefore, it le doubtful that even the present improved model of the Redwood Detector will find auqr users here. 676 CONTRIBUTION TC THE PATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF SALT MINE WORKERS. L. Reale. Hass. Med. Industr., 10, 17-27 (January 1939). (Italian). A clinical .study vjas made among 800 workers in a salt mine in Cagliari* A ccaaparison of the v ious common illnesses among the workers and a control group is reported and a description of a well defined deimatitis localized strictly in the lower limbs is given. The effect on the upper respiratory tract and the di gestive system cited by some authors was not observed. It is maintained that the dermatitis ccraes from the necrotic, caustic and mechanical action of the salt coming in contact with the skin but since there are not many preventive measures which can be taken, the author suggests cleanliness, and elimination of excessive contact of moist skin with the salt. 677 HEALTH INJURY IN MANUFACTURE OF BATH SALTS. P. Rossing. Aerztlich. Sachrerstand.-Ztg., 45, 57-58 (1939). (Gorman). Two workers engaged in making a bath powder fell ill with bronchitis, gastritis and diarrhea. Tho symptoms are traced to the sodivsa bicarbonate, sodium boroto and sodium hyposulfato which the workers shovelled in a poorly ventilated room. 678 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE IN THE PREVENTION OF DERMATITIS. G.C. Harrold. Occupational Hazards and Safety, _1, 24-7 (August 1939). Previous articles of this series have discussod mochanical cleanliness within the plants, as well as personal protective devices in cuasnon use. This covers the general subject of personal hygiene and sanitation rathor than enviromental sanitation. Given the proper equipment with which to work and the proper cleans ing agents, towels, etc., it is up to tho worker to make proper use of them in the preventijn of industrial dermatitis. A careless, sloppy approach to any .peration will intensify occupational hazards involved. Suggestions are given as 03117981 '=-\ / .T!S 0 References to Recent Literature - 14 to the providing of proper facilities for the employees. Washrooms should be adequate and properly equipped. The selection of the 3oap should receive care ful attention, and a good description of this subject is given. The value of good personal hygiene in the prevention of industrial dermatitis cannot bo over emphasized. 679 DERMATITIS CAUSED BY A NEW INSECTICIDE. L. Schwartz and L.H. Warren. U.S. Pub lic Health Reports, 54, 1426-35 (August 4, 1939). Experiments on animals with most of the insecticides show that they are toxic and irritating to the skin, and in sufficient concentration are capable of pro ducing death. The petroleum distillate which is usually used as a solvent for the insecticide is also toxic and, if not specially treated, is irritating to the skin. The new insecticide reported here is a product known as alpha naphthyl isothiocyonate, usually mixed with pyretkrum to obtain the toxic effect. Workers in the plant manufacturing the product became seriously affected with dermatitis until the processes were enclosed and extreme precautions takon to prevent skin contact. It is recommended that dermatitis producing insecticides such as this one should be properly labeled when sold to the public. 680 CARCINOGENIC AGENTS PRESENT IN THE ATMOSPHERE /l INCIDENCE OF PRIMARY TUMORS IN MICE. J.A. Campbell. Brit. J. Exp. Path. 20, 122-132 (April 1939). (British), The author has continued hi.c research on substances that might induce lung tuaors. He employed chimney 3oot and scot scrapod from exhaust pipes of engines bussing heavy oils. Rats wero exposed to those dusts for 10 minutes an hour for 6 fcours, 5 days a week for 1 year. The doath rate of both groups was well within tht liml its of that for the controls but the number of lung tumors was ai.iuwrtiat higher. ' Of those exposed to exhaust pipe soot, 33$ living 10 months or more developed tumors. The most active substance tested so fur is dust from tarred roads* Data are also given on mico whose skin wa3 painted with "tar" from these substances. 681 MORTALITY FROM CANCER OF THE SON IN RELATION TO MORTALITY FROM CANCER 0? OTHER SITES: AN ANALYSIS OF OCCUPATIONAL MORTALITY STATISTICS OF ENGLAND AND KALES. E.K. Conrad and A.B. Hill. Am. J. Cancer, 36, 83-97 (May 1939). The authors present many tables showing the relation between mortality frc can cer of the skin and from cancer of other sites. They break down the occupation al distribution within each of five social classes and fail to confim the report ed inverse association between the above foras of cancer. In fact the data sug gest that occupations showing a high mortality from cancer of the akin and lip tend also t-j show high rates for cancer of other sites. 682 OCCUPATION IN REGARD TO CANCER OF THE EYE A: ADNEXA WITH PRACTICAL POINTS FOR THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST. L.A. Lane. Am. J. Ophth., 22, 267-273 (March 1939). In an earlier paper (title will be given on request) the author presented a study of cancer of the eye in different occupations. In the present cne, data pn 500 cases are given regarding distribution in different groups, typos of lesion, anatomic location, etc. Workers exposed to sunlight (plus tar or choaicals in some cases) had a rate of 20.4$; a largo group necessarily Imped to gether as miscellaneous accounted for 72$. The author urges that more careful occupational histories be taken in cancer of the eye cases--not only description of the exact job but length of time held and previv us jobs. Pollow-up work in eye clinics is sail t: be less extensive than in most cancer clinics. 683 POSSIBLE NEPHROSIS FROM PAINTS. J.Am.Med.Assoc. (Queries and minor notes), 112, 1854 (May 6, 1939). A girl with nephrosis has been for several years a painter in a furniture factory where she uses lacquers, turpentines and oil paints but has done no spray paint ing. Nephrosis alone is seldom 3oon as the result of exposure to benzene; it is usually accompanied by anemia, leucopcnia, etc. It is possible that turpentine may cause the trouble put this cannot bo stated definitely. 03117982 H H B 8 -0 0 0 8 0 1 S_r. /r*\ .c=(l 53 IV 0 References tc Recent Literature - 15 684 DERMATITIS FROM RED LEAD. J. Am. Med. Assoc. (Queries and minor notes), 112. 1749 (April 29, 1939). A man employed painting metal with red leed for 6 months developed a general erythematous and intensely pruritic dermatitis that covered almost the entire body. He stopped work immediately, but in spite of constant caro and hospital ization, it was 1 year before the condition cleared up. By patch test he was found to be definitely sensitive to the paint he had been using. The reply points out that red and white lead are not widely employed in paints now; some of the pigments substituted are listed as well as the solvents. Dermatitis due tc systemic lead poisoning has never been reported. 685 j I. THE DETERMINATION OF RESPIRATORY QUOTIENT IN REST AND WORK. II. THE COMBUS TION PROCESSES IN LONG-CONTINUED HEAVY WORK. III. WORK CAPCITY AND NUTRITION. IV. HYPOGLYCEMIA, WORK CAPACITY AND FATIGUE. V. RESPIRATORY QUOTIENT AND OXYGEN CONSUMPTION. E.H. Christensen and 0. Hansen. Skand. Arch. Physiol., 81, 137-189 (1939). (Skandinavian). The helmet method of Krogh and Lindhard gives more reliable respiratory quotient values with untrained subjects than the Douglas method, but over long periods the latter method is simpler and sufficiently accurate. Simultaneous detenainations cf blood carbon dioxide and lactate show that the respiratory quotient attained 10 to 15 minutes after beginning work measures metabolic processes reliably. Three well-trained 3ubject3 worked for 160 to 100 min. at a rate of 1120 kgm/mln. An increasing proportion of fat was used as time went on but even at the en^ when blood sugar was 52 mg 4095 of the energy was being derived from carbohy drate. The proportion of carbohydrate usod depends on the available supply tad on the work intensity. These subjects when on a high carbohydrate diet oot&4 carry on this work 2 to 3 times as long as when on a high fat diet* Correspond ingly, sugar ingestion during work increased the capacity for work. Relief seme before the rise in respiratory quotient. It is suggested that under sueh condi tions fatigue may depend on corebral symptoms associated with hypoglycemia* In submaximal activity constant values for blood lactate and carbon dioxide may be attained, and the respiratory quotient then measures metabolic processes* When blood lactate is increased the respiratory quotient, when a steady etate is attained, exceeds the rosting level. If constant values oro not attained, as in maximal work, tho extra respiratory quotient of work-and recovery depends on in creased lactic acid combustion. Ketone bodies, which are readily utilizable by muscle, may be supplied by the liver when the carbohydrate supply is low* The re duced capacity for work under such circumstances may depend on the limited capa city of the liver for mobilizing ketones. 686 I. PULSE FiySQUENCY AND BODY POSITION. II. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BLOOD PRESSURE REGULATION IN VARIOUS BODY POSITION. III. CIRCULATORY INSUFFICIENCY IN THE STANDING POSITION WITH N0MAL ARTERIAL PRESSURE AND REDUCE) MINUTE VOLUME. IV. THE DEPENDENCE 0? THE PULSE FREQUENCY DURING WORK ON BODY POSITION. 5. Asaussen, E.H. Christensen and M. Nielsen. Skand. Arch. Physiol., 81, 190-233 (1939)* (Skandinavian). When the body is supported passively at an angle of 60 with the head up, systolic blood pressure is unchanged, pulse rate increases at once and minute volxne de creases. With the head down at the same angle, the pulse rate is less than in the horizontal position and minute volume is the same as in the horizontal posi tion. All these changes are associated with distension in the one case, and collapse in the other, of veins in the legs. The response of the pulse to changes in position is an important element in the compensation for changes in venous pres sure arising from pooling of bicod in the veins below the heart. A suddenly pro duced hyperemia in the legs produces in the erect posture a great decrease in systolic blood pressure. This depends on the combined effect of posture and of 03117983 Hiuiis-0008f* References to Recent Literature - 16 HWBB-0808B9'' hyperemia in the extremities. The effect is small in the horizontal position and may bo absent in tho hoad-downwards position, where the effoct of anoxemia is opposed by tho hydrostatic factor. Symptoms of circulatory Insufficiency were seen in the erect posture: absorption of water from the gut and renal excretion were reduced. The diminished minute volume must be looked upon not as a regula tory adaptation but as a disadvantage. Arterial blood pressure is maintained by restriction of blood supply to the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Experi ments with arm work in various body positions proved that, just as in rest, the pulse rate depends to a considerable extent on the hydrostatic displacement of blood: tho blood depots cannot fully compensate for the pooling that occurs when the body is passively supported at an angle of 60. 687 RELATIVE ROLES OF EXTREMITIES IN BODY HEAT DISSIPATION--NORMAL CIRCULATION AND PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE. C. Sneard, G.M. Roth and B.T. Horton. Arch. Phys. Therap., 20, 133-142 (March 1939). Continuing the work started about two years ego, the authors present additional observations shov.-ing tho importance of the extremities in the control of body heat loss when the external temperature, or the internal heat produced* ie changed. Alterations of atmospheric humidity had little or no effect upon skin temperature cf the extremities. The reactions of persona affected with peripheral vascular disoases differed from those of nomal persons and the differences are held to be of considerable importance in medical diagnosis and treatment. 688 ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH!C CHANGES DURING WORK PERFORMED WHILE WEARING A MAS. OBSERVATIONS ON HEALTH! MEN. H. Zettel and A. Fink. Klin. Wchnachr. lg, (1939). w Examination of the literature on electrocardiographic changes during votfc mftit- masks show that there is little agreement on tho subject. The present authors examined 20 young persons wearing masks, who ran for 1 minute with and without a 25 lb. weight. Changes were observed in both cases, but were especially great when the extra weight was borne. Changes were acceleration of pulse, increase of systolic blood pressure, usually a shortened conductance time, etc. The authors believe that the changes are due to lack of oxygen, not to defective respiration from stenosis (stricture .>f air passages). 689 POSSIBLE HEAT STORKE WITH APHASIA. J. Am. Mod. Assoc. (Queries and minor notes), 112, 1989 (May 13, 1939). A man digging a cellar in the hot sun suddenly lost consciousness, a condition which persisted for 4 days. At the hospital he had a subnonaal temperature and excessive sweating. On regaining consciousness, he was found to have motor aophasic, apraxia, paragraphia and partial auditory aphasia but not alexia. Right hemiparesls and hemispraxia were present. No renal, cardiac or other organic symptoms were present. The symptoms have not changed in 6 months slnoe the acci dent. In the reply it is stated that heat stroke probably is not responsible un less the man was perfectly free of organic disease before the coma. With beet stroke, the temperature would be 104-108 with coma and increased spinal fluid cell count. Ordinarily in boat stroke there is widespread ganglion cell 'Iwags giving rise to hemiplegia, paraplegia, ataxia and aphasia as well os convulsions and psychosis. The case described presents the typical picture of heat exhaus tion, not heat stroke. 690 EXTREME IffPERPYREXlA AND PROLONGED CONVULSION ACCOMPANYING HEAT STROKE. C<C. Fitzgibbon. Calif. &. West. Med., 50 , 360 (May, 1939). A man working all day with the temperature at 105 in the shade had heat stoke with continual convulsions. The axillary temperature was above 110--as high as tho thermometer wouli go, and he seemed on the point of death. The convulsions lasted 1-1/2 hours until they were relieved by treatment with ice packs, saline 03117984 ill HH66~uu0aO; References to Recent Literature - 17 injection, 3-3/4 gr. sodium amytal, followed by coramin, caffein and metrazol In 1 hour he was better and complete recovery took place after a week in the hos Blood and neurological findings aro given. 691 REACTIONS OP OFFICE WORKERS TO AIR CONDITIONING IN SOUTH TEXAS. A.J. Runnel, F.E. Giesocke, W.H. Eadgett and A.T. Moses. Heating, Piping and Air Cond., 12, 323-329 (May, 1939}. Despite the' Intensity and duration of summer heat in San Antonio, Texas, the most comfortable effective temperature for office workers (71.5) was found to differ but little from that in coolor regions in which similar studies have been made during the pact 10 yoars. As a rule, women preferred a temperature 2 higher than men. Little trouble is said to have been experienced from "entrance shock," regardless of outside temperature, so long as the indoor effective temperature was not below 71.5. "Warm shock" on leaving the cooled office was more impor tant, affecting practically the entire group, and in some persons lasting several hours. General reaction to summer cooling was favorable in 67$ of the subjects, unfavorable in 10% and indifferent in 23%. 692 STIMULATION OF RESPIRATIQN BY OXYGEN LACK. T. Benzinor, E. Opitz and W. Scboedel. Arch. ges. Physiol. (Pflugers) 241. 71-77 (November 9, 1938). (Geraan), Experiments were carried out on dogs narcotized with morphine and pernocton, the sodium salt of butyl bromallyl barbituric acid. By means of aorphine-peraocon narcosis, the sensitivity for carbon dioxide of the respiratory center of dags can be greatly reduced. The stimulation of rospiration by oxygon lack remains constant. In such an animal the rospiration is regulated by tho periodio o&gm lack resulting from the presence of nitrogen in tho alveolar spaces* The length of the pauses in the periodic breathing increases with increasing oxygen content of the inhaled air. The authors state that similar results are obtained if, instead of decreasing the sensitivity for carbon dioxide, the tension of carbon dioxide is lowered (hypocapnia through hyperventilation). 693 ACCLIMATIZATION OF THE HUMAN ORGANISM TO LOW ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURES. F. Goebel and S. Marczewski, Acta Biol. Exptl. 12, 87-9 (1938). (Polish). Dogs were put in low-pressure chambers at a pressure of 210 nu meroury (altitude of 10,000 aetors) for 10 hrs. per day over periods of two months. Blood pH fell from 7,35 to 7.05, alkali reserve was reduced from 40.4 to 32.8 ml. of carbon dioxide.per cent, oxygen capacity and the number of red blood cells increased con siderably. Intravenous injections of 50-100 mg. or oral administration of 0.5 g. per kg. body weight of ammonium chloride in normal dogs produced increased red cell count and oxygen capacity. The adaptation of these dogs to conditions of low barometric pressure took place much mare quickly. 694 SYPHILIS, MALARIA AND HOOKWORM DISEASE AS INDUSTRIAL HAZARD IN THE SOOTH. C.F. Holton. South. Med. J., 31, 1011-1016 (1938). The author has routinely taken Wassormann tests of all workers sent to him for treatment of industrial accidents. He believes that syphilis, malaria and hook worm dull the mind and tend to moke tho patients accident prone. In one plant, of 300 Negroes tested, 100 gave positive reactions. A clinic was sot up in the shop, treatments given, and any worker refusing treatment was discharged. In the past 8 years the number of accidents has dropped markedly and the plant now pays the lowest insurance rate possible for the industry. Malaria is increasing in the South. It is so enervating that workers suffering from it ore not efflelent and frequently need to take time off. Hookworm also decreases the workerst gen eral health. Tho author believes both of those diseases are much more prevalent than is generally realized. 03117985 HUBB-0uoSO9fi References to Recent Literature - 18 695 SYPHILIS CONTROL IN A CHEMICAL INDUSTRY. G.H. Gehrmenn. Am. J. Syph., Gon., Ven. Dis., 22, 623-30 (1938). TLe author, as meaical director of the duPont Company, supervises the health of 40,000 workers, and ho '//rites of the problems involved in syphilis control. Syphilitics must not be allowed tc work where conditions nay aggravate the dis ease, end must not work with materials (such as cellophane) that might spread in fection among the general public. The syphilitic in a modern, sanitary plant is not considered likely to infect his fellow workers, and he does not seem more prone to such complications as infections or poor union of fractures. Corneal ulcers, however, do seam more common among infected persons. Since 1934 the company has had its own serological laboratory where an average of 100 Kahn tests have been made very day. All new employees are tested and many others retested annually. Old employees who become infected cannot remain unless they take ade quate treatment. The company new gives free treatments to all who cannot get proper treatment elscv.hore. This practice was begun when it was found that send ing v/orkers to their own doctors or to clinics did not have satisfactory results. 696 INCIDENCE OF AIR-30RNE BACTERIA IN THE MAJOR SURGERY QF THE MULTNOMAH COUNTY HOS PITAL. O.M. Nisbet and J.W. Brooke. Surgery^, 755-61 (1938). Blood agar plates were exposed in the surgery for 30 minutes, then incubated. The authors find that the number of air-borne bacteria in the major surgery-;of the Multnomah County Hospital is roughly proportional to the number of peopie present in the surgery and to the activity on the floor proper of the surgery. The greatest proportional rise in incidence is manifested by the streptococci end by staphylococcus albus. 597 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES OF DISINFECTORS. E. Wiese. Veroffentlich. Geb. Volksgesundheit. 52_, No. 8 (1939). (German). The author collected information from the literature, from industrial organisa tions, and from health unit personnel. Persons perfuming disinfection of pre cincts evidently seldom suffer infectious diseases themselves--not one serious case was discov.red in the last 10 years. Perhaps a specific inaunity is ac quired by subclinical infections. Among the chemicals employed, mercury causes skin diseases as do cresol compounds; chloromin causes irritation of the mucous monbranea, formaline causes chronic eczemas. None of these disorders were severe enough, however, to cause any man to change his occupation# Mem employed in 'estroying infected animals, however, wore more exposed to danger. 598 A CASE OF '(VEIL'S DISEASE CAUSED BY LEPTOSPIRA SEJROE, ACCOMPANIED BY MENINGITIS AND PARALYSIS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES. V. Mortensen. Compt. rend. Soc. biol., 130, 1510-12 (1939). (German). The author's patient was a farmer who suffered high temperature, headaches, vomiting, and pains in the back and extremities, along with marked jaundice. Meningeal symptoms persisted after the others had disappeared. On the 20th day, paralysis of the legs developed but this was somewhat improved the following day and 2 months from the onset, the patient was almost well. The serological teats gave strongest reactions with Loptospirae Sejroe. 699 ANTHRAX IN MINK {MUSTELA VISION). A.W. Greener. J. Hyg., 39, 149-153 (March 31, 1939). (British). A short description of anthrax outbreaks on mink farms in England. The danger to humans working on infected mink skins is p inted out. ^ s H w 6 B -u u 0 8 u References to Recent Literature - 19 a 700 TOBACCO POLYNEURITIS. F.V. Kepp. Dtsch. Ztschr. f. Nervenhlk. 146, 182 (1938). (German). A man, aged 25, worked for 2 years filling cans with tobacco extract and solder ed them. In this occupation he was exposed to the tobacco vapors and soiled his hands and work clothes with the fluid, Thore were no major complaints during the first year of this work. During the second year nausea and vomiting, severe headache and profuse diarrhea occurred, disappearing immediately when he stayed at homo for a couple of days. During the last weeks before his admission to the hospital he experienced nimbness in arms and legs, weakness and unsteadiness, and finally, attacks of flexor spasms in aims and legs. The examination showed sluggish pupillary reflexes, atactic gait, ataxia in finger-to-nose test and hoel-to-kneo test, and decreased power in both legs. Pain, temperature nd ,--n touch sensations were found to be decreased in hands and feet, also in the re gion of the left ulnar and both peroneal nerves; tendon reflexes were weak and Romberg positive. Electrical stimulation of the muscles gave normal results. No scotomas were found but an eosinophilia of 13%. All signs disappeared in a month under bed rest and Vitamin B treatment. 701 INDUSTRIAL EYE ACCIDENTS, T.R. Yones. Rev. Cubans de Oto-Neuro-Oft., _7, 57-78 (1938). (Cuban). This is a comprehensive treatise on the management of industrial eye injuries, with tables to calculate the percentage loss of vision, visual field and ocular motility, ana a formula to determine the total percentage disability. A fe# schedule for various ophthalmologic services i3 also given. The author concludes by outlining a number of tests to unma3k malingering. 702 WORK OF THE COMMITTEE FOR COMBATTING NOISE IN INDUSTRY. Arboltsschuts, pp* 86 127 (1939). (Gorman). This is a series of papers on various phases of control of noise in industry* Discussion of noise in several types of plants is offered, much of it very in teresting. In one paper a description of the anatomy and physiology of hearing is described, with the effoct of noise upon this sense. 703 DOWN DRAFT REMOVES FUMES. Anonymous. Nat. Safety Nows. 40 , 84 (September 1939). Description is eiven of unique facilities for removing fumes during spray paint ing. The painting is done over a 7 x 12 fo'-t grating in the floor through which the air is exhausted at 200 ft. per min., sufficiont to eliminate the necessity of a booth or partition of any kind around the operation. The f\ae-laden air is washed with a che&ically-troated water 3pray in a tank directly below the grat ing. Exhausting downward makes it unnecessary for the operator to ever get in a position where he can inhale the fumes. 03117987 dZ08000-ggM <r- - >" ^2:- r. < W'--