Document mbB1Bd1Mp7q0qYpqO60GD37NZ

Kn <X} HW6B-0007877 HhBB-0607879 Hygiene Foundation of America, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Fa., January 10, 1938 Inc., REFERENCES TO RECENT LITERATURE ON INDUSTRIAL DISEASES (A) Nowa Items 1 CUTOD HOUSEKEEPING A D SAFETY IN FOUNDRIES AND INDUSTRIAL CODES AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE LEGISLATION. Reprint No. 57-30,lAmerican Foundrynen'a Aatoo*^ Ino., Chicago, (1937). 61 pp. price $1.50 1*"2"3 . , ^ This booklet consists of papers presented at the last meeting of the association. Among the subjects treated are eye and respiratory protection in the foundry, silicosis, good housekeeping in the foundry, industrial oodes and their applica tions, and occupational disease legislation. Abstracts of these papers frill ap pear in a future bulletin. ^ 2 COVERED SOFTER CAS FOR GRAVITY UNLOADING. The following note was sent to us with the statement that it might be of interest to the members of the Foundation. "The dust problem in loading and unloading raw unterials shipped by rail in bulk has long been known as a serious hazard. In most instances fine granular products have been pulled out of a box car by means of a power shovel operated by one or more men within the dust filled car. Not only is the oar itself loaded with dust, but pulling the commodity into a chute at the edge of the box car allows a good percentage of the material to be blown into other near parts of the plant. *l)Ut problem has become so aoute in industries using silica sand, powdered ar- es$A* tamed lime and other hazardous commodities that the General Amerioem ?9u&fl$ei*tetion Corporation, 135 South LaSalle Street, Chioago, have developed, bAilt and leased to shippers or consignees, a oovered hopper car that will unload d&F granular products by gravity. An inexpensive trade hopper is usually used in * efcjunotion with the oar and a boot between the hopper and the oar makes the un ' loading operation both dust proof and economical.* (B) Papers on Dust, Dust Dlseasos and General Industrial Hygiene. 3 DUST HAZARD AMONG FOUNDRYMEN. L. H. Osmond. Am. J. Roentgenol, and Rad. Therapy 38, 122-8 (July, 1937). (See note on final page.) The author reports roentgenologioal and clinical surveys of the foundry employees of a large plant in Pittsburgh. All workers undergo an annual physioal examina tion, end ccreful histories are taken showing the location of each man's work since he entered the company's service. Dust oounts are available for each loca tion. They range from 13.1 million particles per cubuc foot in the molding room to 44.9 million in the core-making department, but a count of 240 million was ob tained during the night shakeout. Chemical analysis of the dust showed 52$ free sili.ee and 10*3$ coloium and magnesium silicates. The incidence of simple sili cosis in the entire group, including many who had worked less than 5 years was 5.5$. In those with over 20 years* experience, silicotio fibrosis was found in 44$, including 32$ without infection and 12$ with infection, The disability oC those without infection was practically nil, while it was frequent in those w*ho Had oompliooting infection. Little correlation between incidence and dust concentration was observed. The death rate among ell these workers was $17 per 03117794 HWBB-0007880 j <C : References to Recent Literature - 2 100,000, os compered 'with 89 per 100,000 for all males in Allegheny County over 30 years of age* The men now wear respirators, but tests made at the level of orane runners showed 42*6 million particles per cubic foot in the free air, 39,3 million beneath the respirator with an old cartridge and 12,2 million with e. new cartridge, 4 SILICOSIS IN MODERN FOUNDRIES - STUDY OF THE INCIDENCE. J.F,Kelly and R.C.Hall. N.Y. State J. Med, 37, 478-81 (1937). Three foundries in Etica were surveyed; two were modern plants, fitted with latest means of dust protection end employing 150-20C men each, while the other, employ ing about 50, used no special precautions. Of the 403 cases examined, 4 cases of first degree silicosis, 1 of silicosis with tuberculosis, and 30 of "dusty lung" were found. The term "dusty lung" was applied where an exaggerated pulmonary pattern or increased perilymphatic fibrosis was shown* Two of the cases of sili cosis were found in the small factory; Three of the cases oocurred among molders and one among the "shakers-out." The authors conclude that their investigation showed a very low incidence. 5 REPORT ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SANDBLASTERS1 SILICOSIS IN THE FOUNDRIES OF OBERHESSE AND HESSE-NASSAU. H.R.Buettr.cr. Verb. Deut. ges. f. Inn. Med. 48, l'?S-82 (1936). Pneumoconiosis was diagnosed in 20% of 147 sandblasters examined, and 2 cases were classified as severe. Seven out of 53 who had worked for 1 year had definite pneumoconiosis and 5 had primary pulmonary tuberculosis, while 9 cases were found in those with occupational exposure of 5 to 24 years. The x-ray films in 18 of 28 cases of pneumoconiosis resembled those of definite miliary tuberculosis. In two large glass works investigated, 10 and 443 of the sandblasters, respectively, had pneumoconiosis; imperfect protection was afforded in the latter works. 6 FILTRATION OF RESPIRED AIR AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN PNEUMOCONISSIS. G. Lehmann, Ergeb. d. Hyg, u. Bact. 19, 1-87 (1937), (German), Hiii paper is a summary and amplification of the author*s work on filtering ability of the nose, some of which hes beer, reported in these abstracts. An ap paratus for testing nasal filtration is described. The nasal mechanism for ar resting dust is described fully* Experiments on the relation between nasal fil tration and pneumoconiosis are reported; good dust filtration is found to be a protection against the early development of severe pneumoconiosis. An investiga tion of wearability and efficiency of dust protective measures is also included. The experiments heve been carried out very thoroughly and are of great interest, 7 THE EXCRETION OF SILICA IN URINE AFTER ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF SILICA AND SILICATE DUSTS A!D THE SOLUBILITY OF SILICA AND SILICATE DUSTS IN ACID AID ALKALINE SOLU TIONS AT 370C. A.G.R.Whitehousc, British Colliery Owners' Research Association, Royal School of Minc-s London, England. J. Ir.d< Hyg, 4 Toxicol, 19, 590-7 (December 1937), Reprints obtainable from author. It is known that silica dust taken into the stomach of a dog causes a definite in crease in urinary output of silica, and the author made a similar human investi gation, using himself as subject, swallowing various quantities of quarts, flint, precipitated silica, and whinstone, a mixture of silicates containing no free silica. Various precautions were found necessary for accurate results; the input of liquids had to be kept constant, water low in silica had to be used, and beer v.ts avoided. The daily excretion of silica was definitely increased with very fine flir.t dust, the silicate dust and precipitated silica; in the case of silicic acid the increase was much greater. Ir. the second part of the investigation, the solubility of silica and silicate dusts ir. solutions of known acidity and alkalinity was determined at the body temperature, 37C. This procedure was r.eccss' ry because the results of the feed ing experiments did not reveal whether the dusts dissolved in the gestric juice 03117795 >> NUBB-8607S81 References to Recent Literature - 3 or in the alkaline body fluids. The amount of silica dissolved by 0*1 normal so dium hydroxide was greatest with flint, lower values being obtained from quartz, coal-measure sandstones, granite and whinstone, while a sur.ple of stone dust (about 5% free silica) gave much the lowest figure. With 0.1 normal hydrochloric acid, as solvent, the dusts arranged in order of solubility were whinstone, granite, sandstone, quartz and flint. The amount of silica dissolved by 0.2 nor mal sodium carbonate was much greater than by 0.1 n* sodium hydroxide, while the reverse of this was the case with granite. The influence on the rate of solution of such factors as particle size and ratio < dust to solvent are shown. In view of the facts determined, great care should be exercised in attempting to corre late urinary excretion of silica with silicosis. 8 ETIOLOGY, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PROTECTION AGAINST LONG INFLAMMATION OF WORKERS IN THOMAS SLAG MILLS. H. Gundel and H. Fischer. Ztschr. f. Hyg. u. Infection. (German) 120, 66-87 (1937). Statistical data or. incidence and fatal cases of pneumonia in Thomas slag workers are presented, both for early days and recent years, during which there were sev eral epidemic-like outbreaks. The authors agree with others in believing that the dust weakens resistance of lung tissue to bacteria and paves the way for inflam matory diseases of the lungs. ftreumonia of types II and III was found abundantly in workers in Thomas slag pl.-nts Therefore the case is one of real infectious disease, the frequent occurrence of which is determined by a special hazard. The authors recommend elimination of all workers with catarrh of the upper respiratory tract. They have also begun active immunization of personnel of one industry against pneumonia of types I, II, and III, Animal experiments on the effect of magnesium in Thomas slag are being con ducted* 9 MINERALOGIC AND PHYSICAL FROFORTIES OF MINERALS AND THEIR DUSTS WITH REGARD TO THE DUST HAZARD IN STONE QUARRYING, DRESSING AND MANUFACTURING. G. Hass, Zntrlbl. f. Gewerbehyg, u. Unfall. 24, 193-201 (1937). A comprehensive description of silicates and minerals under the heeding of "free silica0 and other minerals is given. The author's view is noteworthy in that he believes eericite may possibly be formed from feldspars by "disintegration processes* in the lungs. The author suggests, as others have previously, that the composition of a dust under certain conditions may be different from that of its parent substance. Quartz mixtures in fluorspar, barite and roofing slate are described and the role they play in dust formation is discussed. The chemical and physical properties, occurrence, importance and technical uses of various kinds of stone are presented ir. a table. 10 THE EFFECTS OF COAL SMOKE OF KNOWN COMPOSITION ON THE LUNGS OF ANIMALS. Lucy Schr.urer and S. R. Haythorn. Am. J. Pathol. 13, 799-808 (Sept, 1937). Reprints are obtainable from Dr. Haythorn, Singer Memorial Lab., Allegheny General Hos pital, Pittsburgh, pa, Ar. experimental method is described by which finely divided carbon particles in an almost pure state may be successfully introduced into the alveoli of the lungs. Immediately after exposure to the smoke inhalations the lung lesions were those cf r.cn-occupc.tional anthracosis. The animals kept under animal house conditions for several months to a year after exposure to smote developed fibrous reactions about the- carbor. deposits with the formation of collagen strands. The resulting lung changes were analogous to those of a milder grade of bituminous as seen in soft coal miners. The- method provides a way cf experimental study of the actual relation cf carbor. deposits to the common respiratory infections - Author's summary. 03117796 nB6 fl0O7882" References to Reoent Literature - 4 11 PNEUMOCONIOSES OF THE WORKER. K. Wider. Ztschr. f. Gewepbehyg. u. Unfall, 44, 131-5 (1937). Silicosis became compensable in Austria on April 1, 1935. Since then, 2C6 cases have been reported in the Worbnen's Compensation Office; of these, 171 are miners, some from lignite mines* In the metal industry, most cases are among sandstone grinders and sandblasters. 1 12 HJLMONARY ASBESTOS IS. IV. TEE ASBESTOS BODY AND SIMILAR OBJECTS IN TEE LUNG. Kenneth M. Lynch, M.D., Dept. <tf Pathology, Medical College of the State of South Carolina, Charleston, S. Carolina. J.A.iJ.A, 109, 674-8 (Dec. 11, 1937). Re prints probably obtainable from author. The typicaj asbestos body (also called asbestosis body) is an object 10 to over 100 microns^aUd 1 to 12 microns thick and is composed of a eentral translucent fiber or needle crystal of asbestos with an enveloping shiny golden or brownish gelantinous substance constructing various architectural figure. Sometimes it is beaded or clubbed and sometimes spherical, A Prussian blue reaction for iron is given. These bodies may be found at various places in the lung, especially in the bronchioles, the alveoli and in the tissues along the lymphatic route; usual ly shorter at a distance from the alveoli, but often surprisingly long, consider ing the distance they have traveled. They sometimes cause fibrosis around them, but not necessarily. They are also found in the sputum of those exposed to as bestos dust, but their presence or absence in the sputum does not indicate the presence or absence of asbestosis; their presenoe only shows that exposure to the dust has occurred. Similar bodies have been found in persons exposed to coal dust, and in others who have died of heart failure, rheumatism and arteriosclero sis, without known heavy dust exposure. Exposure to asbestos dust does not al ways produce asbestos bodies; bare fibers have been found in the lungs of animals, fhe author has seen silica particles similarly enveloped, in cases of silicosis, not always so highly colored. It is suggested that other fibrous or crystalline dusts not yet studied may form similar bodies, 13 BLOOD EXAMINATIONS IN PULMONARY FIBROSIS OF HEMATITE IRON ORE MINERS. J. Craw. Tubercle, 1> 8-18 (October 1937). In radiographic examinations of hematite miners in West Cumberland (England), the hematite accumulations show a definite and dense shadow, apart from any accompany ing fibrosis, and there is a tendency to diagnose silicosis when a miner complains of unfitness and his pulmonary symptoms sr.d the x-ray of the test show generaliced nodulation. The silica content of inhaled dust, however, is low, and in spite of 20 to 30 years' work and general nodulation in all lung fields, the miners are perfectly fit for work and arc not short of breath. For these reasons hematolog ical work was instituted as an essential in diagnosis. Routine procedure includ ed the following determinations* (l) sedimentation rate of the red cells; (2) total white cell count; (3) differential white cell count, and (4) the polymorphor.uclears count of von Bonsdorff. The findings in 6 cases are given, with case histories. Of the 50 hematite miners studied, 20 normal miners had no complaint of breathlessness and no x-ray or physical sign6 of pulmonary fibrosis, while 30 complained of pulmonary disability in varying degrees, with positive x-ray find ings. Many miners develop a pure pulmonary siderosis without accompanying fibro sis, and their blood picture is normal. Sidero-silicosis of uncomplicated type shows a definite increase in percentage of lymphocytes, and the ratio of poly morphonuclear oells to lymphocytes becomes 1 or less. The sedimentation rate and nuclear count are normal. When infection is present, the sedimentation rate in creases, the nuclear count increases and there is a leucooytosis which may ap proach a septic count. Although the results are preliminary, the method is recom mended for aiding the differential diagnosis of siderosis without fibrosis and of sidero-silicosie, and for detecting tuberculosis or other infective agents at an early stage. 03117797 NiiBB-6007883 References to Recent Literature - 5 14 RANGE OF ELECTROTOR 13TER DEMONSTRATED BY DARK-FIELD COUNT. S.C. Blacktin. J. Ind. Hyg & Toxicol. !, 579-89 (Deoember 1337). The electrotor meter, invented by the author, is ar. instrument for dust determin ation on the same general principle as the Owens jet counter, but the dust is de- posited on a cireular disk of celluloid or ebonite which rotates as the plunger is pushed and is electrified at the same time by friction. Six orifices are pro vided, one at the center of the disk and the others at varying distances from the center, and any one or any combination of orifices can be used for the same air sample. The dust, then, is deposited at the oenter or in one or more of a series of ooncentric rings, or both at the center and one or more rings, each of which is 1 mm. in width. In light dust concentrations, the center alone may be used; in very dusty air, several rings may be used simultaneously. Since equal quan tities of dust are deposited in the various rings and the area of the total de posit varies with the distance from the cente-r, the number of particles per unit ,--n area decreases correspondingly, and at least one ring will be found where the dis --j persion is neither too light r.or too heavy to oount. This construction enables the instrument to be applicable to dust concentrations varying from 5 to 1.5 million particles per cc. (140,000 particles to 42 billion particles per cubic foot), which is a much wider range than is attainable by any other instrument. The figures given apply to darkfield under a magnification of 450. Rough es timates of dustiness may also be made by ir.spoctior. of the record. (A modifica tion by which dust deposits car. be both counted and weighed has been described in our abstract no. 536. As yet no reply has been received to our inquiry for earlier reprints and other' information.) 15 DUST CONTROL IN TEE MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FRO!' REFRACTORY MATERIALS. F.Prockat, Staub. no. 4, 16-37 (January 1927) (German.) The use of water during crushing of quartz is not always sufficients prevent dust, as some dust arises when the stamp or hammer is actually crushing the quartz The dust hazard car. be remedied by a suitable exhaust system. Molding of re fractories can often be oarried on in open air. Rospirators should be used only when no other remedy is available. A Gorman law of April 1, 1937 requires em ployers to pay special attention to silicosis prevention. ,IST OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES APPROVED BY THE U.S. BUREAU OF JTNES. E Schrenck. U. S. Bur. Mines, Information Circular no. 6952 (August 1937). .btainable from the Division cf Information, U.S. Bureau of Mines, Washington,DC. The list of approved respiratory devices is brought up to date in this issue. ^ie present list inoludes all devices approved up to April 10, 1937, a total of >out 40, with names and addresses of manufacturers. ^nOCEDUEE FOR TESTING SUFPLIED-AIR RESPIRATORS FOR PERMEABILITY. U.S.Bur. Mines Schedule i9A. (Aug. 9, 1937). Obtainable from Supt. of Documents, Washington, D.C., for 5 cents, cash. This^schedule describes the present methods used by the 3ureau of Mines for test ing supplied-air rospirators, the standards used, and the method of approval. (A similar schedule for filter-type respirators was issued as no. 21 in 1934.) IS INDUSTRIAL EXKa'JST VENTILATION. RaTE CF AIR FLOW THROUGH HOODS. John L. Alden. moating and T^nt. 34_, 47-52 (December 1937). No reprints are available at present, but r.ay be wher. the series is completed. This paper is the fourth in the series on the subject. (See abstracts 548, 597 :r.d 536} Th. air volume to be drawn through a hood can be computed only after the general shape and location cf the hood are established. The minimum basis for the necessary assunpticr: is a freehand sketch reasonably drawn to scale. 03117798 NWBB-B607884 References to Recent Literature - 6 The preparation of thia sketoh must take into account most of the faotors treated in the former papers, whioh are svasnarized, including elimination of unnecessary air contamination, oontrol of dust-dispersing eurrents by taffies or shields, and by ourrents of greater intensity, making tho exhaust velocity greater than the velooity of escape at all points, and locating the hood so that high-speed par ticle* will .be thrown into it. No general statement oan be made as to the ve locities required to prevent the escape of dust and dusty air, and the engineer must lay his own foundation for hood design* A simple exploratory hood is de scribed and illustrated* Its volvane rate of flow con be measured and plotted against the static suction. It can be moved until the most satisfactory location is found* Such equipment will pay for itself in lessened first cost of the ex haust system. Avorage faee velocities of 500 to 1000 feet per minute are usually sufficient for > hoods partially or wholly enclosing the dust source. Most woodworking and grind ing hoods fall in this catogory. Figures ore given for several examples. Ex periments with a mixture of stones and coffee beans showed that relatively low velocities will pick up fairly heavy particles. The coffee beans alone were picked up at 1650 f.p*m. Satisfactory pipe sites and suction for a variety of 0 manufacturing machinery are given in a table. Formulas are given for calculating necessary air volume entering the hood. The eooffioient of entry is discussed, with experimental results on different types of orifices. Of these types, tho well-rounded noztle and the thin plate orifice, are extensively used and have been investigated thoroughly, but oooffioients of same of the others are not so well established* The loss in percent velooity head is plotted against coefficient of entry, and the method of calcu lation is given. 19 SUMY IN THE ENAMEL RANT. E. Eckels. Coram. Forum 4, 4 (Deo., 1937), A general paper reporting safety precautions in use at the Brio plant of the Goneral Eloctric Co*, including mechanical safeguards end prevention of exoess preseuro in spray barrels. The use of respirators in spraying operations and in struction of operators regarding lead and silicosis hazards is urged. 8pray booths have been improved and good respirators and other protective equipment are now available, and silicosis has lcet its first place as a hazard in the enamel plant. The present evils in the enamel plant, qs elsewhere, are the small things not attended to or properly supervised. 20 SOME NOTES ON THE PROIERTIES OF CHILLED METALLIC SHOT AND GRIT USED IN SAND BLASTING. J.E*Hurst and J.H.D.Brad6haw. Foundry Trade J. 57, 447-8, 474-6, (Dec. 9 and 16, 1937). Metallic shot ar.d grit are used extensively in Great Britain instead of sand for abrasive blasting. The term "shot" denotes more or loss spherical particles, end "grit" those with sharp edges. They arc used in a wide range of sizes, from 100 mosh and coarser, for various types of work* This paper is a discussion of chemical composition, performance data, nozzle wear, life of the shot and grit, strength properties, microstructure and grading, with results of various tests. No general conclusion is reached, because the necessary properties vary widely with the exact nature of the work. Additional investigation is reoommendod. 21 A NEW ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR. G.W.Penney. Elec. Eng. 56, 159-71 (1937). Reprints arc btr.inr.tie from the author, address Researoh GTborutory, Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co., East Pittsburgh, lb. The author describes a new type of plate to plate precipitator with pre-ionizing wires, and states that as a. result high air cleaning efficiencies are now pos sible without the production of objectionable concentrations of ozone or oxides of nitrogen. The precipitators hove been found to give excellent results in re moving smoko, soot, pollen causing hay fever and asthma, and hazardous dust* such as silica. Tests with the impinger showed a dust eolleoting offioienoy of 996J( 03117799 , HM8B-0007885 References t- Recent Literature - 7 22 iilR CONDITIONING FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS. Charles L. Hubbard. Power Plant Eng. 41, 681-2 (November 1937). The use *f air c'nditlning in industry is growing, not only for protecti-nagainst injury, but also for comfort cr.d greater efficiency. The present briof paper deals exclusively with the latter aspect. Physical comfort depends large ly upon bodily temperature, and this in turn upon the relation between the rates of heat preducti-r. and dissipation} that is, heat r.ust be removed fr-n the body at the same rate at which it is produced. The principal factors affecting this condition are temperature, humidity, and air m-tion, and between certcin limits various cor.binati-ns of these will give practically the same result. The "ef fective tonperature* is any combination of the 3 factors that give the sane re sult as saturated still air at 70 F. Tables, abridged from more elaborate ones published by the ^.S.H.V.E. arc presented, shewing such combinations fer summer and winter c.nditi-r.s, for still air and f-r a velocity of 200 feet per minute. It is pointed oUt that t* o great a contrast between indoor and outside air nust net be introduced. In general it should net exceed 10CF., but in special cases >-- modifierti.ns ere necessary. S' 23 AIR CONDITIONING IN FACTORIES. CAY.Price. Proc. Royal Soc. Med. 30, 1544-7 (Oct :ber 1937.) The author believes that c~nditi ns in different industries arc too varied to all-w .'.dopti-n of complete air-conditioning methods. In Great Britain the prob lem i6 mainly one of vontilati-r. and adequate heating, supplemented with air cleaning where necessary. 24 AIR PURIFICATION AND ALLERGIC CONDITIONS. E.M.Fraenkcl. Proc. Royal Soc. Med. 30, 1547-50 (Oct ber 1937). The author has devised a mask containing fine granular silica, gel and active char coal , The mask is s: id t- retain particles d-v/n t.. 0.01 micron and to be impermoable to pyridine, capronic acid, scatal, tobacco smoke, ammonia, chlorine, photgeno, and sulfur dioxide. It is rccomr.endod for protection against allergens and poisonous war gases. 25 FORD ItoTOR COMPANY SETS EIGH AIR CONDITIONING STANDARDS. J.J.Floroth. Heating, Piping * Air Cvnd. _9, 729-32 (December 1937). the paper is a general dcscripti.n of air c nditioning in the plants of the Ford Motor Co., the largest single user of modern air conditioning. The program started many years ago with controlling -f air required in several basic process es of manufacture, and varied types of air c -nditiening are now used for special purposes; f.r instance, a temperature :f 30-F. and air current of 70 miles per hour, t test automobiles under severe c'r.diti'-ns However, the rapid extension of the program to the strictly human comfort field is mar-, significant. Air conditioning is now used in a large section of the mair plant, offices, laboratories and a number f branch assembly plants. Returns cannot bo measured directly, but must be evolucted fr^r. increased efficiency, mere accurate- work, better health, and especially increased grod will. Spocificati'-r.s range from 80F and 46% humidity in the hettest days to 70rF and 30% humidity, in severe v.'inter woe the r. Experiments or. various methods of dis tribution, temperature ar.d air filtr-ti r. are undertaken by the company, and bidders are given full instructions or. all requirements before deciding on equip ment ..r.d install: ti :r.. 26 SO]2 0ESLRV..TI0NS ON THE HEALTH ASPECTS OF AIR CONDITIONING. W,J.McConnell, R.K.Fcll-.ws, I.:,G.Fell-.ws and M.G.Stephens. Bulletin issued by Metropolitan Life Insurance C', New York (1937) and *btcir.able fr^rv the Company. Ar. investigation 'f a gr-'up <f 5,000 clericcl employees working in completely air-c'r.diti:r.ed offices, and an equal groups ir. offices that were not air c^nditi ned but otherwise properly heated and ventilated, shmved no measurable differences in the incidence or length of absences caused by upper respiratory HWBB-0807886 References t* Recent Literature - 8 diseases or from non-rcspiratory illness. '%en c^mf-rt is considered, however, quite satisfactory results, particularly in het weather, were obtained from airccnditi-ning apparatus. 27 GOOD AIR IK WORKPLACES. W. 7/ictfcldt* Zontrlbl, f. Gewerbehyg. u. Ur.fall. 24, 225-33 (October 1937) (German). Natural ventilation should be used to ths greatest possible extent for economical reasons. Where it is inadequate, local ->r central supplementary mechanical ver.tiluti-r. should be installed. Local ventilation is cheaper, but central systems have a 'wider range of application. Such installation should be entrusted tc ex perts, s improperly made installations may be expensive and useless. Twelve fundamental principles outlined by the German Ministry of Labor are listed. 28 REPORT OF THE CONNECTICUT SIuTE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BUREAU OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES, Dr. .v* S._Gray, Director, pp. 155-221 (1936). Obtainable from above Buroau, Hartford, CcnnT '' This report departs fr*m the conventional type - f state document in being a series of technical papers describing investigations actually made* Among those report ed are dust hazards, their estimati r. and control, as in foundries, rock drilling as a source of dust, preventi-n of contamination by organic solvents and chlor inated naphthalenes, oarbor. monoxide surveys and vr.rious dust problems. 2S MINES DEPARTMENT: FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF TEE SAFETY OF MINES RESEARCH BOARD, 1937, E.H.Statienery Office, London (1937), Obtainable from British Library of Information, 270 Madison Ave., New York. ft*ice not given. Most of the report is devoted tc mine safety, including th6 development of an electrically driven firedamp recorder, improvement of lighting, factors relating to falls of ground, and haulage accidents, reduction cf noise, protective cloth ing, and effect of radiation from '.vails on comfort in hot mines# Work on dust suppression and prevention continues. The Hay mist projector is of value where the temperature is not above 65F, and the addition of moisture tc the atmos phere has but a negligible effect on comfort. Where the temperature is much higher other equipment is desirable. A series of bag filters of 400 sq. ft. filtering area with a suction fan of 1200 cu. ft. per min. capacity has been found highly efficient. The study of the use of wetting agents in dust sup pression is being continued. 30 SEVENTEENTH ANNUaL REPORT OF THE . INDU5TRI.i HEALTH RESEARCH BQaRD TO JUNE 30, 1937. H.M.Stationery Office, London, 1937. Obtainable from the British Library of Information, 270 Ibdison Ave, Ncv: Y<~rk. Price jjet given. Fuller abstract in Journal of Industrial Hygiene, December 1937. This is the latest annual summary of the work cf the above Board. The subjects studied include fatigue, illumination, environmental conditions, a summary of literature- on toxic solvents, scale cf equivalent warmth, medical examinations f`-r Post Office service applicants, accident proneness, vocational guidance and sickness among transport workers. The effects of exposure to alumina dust have beer, studied (sec our abstract 434 ir. the September Bulletin.) In an investiga tion cf silicosis ir. sandblasters it was not possible to conclude that sericito is ar. important causative- factor. Silicosis has beer, defined for compensation purposes ir. aocrrdar.ee with well-recognized signs of disease and states of disaoility, but there arc cases that do not present the recognised well-marked features, and are classed as V.on-certifiable silioosis**. A large scale in vestigation of such cases is planned. 03117801 HmBS-0087887 References to accent Literature - 9 32 THE FL.CE OF THE STATE IK SAFETY. August Sigurdsen. Safety Eng. 74, 19-20 (Dee, 1937). The author presents c. brief account of progress made by the Industrial Conmissi'-r. of Wisconsin, particularly in securing cooperation by employers and employees. The policy of selling the safety idea, rather than compulsion and prosecution, has been kept uppermost. It is often none difficult to enlist the cooperation of employees than that ;'f onployers, but it has been accomplished by persistent effort on the port of safety workers. 33 SICKNESS AMONG 15ALE INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES DURING THE SECMID QUARTER AND FIRST HALF OF 1937. D.H.Brundage. U.S.Pub, Health Repts. 52, 1523-6 (Oct. 29, 1937). Obtainable from Supt. of Documents, Washington, D.C., for 10 cents cash. Based on reports coloring 184,000 moles, the rate ^f sickness and non-industrial accidents for the first half of the year v/as about 15$ higher than that for the sane period in 1936 and 22$ above the 5-ycar period, 1932-1936. The rate for respiratory disease in the first half of 1937 was 56.9 cases per 1000, which is 36$ above that for 1936 and 49$ above the 5-year average. Rieumonia has in creased in the last 2 years, and the 1937 influenza rate was about 70$ above the 1936 figure. Tuberculosis showed a decrease, and appendicitis increased. There was little variation in other diseases. 34 INDUSTRIAL DISEASES IN 1936 ACCORDING TO THE ANNUAL REPORT OF IKE INDUSTRIAL TRADE ASSOCIATIONS. AREEITSSCHUTZ (German) 10, 244-51 (1937). In 1936, 5926 cases of industrial diseases were reported in Germany and 532 were compensated. Figures are also given for each year since 1929. A report follows giving the occurrence cf industrial diseases according to groups of industries and the measures adopted for prevention. In the stone and mining industry, x-re.y and medical seminations wore made by experts, but many abuses are still present. In the metallurgical and rolling mill groups there are relatively large nur.b<--r? of poisoning by lead and carbon noncxido and injury fr >n Thomas slag dust, Cc.ior of lead poisoning still run high among painters and iron construction indust'-i-s, as do also pneumoconiosis cases among pclishors. Introduction of silica-frce grinding wheels and substitution rf stool shot for quartz sand in sandblasting have progressed, and the medical inspection of sandblasters has improved. Benzene poisoning is frequent in the rubber casing industry and a fatal case occurred in a factory making printing dyes, but it is now possible to produce colors that contain little or r.c aromatic hydrocarbons. Attention is called to the use of bichromates in photoengraving. 35 THE EXPANDING ACTIVITIES OF STATE LABOR DEEARTRENTS. E .2'.Stewart. U.S.Monthly Labor Rev. 45^ 529-40 (Sept. 1937). Administrative agencies have been created in several States and materially strengthened ir. ethers, ir. order tc build up adequate machinery for administra tion and enforcement of the many recently enacted labor laws. State departments have been established in most of the Southern States, and existing agencie? v> beer, strengthened by unification in others, notably Arkansas, Indiana and RhodeIsland. In Pennsylvania and other States long established labor departments have beer, reorganized c.r.d expanded in order to deal with a broadened program of labor legislati n. RECENT advances IN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AID MEDICINE. T.II.Ling. Published by P.Blakistor.* s Sons & Cc., Ir.c., Philadelphia, 1937. 212 pages, price $3.50. The reviewer recommends this text as useful to newcomers in the field of indus trial medicine who need the major problems presented simply. The first chapters deal with medical and supervision, industrial accidents and neuroses. Dust and its effects are discussed simply and clearly, and a chapter is devoted to lead \ poisoning. The treatment of gases and solvents is very brief. 03117802 HWBS-0007888 References to Recent Literature - 10 37 ABSOLUTE COLORIMETRIC DETERMINATION IN CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY. H.Kaiser (German) Angew. Chem. SO, 632 (1937). The following method for determination of the silica content of lungs is presented the sample is ashed below 500C, the ash is converted with freshly prepared soda solution, which is then diluted, filtered and neutralized with hydrochloric acid, and nnde up to 100 cc. Thirty cc. of the solution is dyed according to Urbach's method, employing molybdic oxide, hydroquir.one and carbonate-sulfite solution. After dostruotion of the phosphorus-molybden-acid complex, the sample is measured Si photometrically and the silica content is calculated* (C) Papers on Industrial poisons, Cancer, Dermatitis, etc. 38 PROBLEMS ON THE TOXICOLOGY AND CLINICAL ASPECTS OF ACUTE POISONING FROM SOLVENTS. F. Luce. Gasmaske (German) _9, 89-90 (1937). Solvents used in industry are usually impure substances or mixtures, and the ef fect of each component must be considered. The effects of the constituents may be additive in mixtures, but that is not always true. The total vapor pressure of mixed solvents is necessarily higher than that of the pure substances. In the treatment of prolonged loss of consciousness, especially if epileptic seizures occur, generous rectal or subcutaneous doses of physiological dextrose or Ringer solution are recommended. The search for detoxifying antidotes must be continued. The nature of the "second attack" occurring after apparent recovery, especially after carbon tetrachloride poisoning, must be studied. 39 INDUSTRIAL TOXICOLOGY OF TODAY. D Hunter. Riarn. J. 137, 514-5, 539 (1936). The British legal aspects, symptoms and clinical treatment in cases of industrial poisoning by various inorganic and organic substances, chlorine compounds and toxic gases are described. 40 PRECAUTIONARY NOTES FOR USERS OF VOLATILE ORGANIC SOLVENTS. Home Offico, Fncory DejC-rtmont, Form 297 (London), June, 1937. Obtainable from British Library o,; Infomation, 270 Madison Ave., Now York. Part of the danger in the use of organic solvents is due to their being branded with trade names that conceal their composition. Any product of this kind should be assumed to be injurious by inhalation or by skin contact unless it has ccon proved safe under all conditions. Some compounds which are r.ot toxic nay caus_ soreness of the eyes and throat. Simple precautions can be taken with little trouble and at comparatively low cost. They include total enclosure of the proc ess if possible, otherwise general ventilation, prevention of escape of the va pors, protective clothing, immediate washing when solvents come in contact with the skin, prohibition of smoking and open flames (whether the solvents are in flammable cr not), prohibition of eating where solvents arc present, and general care, of health of the workers. 41 BENZENE NOTICE SHEET. Arbeitsschutz (German) 10, 236 (1937). a "benzene notice sheet" has been prepared by the German Health Office for dis tribution to workers and foremen. It is probably similar to the pamphlets issued by the U.3. Division of Labor Standards, mentioned in our earlier Bulletins. 42 nEALTft INJURY IN PHOTOENGRAVING. J. Brachmann- Arch. f. Hyg., 118, 328-52 (1337) (German). This paper deals with the use of bcnzenc-xylcne mixtures and their toxicity. The employees of 4 plants were examined. In the beginning of work with these mixtures needacho, fatigue, irritability and ether symptoms arc common, but Ifroy usually disappear later. The color index of the blood is frequently over 1, and some times there is a notable decrease of leucocytes. The lymphocyte percentage is 03117803 References to Recent Literature - 13 HmBB-0007889 leal and toxioological studies of this substance have been in connection with its use as a hygroscopic agent in cigarettes but no conclusion has been reached on that point, and the effeots of prolonged inhalation are unknown. Triethylene gly col has been little used in industry, and little is known about its effects. The studies on ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, known commercially as "cellosolve", have indicated that it has a similar toxicity to that of ethylene glycol. The same is true of the glycol ethers and ester-ethers, lmown under the trade names of butyl cellosolve, methyl oarbitol, carbitol, butyl carbitol, methyl oellosolve., oellosolve acetate, and carbitol acetate. Such of those as have been investigated show toxio effeots on animals in high concentrations, but the effect of low con - J centrations over long periods is unknown. All these substances should be used with oaution until more information has been accumulated. ,--1 54 TOXICITY OF ORGANIC SILICON COMPOUNDS. I. TETRAETHYL-ORTHO-SILICATE. Joseph A. Kasper, Carey F. McCord and William G. Frederick. Ind. Med. 6, 660-4 (Dec. 1937). Reprints or multigraphed copies may be obtained from Dr. McCord, Dept, of Health, Detroit, Mich. Tetraethyl-ortho-silicate, generally known as ethyl silicate, is used industrially as a stone preservative and solvent. In experiments with 228 small animals (rab bits, guinea pigs and rats) the substance was administered intravenously, intra- peritoneally, subcutaneously, ir.tratracheally, orally, and to a limited extent through inhalation, alone and with suitable control substances, in different amounts and at various intervals. The minimum lethal dose, when injected intra venously into rabbits, is approximately 0.2 ml. per kilo of body weights death usually occurs within one hour. The minimum lethal dose for rats, when admin istered intraperitoneally, is approximately 0*06 ml. per 100 grams of body weights death usually takes place within 4 days. Whatever method of introduction is used, the first action is mainly on the lungs, and oonsiats of rupture of terminal capillaries, accompanied by pulmonary hem orrhage. This rupture may be noted within 10 minutes after peritoneal injection. In quickly fatal cases the heart was found greatly dilated, without material changes in the microscopic structure* In animals surviving the effects of the primary action of ethyl silicate, a definite acute nephritis may be demonstrated: hemolysis, hematuria and necroses of the tubular epithelium were also found. "Although ethyl silicate possesses no proved physiologic properties of a type characteristic of the slow action of silica in producing silicosis, this organic substance, through animal experiments, displays a high degree of toxicity, acute in nature, and possibly related to the slow action of silica." 55 EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON WORKERS WITH CARBON DISULFIDE. J.A.N.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 1472 (Oct. 30, 1937). An inquiry was made regarding intolerance to aloohol among all workers in a chem ical plant making rubber accelerators, where there is exposure to carbon disul fide. Even after a glass of beer, the men have rapid pulses, flushing of the face and hands, and fall in blood pressure. No other results of the exposure ere noted. Skin*tests and feeding experiments on mice were negative. The reply refers to the literature on oarbon disulfide poisoning and suggests that "the aloohol may be regarded as a provocative agent demonstrating the actuality of carbon disulfide poisoning, minor in degree but possibly constituting much more of a threat in the well exposed workers than is implied in the query." 55 MEMORANDUM OF FRECAUTIONS IN THE HANDLING, STORAGE AND USE OF LIQUID CHLORINE. Factory Department, Home Office, Form 1868, H.M.Stationery Office, London (April 1937). Obtainable from British Library of Information, 270 Madison Ave. New York. This memorandum describes precautions to be used in handling cylinders of liquid ohlorine and first aid treatment for cases of gassing. Liquid chlorine should be handled only by experienced persons. Cylinders and drums should be stored where 03117804 HWBB-0007890 References to Recent Literature - 14 they are proteoted from heat and danger of explosion# tut -where they are access ible in case of fire. Damage to -valves, pipes and oouplings should be avoided. "When leakage oocurs the point of leakage should be turned upward to avoid leak age of liquid* Ifoohanical devices for handling cylinders are given. Suitable respirators and oxygen breathing apparatus should be at hand. First-aid measures inolude stimulating expeotorant mixture, hot poultices, venesection, tincture of opium, and pituitary extract, each to be used as the symptoms indicate. 6? STUDIES RELATING TO TOXICITY OF FLUORINE COMPOUNDS. C.A.Kempf, D.A.Greenwood and V.E.Nelson* J. Lab. 4 Clin. Med. 2, 1133-7 (August 1937), sodium The authors found no effeot from oral administration to doge of/fluoride in quan tities up to 4*52 mg. of fluorine per kg. of body weight. Alpha-fluoronaphthalene produoed mottled enamel of the teeth, but several other organo-fluorine com pounds did not. The removal of fluorine from water by the use of aluminum sul fate is discussed. 58 INSTRUMENTAL 2&TH0DS OF AIR ANALYSIS DEVELOPED FOR INDUSTRY. Samuel Moskowitz, Ph. D., Division of Industrial Hygiene, N.Y.State Department of Labor, 80 Centre St., New York. Ind.Bull. Ij3, 502 (November 1937). Reprints obtainable at that address. Several instruments for air examination, developed during the last few years, are described. They include a portable carbon monoxide indicator, a combustible gas indicator and a interferometer for comparing the refractive indices of two spec imens of gas or liquid. Small, inexpensive devices for the estimation of other impurities in air are also available. They include hydrogen sulfide indicator, and one for oarbon monoxide, smaller but less sensitive than the one first de scribed. 59 MHB GASES AND THEIR EFFECTS. J.AK.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 975 (September 18, 1937). Oates oouring in mines are divided into natural ones and those caused by dyna miting and fires. Thoir effects are discussed briefly. 60 COLORIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN AIR. K.A.Smimov. Zavodskaya Lab. (Russian) 6, 240 (1937), A method involving the use of sodium nitroprussido and arsenious sulfide is de scribed. (An abstract in Chem. Abs. and in J. Ind. Hyg. gives details which may be sufficient for practical use.) 61 FATaL POISONING E? WELDING WITH ACETYLENE (PISSOUS GAS) Mawich. Arbeitsschutz 10, 239-42 (1937). (German). (3ne death and one case of illness occurred in workers who had been welding in a boiler. Technical experts blamed carbon monoxide, but the medical authority pronounoed the death due to a lung irritating gas. Cases from the literature are cited, with decisions and discussion of other possibilities, especially that of a combined poisoning. 62 METALLIZING. Ztschr. f. Gewerbehygi u, Ur.fall, 44, 141-2 (1937). (German). a worker using acetylene in a 2inc metallizing tank became very ill, with signs of liver injury r.nd changes in the electrocardiogram. The gas was found to oontair. 0.17 mg. phosphine and 0.25 mg. hydrogen sulfide per liter. The liver changes are evidently caused by the phosphine. 03117805 HMBB-0007891 References to Recent Literature - 15 63 ACUTE CARBON MONOXIDE ASIEYXIA. F.F.Davis. Virginia Med. Month. 64, 337-9 (September 1937). There are 50,000 cases of asphyxia annually, and half of them are estimated to be oaused by carbon monoxide. The author feels that such cases should be treated by a physician and not left to safety squads of gas and electric companies. The recommended treatment consists of artificial respiration and administration of mixtures of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Injections and blood transfusions are prob ably useless. The value of methylene blue is questionable. Psychic disturbances sometimes result from carbon monoxide poisoning, but they are believed to be sel dom permanent. 64 VALUE OF lETH^LENE BLUE IK THE THERAPY OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCYANIC ACID POISONING. Ztschr. f. Gewerbehyg. u. Unfall. 44, 102-8 (1937). A review of the literature leads the author to doubt that methylene blue is an > antidote for earbon monoxide poisoning; however, it has a favorable effeot in cases of poisoning by hydrocyanic acid and cyanic compounds. 65 CYANIDE POISONING. Alfred P. Ingegno and Saverio Franco. Ind. Med. 6, 573-6 (November 1937), " Two cases of cyanide poisoning crc reported and described, one fran inhelation of hydrocyanic acid, the other following the' ingestion of potassium cyanide. In both cases, intravenous injection of sodium nitrate and sodium thiosulfate after preliminary injection of coramine and caffein in one case and ammonia and caffein in the other, lod to complete recovery. This method has been found successful in animal experiments. Occupational sources of oyanide poisoning, mode of action of cyanides, symptoms, identification of cyanide, details of treatment and refer ences arc included. 66 TOXIC EFFECTS OF CARBON DIOXIDE. Ralph M. Waters. New Orleans Med. & Surg. J., October 1937; Ind. Med. 6, 676-81 (Dec. 1937). Carbon dioxide is not normally regarded as c poison, but a few persons are hyper sensitive to it, and two oases arc described as typical, in which carbon dioxide <c = toxemia occurred in hospitals. In one case a mixture of carbon dioxide and oxy gen was being administered; in the other the presence of carbon dioxide resulted frem failure of absorption apparatus during an operation. 67 POISONING BY OXIDES OF NITROGEN. AN INVESTIGATION OF CASES AT THE RJVXAN SALTHSTHE FACTORIES. O.J.Broch. Norsk. Mag. f. Lacgevidenskapen (Norwegian) 98, 370-97 (1937). The gases studied wore mainly nitric oxide and its oxidation product, nitrogen peroxide. Cases of prisoning occur only in the "solution department", where a small number of workers conduct the operation. They crc highly paid, and their desire to continue at the high vrage increases the possibility of ill effects. There were 19 workers examined, mostly with long experience, and 10 had been seriously gassed at least once. Permanent symptoms included dizziness, headache, vomiting, shortness of breath, decrease of endurance, and bad teeth; blood-stained expectoration occurred at intervals. Individual susceptibility differsf corpulent and heavily built workers suffering most. The author believes that masks would be little used if they were provided, on account of their weight* but is sure that available preventive measures would make cases of gassing very rare. 68 EFFECT OF AMMON 3A OK MAN, AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES. H. Muesehonbora. Ztschr. f. Gewerbehyg. u. Unfall. 44, 122-5 (1937). (Gorman). The effects of ammonia are discussed, with reports of 2 accidents. The wearing of gas masks with a special filter is recommended in repair work where ammonia is likely to escape. 03117806 HMBB-0007892 References to Recent Literature - 16 69 DETERMINATION OF IEAD. D.H.Subbard. J. Ind. Eng. Chen. Anal. Ed. 9, 493-5 (1937). The paper describes a photometric "nixed color" dithizonc method for the determina tion of lead in certain biological materials. Three extractions are made, the first for the removal of extraneous salts, the second for the elimination of bis muth and the third for the final estimation of the lead, which is present in a state of high purity. Other metals usually found in biological material do not affect the results. The method is rapid, permitting complete analysis in a single day. 70 DETERMINATION' OF LEAD IN BIOLOGICAL &.TERLvL. J. ChoUk. D.l .Hubbard, R.R.McNcry and R.V.Story. J. Ind. Eng. Cher.. Anal. Ed. 9, 488-90 (1937). The spoctrographic, dithizone and chemical separatory (carbazide) methods for es timation of lead in biological materials were compared experimentally. The spectrographic and dithizone methods were found equally good where the quantity of lead exceeds 1 microgram, but the spectrographic method was found superior for smaller quantities. The chemical method is chiefly useful for large samples, in which a loss of approximately 0.07 mg., inherent in the method, is insignificant in either a chemical or physiological sense. 71 DITHIZONE, AN EXCELLENT REAGENT FOR LEAD. C.F.Miller. Chemist Analyst 26, 66 (1937). The preparation of the dithizone reagent from, phenyl hydrazine is described, as is also the method of conducting the test for lead by means of a 0.01$ solution of the reagent in carbon tetrachloride. 72 METHODS OF PROTECTION IN TEE MAKING OF BEARINGS OF BRONZE-LEAD ALLOY IN THE PRINCE HOHENZOLLERN FACTORY, LAUCHERTHAL. Glaser. Zntrlbl. f. Gewerbehyg. u. Unfall. 24, 24 (1937). (German). The paper describes the methods of protection from lead fumes in a factory pro ducing an alloy of copper and lead for bearings. Strong exhaust ventilation is provided over the furnaces and places Where the alloy is poured out for casting, and those locations can be shut off from other rooms. The exposed men wear colloid masks, which are very efficient when proper attention is given them. Each mask is tested after putting cr., by exposure to irritating geses; the re sistance to respiration is regularly measured, and particular attention is paid to the outlet valve. Individual supervision and instruction of the workers form a part of the program. 73 BRASS POISONING. J.A.M..W (Queries and minor notes) 109, 972 (Sept. 18, 1937). "Brass poisoning" is an anomalous term, because any chronic disease arising in brass manufacture is probably either lead or arsenic poisoning. Copper is com paratively harmless, but zinc may cause metal fume fevc-r at the temperature at which it is generally mixed with copper. Proper protection involves ventilation ar.d use of respirators. Exposure to zinc sulfate may give rise to a different ar.d serious type cf industrial poisoning. 74 TREATMENT OF ACUTE POISONING FROM rXRCURY SALTS 3Y J3ANS OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE (STRZY2CNSKI ANTIDOTE). L. Mischaud. Schweiz, med. Wchschr. 67, 813-20 (1937) (German.) " case :f sublimate poisoning was successfully treated by the use of this reagent. A severe nephritis which followed was quickly cured by the accompanying treat ment cf ingestion cf alkalies, intravenous glucose ingestion and diathermy. 03117807 HwBB-0007893 References tc Recent Literature - IS 79 MaNGANESE. Industrial Data Sheet D. Chen* 26* National Safety Council. Nat. Safety News 36, 60. (Dec. 1937). Supplied to members of the National Safety Council at 5 cents, fron its headquarters. The hazards, synptons, treatment and prevention of manganese poisoning are dis cussed briefly. The hazard arises from inhalation or swallowing of the dust, ifcnganese has its largest use as an alloy for steel and nickel, but is used also in dry battery manufacture, in coloring glass, enamels and cements, in the pro duction of aniline dyes, and as a drier for varnishes and oils. Acute oases of manganese poisoning have never been reported, and all cases of chronic poisoning have been contracted through inhalation of dust or fumes containing oxides of man ganese* Synptons develop after 3 months and vary with the individual. They in clude languor, sleepiness, stolid appearance of the face,a low monotonous voice, muscular twitching, and cramps. There is no degeneration of tissue as in lead poisoning. Th^ metal usually attacks a non-vital portion of the nerves and muscles but leaves the victim well otherwise. The best treatment in oarly stages is trans fer to du6t-free atmosphere; little can be dene in advanced cases* Preventive measures include cleanliness, change of clothing, not eating in workrooms, regular examinations, and the use of respirators where the dust cannot be removed suffi ciently. 80 TOXICITY OF SELENIUM. IV. EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO HYDROGEN SELENIDE. H.C.Dudley and J.W,Miller. U.S.Pub. Health Repts* 52., 1217-30. (Sept* 3, 1937) Obtainable fron Supt* of Documents, Washington, DC., for 5 cents, cash. Guinea pigs were exposed to hydrogen selenido in concentrations ranging from 0.57t 0*002 mg. per liter of air for single exposures of 10, 30 and 60 minutes. Ten minutes' exposure to the highest quantity was fatal to all animals in 5 days, and 40 minutes* exposure to the lowest was fatal in 25 days* The pathologic changes were fundamentally an early fatty metamorphosis of the liver and a later hyper trophy of the spleen. The apparatus is described in detail. 81 TOXICITY AND PATHOLOGY OF SELENITE.!. H.I.Smith, E.F.Stohlman and R.D.Lillie. J. Fharm* Exp* Thorap, 60., 449-71 (August 1937). The acute and chronic effects of selenium poisoning was studied in animal exper iments. About 50$ of rats die when exposed to 3 mg. per kg* body weight, whether selenite or sclenate is administered. Corresponding results were obtained with rabbits. However, the selenite is the more toxic when injected intravenously in rabbit6. 82 ELIMINATION OF SELENIUM ..ND ITS DISTRIBUTION IN THE TISSUES. M.I.Smith, B.B. Westfall end E.F.Stohlman. U.S.Pub. Health Repts. 52, 1171-7 (August 27, 1937). Obtainable from Supt* cf Documents, Washington, D.C., for S cents . cash. Sodium, selenite fed to cats was excreted in the urine' to the extent of 50 to 80$, and up to 1S, in the feces. The selenium, is also widely distributed in the tis sues, mostly ir. the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, heart and lungs. 83 DESIGN OF PAINT STAYING -.ND SANDBLASTING NOZZLES. Frcudenthal. Zntrlbl. f. Oewerbchyg. u. Unfall. 24, 203-6 (1937) (German). The author shows hnw dust prevention can be secured by proper arrangement of the spraying nozzle, including widening, flattening, beveling and admission of air. The design is illustrated. 54 REPORT ON THE ACTIVITY CF :HS TECHNICAL INSH.CTION OFFICE IN 1936. Chemical In Dus try Association. Chen, ina. (German) 60, supplement issued with ^ug. 14 number, 1-86 (1937). This is ar. extensive report or. many cases cf accidents and soveral industrial*'dis eases. Among the latter wore 2 fatal cases of dinitrocresol poisoning, 2 cases of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, several of carbon monoxide poisoning and 2 fatal cases of Weil's disease in 'workers who took care of rats in a biochemistry lab oratory. 03117808 _I a _< = References tc Rocent Literature 19 85 ELECTRIC ARC WELDING. J.A.M.**.. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 975 (Sept. 18, 1937). Two hundred feot from a welding place is considered as a safe distance for specta tors and other workers not wearing goggles. 86 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE EYES AND TTORKJEN*S COMtENS.vTION. U. Gardner. Med. J. Australia 732-3 (October 23, 1937). The author discusses the 666 cases of occupational diseases rnd injury of the eyes, which he has observed in 5 years (in Australia). There were 324 cases of corneal lesions, including 230 caused by foreign bodies, and nany from burns. A rough method for estimating percentage loss of vision is presented. In the discussion a simple table of suggested percentage incapacity ratings for different visual acuities of the affected eye is listed, in place of the present (Australian) sys tem of compensation of eye injuries. 87 S.iLT TABLETS FOR HEAT - POSSIBLE OVERDOSE. J.A.K.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 972 (Sept. 18, 1937). The question is raised as to whether there is danger of overdosage of salt tablets in cases of arteriosclerosis or nephritis with potential edema. The reply is that the use of 5 to 10 tablets daily does not exceed the replacement basis in hot in dustries a* during hot weather, and should cause no ill effects. 88 LOSS OF MINERALS THROUGH THE SKIN OF NORMaL HUNANS WHEN SWEATING IS AVOIDED. R.H. Frcybcrg and R.L.GRant. J. Clin. Invest. 16, 729-31 (Sept. 1937). The loss of certain inorganic elements through the skin of two healthy men was in vestigated, with precautions to prevent sweating. No calcium or phosphorus was found. The 24' hour eliminations of sodium, calcium, chloride and sulfate sulfur were found to be large enough to be of importance in the accurate determination of the exchange of the so elements as commonly done in mineral "balance" studies, and corrections should be made in those studies for losses through the skin. 89 AFTER-CARE .Jtt) RE-EMROYIENT OF THE TUBERCULOUS PATIENT. E.L.Sandiland. J. Roy. Inst. Pub. Health and Hyg. 1, 46-58 (Oct., 1937). Attonpts to find employment for men disabled by tuberculosis in Great Britain have been made in three directions; (l) the establishment of workshops in the outside world under After-Care Committees or Local Authorities! (2) employment of ex patients on the staffs of sanatoria, and (3) the establishment of village settle ments, Y/ith industries attached. The first plan has not been very successful, mainly on account of lack of financial help. The author concludes that settlene-nts constitute one of the most economical methods of dealing with certain types of the tuberculous population. 90 INDUSTRIAL C.iNCER WITH SFECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS RETENTION ..ND ACCIDENT LEGISLA TION. 0. Teuschlacndcr. Med. Welt (Gorman) 11_, 1267-72 (1937). The paper is a critical review and general discussion of industrial cancer, in cluding the industries concerned, the active agents and the localisations ob served. In nest casos it is impossible to render the injury harmless or neutral ize its carcinogenicity; all thet remains is to diminish the exposure. Cloanlincss, medical supervision and change of work are suggested; compensation problems arc discussed. 91 SKIN IRRITATION AND CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY. S. Pcllor and C.S.Stephen son. An. J. Mod. Sci. 194, 326 (Sept. 1937). The prolonged exposure to the sun's rays, open air and salt water, to which Navy men are subjected, is associated with a frequency of cancer of the lip and skin 8 times the normal and a greatly diminished morbidity and mortality from all other cancers. In about four-tenths of the men who would be expected to die from an inner malignant manifestation there developed instead a curable tumor of the lip and skin. The mortality from cancer of the skin and lip is about 3 03117809 , Hii6B-0007894 HHBB-0007895 References to Recent Literature - 20 times higher in the Navy than in the average population of the same age group. Apparently a tumor in the inner organs develops later in only a small part of the patients in whom cancer of the lip and skin has been curod. This problem must be studied on a large scale, as this situation suggests a possible preventive treat ment* Statistics of inoidence cf the forms of cancer considered are included. 92 CHEMOTHERAPY OF BLADDER CARCINOMAS WITH AMINO BODIES. Kenschen. -*rch. f. klin. Chir. 189, 19-20 (1937). (German). Bladder cancer has been produced in rabbits by the inhalation of naphthylamine vapor. Experiments by Schaer on resorption and excretion by the bladder in an aniline ?/orker showed that there are several ways in which naphthylamine can come in contact with bladder tissue, from the general circulation and through the bladder vessels. Precancerous and warning stages are local hyperemias, ystitis cystica, and subepithelial hemorrhages* The possibility of anticancerous action of some aromatic anido compounds, administered orally, is being studied. 93 TURPENTINE ECZEMA IN SWEDISH PAINTERS. AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE INVESTIGATION. G- Rundberg, Hygiea (Swedish) 99, 209-49 (1937), a paper on the chemical aspects of this subject was abstracted in our last bulle tin (Abst, no. 690). This paper deals with results of occupational exposure. The author conductod inquiries among 450 painters in Stockholm and carried out skin sensitisation tests with French turpentine, Swedish sulfate turpentine, Swedish charcoal turpentine end a petroleum derivative sold as dilutin* It was found that 110 of the painters suffered from eczema, and 56 others showed changes that may in some cases be preliminary symptoms of ecz.-mr Various general symp toms were found in rrhny cases. Both the clinical examine cie'e -nd ';he skin tests suggested that the Swedish preparations were more to biamu vV.r. the French. The producers of Swedish turpentine have undertaken tc revise their chemical process es so as to eliminate or reduce the impurities. 94 EFFECTIVENESS OF SOME HiOTEC*TVE AGENTS AGAINST ECZEMA. I. LUPOCID AND BOROLAN. K. Finkenrath. Zr.trlbl. f. Gewcrbehyg. u. Unfall, (German . 24, 206-8 (1937). Lupocid salve and borolan (apparently proprietary rem-i-'. a taut arc the German market at least) were found to fall short of the claims mac/, by their makers. The former has an irritating effect on the skin and the latter does not prevent an occurrence of eczema. 95 LEAF OF ALOE VERa IN TREATMENT OF ROENTGEN RAY ULCERS. REPORT OF TWO ADDITIONAL CASES. .i.B.Lovem&n. Arch. Dermatol. & Syphil. 36, 838-43 (Oct. 1937). The author reports success in the treatment of roentgen ray ulcers with leaves of aloe vora, but only after a long period, definite signs of improvement appearing after 5 weeks. He attributes the slow healing to the fact that only certain parte cf the ulcer are capable of regenerating the epithelium. The whole leaf was found tc be much more efficaceous than the ointment. 96 DERMATITIS ACTMUCA DUE TC ROENTGEN RAY TREATED WITH THE LEAF OF ALOE VERA. H. Fox. Arch. Dermatol. & Syphil# (Society transactions) 36, 891-2 (Oct# 1937). The author and several others obtained no success with the aloe vera treatment. Ir. the author's case it was discontinued after 2 weeks on account of the pain. In view cf the results in the preceding abstract, it is possible that the treat ment was not continued long enough. 03117810 HUBB-0007896 References to Recent Literature - 21 97 PROTECTION OF THE SKIN AGAINST LIIE. G. C. Pether. Brit. Med. J. 2, 792-3 (October 9. 1937). Exposure to burnt line injures the skin and eyes. Respirators for the noso and goggles for the eyes are worn by workers in line kilns, but the question of skin protection remains. Some men, but not all, acquire a tolerance to the dust. The skin becomes dry and hardened, and severe ulcers nay follow. Washing gives no protection, but talc dust shaken over the skin, lessens sweating and forms a protective film. It is also of value as a dressing for ulcers. Strips of lir.t worn under the collar protect the skin of the neck from abrasion. Wo received the following information or. reprints too late to inaert it in the headings t No. E. (DUST HAZARD IN FOUNDRY.iEN) is obtainable from the author. Dr. Leslie H. Osmond, St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa. ABSTRACT #53 was ommitted in its regular turn, and is given below: 0 53 TOXICITY OF MATERIALS USED IN LINING BEER CANS. J.A.M.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 891 (Sept. 11, 1937). The toxicity of chemicals used in lining beer cans is discussed, in reply to the report of a case of secondary anemia in a nan engaged in thac work. The solvents are methyl-ethyl-ketone, known as MEK" and LAC X21B, probably a vinyloid syn thetic resin. References are given, and no defniro elusion is stated, ex cept that the substances mentioned are not generally considered very toxic. 03117811 c5) ~ c=f\ 5 a References to Recent Literature - 17 75 A STUDY OF CHRONIC MERCURIALISE IN THE HATTERS1 FUR CUTTING INDUSTRY. F.A.Neal, R.R.Jones, J.J*Bloomfield, J.H.DallaValle and T.I.Edwards. U.S.Pub. Health Bull, no. 234 (May, 1937). Obtainable front Supt. of Documents, Washington, D.C. 15 cents, cosh. A survey was made of all fur cutting factories operating between February and May 1935, 36 in number, including physical examinations of 529 men and women, constitut ing 26*4# of the fur cutters in the United States. The plants are larger than in the average industry but the provision of medical care is nore limited. Estima tions of mercury vapor in the air and dust oounts in 5 factories showed from a trace to 1*04 mg# mercury os vapor and dust per cubio meter of air. The workers most exposed are shippers, followed by pilcrs, blowers, cutters and sorters. Garrotters who apply the mercuric nitrate to the pelts arc not exposed to mercury vapors. The amount of dust is not high enough to bo injurious. Forty-three of the workers were found to be suffering from chronic merculialism, but there may have been subclinical cases not included. Psychotic and neurotic symptoms and those of digestive disturbance increase with increasing quantities of mercury in the air. Psychic disturbances and fine intention tremor present in 34 out of 43 cutters, are much higher in incidence than in other industries in vestigated by the Public Health Service. The picture of chronic ncrcurialism corresponds to the classical one in all im portant respects. Slight salivation was found in only 10, all of whom had worted in high concentrations (0.25 mg. per cu. m.) of air. The incidence of other dis eases is not high. Practical suggestions include the use of local exhausts and segregation of occupations not involving exposure to mercury* 76 DETECTION OF SMALL QUANTITIES OF 1ERCURY IN AIR. K. Grosskopf. Draegcrhcft. No. 19, 3589-91 (1937)* (German). A sampling tube for mercury has been developed by the Dracgcr firm in connection with its apparatus for determining traces of gas. Gold chloride is fixed on pure silica gel, which is then dried in vapuo at high temperatures, activated and put into the test tube. On drawing air through the tube after preliminary washing, a sharply defined ring of colloidal gold with definite color variations is seen in the tube. With increasing amounts of nercuTy,.the color of the ring deepens, then the zone of reduction widens, and an approximate quantitative estimation may be made with the aid of comparison tubes. A concentration of 0*001 mg. per liter of air may be detected. --------- ' TEE TOXICITY OF ORALLY INGESTED ARSENIC, SELENIUM, TELLURIUM, VANADIUM AND HOLYBD2NU?';. K.W.Franke and A.L. Eoxon. J# Pham. Exp. Therap. 61^, 89-102 (Sept. 193'')?' Salts of the acids of these elements were fed aibino rrts aF levels of 25 and 50 p.p.m* of the elements in their diets. Toxicity was determined by effect on growth, food consumption, mortality and hematopoietic system of the animals, and the results arc presented in charts and tables. The relative toxicitics in in creasing order arc as follows; arsenic* molybdenum, tellurium, vanadium, selenium* At the 50 p.p.m. level selenium was very toxic, tellurium and vanadium moderately so, and the other two slightly toxic. Selenium was the only ore tram caused a distinct disturbance of the hematopoietic system. Tellurium caused loss of hair. 78 TOXICITY OF GREEN ROUGE OR CHR01Z GREEN. J.A.M.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 813 (Sept, 4, 1937). The inquiry concerns the toxicity of the above substances which arc used in polish ing and coloring electrical fixtures. Green rouge is chronic oxide, quite widely used as an abrasive. Its use may lead to "chrome holes." Chromic acids, its salts and chromium oxides attack unbroken skin, and nasal perforation or inflammation may be caused by inhalation of the dust of the oxide. 03117812 HBBB-0007897 HW6B-0007898 References tc Recent Literature - 11 usually increased. The nuriber of granulocytes was usually found below normal. An industrial disease is undoubtedly present when the neutrophylic granulocytic count is below 2000 and the total leucocytic count is below 4000, even with fair general condition* However, there is great variation in the ratio of blood find- ' ings and symptoms; if the sjjsptons ere severe with no marked blood changes, in dustrial disease must be considered present. In plants where benzine is used instead of benzene and xylene, the v/orktrs' health was much better than ir. the others, and the use of benzine should be encouraged. Ventilation and local ex haust systems should be provided. *(and slight subjective symptoms). 43^KETENE AS A NOXIOUS GAS. G.R.Cameron and A.Neuberger. J. Path. Bact. 45, 653-60 -Y / f\ (November 1937). The toxicity of ketene has been suspected, but not previously fully investigated. In concentrations of less than 100 parts per million, ketene was proved fatal to mice. It resembles phosgene ir. its mode of action, which is mainly in tho al veolar and capillary tissues. Gas musks with canisters containing soda lime give efficient protection. 44 EXPOSURE TO TRICHLORETHYLENE, Ir.d. Bull. 16, 437-6 (ITov, 1937). Obtainable from Division of Industrial Hygiene, N.Y. State^ept. of Labor, 80 Centre St., New York. N.Y. The Division of Industrial Hygiene is undertaking an extensive investigation of possible toxic effects of exposure to triohlorethylene, and this paper is a pre liminary review of the present status of the subject. The work of von Oettingen (our abstract no. 563) and the earlier work of Stuber are reviewed briefly. An assiduous search of American literature has failed to reveal a single case of in dustrial poisoning due to triohlorethylene; whether this is due to unreported cases or to actual absence of cases, wc do not know. It i6 suggested that the discrepancy between this lack of cases and the number reported in Europe is due to the greater stability of the American product, which point is being investi gated. Throe cases of v.-orkers under exposure to triohlorethylene are being studied. A list of their symptoms is presented* but the symptoms do not as yet offer a definite conclusion as to whether they arc the result of exposure. A full report of these cases end other findings will appear when the investigations arc completed. 'V LASSIFICaTION OF TRICKLORETHYIENE. K. Trillat. Ann. d. Hyg, pub. 1, 434-41 1937). (French). c author states that the belief that triohlorethylene is dangerous is unground ed so far as the present product is concerned. .No case of acute poisoning has appeared since 1930, and earlier cases were due to the impure product. Quoting ror. the Conseil d1 Hygiene, he says: "The - listing cf triohlorethylene with .azordous substances thus is unjustified." (The abstractor objects to this con clusion on the ground that the chronic effect is disregarded and that there are many recent reported cases of acute poisoning, a fair estimate of the toxicity cf triohlorethylene car. be obtained from the preceding abstract, also no. 652 in December Bulletin and the original paper of no. 563, in the November Bulletin.) 46 ^HEaLTH HAZARDS IN THE USE OF CaRBQN TETRACHLORIDE. G.Y.'.Daubenspeck. 111. Med. J. 72, 274-5 (Sept. 1937). t The industrial uses of carton tetrachloride are listed and symptoms of acute poisoning are giver.. For constant exposure, 100 parts per million is considered the maximum safe concentration. Its decomposition products (phosgene, and hy drogen chloride especially) are very toxic and contact with an open flame in a closed room should be avoided. Carbon tetrachloride should be handled only in faS closed systems or under forced draft, and special precautions must be taken when other substances like chlorinated waxes, aloohol, etc., are also used. p forjve 03117813 HWBB-0007899 References to Recent Literature - 12 47 TOXICITY OF HALOTAX AND CHLORINATED NAPTKALENIS. J.A.M.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 1386 (Oct. 23, 1937). The inquirer reports that all workers exposed to halawax in a plant have developed an acne, in spite of protective measures. The face and arms are chiefly attacked. The reply refers to Special Bulletin No. 43 of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (obtainable on application to that Department), but deals es pecially with the systemic effects. 48 GLYCERIN, ETHYLENE GLYCOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL AND DIETHYLENE GLYCOL. H.G.O.Hoick J.A.::..*. 109, 1517-20 (Nov. 6, 1937). On account of the substitution of dicthylene glycol for glycerin as a hygroscopic agent, the toxicity of the 2 substances was studied in feeding experiments on rats. High concentrations of glycerin appear harmless, but 5# of diethylene glycol was found distinctly injurious, judgiag by mortality, stunted growth end impaired reproductive capacity. When administered in water it was even more toxic 0.25$ in water seemed to hinder growth. 49 RENAL LESIONS DUE TO DIETHYLENE GLYCOL. H.D.Kesten, M.G.Mulinos and L. Pomerant2 J.A.L'.A. 109, 1509-11 (Nov. 6, 1937). Diethylene glycol administered orally to rats and intravenously to rabbits caused extensive injury to the epithelium of the renal convoluted tubules, leading to urinary obstruction and uremia. The liver and adrenals were less regularly in volved. Three per cent dicthylene glycol in the drinking water killed about half of the rats in 2 months Other details are given. so Propylene glycol: rate of metabolism, absorption and excretion, with method for . X ( ;2 ESTIMATION IN BODY FLUIDS. A.J.Lehman and H.W.Newman. J. Fharmaool. & Exp. Therap. 60, 312-22 (July 1937). An experimental study of the effects of injected and ingested propylene glycol on animals showed that in intravenous injection, the acute toxicity was less than half that of ethyl alcohol, and the narcotic action about ono-third as groat. It is estimated in body fluids by oxidation with sodium neriodate after pre cipitation of glucose by barium hydroxide in alcoholic solution. 51 THE GLYCOLS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES. L.J.Goldwater, Div. of Industrial Hygiene, N.Y.State Dept, of Labor, 80 Center St., New York. Ind. Bull. 16, 308-9 (Aug. 1937). Reprints obtainable at above address. The Division of Industrial Hygiene is making a study of some of the glycols and their derivatives, which are boconing more widely used in industry. In a brief review of the literature, the author states that no cases of industrial poison ing from ethylene glycol have been reported, but urges reasonable precaution in handling glycol until further observations have freed the substance from any sus picion of toxicity under industrial conditions. 52 THE GLYCOLS aND THEIR DERIVATIVES. II and III. Leonard J. Goldwater. Ind. Bull. 16, 438-9 (Nov. 1937) and 504-5 (Doc. 1937). Reprints obtainable as per pre coding abstract. The review of the- literature on glycols :nd derivatives is extended to consider ation of prop^l^e glycol, diethlytnc glycol, triethlyene glycol, "cello6olven and other others, and glycol esters* Industrial poisoning due to propylene gly col has net as yet beer, reported. The animal experiments that have been made (including abstract 50) indicate a relatively low toxicity, but the results so far obtained cannot bo interpreted in terms of industrial exposure* Diethylene glycol has been given publicity as a result of fatalities resulting from its use as a solvent, and such an occurrence should warn all who contemplate using newly developed substances for any purpose whatsoever. Nearly all of the pharmocolog- 03117814