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Irdustri?.! Hygiene Digest
(I r;d . Hygiene 7eun.dat i on)
(Initial & Forward)
-fcy-l-e-'Hazlett, M.D. h ATI Cl '<i Q Utt. . C . ,3ame3
Industi
JL. M. Catata . M.D. E. V. Speicher Mi 93 Bel-1 - (-Rav.iev)
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Digest
T. Lyle Hazletl, M.D. (file'1
itelatu\e Qbstiacts
MEDICAL ENGINEERING LEGAL -- decisions and trends
tfndusfaial Health hews
Issued Monthly By
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE FOUNDATION
4400 FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA.
03118253
PLAINTIFF'S | EXHIBIT
* ItiH-kSo r
Vol. 5.
FOUNDATION FACTS
May, 1943
foundation Fact* i*a monthly news-letter Issued to industrial concerns holding membership in industrial Hygiene Foundation. The Foundation is a combined research and service institution to protect the health of workers in industry.
No. 5.
Some Facts and Figures on Absenteeism
An OV/I survey finds that "plants without systematic plans for reducing the causes of absenteeism have nearly twice the rate of job absences as those which have such programs." As the Foundation has insisted for years (before absenteeism was a headline) the first step in reducing lost time is to keep adequate records -- audit your absences. Another important fact-finding measure is the plant hygiene survey. It is no more possible to maintain healthful working conditions without a periodic survey, than it is to maintain the quality of a product without periodic inspections. To combat sick absenteeism, get the facts on absences, through proper records, and on healthful working conditions through plant hygiene surveys. Otherwise, systematic procedure is ignored in favor of hit-or-miss methods. Speaking of figures, one member company reports the following experience for a group of 400 workers for the first half of April: 273 workdays lost from all causes -- 190 from sickness and non-industrial injuries, 68 from personal causes, and 15 days from injuries.
Guard Against Increase in Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis rates tend to rise in wartime. The alert Medical Department of Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co., has been directing a health education campaign among its employees stressing TB prevention. Meanwhile, the Public Health Service has made X-ray examinations of nearly a quarter of a million persons for tuberculosis, including more than 160,000 workers in war industries. Results show that ".slightly mere than one in ^very 100 persons oxemined have significant tuberculosis.n
Red Cross Comment
Commenting on the Foundation's report, "What About Blood Banks for War Workers?" which was sent to Members recently, an official of the Blood Donor Service of the American Red Cross writes: "...Again, nay I express my own appreciation and that of the entire Service for the great help you have been to us in accumulating this data for your Member companies. Thoughtful support such as this is going to do much to insure the success of what I think vie all agree is a worthwhile project."
Annual Meeting Notes
"...A war contractor was much surprised to learn that his 25 per cent labor
turnover was largely due to the uncontrolled fumes cf a poisonous solvent"...."It has
been cur feeling that if we can satisfactorily control the use of materials in the
plant, and then prove that control is satisfactory by periodic physical examinations,
we will net have cases of occupational disease develop. It has proved to be such over
the years."...."All too freguently, the first knowledge the medical or safety depart
ment has of a new process, machine or material is when it is in operation. Forethought
will prevent dangerous exposure. The cost is higher for placing makeshift safeguards
or exhaust equipment on a machine after it is in use."
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New Book: Essentials cf Industrial Health, by Dr. C.O. Sappington, an out standing work, has just been published by J. B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia.
- - - Keep War Workers Well - - -
INDUSTRIAL. HYGIENE FOUNDATION
4400 F'lFTH AVENUE
PITTSBURGH. PA.
F
H 6B -0fl0761*i
May, 1943. Vol. VII. No. 5.
Industrial hygiene Foundation, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE DIGEST Literature and News
News Items
404 Color In Industry.
'"The best and newest way to promote good housekeeping,** according to R.A. Jfessey,
Du Pont color expert, "is by a new scientifically developed use of brigbmaint
colors on all industrial interior surfaces, including even floors and maattnea."
The national production scene was described as going technicolor in thifman-
ner "with remarkable results. The up-to-date trend is row upon rMro&JMdithe
tools painted in carnival colors with here and there touches of br^&Sj|Mflj|KmA to
emphasize danger points.
Many factory interiors already display tlMTipr
scientific color system. They include government arsenals, naval Acre stations
and major war plants. Worked out in a three-year Du Pont research program to
improve seeing conditions in industry, the most favored color scheme for machin
ery has proved to be light gray and light buff. Floors often are painted white,
stippled with brown, while walls are finished in two high light-reflecting colors.
405 Special Warning Bulletin.-- Epidemic Kerato-Coniunctivitls.
.
A statement has been prepared jointly by the United States Public Health Service,
Bethcsda, Maryland and the Committee on Industrial Ophthalmology of the American
Medical Association, 535 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, Illinois, for dietrlbmtlon to
all physicians.
406 Absent Treatment.
Two ingenious methods of combatting the growing absentee problem here been de
vised by the New Britain (Connecticut) Machine Company and the Bell Aircraft Company, Buffalo, N. Y, The foraer awards a weekly "Hitler Plaque" inscribed
with a swastika, to the department with the poorest record. The latter Jgdlg-
nates workers absent without permission as "AWQL," and replace# thedT-.tlg^cards
with "AWOL" cards. The foreman's approval is required before regular Cafetts may
be restored. -- Forbes Mag., 51,, (March, 1943).
407 Wartime Vacations.
03118^5
A statement by Chairman Donald M. Nelson of the War Production Board on the sub ject of vacations says in part: "I believe that the granting of vaeatloam to industrial workers this year will be holpful to war production. Szperleaoe has shown that the volume of production is increased if the workers can restore their
energies through periods of physical and mental rest, change and relaxation. After a brief vacation a worker should be in better shape-to contribute to the
Industrial Sygiene Digest - 2
increased effort which our war program makes necessary. But it must be realizg
that our war production goals this year are nearly twice the size of last yearns
Wartime vacations must be planned so as to avoid interruption of working ached
ules. Management and labor can and should plan the release of workers for vac^
tions by working ahead in some depar-taents, by arranging for staggered vaction
schedules, by training substitutes and, where necessary, by working additional
overtime."
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Book Reviews
408 Occupational Tumors and Allied Diseases. W.C. Hueper. Charles C. Thomas, 220
Monroe St., Springfield, 111. $8.00. 896 pp. (1942).
This book colates in detail the subject of tumors and their relation to occupa
tion. The material is presented from the view of txaor location with eight
organ systems receiving the major consideration.
The fourteen chapters
cover: Concept and significance of occupational tumors, tiaoors of the skin and
its appendages, the alimentary system tumors, cancers of the rospiratOTy&ystsm,
urogcnous organ malignant growths, hyperplastic and neoplastic diseases m the
blood forming organs, mesenchymatous tumors, tumors of the eye and its
BSt
the nervous system tumors, endocrine glandular malignant growths, sex Qi '
tumors, special aspects of occupational tumors, the relation of
neoplasia to theories of cancerigenesis, and medicolegal and
poets.
The attention given to the extensive literature has been thbtuugh and
excellent bibliographies are provided for each section. Occupational tasort
have received more attention in the foreign literature than in American* This
work will be a valuable reference book for Industrial physicians. '
Legal Developments
03118256
409 Occupational Diseases. Pneunoconiosls Contracted by Baplovment in Cfrrosv Mine.
Aa Creating Liability Within Statute and^Jot Negligence. Statute^ of Limitations*
The defendant appeals from a judgaent in an action to recover .-for injuries suf- -
fared by the plaintiff while in its saploy.
Plaintiff had woxked in tba
defendant's gyps\a mine, for sixteen years, as a "loader" or "driller," Tbs
drifts and headings where he worked were constantly filled with clouds of dust
caused by the pulverization of rock by drills and other machines?! *ad being
forced to breathe such atmospheres, he suffered a disease of tbs luags known as
pneumoconiosis, which was the injury for which he sued. The defendant Mad sat
up a large fan at the mouth of the mine, designed to blow the dust'-eut of tbs
galleries and headings, but according to the testimony of the plaintiff's wit
nesses, it did not do so.
Tho action was brought five years after the plain
tiff left the defendant's anployment. The New Yolk Practice Act makes three
years the period of limitation for "an action to recover damages for * * * a
personal injury, resulting from negligence"; and sub. 2 of Sec. 48 makes six
years the period for "an action to recover upon a liability created by statute.
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Industrial Hygiene Digest - 3
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except a penalty<x forfeiture."
The statute provides that "an air current J5J
sufficient to move smoke and noxious gases and to insure the safety of every
employee shall be conducted along every passageway and working place." Air, es
filled with the dust of powdered rock, is within this language.
The New Yorfco
Labor Law required "all machinery creating dust or impurities" to "be equipped {
with proper hoods and pipes connected to an exhaust fan of sufficient * * * powaw
to remove such dust"; and that "suction devices shall be provided which shall
remove * * * impurities *** by means of proper hoods connected to conduits and
exhaust fans." The court held that these enactments were for the benefit of
those employees who might be exposed to the danger of breathing dust, and that
they "created" a "liability" within sub. 2 of Sec. 48 of the Civil Practice Act,
as distinguished from giving support to a finding that the employer had failed
to exercise the care that he should have: i.e., been guilty of 'hegligence."
How far that lung disease was caused by breathing dust for sixteen years and how
much of the damage was done In the last year, were indeed debatable, but no one
could say that reasonable people must deny all connection between them. The
jury was clearly entitled to find that during the year in question he had suffer
ed some injury.
Judgment affirmed. Stornelll v. P. S. Qypsun Co.. U*SC*C*A.
2nd Cir. Decided March 16, 1943. {CGH}.
410 Dematitis Venenata. Report of Medical Commission as Being Pinal and ComMsIv*
Plaintiff appeals from an order which affilmed the commissioner's eward
plaintiff compensation. Plaintiff was employed by defendant in the
bulk cement from box cars. Plaintiff noticed a breaking out on hie skis
spread over his body. He was obliged to quit work. Doctors
dition as cement dermatitis, or dermatitis venenata* Plaintiff
tion for adjustment of claim under the occupational disease
Laws Supp. 1940, Sec. 3435-1 et seq., Stat. Ann. 1948 Cun* Supp. 3e0*~$J|)P et scq.) He alleged that he was suffering from dermatitis venenata, a disease re
sulting from the nature of his employment, and which iefcbedulod ae am occupa
tional disease. A medical commission who examined plaintifft about 9 Mrtfel after he quit work, found that plaintiff, was suffering from deisntltlftfcpVfOtl*
fozrais, which is not compensable under that Act* Defendants contest than plain
tiff was suffering from the sane disease from September 1940, when, he mag oblig
ed to quit work, until the hearing October, 1941, and that the report atf"4hb' medical commission, who examined him in July, 1941, ie final and conclusive*-
The report of the medical coaaission case was final and conclusive onlpas to plaintiff's condition when the commission examined Mm* The dopantest jgpwd in
determining, in effect, that the report of the medical ooonission was, as a
matter of law, final and conclusive as to plaintiff* s condition diffipg the en
tire period from 1940 to 1941.
The department* s order is vacated aad set
aside, and the case is remandod. Walker v. Losellc Construction Ctppyy
Mich. Supreme Ct. Decided April 6, 1943. CCH).
411 Gradual Suffocation by Gas Causing Death of Miner* Hotloc of Bottom for
ment Palling to~ Show Remedy Under Act.
Plaintiff filed in the court below a notice of motion for jedgaent, teAftlg. to
recover damages for the wrongful death of plaintiff* s decedent* She alleged
that the defendant owed its employees the duty of furnishing tlMB S reasonably
safe place in which to work, and to that end should have Installed In the mins
where decedent worked the necessary devices to ventilate it properly* _ - The
defendant filed a demurrer to the notice of motion for judgment alleging that
by virtue of the provisions of the Worlanon* s Compensation Ast the lower court
was deprived of jurisdiction of the subject-matter of the suit* To a jud^ent
sustaining a demurrer plaintiff obtained this writ of error.
The plaiirtiff s
contention is that the notice of motion shows on its face that her cause of
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Industrial Bygiene Digest - 4
action is not compensable under the Workmen's Compensation Act and that hence
she has the right to pursue her action at law.
Since the notice of motion
does not affiimatively show on its face that the lower court has been deprived?
of jurisdiction of the subject-matter of the suit by the provisions of the Wor
men's Compensation Act, as alleged in the demurrer, the demurrer should have bn overruled. Whether plaintiff has a good cause of action at law or whether the*
matter is governed by the Workmen's Compensation Act will depend upon the appli
cation of the principles stated, to the facts and circumstances to be developed
at the hearing. All that has been decided is that the plaintiff's notice of
motion for judgment does not show on its face that her remedy is under the Work men's Compensation Act and is not in the present common-law action. For these reasons the jud#aent complained of is reversed and the case remanded for further
proceedings.
Reversed and remanded. Ajstrop v. Blud Diamond Coal Cnmpanyr
Inc. Va. Supreme Ct. of App. Decided March 3, 1943. (CCH)"i
412 Disability Attributed to Inhalation of Carbon Monoxide. Casual Relation Between
Employment and Disability.
This is a claim for compensation in which plaintiff sought judgment on the ground
of total, permanent disability, against Travelers Insurance Company and plain
tiff' s employer. An exception of no cause and no right of action by the defen
dants, interposed to the alternative demand, was sustained, and the alternative
demand dismissed.
Gardner was employed by Crumley, a dealer in automobiles,
in the parts department. Plaintiff alleged that his disability was due 4b in*
haling fumes from the exhausts of automobiles being testod and repaired m iaidiate proximity to the parts room of the establishment in wfcLoh plaintiffper
formed. his duties; that it was the inhalation of carbon monoxide tad tottjp tana
and gases from the automobile exhausts that brought about plainttff*Vdjj|ybpsa
An attempt was made to show on behalf of plaintiff that he suffered f*0* a dis
ease cf the spinal system. Since no infection was located, his doctors' tOOSpted
the possibility of toxemia as the cause of the disease, and sines a tox&S condi
tion fitted in with the theory of carbon monoxide poisoning, they inclined to
a correlation of carbon monoxido with the disease.
The testimony tbs part
of the defense attributes plaintiff's condition to a nerve disease of the spinal
system and fixes the cause as infection, entirely eliminating the tOZlC effects
of carbon monoxide, since no evidence of carbon monoxide was apparent ujato- tv-
ination. Any relation between plaintiff's employment and tbs disability from
which he is suffering remain solely a possibility. Since there mas a clear duty
and burden upon plaintiff to establish a definite casual relation batoneft his
employment and his disability, in the assumption of which duty and harden ha has
failed and since this point is finally decisive of the case, plaintiff*f demands
were properly rejected.
Judgnent affirmed. Gardner .TraveltrsTaaug&ncs
Company et al. La. Court of Appeal. 2nd Circuit. Decided March 1* 19dlTCcBr
413 Death frea Carbon-Tetrachloride Used as Cleaning Fluid. Reliance Upon Contri butions forlfoueehold Expenses as Establishing Partial Dependency* Schweitzer died from poisoning from carbon-tetrachloride which was being used as a cleaning solvent while he was employed on the yacht of appellant, VnAe Decedent, 18 years of age, and received $90 a month and "found," eamstiag to $50 per month. Until his employment on the yacht, he had been living at hone with his father and mother. All the children who were able to do- so contributed to a common family pool which was expended by the mother to cover all expendi tures. The decedent contributed approximately $101 to the family budget; all his contributions were expended by the mother for the table or for the purchase of things for the home. While employed on the yacht, decedent lived aboard it.
An award was made to decedent's parents as partial dependents. Suit was --
brought to enjoin enforcement of the award, from an order denying tbe injunction,
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appellants appeal.
There was substantial evidence to support appellee's 'o
finding of such dependency, taking into account the ages of the father and
mother, the earnings of the father and of the other children and the fact thatS
decedent had been contributing to the parents more than what he cost them. Pait.
ents are dependont if their own resources are not sufficient to support them,
even if they receive help from their other children. The test is whether his j*
contribution wa3 in whole or in part a means of maintaining them in the manner
in which they had been living and whether they looked forward to and relied upon
the continuance of decedent's contributions to that end.
Affirmed. Weade.
ot al v. McManigal, et al. U.S.C.C.A., 2nd Cir. Decided April 30, 1943~1'CCH).
Industrial Health Hazards and Their Effects
414 The SymptomatoloQr of Aluminum Pneumoconiosis. 0. oralewski. Arch. f. Gewercepath. u. Gowerbehyg.. 10. 384-408 (December 30. 1940). {German). This paper reports a fuller survey of "aluminum pneunoconiosia" than those re ported in the March Digest (Abstracts No. 269 and 271). It included 12& workers at the Frankfort Bronze and Alminum Factory, of whem 96 were directly aposed. Clinical examinations showed a high Incidence of inflaasnatory respirato*di* orders, especially repeated attacks of bronchitis, sometimes acceapanlei^Ng gastro-intestinal disturbances. No correlation was observed between ^fvtcas end duration of exposure but most workers stated that onset had OftGgtfNfr within the last two years. Blood sedimentation tests and lung function tent#'IMPS in conclusive. X-ray examination showed "significant" changes in 39, ^arkntf chan ges in 17, "well-developed" in 4 and "intense" in 3, out of the 189 subjects. Most of the "significant" cases and all the others bad had exposure Of 1 to 20 __ years. Clinical signs did not correspond in severity with radiogrspttotl appear^ once; in only a few cases were prolonged expiration and bronchitis rales noted. The discrepancy between these results, showing a high incidence (19.2$ ooncl^ sive, 31.2$ significant) of "aluminas lung" and the negative findings reported by earlier investigations is explained on the basis of an alteration in the pro cess during the last two years, involving tho production of a greater nount of dust, the particles of which arc much finer and are no longer proteetsd by ft film of aluminum stearate caused by the former addition of stearins during the stamping process. (Also, as pointed out in Abstract No. 290, March Digest, blackout conditions greatly reduce ventilation and correspondingly increase dustiness.)
415 Dnnper to the L^gs from Al^tTMTM Dust. K.V*. Jootten ppd W, Eickboff. Aroluf. Hyg. & Bakt., 127. 344-367 (1942T. Tho authors review the literature on "aluminosis" with espbeial reference to the natorial covered in the preceding abstract and Nos. 269-272 (March Pi geek). A survey of the earlier literature emphasizes the differenco between "alvslnosls" and silicosis. The former is characterized by the symptoms of bronohial catarrh, inflammatory cell proliferation, and x-ray evidence of diffuse fine stippling, but no fibrosis, as demonstrated by Joettcn and by Ehrismann in 1939 in animal experiments in an atmosphere containing 50-100 mg. of alistimm bronze dust per cubic meter of air. There were no significant pathological chtages. However, Ooralewski has revealed a high incidence of symptoms of respiratory and gastro intestinal disturbance among aluminum workers. Clinical findings were slight in comparison with the severity of subjective symptoms, which also have no relation
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Industrial Hygiene Digest - 6
to the duration of work. The reasons for the increase are given as in the
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preceding abstract. The authors advocate a chemical theory somewhat similar to
that of Koelsch (Abstract No. 272, March Digest).
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416 The Isolation of B. Anthracis From Industrial Material, with Special Reference aa to the Hesistance of the Spores of Heat^ E.R. Jones. J. Path, k 3act.~54, S 307-314 (July, 1942).
The author describes the isolation of Bacillus anthracis from industrial mater ial and makes special reference to the resistance of the spores to heat. He
shows quite clearly that of three stains tested, spore suspensions showed a diminution of the viable count after exposure to a temperature of 80C. for as short a period of time as two minutes. Ho quotes the investigation of 14 samples of bone meal in which heating had been carried out at 80C. and all results were negative. He evolved a technique in which the material was heated to 65C. for five minutes only and 11 isolations of Bacillus anthracis were made and verified
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by animal inoculation. The method of demonstrating capsules of the true anthrax bacillus by Incubation overnight of a broth suspension to which two or three drops of fresh human blood have been added, and staining films with polychrome methylene blue, is also described as being useful, but always to be used in con junction with the animal test.
417 Liver Injury, Especially Cirrhosis, in Arsenic Poisoning. P. Koessing. Arch*
f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg., 11. 131-142 (December 31, 1941) (German)*4 A review of the literature on arsenic poisoning with special reference to^liver injury leads to the conclusion that the liver is frequently affected, butytbat the nature of the injury varies. Clinical, pathological and histologies) Inves tigations have shown great variability in acute poisoning, injury of ths reticulo-endothelial system, desquamation and necrosis of the liver cells, various stages of acute yellow atrophy; in chronic poisoning, disappearance of glycogen, fatty infiltration, cell necrosis, reparative and regenerative changes, conges tion of the bile ducts, periportal hyperplasia. From these findings it seems unlikely that true cirrhosis is a result of pure arsenic poisonings- In most ~ of the cases reported, arsenic has not been the sole toxic agent; also involved arc alcohol, nicotine, lead, copper, caffeine, metabolic and intestinal distur bances . Animal experiments are not entirely reliable, since in many animals latent liver injury, such as coccidiosis in rabbits, causes a predisposition to experimental lesions by toxic agents. Cirrhosis of the liver is considered essentially a chronic progressive hepatitis, affecting the liver cells and pro duced by toxic agents, in small doses over long periods. A typical case of cirrhosis, caused by a combination of factors, with arsenic and lead predominat ing, is that of a worker engaged in the manufacture of load and calciia arsenate, with some exposure also to dinitro-ortho-cresol. He developod symptoms which were first diagnosed as lead poisoning, later as cirrhosis with ascites. The opinion that arsenic was the chief toxic agent was based on the presence of melanosis, hyperkeratosis, intestinal symptoms and a greatly increased content of arsenic in the hair. Lead, and to a slighter degree, dinitro-ortho-cresol were considered contributory factors. The author believes that the combined cumulative effect of several toxic agents on the liver is greater than that of any single agent and that arsenic alone, especially in the cirrhosis often found in wine dressers, cannot bo considered a primary cirrhosis-producing agent.
413 The Toxicity of Beryllium. F. Hyslop, L.T. Fairhall and others. Bull. No. 131, National Institute of Health, U.S. Public Health Service, 56 pp. (1943). For sale by Supt. of Documents, Washington, D. C. 15 cents. The increased production and use of beryllium in industry has caused concern about exposure of workmen to dust and fumos arising from the processing of this
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Industrial Hygiene Digest - 7
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metal. "The purpose of the investigation," as stated in the introduction, "nas^
to measure and define the toxicity of beryllium and to indicate, so far as is
feasible by animal experiments, the maximum pemissible concentration of dust
or fumes from the metal or its compounds which workmen should be permitted to
breathe.* Animal experiments were made in winch a nxmber of beryHiun compoundS
at various concentration were injected intraperitoneally into guinea pigs;
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beryllium compounds were administered orally to both young rats and guinea pigs,
and finally guinea pigs were exposed to the dust of these compounds in high con
centrations and over long intervals of tine with no indication that beryllium is
inherently toxic. Exposure of guinea pigs and rats to the fumes arising from
the electrolysis of molten fluorides containing beryllium fluoride or ozyfluoride /T^ show that these fumes are decidedly toxic. There was very little storage of
beryllium in the various organs and tissues of the experimental animals, follow
ing exposure to large amounts, whether by mouth, by inhalation or by intraperi-
toncal injection. More beryllium was found to be stored in the livor than in
the kidneys, and still more in the bone tissue. No significant change in heno-
globin values was obtained, nor any evidence of polycythemia, or other dyscrasia.
Certain salts of beryllium which hydralyze easily, such as the fluoride and sul
fate had an irritant effect on the skin, but this effect was absent in the ease
of the neutral salts. Recovery experiments indicated that berylliv* is absorbed
l'--} only slightly in the alimentary tract and is excreted mainly in the feoes. The absorption of beryllium carbonate from the lungs is also very slight* Noy of
the beryllium compounds investigated was dissolved appreciably by serw, wile the greatest dilution at which precipitation of protein occurs is one par%of
beryllium nitrate to 50 of water. A comparison of the relative toxidtiaif of '
beryllium, magnesium, and zinc by intraperitonoal injeotion shoved ttffyllHIl tv
be least and zinc most toxic. Microscopic as well as x-ray exMtfcat&cft 0t the
tissues of animals exposed to beryllium showed no indication of rickets rad no
consistent pathological change in whatever form the berylliv* was given mA. by
whatever method. Since no particular toxicity was established for berylUm*
it appears that whatever toxicity has been found to oocur with the beryiHue
salts is due to the toxicity of the acid radical such as the fluoride or oxy-
fluoride, or to an objectionable condition brought about by the hydrolysis of
certain of its 3alts, such as the chloride and sulfate. No safe peadeeihl*
working standards should be based on berylliun itself.
419 Health Aspects of Fiberglas Materials. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., Toledo,0. Pamphlet, 8 pp. (19437".
This publication presents answers to questions which have arisen concerning the possibility of health hazards in connection with the manufacture and handling of Fiberglas. It is based largely upon investigations conducted by or for the Owens-Coraing Fiberglas Corporation. Tests made by Dr. L.U. Gardner of the Trudeau Foundation have danonstrated that Fiberglas has no Injurious effect upon the lungs. W.J. Siebert conducted investigations which include: an*ex haustive study of world medical literature for references to possible health hazards In the handling of Fiberglas; observations and dust counts in the Bewarfc, Ohio, factories; examination of several hundred stereoscopic z-ny pistes of the chests of employees in the same plants. His conclusion is that there it no sili cosis, fibrosis or dust hazard connected with working with Fiberglas* la gener al agreement with this opinion are the Chief of the Bureau of Industrial Hygiene of the National Institute of Health, and the Aetna Casualty and Insurance Co which underwrites insurance covering any ill effects upon the health of Ovens Corning employees caused by the handling of Fiberglas produots. Effects on the skin are made a subject of investigation because of a mechanical irritation of the skin sometimes experienced by newly employed workers. This affect oenprisod a phaso of Dr. Siebert* s investigation. He sisnnarlzes his conclusions as follow*
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Industrial Hygiene Digest - 8 'O
'The author believes the following generalization is warranted by the evidences Contact with glass wool may cause ephemeral discomfort among workers inexpert ioncod in handling the material. The skin irritation, however, cannot be re- 1 garded as a progressive dermatitis, for it is non-toxic, and usually disappear* in a fow days. In extremely rare instances, whore a worker may be predispose^ to secondary effects of mechanical skin irritation because of idiosyncrasy allergy or tho presence of foci of infection elsewhere in his body and otherwise dissociated from the effects of mechanical irritation, lesions may persist. But those cases are encountered with such rarity that they do not justify incrimin ating glass fiber as a causative factor." Reports of investigations by Sulz berger and Baer, the Navy Department Bureau of Ships and Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Schwartz and Botvinick of the U.S. Public Health Sorvice do not differ materially from the summary quoted above. Wearing of protective clothing and washing with soap containing a wetting agent are recommended. Regarding gener al health effects the fact is given that, "No claim for workers compensation based on a pulmonary industrial disease or disability resulting from an occupa tional skin disorder attributed to Fibcrglas"... has ever been validated in the state of Ohio. The Aetna Life Insurance Company regards tho health of Piberglas workers as better than average. Three usos of Fiborglas in surgery are describ ed. A brief dicussion of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Fibenglaa con cludes the paper. (Copies of the report available upon request from the eexpany.
420 Iron Dust Lung. K. Humperdinck. Dcut. Med. Woch., 68, 16-17, (January*8, 1942).
iGerr.an).
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The author describes a case of deposition of iron dust in tho lungs of fit elec
tro-welder, employed in welding iron joists and plate rails fhr |6 yee$f-dialler
observations have been made by Koelsch and others; emong 40 nlrtiH |<jplTTi].iiliii1
.Coelsch found 18 with slight deposition of iron in the lungs, three afaf changes
similar to those of silicosis Grades 1 and 2, and one with narked deposition-
In the author's caso, x-ray examination showed widespread stippling of the lungs,
except for the apices which were completely free- The shadows varied in size
from a pinhead to a lentil. A few calcified nodules were present in tbs hilus
glands. No disturbance of health conformable with tuberculous infection was
found, and there was no history of former exposure to silieaooatainla dust*
Smoke and fumes, containing particles of finely-divided iron oxide, IMF than
1 mu in diameter, arise from the welding site; these enter the alveoli, are car
ried in tho peribronchial and perivascular lymph channels and deposited in the
lymphoid nodules and glands, the finest particles pass through the alveolar
walls into the interstitial tissue. Koclsch found 97% of iron oxide in the
dust; if covered electrodes are used only 65-75% of iron oxide would be liberat
ed, with up to 20% of silicic acid and a variable aaomt of manganic oxide- It
is not known whether such admixtures increase the danger-
The connective
tissue of the lung is apparently capable of absorbing the iron oxide, CO that
there is no progressive fibrosis, as in silicosis. Mass radiography will detect
at least the most marked lesions and will show the advisability of iagShvenent
in working conditions and the importance of medical supervision*
-
421 Systematic Investigations on Dust Lungs- Part IV. Upon the Iron Contend of the
Lungs of 131 Workers in Dusty Trades, Together with a Consideration of tbs Reci
procal Sffect of tho Components of Dust Mixtures* G. Gerstel- ArcJuf-Oewerbe-
path. u. Gcwerbepath., 10^ 616-673 (June 11, 1941). (Genaaa).
Parts I, II and III of this investigation, published in earlier niabers of the
Archiv, were concerned with an analysis of lungs for silicic acid, altatlnw
oxide and titanium oxide respectively. Part 17 relates to the iron content- The
article consists of a very large number of tables and graphs of 1,000 ctaaical
analyses which cannot bo readily abstracted or reproduced, giving the iron con
tent, etc., of tho lungs obtained from 131 workers in various dusty trades, and
comparing tho figures with those obtained for silica*
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422 The Possible Toxicity of Lead Alloys. I. Experiments on the Rat with Solder. G.R. Cowgill and K. Salomon. J. Ind. Hyg, & Tox., 25,~S189 {March. 1943).
The investigation reported was concerned with the effects of metallic lead and its alloys on animals, on which very little is known. Young rats received 300 parts of lead per million of diet in the foim of solder pellets containing 55.57# of lead. They proved to be quite similar to the control grpup fed an identical diet but no lead, with respect to growth, concentration of blood hemo globin and the appearance of stippled cells, and amount of lead stored in their bodies. Rats fed an identical amount of lead in the form of lead acetate ex hibited all the usual signs of lead poisoning, and their carcasses contained lar^-e amounts of lead. It is therefore concluded that ingested solder of the composition used is non-toxic for the young rat.
423 The Possible Toxicity of Dead Alloys. II. Experiments on the Dog with Solder.
K. Salomon and G.R. Cowgill. J. Ind. Hyg. &Tox., 25, 91-97 (March, 1943).
Solder in pellet form had been found non-toxic to rats, {see preceding abstract),
but since rodents are known to be relatively resistent to lead it ms desirable
to work with animals whose sensitivity to lead is more nearly ccasperable to that
3
of man. Accordingly puppies were used in this study. They were fed an artifi cial diet with a low calciim content, favoring the absorption of lead. One group
of puppies was housed in stainless steel cages and the intake of the dietftwu
equalized. The animals were compared with respect to gains in body weighs* oo*-
centrations of hemoglobin and lead in the blood, number of stippled cells afed
polychromatic staining erythrocytes, and amount of lead present i& the
body as well as in a representative bone. On the basis of tbs deft* flMtipgft the
authors conclude that the lead present in the form of solder is 0*iyihS(||jately
absorbed by the puppy, although tc a greater extent than in rats. He mptt of
lead poisoning could be elicited in the animals receiving such pallets*
424 Lead Poisoning in Scrap Recovery Plants. 111. Lab. Bull., ^ 8-9 (DeeMfeer 31,
1942).
Mishandling of lead scrap in recovery plants has caused a ntabCV of losd'poiso^
ing cases. Causes are carelessness, lack of local exhaust, end poor hMMkeep-
ing. Air analysis often show concentrations ranging from 2*8 to 790 age* per
10 cu. m. With adequate control these concentrations are brought wlthls safe
limits. The ineffectiveness of respirators and biological preventive --ssurtl
Is emphasized.
'
425 Danger of Lead Poisoning Through the Addition of Lead Tetraethyl to Motor Fuel.
H. Waniok. Arch. f. Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg. 11. 166-199 (Decmber 31.
1941). (Geiman).
.
The purpose of the article is to differentiate between lend poisoning duo to
tetraethyl and classical lead poisoning, though the author afeits that the toxic
action of tetraethyl is a function of its lead content. Neurological ajngtr.ma,
due to the fat-soluble effect of tetraethyl on central nervous tissue way be
accompanied and even obscured by the more usual symptoms of lead peisnlag in
workers exposed to the carbonized residue of lead tetraethyl, which has lost its
fat solvent capacity. The case is described of a worker exposed net only to
tetraethyl lead added to benzine but also to the carbonized residue* Sjmptcms*
called subjective, and including headache, weakness, loss of sleep, ete* were
regarded as evidence of chronic tetraethyl lead poisoning; others, such as a
blue line on the gums, punctate basophilia, coproporphyrinuria, and colic as
evidence of true lead poisoning caused by inhalation of the lead containing
dust of the carbonized residue.
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CSMO r*.
426 Danger of Lend Benzine* H. Kraut end G. Lehmann. Arch, f .Gewerbepath. u.
Gewerbehyg., 11, 256-295 (Decesaber 31, 1941). (German).
*
A series of animal experiments was undertaken in order to estimate how far and as
under what conditions danger to health is to be apprehended from the use of ben*
2ine containing lead tetraethyl. Previous investigation by Kehoe have shown tti!rt
1 cc. of pure lead tetraethyl applied to the shaven skin of a rabbit is lethal.
In the present investigation, dilute solutions in gasoline were applied to the
skin of rabbits and guinea pigs. Some loss in body weight was obtained with
rabbits as the subjects; the results with guinea pigs were inconclusive. In all
experiments, in which the animals inhaled, lead tetraethyl vapor and exhaust
gases, the results were completely negative, in spontaneous death rate, blood
picture, nervous reactions and muscle chronaxia. Chemical analysis of the ashed
animals showed a measurable accumulation only with the application to the skin
of the 1# solution and no sign of true lead poisoning. The author concludes that
there is in man no danger of lead poisoning to be apprehended from exposure to
exhaust gases; that the danger to persons employed in nomal garages and tank
factories is inconsiderable (the cleaning of tanks is not dealt with); and that
it is doubtful if any practical danger to health from lowered resistance is like
ly with the relatively low concentrations actually in use.
427 Health Aspect of the Magnesium Industry. H.H. Gay. Iron Age, (DecemberJ51942) This article records the experience of the Dow Chemical Company in carinifor mon engaged in handling magnesium and magnesium alloys and gives a revieiof the world literature that is readily available. In many processes Kit hudl&g of
magnesium and its alloys is no more dangerous than other 0<crcl4&:.;4|ripBU Potential health hazards, peculiar to magnesium are shown to halt a0jpS*ical
significance. As a foreign body, magnesium is no more harmful item MM bodies of other materials, unless bacterial contamination, due to the use of cutting oils, 13 present. The inflammable nature of magnecl\a is well known and the circumstances are so well understood and managed that buns are so more frequent than in iron and steel plants. The presence of sulfur dioxide in some of the operations, and of magnesium dust, are potential hazards, but these mater ials and conditions are familiar to industry and under proper control can be circumvented. (Copies of report are available upon request from tbs Dow Chem ical Company.)
428 The Effects of Ascorbic Acid in Relation to Lead Absorption* S.2. Beans, W.D. Norwood, R.A. Kehoe and W. Machle. J.A.M.A.. 121. 501-5<$4 (February 13, 1943).
Ascorbic acid nutrition in workers in a large plant was found to be poor in gen eral, but mostly so in lead workers. Careful study of a large group of lead -workers to whoso diet 100 mg. of ascorbic was added daily revealed no effect on the lead concentration in the blood, elimination in feces or urine, physical con dition of the men, number and severity of complaints, numbers of erythrocytes or stippled erythrocytes, or in the hemoglobin. Therefore no reason has been found for recommending the use of ascorbic acid to counteract the effects of
lead absorption.
429 Action of Finely Divided Magnesium upfin t-ha Lun^a. L.U. Gardner end A.B.
Dclehant. Am. J. Pub. Health, 33, 153-156 (February, 1943). (A report on this
investigation was presented by Dr. Gardner at the Foundation*e Seventh Annual
Meeting and is printed in the Proceedings of that meeting.)
In a series of experiments on cats and guinea pigs, it was show that finely
divided metallic magnesium did not have any serious effect upon the lungs. It
was also shown that "gaseous tumor" formation was absent primarily because the
lungs freely communicate with external air. It is stated that if manufacturing
processes did permit inhalation of appreciable amoxnts of aa&esiw, it is high
ly improbable that serious injury to the lungs would ensue.
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rs;
430 Possible Chronic Intoxication by Manganese, M. Kaffman and S. Donoao. Revista^j
Modica de Chile, 70, 708 (September, 1942). (Spanish).
a
The authors report a case which appeared to be one of manganese poisoning and ?
state that the incidence of manganese poisoning is now comparatively high among
mine workers, since activity has greatly increased on account of the war. In a*
one mine 15 out of a total of 200 working without masks in on atmosphere densely8
charged with manganese dust, had become completely incapacitated. In other
mines no cases of poisoning wore apparent. Nearly all the miners with manganese
poisoning presented the typical disturbances in their walk. Next in importance
are the psychic symptoms in the form of attacks of excitation, depression, un
motivated laughter and oven true donented states. In the particular case des cribed, the extent of exposure to manganese was uncertain, and microscopic study
of the brain suggested either a type of noninflammatory vascular cerebral syph
ilis or chronic intoxication by lead or manganese, which are very similar in
their effect c: microscopic brain structure.
431 Handwriting Test as a Relection of Industrial Mercury Poisoning, E. Holstein.
Deut. Med. Woch., j, 170-172 (February 13", 1942). (Goman).
Apart from, or in the absence of, oral manifestations, mercury poisoning may
show itself as "erethism," characterised by psychic disturbances such as excit
ability, failure of concentration, defects of intelligence, etc., sometimes
accompanied by intention tremor of the fingers, hands, aims, and finally of the
whole body.
A handwriting tost is a useful means of arousing this inwrtlon
tremor and therefore of indicating the existence and severity of mercury foison-
ing. Examples of the written signatures of workers in the hair-felt-hat Indus
try, where the macerating fluid consisted of a solution of aereuiy
nitric acid, show varying grades of illegibility, up to indeeipheril&t-iflVibbls,
or in one severe case, merely a blot. The same variability Is somstiast found
in successive tests within a short time in the same individual. An early sign
of disturbance when true intention tremor is not perceptible, is the emission
of a letter at the beginning or end of the signature, or the substitution of a
letter, similar in sound, for the correct one, e.g., in the signature "Charlotte"
Sctwaeger" both names were commenced with the letter "S". The defeats revealed
by the handwriting test are related to disturbances of the oentrel nervous sys
tem caused by chronic mercury poisoning, either existent or latent*
432 The Inactivation of Phosphorus on the Skin. M.W. Goldblatt and 6,H* Oakeshott. Brit^Med. J. No.4282,128-129 (January 30, 1943). The phosphorus-inactivating properties of 1# aqueous copper sulphats, the copper sulphate-glycerol-starch composition of Godding and Notton, and a new oomposition containing copper in an oil-soluble form made from copper oleete, Turkeyred oil (sulphonated castor oil), Trichloroethylene, and surgical spirit have been compared. The last is shown to be the most effective way of inactivating phosphorus, especially when associated with oil, solvents, or rubber. A procw* dure is suggested for dealing with cases contaminated with material from selfigniting bombs containing phosphorus, oil, solvents, and rubber. N.B.i It must be pointed cut that the treatment proposed is for phosphorus on the skin. The high content cf trichlorethylene precludes use of the composition for such in ternal injuries as were recently described by Blaxland (1942), in which element al phosphorus was diffusely implanted in the tissues. -- Authors* svmtaxy.
433 Silicosis in Potters in the Silesian Glass Industry. H. Schramm. Arcluf.
Gewerbepath. u. Gewerbehyg.'. 10. 460-472 (April"167 1941). (German)
The author gives the results of radiological examinations in 95 iwrkers with
exposures to dust varying from under 3 up to 14 years. Of these, 35 showed no
changes due to dust, 23 of than, having occupation histories of less than three
years. In 14 early silicotic changes were noted, in 8 silicosis of radiological
stage I was found, in 9 stage I-II, in 15 stage II, in 8 stage IX-III, and 6
stags III.
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434 Investigation of the Lung Function in Silicotics. The Lung During and After Moderate Muscular Exercise, E. Roelsen and P. Eskeldsen. Acta med. Scandin&v. j09, 377 (1941).
The article reports results of exercise tests with a bicycle-ergometer, on 12 patients with silicosis, 9 with emphysema and 14 healthy persons. The amounts of exercise was 400 kga. per min. for 10 minutes. All participants reached the steady state after about 5 minutes of exercise. During this state the patients with first and second degree silicosis showed a small average increase in venti lation and respiratory rate as compared with the normals. Two patients with third degree silicosis showed no marked increase of ventilation. The oxygen debt was higher in first and second degree silicotics than in normals, still higher in third degree silicotics, and highest in the emphysema patients. The ventilation in the recovery period was highest in the emphysema patients, lower in the silicotics and lowest in the normals.
435 Pneumoconiosis in tho Production and Manipulation of Porphyry and Tufaceous
Porphyry, V/. fiortsch. Arch.f.Gowerbepath. u. Gowerbepath., 11^ 160-164
"(December 31, 1941). (Goiman).
This is an account of pneumoconiosis caused by the mining of "porphyry" and
"tuficeous porphyry" in the quqrries of the Rocklit2 mountains in Northern Sax
ony, Clinical and radiograph!cal examination of 190 of the workers confizaed
the probability that the aineralogical nature of the stone might cause silicosis;
167 were found to be affected, 99 of these boing stone breakers and 68 waMdag
chiefly as masons, and all heavily exposed to stone dust especially in can* dry
weather. X-ray examination revealed five cases with fully developed silicosis,
22 in the initial stages. Striking features were the long period# of exposure--
from 11 to 45 years in the five definite cases--and the relative aheenoe'of symp-
tona, occasional cough being the only complaint. Radiography in a typical case
showed numerous sharply defined shadows up to the size of a pea, with calcified
deposits above the right hllus; the apices were unaffected. "Porphyry* and
"tufaceous prophyry" are purely mineralogical terns; the Rocklitz stone is of _
the quartz variety, and has a high content of silicic acid, which Is regarded
as tho cause of the silicosis.
436 Silicosis of Intrathoracjc Lymph Nodes as Compensable Occupational Disease. J. Hagen. Arch.f.Gewerbepath., !, 502 (April 16, 1942). (German).
According to the author, reports on silicosis as well as the legal regulations regarding compensation for occupational disease are concerned chiefly with sili cotic changes in the lung tissue. He describes several cases of complicating severe silicosis of the intrathoracic lymph nodes with a fatal outcome. One patient, a man aged 63, had comparatively light silicotic changes in the lungs, but had also a severe silicosis of the lymph nodes at tho bifurcation, which by severe cicatrical shrinkage led to the formation of traction diverticula in the esophagus. The puncture of one of these led to pulmonary abscess fomaation and
generally suppurative bronchitis. The fatal outcome of the pulmonary abscesses must be regarded as the result of silicosis. Several additional cases are des cribed and evaluated, loading to tho conclusion that when silicosis of ths l^iph nodes becomes the point of origin of a severe disorder, it must be regarded as a compensable disorder, just as is severe silicosis of tho pulmonary tissue*
43? Study of Industrial Workers Exposed to Sulfur Dust. S.S. Pinto, R.A. Brown and B.H. Carlton. J.Ind.Hyg. &Tox., 25, 149-151 (April, 1943). . A study was made of the anployees at a sulfur mine. Among the rorkers exposed to appreciable amounts of sulfur dust for a period of 7 years, no lung lesions were found cn x-ray examination which could be attributed to the inhalation of sulfur dust -- Authors' summary.
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438 Dangers Arising from Dust and Gas from Iron Alloys* K.W. Joetten. Arch.f.Hyg
u.Bakt.* 127. 315-321 (1942). (Gentian).
Iron briquettes hare been manufactured in Germany for some time and production
is on a small but increasing scale in this country. Therefore this account of
German conditions may be of interest* Iron alloys used for making iron
A briquettes contain iron silicate (25-27$ of silica), iron /aanganese-silicate (40$ iron, 30$ silica and 30$ manganese), not more than 0.1$ phosphorus, and an
unknown percentage of arson!c. The material is roughly broken up by hand and
shovelled into a grinder. At this stage it is sprinkled with water from a hose,
/cr*\ to prevent dust formation, which is not great, but varies according to the mater ial used, as also does the odor of calcium carbide and garlic (arsenic). Both
dust and odor have been more noticeable in recent deliveries of material, and
slight explosions have occurred. Although no special disturbances of health
have occurred over a period of years, many workers have recently complained of
gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, especially after explosions and dur
ing v/ork with ferro-manganese alloys which give off a smell of garlic. A review
of the literature on ferro-silicate and ferro-manganese silicate alloys shows
that toxic effects may arise from impurities in the form of phosphorus and arsen
ic (phosphine and arsine) as well as manganese poisoning (lung inflammation and
Parkinsonism). The following data are presented on phosphine and arsine:
Phosphine: toxic concentrations -- rapidly lethal, 2.6 mg. per 1.; dangerous
to life in -1 hour, 0.56-0.84 mg. per 1.; innocuous after -1 hour, 0.1^0.26
mg. per 1.; limit of perceptibility 0.002-0.004 mg. per 1. Acute toxic fCfects:
coldness, epigastric pain, stupor and giddiness, tinnitus, anxiety, dysp^e**
dry cough, loss of appetite, thirst, twitching, dilated pupils, death after 4
few days; chronic effects: anemia, bronchitis, digestive djaturheiWiy>dltol
necrosis, disturbances of sight, speech and hearing.
Arsine; toxic concentration -- 0.03$ by volume. Acute toxic effect**
headache, coldness, epigastric pain, anxiety, jaundice, hemoglobinuria ad hema
turia, retention of urine, convulsions, cyanosis; chronic effects: headache,
loss of appetite, tenderness over the liver, restlessness, insomnia, eiMKiei
The author determined air concentrations in the main workshop and near th*
grinder and mado clinical examinations of 13 workers. The manganese ccace&tra-
tion was much below the danger limit. The characteristic symptoms of pb*Ohlb
and arsine poisoning, especially hematuria and anemia, wore not present in any
of the workers; in 11 the hemoglobin was 80$; in 27 , 70-79$. Some ga*t*-iate*
tinal and respiratory symptoms were reported. Possibly they wore 4u* to th*
combined action of phosphine and arsine, especially after explosions, whn th*
air concentrations may have been greater than those actually estimated* Preven
tive measures recommended include more frequent changes of personnel* medical
supervision, "special nutrition" (these workers should be classed as "heavy work
ers"), alteration in position of the grinder (its mouth should not be too high
above the ground), deposition of the material in a dry plaoe (the present prac
tice of sprinkling v/ith water may do more bans than good by encouraging the evo
lution of gases. Pick and Konrad's recommendation that 40-60$ ferro-silicate
alloy should not be used is regarded as of doubtful value, since Koeledl he*
stated that a silica content of over 75$ stabilizes the compound and decreases
the formation of toxic gases*
439 The Absorption and Excretion of Fluoride* II* The Metabolic at High Levwlsof Intake* V/. Idachle and S.J. Largent. J.Ind. Hyg. & Tox.. 25. 112-123' (March, *
1943). The magnitude and characteristics of the normal fluoride intake and output of a human experimental subject have been described in an earlier paper (Abstract No. 994, October, 1942). The investigation was now extended to abnormal levels of intake, in order to determine the threshold at which storage begins, to
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Industrie! Hygiene Digest - 14
establish the relationship between absorption and storage, and to throw further light on the apparent close relationship between the absorption and the urinary excretion of fluoride. At normal levels of fluoride intake, the urinary plus the fecal output was found to equal the intake, but with higher intake levels the absorption and urinary/B$aik8?case, both varying directly with the amount
absorbed and therefore with each other. Within limits, then, urinary fluoride excretion may be used as a measure of fluoride storage. The absorption of fluorine is dependent upon the aqueous solubility of the fluoride salt and its state at the time of ingestion. Inhaled fluorides are effectively absorbed.
440 Pulmonary Irritants. P..A. Kchoe. Bull. N.Y. Acad, of Med., 19_, 340-355 {May, 1943). By means of correlation and comparison of the physical, chemical and physiologi cal properties of the pulmonary irritants, many practical points of importance arc apparent. Two tables of data are presented showing the relationship between toxicity and volatility, and between irritation and toxicity. The general ef fects of exposure to pulmonary irritants are also described with an excellent section on pulmonary edema. The section on treatment accentuates the need for complete immobilization. Oxygon administration is advised but venesection is questioned except during the high venous pressure stage of blue cyanosis. The prevention of infection which may follow pulmonary injury is discussed briefly#
441 /mmonic Gas Poisoning. M. Caplin. Lancet. 241. 95-96 (1941).
i
47 cases of ammonia poisoning occurred following bomb damage to a condenslOf, Mild cases showed acute pharyngitis and tracheitis; moderate cases* acutfetoofr* chitis, and severe cases, pulmonary edema. 3 of 27 moderate cases* aid T Of 11 severe cases, died. Respirators were effective against esmonla*
442 Homonymous Hemianopsia in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. J-. Praacois* Ophthalmolo
gies, 103, 143-149 (March, '1942'). Carbon monoxide poisoning may produce optic neuritis sometimes ending in optic atrophy, retinal oedema, and occasionally, in injury to tbs optic treots and occipital cortex. Lesions of the optic tracts are apparently due to asphyxia of vasomotor origin. Two cases of homonymous hemianopsia and one of blaasal hemianopsia are given in the literature, and the author adds a third case of homonymous hemianopsia. In the last case, the recovery of the left field defect and the persistence of tho right field defect were of special Interest*
443 Blood-Carbon Monoxide and Anoxemia. L. Binet, M.V. Strumma and P. Nlcoile*
Compt". rend. Soc. Biol., 133 , 632-634 (1940).
.
The carbon monoxide content of the blood may be doubled when the chloralosed dog
is subjected to lowered oxygen tension. The increase parallels the increase in
blood- hemoglobin. Both hemoglobin and carbon monoxide are raised by adrenaline
injection. The increase.in carbon monoxide may bo inhibited by ligature of the
splenic blood vessels.
444 Factors Producing Carbon Monoxide from Camp Stoves. P.7. Sobol&nder and others* o. Ind. Hyg. & Tox., 25> 132-136 (March, 19437T
Experiments were conducted to find out what circumstances promote monoxide out put from camp stoves, including the Primus kerosene and Coleman gasoline stoves* Only a small amount of monoxide was found in tho combustion fumes when the flame burned freely in fresh air whether tho flame was noimal or distorted* A coldplate in contact with the flame greatly increases tho output of monoxide, espe cially when the flame is distorted. Cooking in a tent made of impervious mater iel or coated with ice caused serious poisoning, and occasional ventilation or two open vents did not protect against poisoning. However, heating and cooking in a porous tent gave only an insignificant amount of monoxide in the blood*
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(s 445 Hydrocyanic Acid Poisoning by Absorption Through the Skin* B.M. Hess. MuenciS
Med. Woch., 89, 492-495 (May 29," 1942). (German).
i
V.'hile inhalation of hydrocyanic gas is the commonest cause of cyanide poisoninS
in nan, absorption through the skin frequently occurs. In either case the esslL-
tial factor in the rapid toxic effect of small amounts of hydrocyanic acid is paralysis of cellular respiration. A concentration of 1-2%, even when a gas mask is v.orn, has caused severe symptoms, including sensation of heat, flushing,
palpitation, rapid pulse, followed by headache, vomiting and lassitude. High room temperature and sweating increase the absorptive capacity of the skin. Pre ventive measures include good ventilation, suitable clothing, and special gas masks for workers in processes where formation of hydrocyanic acid or cyanides is possible. Treatment of acute symptoms consists of removal to fresh air; thorough and careful washing of directly contaminated areas of skin; use of cardiac stimulants; artificial respiration; intravenous injection of methylene blue (10-40 cc. of a 1% solution), or of sodium thiosulphate (up to 70 cc. of a 50% solution for an adult); inhalation of carbon dioxide may also stimulate the respiratory center. Two cases are quoted. A child of 14 months suffering from severe pyodemia of the scalp received by mistake an application of a 10% potas sium cyanide solution. Severe symptoms followed within five minutes, but correct treatment led to recovery after two hours. In the case of a man who received burns of the head and shoulders while working with sodium cyanide, deattfeour red within two hours in spite of appropriate treatment in hospital. Pos$M7tai findings indicated that the symptoms were due to rapid absorption of cysglAe through the injured skin.
446 Nitrogen Oxide Poisoning. N. Ahlberg and K, Dahlberg. Acta med. Scaodinav.,
109, 471 (1942). (Swedish).
Clinical picture and pathological-anatomical findings in poisoning with vapor
containing various nitrogen oxides (HO, N0g, NgOg, NgO. NgO) are similar to
__
phosgene poisoning. Two cases are described. In the first case the poisoning
occurred in a nan during welding with acetylene in a badly ventilated room.
Symptoms and signs were those of a bronchitis. On x-ray examination extensive
bronchopneumonia foci were seen in both lungs. The electrocardiogram revealed
an insufficiency of the right coronary artery. A polycythaemia of short dura
tion was observed. All the symptoms and signs had disappeared after seven days.
In the other case the patient suffered from poisoning due to inhalation of a
reddish-yellow gas which had been fomed after a transformer had boon struck ty
a bolt of Lightning. Symptoms and signs were similar to those found In the first
patient; however, x-ray examination revealed lung infiltrations which were simi
lar to miliary tuberculosis. The patient recovered completely after one and a
half months. It is assumed that in both cases a toxic pulmonary oedema was pre
sent, caused by the inhalation of various nitrogen oxides. The patients were
reexamined after one and a half years and one and a quarter years, respectively
and were found healthy.
447 Relation of Sulfur Dioxide to Damage from Flue Gases. C. Looser. Chen-Ztg. 66,
337-340 (1942); Bull. last. Paper Chen., 13, 168. The author discusses the toxicity of sulfur dioxide to plants, animals and men. He states that 1 part in 500,000 is harmful to roses, but that hunan beings feel discomfort only at 6 times that concentration, while 1 part in 500 of air pre vents breathing and leads to death. The amounts of sulfur dioxide resulting from burning different types of coal are tabulated, and methods for rendering the gas haimless are discussed.
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448 Sulfur Dioxide Chemical Pneumonia; Report of a Case with Recovery Following Acci dental Explosion of a Refrigerator Unit, H.L. Goldburgh and B.A. Ooulay~ Armjg
Int. Med., 10, 237-242 {February", 1943).
^
Concentrated sulfur dioxide inhalation may lead to acute inflammation of the rfflpiratory tract, culminating in "chanical" pneumonia. After such exposure, a bl}
ageda^5, previously well, quickly showed signs of bronchopulmonary involvement. A Cyanosis/dyspnea were notable features. Sulfathiazole therapy contributed to the
recovery, but its use, limited to the acute phase of the illness, did not prevent
the later development of bronchiectasis. -- Author's summary.
449 The Effect of Y/ar Gases and Other Chemicals on the Syos of the Civilian Popula
tion. C~. Berens and 2. Hartmann. Bull. N.Y. Acad, of Med., 19. 358*367 (May.
1943).
Although vesicant, lung irritating, sternutatory and lacrimatory gases are ex-
pectod to cause casualties, physicians must be prepared for new unknown gases.
For example, arsenated hydrogen, a hemolytic gas, was considered a possiblity
in the fall of 1939. Physicians arc urged to remember that applying no local eye
treatment will usually do less harm than using medication which may damage the
eyes or solutions or instruments that arc not sterile, as secondary infection is
0; the principal danger from the external application of the war gases. The imme diate treatment of all gas and chemical injuries of the eyes is to flush the
conjunctival culs-de-sac with water or a sterile solution of salt (1.4 pgp cent).
If acid is known to have caused the burn, sodium bicarbonate (2 per cent |iol\>*
tion) should be used. If an alkali, the conjunctival culs-de-sac would aa
flushed with boric acid (2 per cent solution). The immediate instillation of
light liquid petrolatum is useful and contraindicated only in murtazd burns*
Severe pain may be controlled by instilling pontocaine (0.5 por cent solution}
or butyn (1 per cent solution) once or twico but it is preferable to control
pain with internal medication (morphine, allonal, etc.) as most local anesthetics
have a deleterious effect on the corneal epithelium. Secondary infection should
be combatted with mild silver protein or sulfadiazine solution or ointment
--
(3.5 per cent). Iritis should be suspected in all severe burns and treated with
atropine solution or ointment unless secondary glaucoma develops. Ulcers of the
cornea ana the secondary corneal scarring also symblopharon may require surgical
treatment.
450 Industrial Carbon Disulfide Poisoning. F. Warnecke. Arch.f.Gewerbepath. u.
Gewcrbehyg., 11_, 198-248 (December 31, 1941). (German).
The article is an extensive review of the literature on carbon disulfide poison ing with an account of the discovery of the gas, its production, cheeiioal pro perties, mechanism of toxic action, and a resume of the author's investigation of 80 cases seen during recont years. The nervous system is chiefly affected, owing to the lipoid solvent action of carbon disulfide on central and peripheral nervous tissue. In high concentrations (6.4-10 mgn. per 1.) narcosis results. In chronic poisoning (0.15 nr.. per 1-) the continued small dosage causes var ious symptoms, the most characteristic of which are related to psychotic distur bance, peripheral nerve injuries and gastrointestinal changes. In Aaerloa, 0,03 ngm. per-1. is the maximum permissible concentration in a woricroca. In the 80 cases studied, only 6 were acute. In 21 cases the symptoms were predominantly psychotic; in 13 cases, they were related to central and peripheral nerve injury and in 35 to gastrointestinal disturbance. The nature and severity of these symptoms arc discussed. A description is given of the method and apparatus de vised by Frauenhofer for estimating the carbon disulfide content of the air. The reaction depends on the formation of potassium xanthogenate when air containing carbon disulfide is passed through a 10# alcoholic solution of caustic potash.
03118270
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Industrial Hygiene Digest - 17
451 Vhat the Ventilating Engineer Should Know About Carbon Tetrachloride, H. P. ) iuadland. Heat. &Vent., 40 , 38-39 (March, 1943).
This article describes the physical properties and health hazards of carbon tetrachloride. Methods of determining the vapor concentrations in air are g . General ventilation factors are discussed but no specific recommendations are ^ included.
452 Thc_Acute Toxicity of Vapors of Several Monoalkyl Ethers of Ethylene Glycol.
H.W. Werner, W.F. vonOottingon and others. J. Ind. Hyg. & Tox., 25, 157-163
(April, 1943).
Glycol ethers have important uses as solvents in industries, but information
concerning their toxic action is incomplete and there is not sufficient data
available to make possible comparisons of health hazards of these ethers to
r=^. other commonly used solvents. Therefore, this study was undertaken at the sug
gestion of the Committee on Industrial Medicine of the National Research Council.
The present report covers the first part of the study, which is concerned with
the effocts of single, moderately long exposures of mice to various vapor con
centrations of the compounds. The materials investigated are the methyl, othyl*
n-propyl, iso-propyl and n-butyl ethylene glycol others. Results are given in
the authors' summary and conclusions: 1. Single seven-hour exposures of mlag. t*
vapors of some of the ethylene glycol others occasionally produced lung* jfiMf!?* or liver changes. Similar exposures to any of the compounds frequently jBMufewd
histologically demonstrable splenic changes. 2. The usual sign of toxic ftetlon
of all compounds was dyspnea. An additional common sign with near-lothalfooa-
centrations of the n-propyl, iso-propyl, and butyl derivatives warn MPMtjriMMO-
globinuria. 3. Deaths resulting from exposures to vapors of tbs
studied
commonly occurred between seven and thirty-two hours after starting STpcrre;
however, in a significant number of instances deaths occurred toward the end of
the exposure period or between the first day and the fourth week following expo
sure. 4. Minimal lethal concentrations expressed as mg. per 1. Indicate that
the ethylene glycol ethers decrease in toxicity in the following order'. Butyl, --
methyl, n-propyl and ethyl, iso-propyl. 5. Hazard indexes indicate that, with
conditions comparable to those in these experiments, the difficulty of control ling potential hazards of the derivatives studied should decrease in the follow
ing order: Methyl, ethyl, iso-propyl, n-propyl, butyl.
453 Chronic Poisoning from Methanol Inhalation. K. Humperdinck. Arch.f.Gewarbepath.
u.Gewerbehyg., 10, 569-574 (June 11, 194lT. (German).
There have been few cases of methyl alcohol (methanol) poisoning from inhalation
or skin absorption in industry, because the concentrations used are generally
low, and also because methanol is not highly volatile. An acute narcotic effect
results from oral ingestion, the toxic doses being 5-10
Toxic affeota cm
parenchymatous and nervous tissues ore ascribed to the reduction of methanol,
v/hen dissolved in the body fluids, to formic acid and foimaldohyde. Symptoms
may be headache, giddiness, stupor, slight oyasosls, etc., and especially di^
turbances of vision, which may result in blindness. The atmospheric ooncetttra-
tion corresponding to this oral toxic dose would be about 65 mgm. per liter,
which is unlikely to be found in industry. The author describes a case of a
worker poisoned by manipulating material soaked with methanol in a centrifuge*
The material contained 30-40# of methanol, but no complaints had bean made over
a period of 6 years until blackout measures were instituted. In this case,
symptoms were pleural irritation and serious failure of vision, particularly in
the right eye. After 6 weeks removal from exposure the vision improved so that
fine print could be read at a distance of 20 cm. The pleural irritation, which
was considered duo to enlargement of the liver returned after 14 days return to
work. The only other pathological signs were a decreased patellar reflex and
03118271
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Industrial Hygiene Digest - 18 an increase in the average red call diameter (7.8 mu).
so r*s.
33
The concentrations of g
methyl alcohol in different parts of the room under varying conditions showed
levels of from 1.6 to 10.9 mga. per 1. Preliminary medical examinations indica
ed that the worker was especially susceptible to eye injury; also, some absorp-g
tion through the skin may have taken place. The author concludes that concen
trations of 10 mgm. per 1. may produce chronic toxic effects, and that 1 mga.or
at most 2 mgm. per 1. should not be exceeded.
454 Experimental Trinitrotoluene Poisoning; The Effect of Diet. H.P. Himsworth and L.E, Glynn. Clinical Science, 4, 421-447 (December 15, 1942).
/5T^ (1) The development of toxic manifestations in rats after administration of TNT is dependent upon the nature of the diet. Severe symptoms and marked path ological lesions develop in rats taking a high fat diet whilst in animals taking a high carbohydrate or a high protein diet the ill effects arc slight or absent. (2) Chronic TNT poisoning in rats shows the following features: (a) Loss of weight, (b) increased appetite, (c) Excretion of high concen trations of TNT derivatives in the urine* (d) Changes in the blood and associated tissues, the characteristics of which are a great decrease in hemoglobin, the appearance of normoblasts, reticulocytes and polychromatic erythrocytes in the peripheral blood, an erythroblastic hyperplasia of the bone marrow and slderoeis of the spleen, (o) Hepatic lesions which range from fatty infiltration to. acute necrosis of the parenchymal cells, (f) Loes of hair. (3) Evidence is presented that the effect of the high fat diet in fadli^tlng the toxic action of TNT is due to the fat diet so influencing the animalr| holism as to impede its ability to dispose of the TNT within its (4) The close resemblance between the effects of TNT in the rat * ings in human cases of TNT poisoning is demonstrated. -- Author#*
455 An Outbreak of Dermatitis from Airplane Engine Covers. L. Schwarts asd SJf*
Peck. Pub. Health Kepts., 58. 625-631 (April 16, 1943).
'
The authors summarize the article as follows: 1. An outbreak of deimatitl# wo# --
observed among workers manufacturing airplane engine covers made tM a special
pliofilm. 2. R.M.F., a chemical added to the pliofilm to prevent deterioration
from light, was found to be the actual cause of the outbreak. 3.
both
a primary irritant and a sensitizer. Recommendation is made that all edntfiXd
handling pliofilm containing the R.M.F. wear protective sleeves aad apron# made
of ordinary pliofilm, vlsylite, koroseal or laminated cellophane* The heads Bay
be protected by wearing finely knitted cotton or washable leather gloved* Per
sons on the joh of heat sealing can protect their faces frea fusee by the. use of
a protective ointment of the invisible glove type. If dex&atitls peratt# after
the recommended precautions are observed, wrkerd should be ruaoTcd fin farther
exposure to the material.
456 Deimatitis from Cutting Oils. Queries St Minor Notes. J.A.U.A.,
(January 16, 1943).
"
'
The large majority of cutting oil dematitis occurs from the insoluble oils*
which are sterile as far as pathogenic bacteria are concerned. In the ## of
water soluble cutting oils, the skin may be Injured by metal sliver# oastdlaed
therein, and the cut infected from the bacteria in the water soluble oil or on
the soiled skin and clothing. Sedimentation and filtration are used in BUT
plants to remove the slivers. Heat sterilization or disinfectant# may -be employ
ed to kill the bacteria. The use of disinfectants prevents reinfection of the
oil in the pipes and at the machines, but the disadvantage in their u#e is that
they are skin irritants.
03118272
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Industrial hygiene Digest - 19
KMBlf-0007632
457 Spontaneous Desensitization in Occupational Eczema and its Significance for Es
timation. F.~Koch. Med. Klin., 3771100 {October 31, 194l77(GiimanT?
'
Followup examinations on patients with occupational eczema who had been advised to change their occupations but had not done so, revealed that the majority wer still subject to eczema but some had lost it in spite of further contact. An average of about 15$ of the patients in various occupations were no longer sub ject to eczema. Regular weekly observations on 8 patients studied disclosed two different forms of development. One group of 5 patients experienced at every resumption of work, first a considerable exacerbation of the disorder, then a
gradual regression of the manifestations, and finally a complete or almost com ,-r^ plete disappearance of the eczema. In the 3 other cases eczema occurred on the
hands, at the original site, when work was resumed. Later, the lesions healed and recurred at other sites of the body, but in a form so mild that the working
capacity was not impaired. The author thinks that the only possible explanation is a desensitization, which presupposes specific allergic processes, though various other factors may play a part. Results of artificial desensitization have been slight, but the method should not be abandoned. Further observations may disclose regularities which may become the basis for more favorable results.
458 Contact Dermatitis From Rubber Service Mask. I.A. Lewe. J.A.M.A., Clinical
Motes, 121. 4221 February 6, 1943).
The article is a case report of a white soldier aged 42 with rubber respimtor
dermatitis. On admission the patient presented a bright red erythematove^Lcular
cutaneous eruption confined to the area of his face in close contact with Mbs
gas mask. There was a coincidental chronic seborrheic dermatitis of the &alp,
axillas, and the crural regions. No other physical abnormalities war* found*
After treatment the patient again wore the mask and this tins presented aors
severe symptoms, including oozing, crusting and pronounced edema. The eruption
responded to treatment with compressing and application of bland antipruritic
lotions and ointments.
Patch tests showed that the dermatitis was not dus to
the rubber itself, but to chemicals used in the manufacturing process*
__
459 The Effect of Cleansing Materials on. the Human Skin. 1. Healthy Skia* O.Schnorr, Arch.f.Gev/erbepath. u.Gewerbehyg., ID, 409-421. (December 30, 1940j. (Genua)
The effect of a number of liquid and solid soap cleansers used for cleansing the hands was tested by estimating: (1) the hydrogen ion concentration of the akin, (2) the evaporation of moisture, and (3) the sv/elling of the cutaneous tissues after repeated use. The conditions of use were strictly controlled* Methods used in making the estimations are described. Ten representative cleansers were examined and the results estimated as indicative of an injurious effect on the skin were an increase in the pH value of the skin, a decrease in the time of evaporation of moisture, and an increase of swelling, judged as a percentage difference from the initial value. The skin cleansers tested fell into three groups, according to the effects observed: (1) Those producing no final substan tial increase in the pH value of the skin, which woro regarded as suitable for . regular use; (2) Those producing a final rise in pH value after an intermediate fail or state of equilibrium. This group is Togarded as suitable foT all but sensitive skins; (3) Those producing an uninterrupted rise in pfi value. This group, which included a pumice soap was considered suitable only for occasional cleansing cf very dirty skin.
460 Effect of Cleansing Material on the Human Skin. 2. In Skin Disease* M.Schnitzler* ' iurch.f.Gewerbepath.u.Gewerbehyg., 10, 422-436 (December 30, 1940). (German) * Many industrial dermatoses, particularly of the hands, wrists, and forealas, re sult from direct contact with injurious materials, the injury being localized in the epithelium. However, the natural buffer-regulating capacity of the skin is
03118273
Industrial Ifygiene Digest - 20 not effective in the presence of external alkaline agents.
cn m Increased alkalinity
of the skin is followed by swelling of the horn cells, with closing of the foil
cles and inclusion of foreign particles and bacteria. The latter penetrate to
the deeper tissues where the pH is nearer to neutral and favors optimal growth. 1
Cleanliness is a protection against industrial dematosis if the cleansing mate ial is of a suitable constitution and sufficient time is devoted to thorough fj
washing. The effects of cleansers on various forms of skin disorder (excluding
.a cases of generalized eczema) were tested in the same manner and using the same methods as those used on healthy skin. In the second series the clinical pro
gress of the lesion was estimated. The cleansing materials investigated were
divided into three groups: (a) Soaps, solid or liquid, alkali-free, of acid re
action, on the whole suitable for use in skin disorders; (b) Alkaline soaps
without admixture of insoluble substances -- long continued use of this group
increases the skin injury; (c) Alkaline soaps containing kaolin, pumice, sand,
etc. These, especially those of coarse consistency, are unsuitable for any form
of skin injury.
461 The Phenomenon of "Black Dermographism." E. Urbach and D.ji. Pillsbury..
J.A.M.A., 121, 485-490 (February 13, 1943).
'
Black dermographism connotes the fact that under certain conditions a blade lina
will appear at a skin site stroked with certain metals. Black dermographism not
infrequently occurs in women v/earing silver or cheap gold jewelry on powdered
skin areas. Black dermographism is a physical phenomenon. The earlier theory
that it is of some biologic or diagnostic significance is erroneous. Stxfctly
speaking, the term "black dermographism" is a misnomer, since the reactijj eeft
be evoked not only on the skin but also on coarse paper, cloth and wood*
Authors' sumary.
' 1 _ AA . '' .
462 Epidemic Kerato-Conjunctivltis ("Shipyard Conjunctivitis"). H. Sanders* Arch, of Ophth. , 28 , 581-586 "(October, 1942).
This is a preliminary report on investigations into the etiology of epidemic kerato conjuni&Ivixi!,/spread throughout the Pacific coast area and has reached __
the cast coast. The cause of the disease is unknown although evidenoe points to a nonbacterlal agent, a virus. Swiss mice were injected intraperltoasslly and intracerebrally with conjunctival scrapings from patients with the eomjwotlvltls. This was followed by mild symptoms from which the mice recovered. Breda- ml sion from the second mouse-passage was incubated in tissue culture of embryonic mouse-brain. This produced a strain which was lethal to nice and gave rite to
a pathologic picture which though not unique did not reamble that la other oo mon virus infections. Conjunctival instillation of the mouse virus in a hnen volunteer produced in four days a mild conjunctivitis. When this ia repeated in tho same eye typical kcrato-conjunctivitis developed. The sens of the patient from whom the original material was obtained had a neutralizing effect on the mouse virus. A second isolation of virus has been effected, but tho identity of this virus with the first has not been fully established. This is a preliminary report and further work will be done on the isolated strains of virus*
463 Epidemic Korato-Conjunctivitis. M. Sanders and others. J.AJI.A., 131. 880
255 (January 23, 1943).
The authors present an extonsivo report on epidemic kerato-conjunctlvitls, with
clinical and epidemiologic data on 80 cases, including classification of symptoms,
proof of method of transmission, demonstration of antibodies, and recommendations
for prevention of the spread of the disease.
03118274
464 Epidemic Kerato-Con.iunctivitis: "Shipyard Eye." C. Huh. Calif. 36 West. Med.,
58, 18-19, (January, 1943). The symptoms and characteristics of epidemic kerato-conjunctivitis are listed, and include a sudden onset, itching, irritation, blurred vision, pain, and
r
HwSfi-0007634
Industrial Hygiene Digest 21
varying degrees of inflammation and hyperemia of the bulbar and palpebral con
junctiva. Precautionary measures for plant physicians, nurses, and executives
to prevent the spread of the disease are also listed.
Therapy, including
iced compresses and 55% sulfathiazole ophthalmic ointment does not influence the
course of the disease, but gives symptomatic relief. It is believed that the
incubation period is from 5 to 12 days, and the close contact and direct trans
fer are necessary.
465 Industrial Eye Affections. P.A. Jaensch. Med.Klin.> 37, 1244-1247 (December 12, 1941). (German). This is an elementary survey of industrial eye affections, containing references to some types that are not widely known. Mention is made of hydrogen sulphide ophthalmia seen amongst workers in artificial silk, the symptoms being similar to those of electric ophthalmia; and of the ocular changes seen in workers with aniline dyes. Aniline dyes may induce lesions ranging from discoloration of the conjunctiva -- best treated by touching the affected area with 60 per cent alco hol -- to symblepharon and iridocyclitis. Benzine may lead to central scotomata and the trichlorethylone preparations -- used extensively for removal of fatty substances -- to trigeminal nerve lesions. Benzol, xylol and toluol aro blood poisons and lead to retinal hemorrhage, retrobulbar neuritis and severe corneal damage.
466 Treatment of Young White Mice Infected with Leptospira Icterohaemorrhagiay with Immune Serial. C.L. Larson. U.S. Pub. Health Rents., 58, 10-15 (January a,1943) Serum from patients convalescent from Weil's disease and immune rabbit and plasma prevent the death of young white mice infected with L.lcteroUnnirrhagiae. The effect of these materials is marked if administered on or before the fourth day after infection.
467 Survey of Compounds Which Have Been Tested for Carcinogenic Activity. J.L. Hartwell. Nat'l Cancer Institute, U.S. Pub. Health Service, 371 pp. (1941). This bulletin represents a survey of the field of chemical carcinogenesis in the higher animals: the action of carcinogens on isolated tissues, tissue cultures, " plants, protozoa, and bacteria is not considered. The literature Is covered to 1939, and the compilation also includes experiments with 153 compounds from the unpublished work of Dr. M.J, Shoar and Dr. H.L. Stewart of the National Cancer Institute. The results of the testing of 61 of these compounds are ne*dy report ed, while 45 arc new to the whole cancer literature. Altogether the work com prises data referring to 696 chemical substances: of these, 169 are reported to be carcinogenic, apart from 23 observed as causing papillomas only. After an introductory discussion, the bulletin takes the fona of a tabular review which classifies the substances, and gives data on method of administration, type of animals, etc. The author draws attention to the incompleteness of the data for many of the compounds listed, and urges the more systematic investigation of compounds already studied in a preliminary fashion, and for the filling of large gaps among substances which it would seem desirable to test. The review is com pleted by a bibliography (over 1200 references), and separate isdexee to compound? routes of application, vehicles, animal species, and tunor-sites.
468 Industrial Toxins and War Production. H.N. Holmes. Science, 96. 384 (1942). The author contributes evidence from Geimany, Britain, and the United States indicating that toluene, benzene, and TNT itself destroy vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the bodies of workmen exposed to vapors or to skin contact. Some orgaiw izations give such workmen 100 mga. of vitamin C daily to replace what is lost, and the results have been encouraging in maintaining health and vigor.
03118275
*
Industrial Hygiene Digest - 22
m
469 Fatal Accident from Welding in a Closed Cooker* P. Felsch. 2. Spiritusini.,
65, 253 Tl940). (German).
~
ca
The welding of a copper pipe to a sheet-copper cooker (2m. x 4 m.) resulted the death from pulmonary edema of the workman, who had spent some 40 minutes 1
(with a break occasioned by a fit of coughing} inside the cooker; the edaa bes
ing due apparently to nitrous poisoning. Precautions are discussed,
j*
470 Metal Welders* Disease in a Crane-Driver. H. Waniek. Arch.f.Gewerbepath.u. Gcwcrbehyg., llt 179-134 (December 31, 1941). (German). The author has previously described "metal welders' disease" as a chronic dis turbance of thyroid and liver function. He here reports a case of this condi
tion in a crane driver, exposed to the fumes and gases arising from the welding process in a workshop where he had been operating the crane for several months. Symptoms attributed to thyroid dysfunction included nervous irritability, exces sive sweating, loss of weight, falling of the hair, rapid pulse, fine tremor of the fingers; liver disturbance was shown by loss of appetite, nausea and sick ness, occasional diarrhea. Bauer's galactose test gave evidence of disturbed livor function.
471 Are Welders Subject to Depletion of Visual Purple While at Work? H.S. Kuhn and E.C. Wille, Jr. Am. J. Ophth., 26 , 63-63 (January, 1943). Sixty-one welders wore given the Bio-photomoter test for speed of dark adapt*- . tion before and after a day's work. Thirty-nine were on the day shift, *8 on the night shift. Half the welders (31) each received 10,000 units of vyaln A before starting work and again in the middle of the shift. The other wide?*
received a placebo at the same time. There is no evidence of a general lack of dark adaptability among welders and no evidence of any decrement in thl# func tion during an eight-hour shift. Welders who received vitemln A <honed no great er gain in dark adaptation than those who did not receive it* This should not be interpreted to mean that cases of vitamin A deficiency would not respond to such troatment, nor that these welders would not respond with longer treatment or under different conditions. Individual differences in age, domicile, type ofwelding, goggles, and food showed no relation to differences in gain or less of speed of dark adaptation during an eight-hour shift. Welders on the night shift showed a significant average gain in dark adaptation during their mods* This is attributed to a greater demand for dark adaptation during periods when they were not actually welding. Several inferences are developed from this fact toward possible improvement of visual ease in welding by further visual engineering in this field. The clinical conclusion is that the excessive number of cospiainta
among welders is due to inadequate protective equipment or carelessness in its
use. -- Authors* summary.
472 Chronic Pulmonary Changes and Bronchial Ulceration in an Electric Aro Welder*
H.H. Ncyer. J.A.M.A., 119, 1500 (August 29, 1942). Since 1936 there have been several reports in the literature of roentgenograph!c pulmonary changes in electric arc welders. The roentgenographio abnormalities, discovered by surveys on apparently healthy workers, ranged from Increased hilar shadows to a generalized fine or nodular mottling simulating silicosis* The workers had no symptoms and were not disabled in any way. There was a history of long exposure to the products of arc welding, usually 15 years or more. The roentgenographic changes were apparently produced simply by the accumulation of iron pigment. Fumes arising from coated rods are largely inorganio material con sisting of finely divided iron oxide. The author reports the case of a thirty year old white man, an arc welder for 7 years, admitted to the hospital with cough, sputum and dyspnoea. The admission roentgenogram showed multiple linear ana nodular densities traversing the middle third of the right lung from the
03118276
r
Industrial ifygiene Digest - 23
o m
root out to the periphery. There was also some exaggeration of the linear mark-^
Cn
/
ings of the left lung. The tentative diagnosis, on admission, was bronchogenic carcinoma with lymphangitic spread. Bronchoscopy revealed a considerable amounts
of purulent material in the lower part of the trachea. There was an ulcerated
granulating lesion in tho right main bronchus just below the tracheal bifurca- aa
tion; a large amount of nonfoul purulent secretion was seen distal to this lesioe.
Sections of this granulation tissue, ranoved by biopsy, showed nonspecific in
flammatory changes with large masses of iron pigment scattered about. Removal
of the granulation tissue and repeated bronchoscopic dilation of the left main
bronchus gradually secured satisfactory symptomatic relief and healing of.the
ulcerated area. Bronchial lesions accompanying chronic pulmonary changes in
electric arc wolders have not been previously reported. The mechanism whereby
these bronchial changes were produced is not clear.
473 31ood Findings in Cyclotron Workers. S. Warren. Radiology., 39_, 194 (Aug.1942). Blood counts end hemoglobin tests on persons exposed to slight radiation from cyclotrons and temporary radioactive isotopes, for periods of 3 to 30 months, show no significant conditions that are not explained by intercurrent disease, except in a few that shew minor variation in the white cell count. Some persons have an unstable bone narrow, shown by. marked variations in white cell counts on only minor exposure. Such persons should not work where they are exposed to radiation. The precautions for the safety of cyclotron workers appear adequate*
474 Toxicity Studies with the Fungicide Tetra-chloro-para-benzoqulnone (Sperflrt),
T.H. McGavack and others^ J.Ind.Hyg.& Tox.. 25. 98-111 (March. 15457* A fungicide under the trade name of Spergon consists of 99% tetrmi SB benzoquinone and 1% disodium phosphate. It has such a high fuafdSK egmty that it is now in use cornercially for the preservation of cottwi aadrtSr seed. An extensive investigation was undertaken to detexmine tbs extent to wttUfr it nay be Intoxicating to those who handle it and to those who utilise materiel# preserved with it. In the experiments, Spergon was administered by stowash tube, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, externally, as a weighed portion of the diet, -- and as a cottonseed-impregnated product. A number of result# of tho effort of high concentrations are reported, including an LD50 at 0.4 g. orally or 0*08 g. intraperitoneally and fatal results following eating 0.084 g. daily fWf 10 weeks in feeding mixtures. However, in every effect studied, the qusortltl## producing any damage were far in excess of those that would be ingested, even if all the
agent were retained during handling and preparation for consumption, which would not use above 0.2%. Such a dose is tolerated for long periods by healthy asi- . nals without detriment to normal growth or activity. The chsmioai oan therefore be used as a protectant for cotton and other seed without danger of intoxicating those who handle it or those who consume the products preserved by it.
475 Toxic Anemia. E. Browning. J.Ind.Hyg.& Tox., 25. 124-131 (March, 1945)*
The author discusses toxic anemias that result from exposure.to benseas, xylene,
carbon tetrachloride, solvent naphtha, trichlorethylene, mi*ed solvent# end
thinners, and radioactive substances, with special referen# to th# 1939 factor
ies Act of Great Britain and later amendments, which include# anaia fxea these
sources in the compensable diseases. These forms of anemia are all of th# type
now known as "dyshcmatopoietic"; and leukopenia (lack of white cells) and lympho
cytosis (excess of lymph cells) are present to varying degrees. Blood counts
and ratios for several of the poisons are presented in tabular form and several
cases arc described.
03118277
476 Influence of Work on Physiological Reactions to Thermal Environment. C,*A.
Vinslow and A.?. Gagge. Aner.J,Physiol., 134. 664-661 (1941). Two undressed men pedalled on a stationary bicycle so as to increase their meta bolism to over 300 kg.-cal. per hour. The rosults were compared *4th those in
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HWfiB-UUU/63/
Industrial Hygiene Digest - 24
the subjects at rest in a semi-reclining position (metabolism 80-100 kg.-cel). Radiation area is the same as in the resting subject (70# of the surface area). Convection constant on the stationary bicycle at rest is 20# less than at rest reclining. Pedalling at a rate of 30 revolutions per minute greatly increases the convection constant, equivalent in cooling power to an air movement of 30-4 cm. per second. Evaporative regulation in the working subject is so effective that skin temperature is constant actually being lower at a given operative tem perature for the working than the resting body. With increasing metabolism at a given operative temperature skin temperature of the trunk falls. Rectal temper ature rises unu.r working conditions. Internal temperature not skin temperature controls the sweat secreting mechanian. Thermal sensation of pleasantness is produced in the working subject (metabolism 300-400 kg.-cal.) at operative tem perature 16 instead of 28 with the resting subject. Maximum comfort is exper ienced in both instances at 2 below the point where active sweat secretion begins.
477 Basis for Study of Man's Reaction to Tropical Climates. D.H.K. Lee. Univ.
Queensland Papers, Dept, of Physiol., 1/ 1-86 (1940).
:<=J\
The heat lost from the body by radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation is related to changes in the environment and to changes in heat production by
the body. The consequences of interference with heat loss are discussed de
tail, The extent to which adaptive reactions in the cardio-vascular and tether
systems can compensate for such interference is demonstrated, and the sigAi of
breakdown in these compensatory reactions are described. The effects of food
and of work on thermal equilibrium, and the part played by the endocrine glands
in maintaining this equilibrium,are discussed. Disturbances of the water and
electrolyte balance result from environmental conditions that interfere with
heat loss. 'When compensation for interference with heat loss fails, the result
ing crisis may take the form of hyperpyrexia, circulatory insufficiency, electro
lyte disturbance, or hyperdehydration. The etiological factors relating to each--
form of failure, together with the associated clinical signs and the development
of acclimatization to heat, are discussed. A final section is devoted to clima
tic factors and their assessment in relation to human comfort and body reactions*
478 Physiological Aspect of a Miner* s Work. T.F. Muller and K.N. Moss. Trans. Inst.
Min. Eng., 100, 141-151 (1941). The oxygen expenditure of walking at 3 m.p.h. was measured in several subjects when erect, at a half-stoop, at full-stoop, and on all-fours. The oxygen consump tion of a 2 minute exercise period and of recovery to the original resting level was very much increased by the stooping posture, the expenditure on all-fours be ing more than three times that in the erect posture. Similar comparisons were made during loading weights under a roof of varying height; any posture that re quired the use of the back muscles increased oxygen consumption. In all tests training diminished the oxygon consumption. Environmental temperature had no
influence on the mechanical efficiency of ergometer work.
479 Sensations of Heat and Moisture. G.P, Crowden and W.Y. Lee. Chinese J. Physiol". ,15, 475-483 (1940). An arbitrary scale was fixed for sensations of temperature and moisture. Tem perature sensations were correlated with dry-bulb temperature, moisture sensa tions with relative humidity and sumnated indices for the two with the "total heat of the air" as used in air-conditioning.
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Methods of Detection and Determination
480 Electron Microscopy on Asbestos Dust and on Lnpgs in Asbestosis. J. Kuehn.
Arch.f.Gewerbepath., 10, 473 (April 16, 1942).(German]".
'
The author reports some microscopic studies of asbestos and of lungs of asbes
tosis victims for the purpose of determining what variety of asbestos is respons
ible for asbestosis. Serpentine (chrystolite) asbestos is the form generally
used, and it was supposed that it would be found in lungs with asbestosis.
Sundius end Bygden disclosed, however, that only hornblende asbestosis is demon
strable in the lungs, suggesting that serpentine dust is decomposed in the tis
sues. The author used the electron microscope to study the form, size and
structure of asbestos, both in free dust and as found in the lungs. It is usual
ly easy to distinguish the two forms under the electron microscope, the serpen
tine variety being generally curved, clear and transparent, and hornblende rigid
and greater in diameter. However, examination of the particles from 3 lungs did
not indicate clearly what variety was present. The photomicroecopic detezniaa*
tion of the refraction exponent, suggested by Sundius and Bygden, was the*
ployed. That method revealed that the large asbestos needles isolated fsm the
lungs were of the hornblende type. It is concluded that serpentine asbeefw ie
decomposed in the lungs and is the essential cause of fibrosis. When asbgitosls
lungs are macerated with nitric acid end hydrogen peroxide, both free aaNiwtos
needles and asbestosis bodies are obtained. Hornblende asbestos Shoe* m d|M
of decomposition by the organism, either in the free needles or on the aebesto-
sis bodies.
481 Polarigraphic Determination of Lead in Bones. E. Weinig. Z.Physlol. Chtt.t 273, 158-162 (1942) . (German^ The polarigraphic method, which is fully described, has the advantages of use of smaller amounts of material, simpler preliminary treatment of the bone ash, and the automatic action of the polarigraph.
482 Biochemistry of Silicic Acid. IX. Isolation and Identification of Minerals in Lung Residues and Air-Borne Dusts from Coal Mines. G. Nagelschaidt and S.J. Xing. Biochem. J., 35, 152-158 (1941). The isolation of mineral residues from lungs by digestion with hydrogen peroxide, and removal of carbon from these residues and from air-borne dusts by heating to 380C are described. The minerals' in the residues are then identified by x-ray diffraction methods. Data are presented for the constituents present in a lung rosidue and a mine dust; the main components- are quartz and a member of each of the mica and kaolin groups.
483 A New Method for the Deteimination of Free Silica in Industrial Dusts, A. Salazar and L, Silvsman. J.Ind.Hyg. & Tox.. 25, 139-148 lApril, 1943). The authors describe a new method for free silica determination, in whioh the dust sample is first passed directly through a controlled flame, fusing practi cally all particles except those of silica. The fused sample is then collected by an electrostatic precipitator and removed to a microscope slide for analysis. The method can be applied to air-borne or rafter dust samples. The amount of free silica is determined by a direct count of the fused and unfused particles. Possible interfering materials are refractories and those which decrepitate at high temperatures. These interferences are not very common and when present may
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be identified by their optical characteristics. The determination can be carri out on each microscopic field so that possible particle size variation in trans ferring fields is eliminated. The method can also be used v/ith the standard petrographic technique, reducing the number of particles to be identified if several refractory materials are present with fusible material. -- Author's summary.
,,n
484 A Portable Electrostatic Precipitator. W.L. Lea. J.Ind.Hyg. & Tox., 25, 152
156 (~pril, 1943) .
*
A portable precipitator is described in which the sampling head and blower are
separate from the self-contained power supply. This construction arrangement
gives the utmost freedom of movement during sampling, so that the operator can follow workmen and obtain semples accurately representing their inhalation. The precipitator may be built with little effort since all parts with the exception
of the sampling head and the high voltage condenser are standard parts. The con struction is described and typical data obtained are presented,
485 Determination of Aliphatic Nitrate Esters: A Colorimetric Method. H. Yagoda. lud. Eng. Chen., 15, 27-29 (January, 1943). A colorimetric method for the determination of aliphatic nitrate esters la des cribed, based on the hydrolysis of the ester in 62.5# sulfuric acid and the ni tration of m-xylenol by the nitric acid liberated. The method has been applied to nitroglycerine, erythritol tetranitrate, and pentaerythritol tetranitmt* over a range of 3.0 to 0.005 mg. The nitroxylenol is readily volatilized by assteaftdistillation which permits the application of the method to complex systems* The reaction proceeds in stoichiometric proportions, so that the quantity sstar present can be evaluated from a potassium nitrate standard. -- Author** Imary*
486 Diethylanincothanol as a Reagent for the Detection and Colorimetric Determina
tion of Small Amounts of Trinitrotolueno" in Air. P.H. Goldman and D.E. Hushing.
J.Ind.Hyg. & Tox., 25. (April. 19431".
_
A method for estimating the concentration of TOT in the air is described in de
tail. The authors' summary follows: "A colorimetric method has been devised
for the estimation of TOT based on the use of diethylaminoethanol as a reagent
for this compound. The color produced is very stable. We hope to publish a
method soon for dinitrotoluol and for tetryl based on the use of this same re
agent."
487 Determination of Fumigants. XI. Detemination of Chlorohydrocarbons In Air by
Peaction in Monoethanolamine. XII.-Determination of Bthylena Dichloride and Dlchloroothylene. Analysis of Mixtures. XIII. Detemination of Chlorohydrocarbons by Thermal Decomposition. F.P.W. Winteringham. J.Soc. Chaa.Ind.. 61. 186-192 (1942); Cham. Absts., 27, 1950-1951 (April 20, 1943). These papers constitute the continuation of a series on the determination of fumigants (many of which are also industrial contaminants.)' The methods are long, and the original or the Chemical Abstracts reference should be consulted for details.
488 A Modification of the Silica Gel Method for the Determination of Atmospheric Organic Solvent Vapor3. L.V. Cralley and others* J.Ind.Hyg. & Tox., 5. 172 174 (April, 1943).
Silica gel has been used in the determination of benzene and other organio sub stances in air, but the method has been used only gravimctrically. The authors describe a modified method in which the organic vapor is adsorbed by silica gel and then removed from the gel by a second solvent which will not cause subsequent
interference. The amount of the substance sought is than determined by any
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a
accepted method of quantitative chemical analysis. The authors applied it to
the determination of carbon tetrachloride, which they removed from the gel by ethyl alcohol and decomposed by alcoholic potassium hydroxide. The chloride ^ formed was then determined volumetrically. Additional studies are in progress to ascertain the applicability of the method to the estimation of other organist solvent vapors.
Control Methods
489 List of Respiratory Protective Devices Approved by the Bureau of Mines.
K.K. Schrenk. U.S. Bur. Of Mines Inf. Circ., No.7237, (March, 1943).
One of the most valuable services to industry in the protection of health by
respiratory devices is the U.S. Bureau of Mines Approval system. The latest
list of approved equipment has been revised and contains 10 pages of illustra
tions. (Copies available from the Information Division, Bureau of Mines,
Washington, D.C.)
i
490 * Practical Housekeeping Progrpi for Industry. !i.G. Dyktor. Am.J.of
Health, 33, 557-560 (May, 1943}.
?
The author thinks that one man, rather than a committee, should be appointed to
carry cut a good housekeeping program. In larger plants the safety director or
engineer is the person indicated; but in smaller plants not possessing the ser
vices of such a can, the employment manager seems best fitted for the Job of supervisor. Management gives the supervisor authority to incur expense for fix
tures and additional labor. Suggested duties of the supervisor are:--to consult
department heads and labor to improve production flow, plant traffic, and stor- ~
ago of unused equipment; to ascertain state and local regulations concerning
sanitation; to work out a plan with the maintenance man to keep equipment in good
condition; to provide janitor with itemized orders for regular cleaning of the
plant interior; to establish a routine for the periodic personal inspection of
the plant.
491 How to Design Exhaust Hoods. J.M. DallaValle. Heat. &Vent., 40. (March, 1943). This is the first in a series of articles which will appear in HEAITHO AND VENTI LATING during 1943. They are reprinted from a privately print.ed monograph which was reviewed by the abstractor in this Digest, November, 1939 under the title "Principles of Exhaust Hood Design."
492 Ventilation and Heating of Maritime Commission Ships. J.W. Markert. Heat. 8s ^ent., 40, 32-57 (February, 1943*7! This is an excellent and thorough article describing the ventilation and heating of merchant ships. All phases of the problem are discussed. The number of air changes for various ship sections is given and methods of air distribution are shown. The article is well illustrated with photographs of actual installations. Special conditions required for dry cargo holds are described.
493 Ultraviolet Radiation and Ozone as Aerial Disinfectants. W.W. Coblentz. Arch. Phys. Therapy. 2Z, 709-711 (December, 1942). After a concise review of the literature, the author concludes that "the use of ultraviolet radiation and ozone as disinfectants is not justified andthat if not used intelligently these two germicides may cause serious injury to theoccupants
of places undergoing disinfection."
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Industrial I-fygiene Digest - 28
494 Warship Ventilating, Heating and Air Conditioning. T.K. Urdahl and W.C. Whittle
sey. Heat., Pip., & Air Cond.t 15. 105-110, (February. 1943).
c / Progress in warship construction can only be made by providing more punch per
pound, and a naval engineer should strive to develop lighter, simpler, and mor*a
foolproof methods to accomplish this end. Conventional practices should be cog
tinually analyzed from the functional standpoint and revised wherever commonsu?
ate savings in weight or space are possible, or where dependability can be im ,n proved. Ventilating engineers are urged to oooperate in giving technical service
regarding Naval construction.
495 Protective Methods for the Prevention of Industrial Dermatoses. L, Schwqrtz.
N".Y." State J. of Med., 42, 1525-1528 (August 15, 1942).
Emphasizing that more time is lost from work because of occupational dermatoses
than because of any other occupational disease, Dr. Schwartz outlines protective
methods for their prevention. These include pre-employment examinations, effi
cient ventilating systems, the use of protective clothing and protective oint
ments, and above all, cleanliness. Different types of protective clothing and
the value of each are carefully discussed, end it is pointed out that not only
this clothing, but the machines, and even the workrooms should be cleaned daily.
The requirements for proper non-irritating skin cleansers are listed. The arti
cle concludes with a discussion of protective ointments, listing six general
classes, and the specific uses of each.
*
49 6 Elimination of Gas Hazards at Sewage-Treatment Plants. Pacific Flush-TAs Co,,
Water Works and Sewage", 88, 423-431, 463-467 (1941)."
T
The collection and utilization of sludge gas are attended by the ride
sion and the danger to personnel arising from the poisonous propertie^'dl the gas. Operators are safeguarded by the adequate design of control roads, which should be at ground level, freely accessible, and ventilated by forced draught. Detailed designs are given. Water-seals on gas mains are unreliable and should
not bo used. The value of flame traps is emphasized and suitable designs are illustrated. Sources of ignition must be eliminated as far ae possible, e.g, by employing explosion-proof electrical equipaent and non-sparking tools* 0as
storage increases explosion risks, and the circumstances which may warrant stor age and the most suitable types of gasholder are discussed* It is essasrtlal to maintain a positive gas pressure throughout the plant at all times, and means
for minimizing pressure losses are described.
497 Effect of a Vacuum on Destruction of Bacteria by Germicides. A.J. Salle and
M. Xorzenovsky. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. & Med'.. 50. 12-16* (Say, 1942).
Cultures of eight species of baetdria were dried on glass slides or on cotton,
placed in plugged tubes, and exposed to formaldehyde gas generated in a closed ' chamber by the addition of commercial formalin to potassium permanganate. When
the air in the chamber was at atmospheric pressure the test objects were in no case disinfected in 1 hour, and five of the eight species of bacteria survived for 2 hours. When the chamber was evacuated to 29 in. of mercury before gener ating the same smount of gas (which raised the pressure in the chamber to 28 in-) only two bacteria survived for 5 minutes and none for 25. It is considered that the only action of an initial vacuum is to cause penetration. A vacuua has no
effect on the action of liquid gemicidqs.
498 The Employment of Disinfectants in Droplet and Mist Form. H. Kliewe. Zent.f. Bakt.I.Abt. Orig., 148 . 388-395 (MarchVe, 1942^. The author has embarked on a disinfection study and the elementary conclusions which he reaches are already familiar in this country. He sprayed a saline sus pension of Chr. prodiglosum into a vessel of 25 liters capacity or into a snail
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rsj aso
JS closed room, and enumerated colonies in agar plates exposed at intervals afteHS
introducing a disinfectant by means of three different sprays, giving particles
of different sizes. Experiments were done to show that the effects observed 03 were due neither to disinfection on the surface of the culture nor to the mers* carrying down of bacteria-ladcn particles from the atmosphere. Ho concludes ^
that a disinfectant may be far more effective in air than in water, that rela tive efficacy in the tvro media varies from one disinfectant to another, that fine droplets are more efficient than coarse, end that measures which will disinfect the air of a room will not necessarily disinfect objects in: it, particularly fabrics or other irregular surfaces. He believes also that the chemical disin
fection of air is a practical possibility, applicable with advantage to operat
ing theatres and to rooms used for infectious cases. Whereas lysol was used in his experiments, it is pointed out that something less toxic is necessary for practical purposes, for spraying inhabited rooms, one trial of which apparent
ly prevented the spread of chickenpox among children, he used "a resorcin prepar aticn."
Industrial Medical Practice
I
439 The Problem of Absenteeism. Ministry of Labor and National Service. Leaflet
P~.L.~106 London (1942).
}
Continuous and effective attention must be given to the problem of tMMNlia
in war factories. Difficulties in enforcing the provisions of the Isttstlal
Work Orders in the case of absence from ?/ork or persistent lateness ars pointed
cut. Two classes of absences are discussed, those due to "facts" and those
caused primarily by "feelings.'1 In the first class, causes of absences are
sickness, accident, shopping difficulties, home requirements, fatigue due to --
long hours and long journeys. An example cf the second class is found in the
case of workers in a permanently blacked out factory who feel depressed owing
tc lack of sunlight and the apparent lack of proper ventilation, due to the ab
sence of air movement. Lack of interest in the job and a lack of conviction
of its urgency is a cause of absence which production committees should be able
tc help. An attack on psychological causes of absentee! an is the greate#t sin
gle contribution that can be made to a solution of the problem. A redistribu
tion of work, or of the labor force, should be considered so that those who
need special working hours would not disturb the work of others. Appendix I
gives a form for the keeping of absenteeism records and Appendix XX gives sugges
tions for "follow-up" action on these records.
'
500 A Study of the Effect of Fixed-Pace Work Upon Health. G.H. Turner. Canod. Pub.
Health J,, 34, 8-73 (February, 1943). The paper summarizes the first unbiased and systematic study of the chwaic effects of fixed-pace work of the conveyor-belt type upon Inman efficiency and health. The investigation was based upon a study of production and illness records of 1033 employees in throe plants. The investigation disclosed that fixed-pace work is detrimental to health and contributes to wrk dissatisfaction and strained relationships between employer and worker. The investigator sug gests: (1) more careful choice of suitable employees for fixed-pace work; (2) regular rest periods in order to decrease fatigue, break monotony and inspect machinery, and (3) variation of machine speeds in accordance with human fatigue curves.
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m
501 The Problem of Functional Disease as Seen in Industry* D.E. Bell. Canad. Medi
Assoc. J. 48. 108-110 (February. 1943).
The paper indicates the importance of psychoneurosis as a problem to be faced
in industrial medicine. The author believes that the factor of compensation ia* more important than that of trauma in neurotic cases. Many physicians treat t]
injury without consideration of the functional disability that ensues. Laymen*
however, are in complete readiness to accept functional disability without ques
tion. The solution of the problem lies in the education of both the laity and
the medical profession in the subject of states of functional disability, in
cluding their existence, factors favorable to their development and means of
counteracting such factors.
502 Medical Examinations in Industry. Their Function and Scone. VAN. Leak. Brit. J. Physical. Med. , 5_, 116-120 (July-August, 1942). (British). Pre-employment examinations are considered, often of young persons entering upon industrial employment. Suggestions are given concerning the appointments of the consulting room, the desirability of the use of tactful methods by doctors and attendants, and the importance of giving instruction and counsel to the
S: prospective employee regarding his relation to Ms work and Ms employer.
503 The Private Physician's Opportunity in Industrial Medicine. J.J. Bloomfield.
New Eng. J.~~of Med. , 225. 929-932 (December 11. 1941K
.
The private physician should be familiar with problems of industrial hyaena, as
only one tMrd of American workers have any medical service at the plant?prop*r*
although industrial hygiene service is increasing rapidly. A cut of only 10$
in the nearly 400,000,000 mandays a year lost to industry through disability
would be a worthwMle acMevement. Local medical organizations could fbxm com
mittees cn industrial hygiene, with which all private practitioners should
cooperate. Objectives of these committees might include: (1) training of physi
cians to recognize and report, immediately, occupational diseases; (2) pre-employ
ment and periodic physical examinations; (3) the obtaining of detailed occupa- __
tional and medical histories.
504 Administration of Case Finding in Industry. E.P. YonAllman, Calif. &West.Med.t
Tuberc. Supp., 57, 51 (July. 1942).
The Alameda County Association did fluoroscopic chest examinations of 5,611
adult persons employed in industry,, and made further studies in 120 persons. In
76 persons (1.4$) tuberculosis or other diseases were found; active pulmonary
tuberculosis was present in 27 persons. The total cost of the examinations was
$2,366.18 or 42 cents per person. The cost of discovering each of the 76 per
sons needing medical attention was $>31.16; the cost of finding each case of
active tuberculosis was $87.71.
`
505 Tuberculous Problems in Industry. W.P. Sheppard. Calif. & West. Med., Tuberc.
Supp~,~ "57, 48 (July, 1942).
.
Tuberculosis has increased in the nations which are at war. Contributing factors
are: food shortage, overcrowding, inadequate medical and health facilities,
increased work. Ways in wMch industry can help in the control of tuberculosis
are: fixing the length of the working hours; refusing to hire inexperienced
help comprising , people of an ago particularly susceptible to tuberculosis; in
creasing health safeguards and providing for locating early cases. Necessary
health safeguards for industry are: pro-employment and periodic health examin
ations; compliance with the Mghest standards for ventilation, lighting and san
itation; dispensary and first aid rooms; health education; responsibility of
foremen; personal and domestic hygiene; plant cafeterias; rest periods; rotation
on night sMfts; prevention of silico-tuberculosis.
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506 Some Reflections on the Tuberculous in Industry* B. Mann. Tubercle, 23, 72-?fe
(March, 1942).
s
Attention is called to what the author considers an inconsistency in a scheme ?
suggested in a circular recently issued by the Ministry of Labor and National
Service. The employment of sputum negative and quiescent cases is proposed, *
while, "the vast bulls of usefully employable tuberculous subjects - the 'middle*
case' with, a positive sputum - is entirely omitted from consideration". Al
though there is a strong prejudice among both employers and employees against
admitting tuberculous persons into industry, there is nothing in the existing
method of labor recruitment to guard against the entry of unrecognized sputum
positive cases. They may have been passed by the factory surgeon, or they may
have had no medical examination at all. A contrast is pointed out between
stringent measures taken to avoid dissemination of the tubercle bacilli in the
Navy and Air Force and the laxity in allowing increasing numbers of infective
workers to pass into the workshops of Britain. The author suggests a plan of
part-time employment of the tuberculous, similar to that used in the case of
married women. This plan would imply a low standard of living unless earnings
were subsidized, with a sliding scale dependent on periodic reassessment of work
ing capacity. A proposal is made for the segregation of infective cases In spe
cial workshops or factories, with adequate provision as to canteen, hostel aad
restroom facilities. The author considers it important that previous history
of tuberculosis should bo made available in all cases of persona entering indus
try, such information not to be used against the subjects* Interests. MaJs radio graphy should help to classify infective and non-infective cases, so as ^
limit the dissemination of the diease in industry.
%
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507 Industrial Health and the War. D.L. Lynch. New Eng. J.of Med., 8W. (August 6, 1942).
The author stresses the fact that non-occupational diseases account for the majority of workdays lost to industry. He defines the function of industrial medicine and lists the major health measures of an industrial health program (1) prevention, which involves routine inspection of working conditions and a safety program; (2) health education;- (3) pre-placcment and subsequent physical .< = examinations; (4) medical and surgical core. Qualification* of tbs industrial physician are: thorough medical experience, an understanding of industrial rela tions, knowledge of job analysis and many other abilities. A brief discussion of the problems of fatigue and malnutrition among workers, is given* A series
of graphs, based on the data on employees of two large companies, are concerned with the effect of the sex and age of the worker and the duration of the illness on diagnosis. Others show the relation of periods of absence to the several days of the week. The fact that absences begin and end most often on Monday
seems to indicate a psychological problem.
508 Health Services in Industry. Industrial Welfare Soc. (Bibliography) London: 14, Hobart Place, S.W.l. 60 pp. (1942). The article stresses the need for health service in industry and deplore* tbs fact that there were in June, 1942 only 150 full time and 550 part time doctors employed in munition factories. Benefits of health service are listed. Require ments for starting a works* health service are explained: a whole tjye doctor is needed where more than 1000 are employed; a woman doctor should be engagsd where women are employed.. Small plants, with loss than, 250 workers abound com bine to engage a doctor to serve several or should employ part time doctors to attend at regular hours. The suggested organization is similar to that recom mended in the United States and actually set up in many establislmenta. The publication is recommended as being reliable and up-to-date -- in fact it is a valuable compendium of information such as any one undertattng or engaged upon
health work in industry wants.'
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i r
509 Successful Physical and Medicinal Treatment of Severe Carbon Monoxide EncenhflijS
tis. Report on the Use of Pervitin. H.G. Scholtz and K. 2,uschneid. Dout. Med
Yioch., 67. 1382-1385 (December 19, 1941). (German).
Details are given of treatment with pervitin, combined with physical therapy, ga
a case of encephalitis, following carbon monoxide poisoning. The dosage was iS
creased from 3 mgm. per day to 15 mgp. and was then reduced as bodily and mentaS
activity increased, until, after a period of five months the administration of
Pervitin and scopolamine bromide, which had been added later in the course of
the treatment, was discontinued with no ill effects. The special value of Pervi
tin lies in its power to arouse the patient from his mental torpor, to restore
his confidence in ultimate recovery and to secure his participation in physical
therapy.
510 The Early Recognition and Treatment of Shock. By the Committee of Shock and Blood Substitutes of the Associate Committee on Modical Research, National Research Council of Canada. Canad. M.A. J., 48, 196-205 (March, 1943). The article is of interest on account of the great number of tissue injuries, hemorrhages and burns encountered in industrial medicine. Primary or neurogenic shock differs from secondary shock in that tho syndrome appear more quickly and the pulse rate is slower in the former. In secondary shock, successful treat ment depends upon early recognition of tho signs of the condition, and in all serious wounds, bums, hemorrhages, and operations, shock should be anticipated. General principles of treatment are: (l) Arrest of hemorrhage, (2) Closure of wounds of chest, (3) Posture-head low position, (4) Relief of pain by nofphine, (5) Prevention of further injury, (6) Conservation of body heat, (7) Barly res toration and maintenance of blood volume, (8) Control of dehydratio* Hr adminis tration of isotonic salt water orally or intravenously, (9) Promotion of comfort and confidence, (10) Evacuation to an operating unit. Bum shook is briefly discussed. Plasma loss continues for 48 hours and hematocrit readings should be taken continuously. Serum transfusion is the only adequate treatment. In the crush or compression syndrome renal failure frequently complicates shock. - Early administration of alkali may help prevent renal failure, and pressure band aging may relieve the syndrome. Anesthesia if needed in shock should be by cyclopropane or ether, never spinal. The article is supplemented by three appendices: The administration of dried serum; technical aids to intravenous administration of fluids; and reactions caused by intravenous infusions. A bibliography is obtainable on request.
511 Syphilis in Industry. N.A. Nelson. Am.J.Syph., Conor. iVen.Dis., 27. 73-77
(January, 1943). The author complains against the prejudiced and misinfomed public in regard to syphilis, especially the significance of the blood test. The false belief that the disease is communicable at all times when a positive blood test is found, is prevalent, and its results are soen in industry as in other fields. A posi tive blood test frequently excludes able men from employment. It has been shown that a syphilitic worker is fully as efficient as his non-^rphilitie brother, provided he does not have cardiovascular or nouraxis involvement. The decision is thus left in the hands of an intelligent physician. The author urges that public ignorance be attacked first through industry, by allowing the physician instead of the uninfoimed layman to deteroino the medical polioy.
512 Relationship of Disease and Weather. H. Kreisman. Heat. &Vent., 40, 61-66 (February, 1943). This article describes the air conditioned room recently installed at Northwes tern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois. The technical details of the installation are illustrated and discussed,
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513 Y/hich Jobs for Young Workers? U.S. Dept, of Labor, Children's Bureau. 5 pamph lets, 4-S pp. each (October, 1942-February, 1943).
Pamphlet No.l, "Qaployment of Young Workers in War Industries," introduces the series. The keynote is found in the statement printed on the title page of eac pamphlet: "The young worker of today is the skilled worker of tomorrow -- Pro tect him from injury." The separate leaflets deal with the accident and health hazards in shipbuilding, in employment involving exposure to carbon disulfide, in load and load-using industries, and in employment where chlorinated solvents are used. In connection with each type of employment, kinds of work in which workers under 18 years of age should and should not bo employed are listed. Tho value of high school training is recognized by some industries who wish to use the younger workers in places v/here they can be developed into skilled or semi skilled craftsmen -- not as laborers or in dead end jobs. Existing Federal and State child-labor legislation provides much guidance, and legal standards, where applicable should be fully observed. The standards developed by the Children's Bureau are advisary, are general in their application and should be regarded as an emergency measure to protect young workers during this war period. (Copies available upon request.)
514 Health and Welfare of Women in War Factories. 3rd Report from the Select Com
mittee on National Expenditure, Session 1942-1943. London: H.M. Stationery
Office, 1942. 24pp.
i
The report is the result of an inquiry into the welfare and medical arra&ne&ts
for women employed in Royal Ordnance Factories and other government assi#ed factories. It is comprehensive and detailed and embodies features and dations found in similar publications issued in the United States
which have been reviewed in recent issues of the Industrial %dM
515 Nutrition in War Industry. F. Ignatieff. Canad. Pub. Health J.* S3.
(December, 1942).
.'
An essential service in the production of war material is the cactasm or restaur
ant where attr:..tive, nutritious and economical meals are served. Than --als
and rest-period refrdshaent are important factors in combatting fatlgus, increas
ing efficiency and improving the health of workers. In tba plant disouaged a
trained dietitian is in charge. The menu is based on a study of the' UhStfl of
the workers, and the meals are freshly prepared for each shift and selves at cost.
During tho rest periods, milk, fresh fruit juice, and coffee made with 88)6 milk
are. served. The personnel department and the medical department have charge of
a program of education which includes lectures on eating habits* healthy.break
fasts, and proper choice of food in the canteen. These lectures are given dur
ing the worker's training period.
Additional News Item
516 The OWI announces that more than 97 per cent of Naval and Karine vouaded*- from Pearl Harbor to March 31, 1943, have recovered. Those figures vers contained in a report by OWI on the care of the wounded by the medical department* Of ti Army and Navy. Percentage figures for the recovery of Axay wounded are nob available at present owing to incompleteness of records from the fighting fronts* An analysis cf available data on Army wounded shows that recoveries are compar able to Naval and Marine percentages. Of all Navy and Marine personnel wunded only 2. 6 per cent died subsequently. Fifty-three per cent were returned to duty. Still under treatment as of March 31 were 43.5 per cent. Invalided frem service were 0.9 per cont.
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INDEX (May, 1943)
Absenteelan
499
Air analysis
fumigants
487
solvent vapors
483
Ammonia .
poisoning
441
Analysis
aliphatic nitrates 485
lead by polarograpb 481
trinitrotoluene Anemia
486
toxic
475
Arsenic poisoning
liver cirrhosis
417
Asbestos
electron microscopy 480
Ascorbic acid
and lead absorption 428
B Anthracis
in bone meal
416
Beryllium
toxicity
418
Black dermographism 461
Carbon disulfide
poisoning
450
Carbon monoxide
anoxemia
443
camp stoves
444
encephalitis
treatment of
509
optic effects
442
Carbon tetrachloride
health, hazards
451
Carcinogenic activity
survey of compounds 467
Cyclotron workers
blood findings
473
Dermatitis
airplane industry 455
cutting oils
456
rubber mask
458
Dormatosos
457
prevention
495
Disease
and weather
512
functional
501
Disinfection
droplet and mist 498
ozone & radiation 493
vacuum & germicides 497
Dust control
exhaust hood design 491
Electrostatic precipitator
portable
484
Eye infections
465
Fatigue
mining
478
Ferrous alloys
industrial hygiene 438
Fjberglas
health aspects
419
Fluoride
absorption & excretion 439
Glycols
toxicity
452
Health
fixed pace work effects500
industrial
and the war
507
Heat
and moisture
479
tropical
477
Housekeeping
490
Hydrocyanic acid
skin absorption
445
Industrial medicine
private practitioner 503
Xcrato conjunctivitis
462-463-464 Lead
danger in motor fuel 425
poisoning
scrap recovery
424
toxicity of alloys422-423
Load tetraethyl
in gasoline
426
Magnesium
health aspects
427
lung effect
429
Manganese
intoxication
430
Medical service
industrial
508
Mercury
handwriting test
431
Methanol
chronic poisoning
453
Minors
in industry
513
Nitrogen oxides
poisoning
446
Nutrition
515
Phosphorus
skin irritation
432
Physical examinations 502
Pneumoconiosis
aluminum
414-415
iron dust porphyry
420-421 435
Pulmonary irritants 440
Respirators
Bureau of Mines Approval
List
**489
Sewage treatment
health hazards Shock
496
diagnosis and treatment 510
Silica, free
determination
483
Silicosis intrathoracic lymph
nodes
> 436
lung function $ 434
lung residue analysis
482 '
Silesian pottstiti 433 Skin cleanserg 459-460 Sulfur
physiological effects 437
Sulfur dioxide in flue gases
' 447
pneumonia
448
Syphilis
511
Tetra-chloro-para-benxo-
Quinone toxicity
474
Thermal environment 476
Trinitrotoluene
diet & poisoning 454
Tuberculosis
505-506
case finding
504
Ventilation ships
492-494
War gases and chaelcala
occular effect
449
Weil's disease immune sens
466
Welding eye effects
471
fatality health hazard lung effects Women in industry
46S 470 472 514
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