Document nw7E50j2Ndv0YXY31dLZ3b3R

y o mi n ri * - 1! LiyWL/ Wl>j ii uduiiuul Hitetetuie GLshacis MEDICAL ENGINEERING LEGAL - - - decisions and trends > luut*J Monthly By INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA. CO 4 n ' U vJ FOUNDATION1 Foundation Facts is a monthly newsletter issued to industrial concerns holding member^uip in Industrial Hygiene Foundation- The Foundation I FACTSWlAl. KYGItNC rmffi QaDO^ is .1 combined research and service institution to protect the health of workers in industry. July, 1945 I H. B. teller Dr. H. B. Meller, formerly managing director of Industrial Hygiene Foun dation and a world authority on air pollution and smoke prevention, died in a Pittsburgh hospital on Sunday evening, June 7, He was 65 years old. Burial was made at Altoona, Pa*, on July 1. Formerly Dean of the School of Mines at the University of Pittsburgh, ii ii ! Dr. Keller had headed Mellon Institute's air pollution investigation since 1923. Mo became managing director of Industrial Hygiene Foundation when the organization was formed in 1935 and directed the Foundation until last September when failing i health forced him to relinquish active management. He had continued as a Consultant. Hi's direction accounted in a large measure to the upbuilding of the Foundation during its formative years. Through his work at Mellon Institute for two decades, Dr. Meller became known internationally as a specialist on air pollution. Also, through these efforts, Pittsburgh adopted an anti-smoke ordinance which became a model for other cities throughout the country. He headed Pittsburgh's Bureau of Smoke Regulation frem 1920 to 1938. As an indication of his contribution to air hygiene, and at a time when tho field was little known. Dr. Heller published some 30 articles and was senior author of a dozen other articles written with associates. These were exclusive of the scores of papers which he presented before distinguished groups through the years, including such organizations as the New York Academy of Medicine, the Franklin Institute, the American Chemical Society, the American Public Health Asso ciation and the National Safety Council. Born in Altoona, Dr. Meller first went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a clerk. In 1900 he become cleric and later secretary of the faculty of the Department of Medicine at the University cf Pennsylvania. After attending the University and the Michigan College of Mines ho joined the University cf Pittsburgh faculty as an instructor in 1910. He beccne Dean cf the School cf Mines in 1214 and hold that position until 1923 when he came to Mellon Institute. INL'Iw'ATDial MVlilE Mr >`OUNnA?ION idOO AVCNUE <n PITTsnUNOH. F* oi. '.Hi 3. 7. Industrial Hygiene Foundation, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE DIGEST Literature and News News Items C42 Hydrogen From Water At Fires. Bulletin 166 by the Committee on Fire Prevention and Engineering Standards of ' the National Board of Fire Underwriters discusses the formation of hydrogen from . water decomposition by fires. The danger of hydrogen accumulating is theoreti cal. 'The gas burns as fast as it is formed. The almost instantaneous libera tion of a large volume of steam has often been mistaken for a hydrogen gas ex plosion. 643 Safety Equipment. The March issue of National Safety News is devoted entirely to safety equipment. Several signed articles of a general nature are followed by brief anonymous discussions of various mechanical and hygienic safety features, classified in the following general sections: (1) personal protection; (2} mechanical equip ment; (3) firs and plant protection; (4) first aid and medical service; (5) sani- tary equipment and supplies, and (6) miscellaneous services and problems. The subsections on "Respiratory Protective Equipment" under the first heading, and "Industrial Ventilation" under the second, were given brief notices in the June Digost, and Sections 4 and 5 are briefly abstracted in this number. The entire issue, however, is worth reading for a summary of a complete safety plan. 44 Flammable or Inflammable? There has .always been a certain amount of confusion when gasoline or other sol vents aro referred to as inflammable materials. When we refer to a substance as being incombustible, we mean that it will not easily burn, whereas, custom has established the use of the vrord "inflammable" to mean something that could easily be ignited. In Vicbstor's Dictionary, the words "inflammable" and "flammable" are cefined as follows: Inflammable - capable of being easily set on fire; easily enkindled; combustibio. Flammable - capable of being easily ignited; inflammable. In order to clarify this terminology, the National Firo Protection Association 1 industrial Hygiene Digest - 2. ;;45 Ahnt's V-ronr With Safety Training. In the "help wanted" columns of a daily paper the following jobs were advertised recently: ``Production, engineer - 450; Mechanical engineer - *400; Safety engin [ eer - vl?5* /Jfrcd U. Cooper in the February issue of "Engineering For Safety" i asks if there is a direct correlation between the discrepancy in salary and the now all time high accident rate experienced by industry? As a rule, we get what wo pay for, in merchandise or manpower* In today's labor market one cannot ob tain a good safety engineer for 175 per month, nor for any figure within double that amount. - Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor, 16, 51 (April, 1943). 645 Coramic Tubes in Dust Collectors. To save stool, the Prat-Daniol Corp., Port Chester, H. Y., is constructing tubes of special fire clay in Thermix ceramic tubular dust collectors. Those tubes are sufficiently thick and rugged to bo proof against fracture and breakage from normal handling or from changes in temperature, yet they weigh no more than steel. The ceramic tubes ore mounted in a concrete or brick casing above con crete bins, entirely eliminating the use of steel. - Chetn. & Eng. Hews, 21, (March 25, 1943). 647 Federal Government Safeguards Working Youth. ' Safeguards for the health, welfare, and e-ducation of American youth whose ser vices arc being demanded by the war program have been advanced by a statement of ' policy just approved by the War Manpower Commission. This policy, formulated in cooperation with the Children's Bureau of the U. S. Department of Labor covers matters relating to the enforcement of school attendance and child-labor lavrs, the employment of youth under 13 years of age, provision for the educational ! program of those who take employment, transportation of young people to and from work and assurance that suitable living conditions are available if the work re quires that young people live away from home. The policy also states that any youth interested in work in another area should first register for employment at the nearest local office of the U. S, Employment Service or such other agency as may be designated by the War Manpower Commission. After presenting evidence of parental consent, he will be referred to a specific job opening 'where he can ba lawfully employed, and where there arc suitable arrangements for housing. -- Labor Inf. Bull., March, 1943. 48 Safety and Health Efforts Aid in Greater Production. Some examples of the activities of agents of the National Committee for the Con servation of Manpower in War Industries ere the uncovering of hazards to health and safety of workers. New England industrial landmarks, now centers of renewed activity, were badly in need of repair. A high labor turnover in a plant manu facturing army tents was found to be due to illness caused by the solvent used on the cloth. The formula was discontinued. Provisions for a noon meal were made in a shoe factory, whose employees had become ill from eating hot dogs at the only available eating place. Two illustrations of the work of the Committee in promoting safety programs are given. -- Labor Inf. Bull., March, 1945. 649 War Industries Urged to Save Workers* Eyesight. Industrial concerns should give much mere attention to workers* eyesight, "not only for humane reasons, but to increase production, to reduce spoilage, and to add manpower," C.P. Telman, consulting engineer for the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness, declares. At least one fourth of industrial workers. he estimates, have defective , but corrodible, vision. Here than three fourths of 50 typical plants studied make no effort to determine what visual requirements are necessary or acceptable to qualify' a worker for any particular job. These plants do not know how many men with aofectivc vision can be utilized, while, on C o i; o a Industrial Ifygiene Digest - 3, the other hand, they may be employing men whose vision is a hazard on the partic ular job. for example, a crane operator who could not judge the height and place ment of a crane load would be a menace to life and property, whereas on a job to wiiich his eyesight is suited, he could carry on safely and effectively. -- Science Nows Letter, (March 13, 1943). CSC Reducing Blackout Hazards. Lew developments plus experience gained during the past year are helping reduce the hazards of blackouts and dim-outs and are making these protective measures more effective, according to S.G. Hibben, noted lighting authority. Mr. Kibben, who is director of applied lighting at the Yvestinghouse Lamp Division, Bloomfield, N. J., predicted a greater reduction in the accident toll during blackouts and dim-outs once full advantage is taken of modern lighting and safety devices. "We have learned much about blackout technique during the past year," he declar ed, "...It is quite possible to have a complete exterior blackout without sacri ficing adequate interior illumination in home or factoiy." "...In case of air raids -- people should be prepared to carry on vital work without interruption...n Present day industrial architecture represents the ideal in industrial protection. It provides such important features as windovdLess construction, shatterproof glass, minimum of sky lights, neutral exterior coloring, and light interior paint ing. "Even in older industrial plants not so equipped, it is possible to have such protection by making full use of the most modem lighting and safety devices..." One of the most interesting developments in blackout technique has been that of phosphorescent and fluorescent materials. Mr, Hibben recommends the use of luminous markers and signs to denote exits, doors and factory aisles. He also described its use on clothing and automobile exteriors, and added that phos phorescent coatings may be used to outline door knobs,- svdtches, stairs, rail ings, paths to air raid shelters and in many other locations. -- Buildings and Building Man., April, 1943. . 651 Protein Allergy Attacks Workers in Castor Plants. A new danger to the health of workers in an important war industry was disclosed before the Detroit meeting of the American Chemical Society by two U.S. Depart ment of Agriculture research men, J.P.. Spies and E.J. Coulson. This industry is the extraction of castor oil, now needed in huge quantities for filling the recoil cylinders of heavy guns, and other important uses. Workers handling the pomace or pulp left after the oil has been extracted sometimes develop asthma and other allergic symptoms. Even when ricin, a deadly protein poison has been removed, the pomace is still capablo of causing allergic reactions. The newly discovered allergy-producing protein is, as yet, known only by a set of initials; CB.-1A. Something closely resembling it in chemical and physiological properties has also boen isolated from cotton seed. -- Science Hows Letter, April 24, 1943. 652 Health Hazard. ' It is essential that all persons engaged in the business of plating, selling, manufacturing or distributing utensils and equipment which may come directly or indirectly in contact with food or drink be again warned concerning the hazard to public health involved in the use of deleterious metals in this connection. The Sanitary Code of the City of New York definitely prohibits the use of cadmium, lead or other deleterious metals in the construction of food equipment or uten sils. A simple field test for the rapid detection of cadmium is available upon request at the office of the Bureau of Food and Drugs, Department of Health of the City of Hew York. -- Products Finishing, J7, 55 (May, 1943). Industrial Hygiene Digest - 4 i i Legal Developments $53 Tuberculosis Reactivated, Whether Accidental In.iury Accelerated Disease. This is an appeal in a compensation from a judgment sustaining a demurrer to the P petition and dismissing the suit. Petitioner, a man twenty-nine years of age, was suffering from tuberculosis contracted some time before his employment by the Procter & Gamble Company, insured by the Travelers, but which it was alleged had been arrested prior to his employment and that, as the result of inhaling gaseous fumes and fine particles of dust thrown out in the operation of the de partment in which he worked, the old scars or lesions left on his lungs had been disturbed and broken and the disease re-activated. The trial Judge was of opin ion that petitioner was suffering from a disease, not the result of accident. To be within the Compensation Act the injury must be "unforeseen, unexpected and fortuitous. An element of unexpected casualty must be present." In the instant case the resultant condition of which petitioner complains could not, it would seem, have been unexpected. On the contrary, it was a natural and forseeable result. The court is constrained to agree with the trial Judge that the declar ation failed to state a case of liability in. that no accidental injury is shown . to have resulted in either causing or accelerating the disease from which it is alleged petitioner is suffering. The judgment is affirmed. Johnson v. Trave lers Insurance Co. Tenn. Supreme Ct. Decided May 8, 1943. {CCHK 554 Death of Sand-Blaster Resulting From Inhaling Silica Sand Dust. Prejudicial Error in Instruction to Jury. The death of plaintiff s decedent was allegedly due to the negligence of defend ant in failing to provide decedent with a safe place in which to perform his work, and failing to provide him with proper equipment to protect him from inhaling silica sand dust and particles, while employed by defendant as a sandblaster, whereby ho contractod the disease of silicosis, which culminated in his death. Defendant in his answer affirmatively alleged that it complied with its duty to tho deceased by furnishing him with the properly equipped respirator; but it was further alleged that docedent refused to wear tho respirator, by reason of which he contracted the disease resulting in his death. The court rendered judgment for plaintiff. The grounds urged for a reversal are: (1) Erroneous instruc tion No. 1 given to the jury, and (2), that the defendant's motion for a peremp tory instruction should have been sustained, on the ground that the evidence show ed conclusively that deceased refused to wear the respirator while he was engaged in his work. Instruction No. 1 still contained grounds upon which the jury oould return e verdict against defendant, although it did furnish an efficient respirator and defendant wore it while at work. Such sumbissions to tho jury constituted false and immaterial issues, which instruction No. 2, did not elimin ate. ihe testimony on the issues of defendant's failure to furnish an effi cient respirator or on the issue of defendant's failure to appropriate it when performing his work did not create such, a failure of proof as to render a find ing by the jury either way as being flagrantly against the evidence so as to re quire the giving of a peremptory instruction. The error in instruction No. 1, as above pointed out, was prejudicially erroneous, requiring a reversal cf the judgment, end it is so ordered, with directions to set it aside ana for proceed ings consistent with this opinion. Fearless Manufacturing Corporation v. Mackey. n'y Ct. of App. Decided May 7, 1943. (CCH). n ; -utri.il Hygiene Digest - 5 g-i.-: ore Buffer Breathes Mineral Dust. Arrrnvation of Pre-Existing Bronchiecta- " "Disability. Sufficient Evidence for Award, client's appeal is from the j advent of the circuit court affirming an award, by" the Commission in favor of appellee. Appellee, who suffered from a cough, considerable expectoration, soreness of his lungs, dryness and heat sensations i;; the bronchial tubes, loss of 'weight, and pain in his shoulder and back, work ed in the buffing department -where minute particles of the lime and nickel make a cloud of dust which fills tho room and he became disabled by aggravating a pre existing condition of bronchiectasis. Appellant contends that there was not sufficient competent evidence in the record to sustain the finding of facts made by the commission. Medical testimony has shown that the air which appellee ..ms forced to breathe while doing his v;ork was strongly impregnated with mineral oust which aggravated a diseased condition of his bronchial tubes, and resulted in disability. Judgment affirmed, Solid Steel Scissors Company v. Kennedy. Ark. Supreme Ct. Decided iiay 31, 1943. (CCHJ. yjiG Death From Tuberculosis Following Contraction of Silicosis. Liability of Employ er. Propriety cf Instructions. Admissibility and Exclusion of Evidence. Offi cials* Non-Liability. Coburn was employed by defendant as a "grinder" in the manufacture of refractory brick. Cobum developed silicosis, and he died from tuberculosis. Coburn's ad ministratrix brought suit for his death, alleging that it had been directly and proximatoly caused by the negligence of the defendants. The court below over ruled the Company's motion for a directed verdict, but sustained a similar motion on behalf of the individual defendants, officials in the plant. The jury, how ever, found for the Company, and this appeal is from the judgment dismissing the petition. As grounds for a reversal, appellant contends, inter alia, that the Court erred in its sixth instruction to the jury; in. rejecting material competent evidence offered by the appellant, and in admitting incompetent evidence offered by the Company; end in directing a verdict for the individual defendants, Loighow and Cartroll. Instruction No. 6, stated that death was directly caused by tuberculosis. But the jury v,-as told not to find for plaintiff unless it found that silicosis was tho proximate cause of the tuberculosis which caused his death, ana that "Proof that silicosis predisposes to tuberculosis and that the decedent might not have had tuberculosis if ho had not contracted silicosis, is not sufficient of itself to establish that the silicosis was the proximato cause cf tho tuberculosis." The court holds that there was no error in the instruction. Appellants insisting that tho quoted sentence was tantamount to an instruction ta find for appellees. Since most of tho medical testimony Trent no further than to establish that silicosis predisposes to tuberculosis, appellees were entitled to have tho jury cautioned that such testimony "of itself," which phrase is equiv alent to "standing alone," was not sufficient to supply tho necessary link in the chain of causation. The preponderance cf testimony was to the effect that Coburn's silicosis w&s in tho first, or, at most, the second of the three or four stages into which the authorities usually attempt to divide it, and was, cf it- si'lf, net sufficient in intensity to seriously disable him, much loss, cause his d` --th. As for the excluded testimony, its exclusion was not prejudicial to a;:silent, since he obtained the full benefit of the testimony that the great majority of persons who contracted silicosis subsequently developed tuberculosis, t'-itn respect to the medical testimony admitted ever the objection of appellant, ar.u relating to dust conditions at the plant, in cases of this magnitude, espe cially where the conditions giving rise to the claimed injuries and the nature <:' those injuries arc obscure, the testimony, if tho truth is to be ascertained, r.u.:t la allowed to take a wide range. This court cannot so.y that tho testimony e lninwii of was incompetent, or its admission prejudicial to appellant's sub stantial rights. The proof for appellant docs not allow acts or omissions on CO * A liguctrial Hygiene Digest - 6 . the pert of the individual appellees which would render then personally liable. There v;as much evidence indicating that at least good faith efforts had been, node by the Company to comply with the Statutes requiring the installation of draft and suction apparatus to remove the dust. Judgment affirmed. Coburn v. North American Refractories Co., et si. Ky. Ct. of Appeals. Decided Juno 25, 1943. (CCH). <T.7 Partial Disability from Silicosis Not Compensable. Total Disability Resulting After One-Year Statutory Period Also Not Compensable. This is cn appeal by an employer and its insurance carrier from an award of the State Industrial Board in favor of claimant for total disability compensation covering the period from May 4, 1941 to December 25, of the same year. Claim ant, an iron chipper, employed by the appellant, filed a claim in June, 1928, for compensation in which he stated that he terminated his employment on December 16, 1937. He was examined on July 26, 1938, and found to be partially disabled due to silicosis. The referee disallowed the claim on the ground that partial disability as a result of silicosis is not compensable and the Industrial Board subsequently affirmed the referee's decision. On claimant's application the case was later reopened, and on October 10, 1941, claimant was found to be total ly disabled. The referee made the award under review which was subsequently affirmed by the Industrial Board. It is undisputed that claimant ceased work on December 16, 1937 and in its decision the Industrial Board found that the last injurious exposure occurred on that date. The Board also found that claimant became disabled as a result of silicosis on or about December 16, 1937 and on or about July 26, 1938. The record contains no evidence whatsoever to support the finding of total disability as a result of silicosis on December 15, 1937. Claim ant is not entitled to benofits for the reason that the alleged total disability did not result until approximately three years and five months after the date of the last exposure. Claimant is in a very unfortunate situation. There can be no doubt that he is now permanently disabled as a result of silicosis. The record discloses that he has not been employed in any gainful occupation since he ceased to work for this employer. In view of the findings of the Board, however, this court is powerless to aid him. It may be that if given the opportunity he may bo able- to submit proof as to the permanency of his disability v.lthin the statu tory period of one year from the date of the last exposure. Award reversed. Matter of Rapkicwicz. N,Y. Supreme Ct., App. Div., 3rd Dept. Decided at April Term, 1943 TccHT. 658 Silicosis From Breathing Limestone Dust Over Long Period of Time not a Compens able Injury. Appellee, Phillips, filed his application for compensation against appellant, Kentucky Stone Company, with the Workmen's Compensation Board, claiming that he "suffered permanent impairment of his lungs and body by reasonGf breathing lime stone dust." The application was apparently based on the contraction of silico sis. The Board overruled the referee's ruling that there was a compensable in jury and dismissed the claim. The ccurt trial held that the case should be re manded to the Board. This appeal fellows. Appellee, while employed for 15 years in appellant's quarries, inhaled limestone dust and dust from emery -wheels. On a day in 1938, he got very hot, and went up on top of the crusher where he breathed limestone dust and cooled off quickly, started choking up, caught ccld and could hardly breathe. He was off from work for several days, and lost over 50 pounds. Even if the court assumes that breathing of dust causes physical injury to the lungs of some people, end that the breathing of the dust ever a period ox' years by thu appellee resulted in traumatic injury to him, thero yet remains the question whether such injury was accidental within the moaning of the statute. It seems incongruous to say that an injury caused by breathing dust over a period of years is an accidental injury. To hold ouch an injury accidental r. n i I n-'ustrial Hygiene Digest - 7 would practically nullify the statute in this regard ana open the door to com pensation of occupational diseases, a result clearly not contemplated by the statute. The Board correctly denied compensation and dismissed the claim even though the evidence may be said to have established that the claimant was suffor- . ing vrith a disease which was in fact attributable to his employment, since such disease was not compensable. Reversed with directions to set aside the order remanding the case to the Board and to enter judgment affirming the Board's find ing. Kentucky Stone Co. v. Phillips ot nl. Ky. Ct. of Appeals. Decided Juno 4, 1943. (CCH). ;f:9 Blacksmith Injured by Breathing Funos Caused by Acids Used in Course of Employ ment.__Inhalation of Vapors as Constituting Accidental Injury tilthin Act. statutory Requirement of V.Titten Notice Excusable by Commission. Respondent was employed by petitioner as a blacksmith helper. Cn the date of the alleged injury, ho was in the blacksmith shop using cyanized gas and acids. The mixture reached boiling point and strong fumes and flame come from and around the mixture. The fumes, flame and smoke shot up in his face.' Respondent alleged that by breathing them, he sustained his injury. The Workmen's Com pensation Lav; is not confined to cases of traumatic injury; inhalation of vapors, gas or dust may constitute an accidental injury. The medical testimony sustained the finding of the Coramission that there was an accidental injury and resulting disability. It was next argued that there was a failure to comply with the statute as to giving the statutory written notice. The statutory written notice may ho excused by the Commission. The Commission entered its finding that the petitioner was not prejudiced by a failure to give the statutory written notice and there is competent evidence to sustain such finding. Award sustained. The Eagle-Pichor Mining a Smelting Company v. Loyd, et al. Okla. Supreme Ct. Decided June 1, 1943)7 (CCH). " Book Reviews 6GO National Fire Codes for the Prevention of Dust Explosions. National Fire Protec tion Assoc., 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 160 pp, (1943). $1.00, This is the latest contribution of the Committee on Dust Explosion Hazards of the National Fire Protection Association. The committeo was formed in 1922 in cooper ation with the TJ. S. Department of Agriculture, and has functioned continuously to date. ' In 1926, the Committee became s sectional committee of the American Standards Association. The Codes include a section on fundamental principles for tho prevention cf dust explosions and separate sections on the following dusts: aluminum bronze powder, coal, flour and feeds, pulverized fuels, spices, starch, sugar and cocoa, sulfur, grain (elevators and storage), and wood. The use of inert gas for preventing explosions is also described. The records of dust explosions in tho United States up to September 1, 1942 are also presented. 601 Physiolr;y in Avia_t_i_o_n_. C.L, Gcmmill. C.C. Thomas, Publisher, 220 E. Monroe St. Urringfi-eld, III 124 pp. (1943). i2.00. cl.: lent ary trrecantimecrn.t cf physiology preeppaor^e'^d primarily for aviators, covering me,chanics of resjpiration,r oxVyg._* e"nTat^ion o_f th"e blood,9 normallVy ':.nd 'a' t' higSJh"" 'a'--lt--ituacc, acceleration effects, etc. For industrial hygienists interested in the sueject it would serve only as ;n easily read introduction to the subject. There io r.o bibliography. I ulustrial Hygiene Digest - 8 Industrial Health Hazards and Their Effects iZZ Zsiceniologic Aspects of Anthrax in Massachusetts. I.R. Tabershaw and G.E. Morris. New England J. Med., 225, 92-93 (January 21, 1943.) It appears to be impossible to destroy anthrax at its source. Sporadic cases of native origin will always occur. It is extremely difficult to disinfect hides and shins. The anthrax spore undoubtedly survives the first two or three pro cesses in tanning -- that is, washing, fleshing and liming -- but probably can not survive the entire process. No significant improvement in the method of killing anthrax spores has been evolved in the last twenty years; and even if it were possible to disinfect hides and skins, it is doubtful whether this would be warranted, especially at the present time. Therefore the method of control must be chiefly one of education and sanitary precaution until the hides have passed through the tanning process. The more severe cases and the most frequent deaths have occurred in truckmen and longshoremen, Twho are not aware of the possibilities of this infection, and who neglect to report for treatment early. The prompt diagnosis and treatment in tannery workers seem in large measure responsible for ' the lessened mortality and morbidity among them. Physicians treating any cutan eous infection in a tannery worker or truckman should bear in mind the possibility of anthrax and should culture material from the lesion. In order to keep this disease in check effectively, an educational program must be directed toward truckmen, tannery workers, longshoremen and all others who handle imported hides, from thoir arrival in this country to their conversion into finished leather. -- Authors' summary. 663 'Tripoli and Silicosis. C.P. McCord and S.E. Meek and C.C. Harrold. Ind. Med., 12, 373-377 (June, 1943). The mineral tripcli contains approximately 9854 free silica, and is usually in a finely divided state. Proliferative reactions may be produced by all varieties of true tripoli. However, cases of human silicosis from tripoli are rare. The authors have sought the causes of this behavior and have come to the following conclusions: (1) the high porosity of tripoli gives a large surface area per unit of mass; (2) this high specific surface favors adsorption phenomena, in cluding presence of hygroscopic films; (3) tripoli has an unusual degree of di polar electric attraction, causing many particles to cohere; and (4) an addition al artificial factor is that tripoli must be waterproofed before use as a foundry parting to prevent the hygroscopic films. The waterproofing compounds are physiologically inert as their melting points are well above body temperature and they arc not easily removed. The extent of physiologic inertness appears tc de pend on the efficacy of the coating process. Not all partial.s below 5 microns arc coated. 664 Dust Hazard in Trcnolite Talc Mining. Including Roentgenological Findings in Talc V.orkcrs. IV. Siegal, A.R. Smith and L. Gracnburg. Am. J. Roentgenol., 49_, 11-29 (February, 1943). This is a report on a study of atmospheric contamination in tho mining and mill ing of tremolitc talc ir. Northern New York State. It is notable that although the free silica content in all cases was found te be loss than one per cent, an incidence of 14.5 per cent of advanced fibrosis was found (32 out of 221 exposed) All cases occurred among non exposed to tremolite talc for 10 years or longer. The authors report that the pathology associated with this exposure suggests a industrial Hygiene Digest - 9 special etiology, and in addition there is evidence that there is an increased susceptibility to tuberculosis. The fibrosis found v;as a "fine diffuse type with a roontgehographic appearance of granulation or nodulation on a hazy background. It tended to be disabling in character and was frequently accompanied by dyspnea, cough and fatigue." The study includes a review of the literature on both exper imental studies and clinical reports on the effects of talc dust. There is a complete discussion of the mineralogy and mining and milling operations in the northern New York mines. Twelve X-rays and eloven case histories are given to gether with a detailed discussion of roentgen findings. IC-5 Minimum Standards for the Health of Workers in the Brick Manufacturing Industry. I.'.ucational Health Circular, Industrial Health Series, No. 3. State of Illinois, Dopt. of Public Health. Pamphlet, 14 pp. No date. Part I of the circular is devoted to a discussion of Material and Processes and of Health Hazards. Exposure to silica is the greatest hazard found in brick: making plants; therefore dust prevention is of paramount importance. Factors to be considered in determining a dust hazard are given. The necessity of fre quent air sampling by competent personnel is indicated. The minimum permissible dust content is stated, and measuros for controlling a dust hazard are consider ed. Other health hazards discussed, with health measures and precautions to be observed are: Dampness - temperature variations; weather exposure - extreme dry heat; extreme light glare; gases and fumes. Part II presents minimum standards for the health of workers in the Brick Manufacturing Industry, as suggested by the Division of Industrial Hygiene of the State (Mass.) Department of Public Health. Subjects covered arc: Lighting; ventilation, temperature and humidity; sanitation; dust, fumes and gases; personal protective equipment; housekeeping; building equipment; notices and instruction; inspection; medical aid; physical examinations; reporting diseases. 666 Chemical Pneumonia in Workers Extracting Beryllium Oxide. H.S. Van Ostrand, K. Hughes and M.G. Carmody. Cleveland Clinic Quarterly. 10, 10-18 (Jan., 1343). Three cases of chemical pneumonia occurring in a war industry manufacturing beryllium oxide are presented. The chemical formula or agents used in this pro cess have not been made known by the manufacturer. The 3 cases reported had identical symptoms and roentgen findings. The characteristic symptoms consisted of dyspnea, a relatively non-produotivo cough with occasionally blood-tinged ex pectoration, and a low grade fever. The roentgen changes in the chest which appeared about 3 wocks after the onset of symptoms revealed a diffuse haziness of both lungs, prominence of the peribronchial markings, soft irregular areas of infiltration, and discrete small nodules. These changes were dependent on the stage of the disease. The 3 patients recovered with a complete return of the lungs to normal on chest X-ray. Additional studies are being made to deter mine tho specific inhaled etiologic agent in this industrial disease attendant to the wor effort. The loss of time from work in those 3 cases averaged 3-3/4 months. - Authors* summary. 667 pust Free Grinding. F. Schocffler. Nat. Safety News, 47, 18, 19, 84 (May,1943). -- description, with illustrations, is given of the modern grinding room equipment installed by tho Lodge and Shipley Machine Tool Company of Cincinnati to provide healthful, dust-free surroundings for employees. Increased production with lower labor costs has resulted from the installation. t i'o pI*i __ , rds in Munitions Plants. ?VT-* VO , 19 C.E. G at. Calif, Safety Nows, 2_7, 5 r-\ hurt article describes the symptoms of TNT and tctryl poisoning. The most ii. ant precautions to be observed to prevent poisoning arc listed briefly. Industrial Hygiene Digest - 10 . 060 Hazards of the Printing Industry. Travelers Standard, 30, 81-88 (May, 1942). 2he dangers from lead poisoning in printing establishments are considered, v.lth methods for their prevention. Cases, from which type is set by hand, should be cleaned by vacuum equipment to prevent the dust from being inhaled by the work ers, Exhaust hoods should be placed over linotype and monotype machines to carry off the lead fumes that arc given off fron the melting pots. Personal cleanliness is highly important, and adequate toilet facilities should be pro vided, Vacuum systems should be installed wherever practicable. If floors must be swept, precautions should be taken to avoid raising dust. 70 Health Aspects of V'clding. A.G, Crunch and B.L. Vosburgh. 31st National Safety Congress Transactions (1942). Health hazards in welding may be divided into "real" and "unreal." If precau tions are taken to guard against the real hazards, the unreal will disappear entirely. The real hazards are usually easy to recognize and effective preven tive measures are available. Ho reliable evidence has been presented to show that welding operators have any poorer health and accident records than other tradesmen working in the same environment, or that they show' any characteristic typo of illness which could'bo associated with their work. That health hazards duo to welding exposures arc not great and can be well controlled is evident from tho enormous increase in welding and its applications without a corresponding in crease in illness. 671 Spray Painting Creates Health Hazards. Illinois Labor Bull., 3_, 14-15 {March 31, 1943}. Spray painting adds new health hazards besides magnifying the dangers of brush anc dip painting. These hazards arc discussed and it is pointed out that solvents which show no immediate toxicity have a narcotic action which makes the worker noro prone to accidents. Health safety limits for solvent vapors are usually at least a ten times lower concentration than the explosive limits (which range in whole per cents). The remainder of the article discusses control measures: (1) In general, if the sprayer must enter the spray area he must have in addition to exhaust ventilation an air-supplied respirator and additional protective cloth ing. (2) The booth must bo largo, deep { to prevent excessive backlash) and fireproof. (3) Exhaust and spray disposal. An air velocity of 150 linear feet per minute into all openings is recommended, as well as a water wash system or collector plates. (4) Spraying practice. Tho spray must not be under unnecessary pressure and should be dirocted toward the exhaust. Vertical articles should be placed at an angle; (5) Ml drying methods should have good exhaust ventilation. {6) Dermatitis can be prevented by adequate clothing and the use of skin creams. (7) Fire protection. Most important hero are good housekeeping and safe storage of materials. 672 The Toxicity of Lead Azide. L.T. Fairhall and others. U. S. Public Health Herts., 58, GC7-6L7 {April 9, 1943). An investigation of lead azide as an industrial hazard has indicated that the storage and distribution of lead in the tissues following the ingestion of this compound arc in general similar to that of other lead salts. The acute toxic effect of this substance, however, is associated with the azoimide radical rather than v.ith the lead. Further evidence confirming this was obtained from obser vations of tho effect cf administering sodium azide intraporitoncally, subcutan eously, and orally in comparison with similar experiments with lead azide. The min.Lr.um lethal dose of sodium azide following injection lies between 35 and 33 mg. per kg. cf body vroight, while up to 150 mg. per kg, of body -weight of lead azido could be injected intraporitoncally without causing death. This is equivalent in .-mount to G6 mg. of sodium azide. The effect of exposure, tc hydrazoic acid Industrial Hygiene Digest - 11 gas by inhalation v;as determined at various concentrations and it has been shear, to be invariably fatal to rats in amounts beyond 1160 p.p.m. when breathed for 1 hour. -.The results of this investigation indicate clearly that hyaraxoic acid should be considered a dangerous gas. -- Authors' summary. 673 Peon-national Disease Considerations. E.R. Hayhurst. Ohio State Bar Assoc. Q7-93 (May 10, 1943'), The author compares various definitions of occupational disease, including Sappington*s, Goldberg's, his own and those established in the courts of New York and Illinois, and Ohio. The methods and sources of reports and complaints arc next discussed. The sources include the examining physician, the plant physician, labor union officials, fellow employees, and industrial hygiene sur veys. The prinicpal occupational diseases in Ohio in 1931-40 and in 1942 are then tabulated. The hazards of industrially nev; substances are discussed and some essentials in the handling of medicolegal cases are presented. The latter subject includes careful investigation of physical condition, personal and family history, examination of the work place. Finally the cost of establish ment of claims and the question of who shall pay that cost is discussed, con cluding with a suggestion that a State Occupational Disease Institute be founded, with the immediate function of investigating all occupational diseases reported under the law. This institute should also have the broader function of investi gating all new manufacturing procedures before they arc put into operation. The institution should be in a strictly impartial research center, should work in cooperation with state officials, and should be well supplied with funds and personnel. 74 The Iron Metabolism In Lead Poisoning, A, Tomaselli. Z. ges. exptl. Med., 109, 594-603 (1941). (German). In lead poisoning in dogs the blood iron and hematocrit values decreased more cr loss rapidly in all cases. The serum iron decreased in the milder, more chronic poisonings, but increased in severe acute poisonings. The iron values of the liver, bone marrow and lungs increased in lead poisoning. The movement of the total iron in the organism is discussed on the basis of these and other findings. 675 Blood Changes in Experimental Load Poisoning As Studied by the Fluorescent Micros cope. K.L. Pesch and E. Lerake. Arch. Gcwcrbcpath. Gewcrbehyg., 10, 674-81 (1541; The stippled erythrocytes wore not exhibited by the fluorescence microscope in the blood of guinea pigs, rabbits or man in lead poisoning. The basophilic granules of stippled erythrocytes arc apparently not nuclear remnants, because the nuclei of nucleated rod blood cells {as in the blood of birds or in human red bone marrow) absorb definite fluorochrome light. In simple and clear manner stippled red blood cells were demonstrated by the Morin-Manson dye. The stain ing technique is presented. 676 Industrial Manganese Poisonina. L.T. Fairhall and P.A. Neal. Nat. Institute of health Bull,, No. 182. 24 pp. Federal Security Agency. U.S. Pub. Health Service. Chronic manganese poisoning has been known for over a hundred years, and some 353 cases of nanganism have been reported since 1337. Its relative rarity con sidering the manifold technical applications is explained by the follow.! ng cir cumstances: (1) Relatively few people have the constitution for the devei'.-T...-?nt of chronic morganism; (2) apparently not all compounds of manganese can ::rr ai',e chronic poisoning; (3) the chronic condition can only arise where murganc-o : -or its compounds arc inhaled or swallowed in sufficient amounts for a sniTiciv. long time. The maximum permissible concentration of manganese has net be,,r ater ra neb , but as a result of investigation and environmental studies, it has been tentatively placed at 60 mg, per 10 cu. m. of air. A brief treatment is river, of The Uses and Occurrence, The Physico-Chemical Properties, ana The Analytical < r>. Industrial Hygiene Digest - 12 Evaluation of manganese. Under Toxicology, industrial, experimental and chronic industrial manganese poisoning are discussed. Changes in the central nervous system with the development of the parkinsonian syndrome are the most important pathological changes due to manganese, but manganese pneumonia frequently occurs, also. Symptoms, differential diagnosis, pathology and treatnent of chronic manganese poisoning are considered. Tne importance of early diagnosis is stress ed as these cases recover spontaneously if placed in a dust free environment. For more advanced cases there seems to be no effective treatment. Periodic med ical inspection of workers and engineering control methods arc measures for the control of industrial manganese poisoning. A ten page bibliography is included in the bulletin. 677 Bene Marrow and Peripheral Nervous System in Chronic Manganese Poisoning. H. Voss. Arch. GewcTbcpath. Gewerbehyg., 10, 550-568 (1941). (Genian). In two cases of chronic manganese poisoning changes in the bone marrow and in the peripheral nervous system were found. In one case the atypical course of the poisoning was manifested clinically as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with bulbar symptoms. Anatomical findings existed corresponding to the malfunction ing observed. In another case there wero certain pyramidal tract symptoms. Anatomical study showed mainly extensive degeneration of the right pyramidal tract and of both sciatic nerves with pronounced vessel changes in the affected areas. 678 Dangers From Carbon Monoxide in the Home. L.B. Berger and H.H, Schrenk. U. S. Bur. of Mines Inf. Circ., No. 7258 8 pp, Mimeographed. (April, 1943). The purpose of this publication, as stated by the authors, is to emphasize the dangers of carbon monoxide and to suggest safeguards against this hazard of every day life. The properties of carbon monoxide and its action on the body are discussed. Suggestions for the safe use of the various types of household heating appliances are given. Seme precautions against unsafe practices are listed. First aid measures arc indicated. 679 Carbon Monoxide Asphyxia. A.G. Kammer and E.H. Carleton. Rocky Mt. Med. J., 40, 234-240'(April, 1943). The authors present the essential facts about carhon monoxide asphyxia, includ ing cause, location, symptoms, pathologic changes and treatment. 630 The Carbohydrate Metabolism During Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. J. Varady. Uricn. Med. Wchs., 92, 121-2 (1942). (German). Studios on 15 patients revealed a hyperglycemia in severe carbon monoxide poison ing. Ator administration cf 50 g. glucose, the blood sugar curve remained high 'for 30-60 minutes, and even after 2 hours it did not drep below the initial hypcrglycaaic value. The insulin secretion was not affected in carbon monoxide poisoning. C51 nffccts on Man of Severe Oxygon Lack. S.M. Horvath and others. Am.J.Physiol., 13G. 659-68 (1943). ~ Schizophrenic patients were subjected to severe anoxia over a period of several minutes either up to the point of unconsciousness or in seme cases extending in to unconsciousness. Anoxia of severe degree produces no beneficial effects on the mental condition of these patients. Anoxia severe enough to produce brief periods of unconsciousness has no lasting harmful effects on the central nervous oyster,, respiratory stimulation by anoxia is strong and sustained oven during unconsciousness. There is a rapid return to normal when either air or 14',,- oxygen is supplied. A mixture of 4.2,'j oxygen with nitrogen is equivalent physiological ly to in altitudo of about 31,000 feet. It should be possible to descend with an opened parachute from 31,000 feet altitudo vithout oxygen equipment with no ill effects from anoxia. _, f- n : * ^ o Industrial Hygiene Digest - 13 682 Diagnosis of Carbon Disulfide Polconing. Eodcnaeker. Med. Klin., 38, 328-331, (August, 1942). The coapnmtive rarity of carbon disulfide poisoning since industrial processes have 3UCO*edcd in keeping the air concentrations ivithin the danger limit, has rendered its diagnosis more difficult. Acute mental disturbance with delirium, nay be caused by three months* exposure to a concentration of 0.5 to 2 mg. per liter of air. The mental effect disappears after 3 v/c-cks' removal from exposure. Pathologically the result of poisoning is disturbance of the lipoid metabolism, which in turn affects the cells of the mid-brain. Another effect is carbon di sulfide neuritis, especially of the peronous nerve, and affection not only of the medullary sheath of the nerves but 'Iso of the corresponding ganglion cells of the central nervous system. Complete recovery on removal from exposure is of diagnostic importance. A measure of the extent of carbon disulfide poisoning is the xanthogenate content of the bicod, which can bo determined by simple tests which are described. The xanthogennte content is not related to the total carbon disulfide in the blood but shows a decided increase whenever mental disturbance is present. Figures are presented in support of that view. 633 Leukemic Myelopathy Caused by Benzene Poisoning. N.T. Eosso. Minerva mod., 52, 600-2(1941). (Italian). " " A few cases of hcmatologically proven nyclopathic leukemia following benzene poisoning arc reported. 634 Fatalities in Trichlcrethylene Degreasing. N.Y. State Ind. Bull., ZZj 125 (March, 1943). . ' Two fatalities of persons employed at degreasing operations in which trichlorethy- Icne was the degreasing agent, have been reported to the New York Division of Industrial Hygiene. These fatalities have not been common, and complete de tails of the cases will be published later. The deaths occurred suddenly about 1 hour after the end of the 8-hour work period. The Division of Industrial hygiene wishes to remind persons interested in these oporations, that if tri- chlorethylene degreasing is not properly controlled, serious consequences may result. 685 Poisoning by Chlorinated Naphthalene. E. Collier. Lancet No. 6229, 72-74 . (January 6, 1943.) Poisoning by chlorinated naphthalene may result in chloracno of tho face, partic ularly of the sides of the face; 12 such cases arising among workers who wore ex posed to the fumes or dust of chlorinated naphthalene arc reported. It nay also produce acute yellow atrophy or necrosis of the liver. In a typical case with systemic effects, the liver is usually the only organ showing damage. One fatal case is described fully. If cases of poisoning are to bo prevented, tho wax must not be overheated, and the fumes and dust must be properly carried av:ay by ekhaust ventilation. Workers must be instructed in the importance of . personal cleanliness, and must be medically examined every week for signs of acne or jaundice. -- Author's summary. CS6 Chemical Casualties. II.W. Haggard. Conn. State Mod. J,, _6, 864-371 (1942). The following topics are considered: nature of chemical agents, lung irritants (ammonia, phosgene, "nitrous fumes," chioropicrin, chlorine, sulfur dioxide), artificial respiration after irritant casco, lacrimators ana sternutators (chlcroncot.*phenonc (usually with sene chloropicrin) , bronobenzyl cyanide, diphcnylchlcrcarsinc, dipkonylsrunchlorourcine) , systemic poisons (carbon nonoxide, uyei vogen cyar.idc I j i ricciiCi. -- cw *on* c (white phosphorus, thermit, nar.r.ooiun), vesicant agent (mustard, Lewisite) md- the problem ol* decontamination. Industrial Hygiene Digest - 14 i'o7 Psychic Symptoms in Poisoning by Modern Industrial Solvents. P.J. Knabenhans, Achweiz. Arch. g. Meui-ol. u. Psychiat., 43. 232-271 (1941); 49, 128-1G4 (1942). There are six essential factors determining the neurotropic action of a solvent vapor: (1) fat solvent action, (2) chemical composition and metabolism in the body, (3) rate of absorption and excretion, (4) air concentration (volatility), (5) time factor (acute or chronic symptoms) and (6) variability of individual reaction (susceptibility). Acute poisoning for most solvent vapors is charac i terized by symptoms of narcosis tenninating in death or recovery. In case of the latter there usually appear symptoms of epileptiform seizures, emotional in stability, intellectual deterioration, loss of initiative, disturbances of sleep and amnesia. Chronic poisoning is usually characterised by a gradual appearance i of excitability, emotionalism, epileptiform and schisophrenic symptoms; some times there is apathy, exhaustion and drowsiness; often there is a disturbance of sleep rhythm, diminution of sexual potency, alcohol intolerance, and addiction. Toxic symptoms are given for chronic and acute poisoning with various aliphatic, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, also alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, special solvents and chemically related organic substances. . 688 Industrial Dermatitis - 481 Cases. H.J. Davis. Ind. lied., 12. 381-583 (June, 1943). ` The author introduces a report giving the experience of the company with which ho is associated to help substantiate the statement that dermatitis can be less ened by proper control, prevention and treatment. With no new buildings, new machinery nor new methods for combating dermatitis they have been able to keep their period of time lost for a compensable dermatitis case at 8.3 days, whereas the average is 70 days. The average compensation paid is 100 for each case, their figure is $18.10; the average medical cost for each compensable case is ' $90, their figure is 23.75. Sterilization of oil and the institution of an ' . original, completo method of studying, recording end treating dermatitis caused a marked reduction in the number of cases. The factor of cleanliness of the worker is also of importance. The author considers the present an opportune time to study the many million now war workers from a dermatitis standpoint. The number of man hours that can be saved by proper protection, control, and treat ment is cf great importance. 689 Dermatitis Due to the Formaldehyde Resins - Prevention and Methods of Control. K.E. Markuson and others. Ind. Med., 12_, 353-386 '(June, 1945).' A study was made of a severe dermatitis outbreak due to formaldehyde resins. It involved four plants employing 2,370 woidccrs, 355 of whom had developed dermati > tis. Information is limited to the most critical field, the toxic nature of phenol and urea formaldehyde. The use and composition of those resins is given. Mention is made of the frequent substitution of cresol for phenol, which nay, in some degree, be responsible for the recent outbreak in phenol formaldehyde der matitis. The action of the resins is explained and predisposing factors are discussed, briefly. Description of the skin rash, complications, body distribu tion, immunity, duration, medication, sensitiveness to formaldehyde fumes are subjects of short paragraphs. Preventive measures are listed under two h-adings: I. Medical, which includes personal hygiene, protective clothing, protective creams and ointment, operative technique, and education; and II. Engineering. The principal control measures are: (1) enclosure of mixing operations; (2) ven tilation in grinding and sanding operations; (3) enclosure of operations which require the heating of the material containing the resin, ana the provision of exhaust systems; (4) segregation of operations cauiring the heating or drying of tin, material; (a) mechanical installations, 'heraver possible; (6) regular periodic removal of dust accumulation. r. / *> n i..- u L :-Anot rial Hygiene Digest -15 ; [A-1::1 trotyluone {TOT) :___Its Effective Removal iron the Skin by a Special Liquid fr. e.p. -Norwood. Ini. Med., IS. 206-208 (April, 1943). 7OT"Tr the present eonditiens of handling TOT in munitions works, it tends to . cAumulnte on the skin of exposed workers, because it cannot be removed by wnsh- in,-; vith ordinary toilet scops and water. TNT loft on the skin is absorbed throughout the 24-hour period end adversely affects the health of workers. Pro filing by the previous work of others, and aided by soap manufacturers, we have developed an effective remover for TUT, It is composed of liquid soap to which is added 5 to 10# of potassium sulphate and 5 to 10# of an appropriate wetting .pent. I bclic-ve that the use of such a soap v,lll materially reduce the inci dence of toxic effects among exposed TOT workers. Information relative "to cert- paries from whom the special liquid soap may be secured may be obtained from the effico of Col. IV. J. McConnell, Medical Corps, Office cf the Chief of Ordnance, 233 North Michigan Avc,, Chicago. The soap has also proved effective in re moving tctryl from the skin. A much more general use of Webster skin reagent is recommended. It is hoped that this article will stimulate others to work actively on this problem, as its effective solution is most important in main taining the good health cf our munition workers. -- Author's summary. ; 1 "Dural Poisoning" and Wound Infections in Workers in Airplane Factories. V. Anton. Muench. Med. Wcchschr., 88, 888-8 (1941). (German). Eczema caused by working with light-metal alloys (Duralumin, Electron) is rare. Superficial skin fistulas after injuries and surface suppurations which wore slew to heal were relatively frequently observed in those v/ho worked with light metals. The treatment is described, l92 Dermatitis in Industrial Occupations. G. Hopf. Gesundh.-Ing., 65, 44-48 (1942). {Gorman). Various harmful materials arc exhaustively described according to the type of their reaction mechanism, the physical, cheaical viewpoint of their penetration into the skin as well as their occurrence in different trades and the skin reac tions that they produce. The proper precautions for the prevention of industrial diseases arc discussed; in particular, the problem of cleansing the skin, and the protection of the skin by industrial protective ointments is detailed. 03 Skin Injuries Through Chemical War Materials. Jonquieres. Parfumcrie modern. 34, 41-47* (1940), (French). Description of the.physical and chaaical properties of dichlorodiethyl sulfide nd of its effects on the eyes and skin, nervous system, respiratory organs and digestivo apparatus. After penetration of the horny layer of the skin, dichlcro- liethyl sulfide is localized in the nalphigian layer and is hydrolized with for mation of\ihiodiglyccl and hydrochloric acid. The products of hydrolysis form toxic complex compounds with the skin proteins and convert the amino acids into t'.xie substances as histamine, tyremino and putrescine. Therapy and prophylaxis -f injuries from war materials must be adapted to the properties cf the war mater ials and to the chemistry of their effects. Emulsions cf oxidizing oils in v-atcr (prepared according to Gottofossi) which penetrate into the deeper cutaneous layers and there form harmless complex compounds with the poisons have proved useful. * ` Ll'J er.-jgi-r* ef Skin. Rashes - Practical Solution cf the "Cutting-Oil" Problem. '-.A. air-J.V, I nd.* Me.I ."'ID, i/S-fib (April"'13421. "" .n. r. due tc- dorm-.tephytid infcctien were cut down remarkably in several lr :-".'-ctieut aims ..a-nufocturinr. plants by changing the- "cutting-oil" used un the - :cai:....a every ax-nth. Possibly use of the machine in some way changes the heavy cutting-oil" and encourages growth of the rash-causing organisms in the oil. CO 420: Industrial Hygiene Digest - 16 First Studies of the Action of l,2-3cnzonyrene on the Human. Skin. G.B. Cottini :.nd G.B. Kazzoni. Gnzz. int. med. Chir., 49_, 8-13 (1540). (Italian). V.hcn normal human akin was rubbed daily with a 1# solution of 1,E-benzopyrene, for periods up to 120 days, erythema, pigmentation, scale formation, wart forma tion, and infiltration were successively observed. All these disappeared rather quickly after cessation of treatment. A'hethcr the treatment can lead to neo plasms could not be stated. Histological examination of the attacked skin sites confirmed the maoroscopically observed changes. A similar treatment was also carried out on luetic patients and those with ulcerative tumors. In the latter case, a certain favorable influence was observed after a short time of treatment in that the ulceration and pain abated, and the development of the non-ulcerated portion of the tumor v;as inhibited. The sensitivity of the skin depends on the ago of the person; uncovered skin sites are more sensitive than covered portions. The skin of luetic persons behaves like that of old persons. The human skin seems to be more resistant to the carcinogenic action of benzopyrene than that of experimental animals. 69 6 Contact Dermatitis. H.L. Claassen. Ohio State Med. J., 3, 40-41 (January,1945}. The allergic contact type, eczematous form of dermatitis is most common form of cutaneous sensitization encountered in industry. Those are all morphologically similar but differ etiologically. workers with a dry skin are usually sensitive to such conditions. The author lists conditions which might be confused with contact dermatitis and points out that clinical diagnosis is made possible only by a complete history. Correctly used patch tests are confirmatory. The indus trial physician should not only treat these lesions, but by the preonployment examination should help in the placement of sensitive workers and should instruct the workers as to precautions against the hazards of their jobs. Treatment of contact dermatitis is similar no matter what tho etiological factor. 697 A Film of Protection. C.A. ft'eslagor. Nat. Safety News, 47. 22, 46-48 (June, 1943). - Since Pearl Harbor there has been an unprecedented increase in the use of brand ed protective creams by American workers. A protective cream gives physical protection by coating tho skin; it has no medicinal function. Ttr;e of the best known types of creams are discussed and their constituents and applications are given. The most widely used is the water-soluble type, which is not permeated by non-aqueous solutions. Those creams protect the skin, make cleansing of the skin easier said quicker ana abolish the need for abrasive soaps. The second cream in wide use is the water-resisting type, which covers the skin and fills tho pores with a bland fat. It prevents the entrance of water-mixed cutting oils and similar irritants. Acid-resisting creams protect the skin from acid bums by virtue of physical protection. They are generally used in conjunction with gloves to protect the wrists and forearms. If used without gloves, such creams should be tested. The use of creams has been demonstrated to be a factor in reducing skin troubles. They also give a feeling of security and are willing ly accepted by workers. Safety engineers must exercise vigilance over the kinds of cream supplied to workers. They should either be well established by past performance or bo made by reliable manufacturers. Four requirements for protec tive creams are listed. The caution is given that these creams should not be used against such highly toxic substances as chlorinated naphthalenes, diphenyls, TFT, DriT, dynamite, mercury, lead compounds, and other chemicals known to cause systemic poisoning. c'- ' girtillmm Interpretation of Certain Toxicological Phenomena Found in Industry, -royfuss and others. J. Am.I not, Homeopathy. 36,77-84 (1943). A summary of the toxicological action of mercury, arsenic, benzene and carbon tetrachloride, in both chronic ana acute poisoning. 14 references. Industrial Hygiene Digest - 17 6/-J Conserving America's Industrial Hands. C.A, Weslager. Oocup. Kaz., 5^ 16, 17, ' 4^-40 {April, 1243). ~ In claims .for compensation, hand and finger injuries lead all others, comprising 30>j of all claims. One in five compensable hand or finger injuries involves infection, according to reports from 4 state compensation commissions. Preven tive measures which can be used by safety executives and hygienists are consider ed. Thu wearing of wrist vratchcs and hand ornaments should be prohibited. Gloves and hand pads arc indispensable in handling hot or heavy materials. Gloves made of asbestos, leather, canvas, metal mesh, and rubber all have their specific applications. Gloves should not bo worn to operate revolving machinery, where there is danger of the glove tangling in the machine parts. Obviously, all mov ing parts should be equipped with guards. Education in the proper use of tools will eliminate injuries resulting from using wrenches as hammers, screw drivers as chisels, etc. Tools should be kept in good repair, with handles free from splinters. Ml wooers are susceptible to dermatoses, therefore, reputable hand soaps and cleaners, lotions, individual towels and industrial wash fountains are important in a safety program. Cleanliness of the worker, of his clothing and machine continue to be tho chief methods of control against many dermatoses causatives. The use of protective creams is compulsory in many plants, where the walker is furnished a supply free of charge. 700 Etidomic Keratoconjunctivitis. A Joint Report of the U. S. Public Health Ser vice and the Committee on Industrial Ophthalmology of the Section of Ophthal mology of the A.M.A. J.A.1I.A. , 121, 1153' (April 3, 1943T"! ' The incubation period of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis ranges from 5 to 10 days. Clinical symptoms arc listed and arc mainly those of a foreign body irritation.. Both eyes are usually involved, one 5 to 8 days after the first. Corneal involve- ment occurs in the majority of the cases and the amount of visual damage varies. Treatment is non-specific, including cleansing with boric acid, 5 per cent sulfa.tliiazole ointment, and X-rays for persistent corneal infiltrates. Preventive measures consist of complete isolation and scrupulous cleanliness of all objects and people (medical personnel) that come in contact with tho infected persons. Tho period of infectivity is as yet unknown. 701 Effect of Experimentally Mtercd Air Pressure in the Middle Ear on Hearing Acuity in Man. W.E, Loch. Ann. Gtol. Khin. & Laryng., 51, 995-1006 (December, 1942). The influence on the hearing of positive and negative pressure in the middle ear, created by Valsalva's procedure, was investigated in normal subjects by means cf audiomctric examination for tho frequencies of from 32 to 16,384 cycles per second. Both positive and negative pressure impairs the threshold for frequencies below 2900 by from 10 to 30 decibels, more in the lower froqnencies. For the higher frequencies, slight positive pressure improves the thresholds, but nega tive pressure impairs the thresholds. When pressure differences were decreased, the sequence of return of hearing acuity occurs in the reverse order of its loss. 702 iua-v'.PPi's-jrlc Pollution in Dublin During the Year 1941. A.G.G. Leonard and others, rroc. Boy. Dublin Soc., 23^, 10-17 (1942). The results of an atmospheric pollution survey at several locations in Dublin during 1941 are presented. Soluble solids deposited during tho year varied from 45 to 74 tons per square mile, and insoluble solids, from 34 to 126 tons per square mile. The deposition does not differ much from that of 1940 but is lower by half than the average of the preceding 3 years, on account of shortage cf coal. Tho number of deaths from respiratory diseases is also the lowest recorded in the yv.ars of the investigation. A graphical method for correlation of .rind direction and velocity v.lth suspended matter pollution is presented with results. Louis smoke abatement ordinance is cited. pa * 7G-: Trends in. Occupational Disease. I. Gray. Ind. Med., 12, 202-206 (r.pril,1943) . This arti4l surveys the field of occupational disease. Cases attributed to occupational disease have become more frequent in New York, since laws were pass ed there, asking any disease which could be charged to occupation compensable. The occupational diseases are listed and discussed briefly under the five head ings: (1) Dermatitis - the most frequent of occupational diseases; (2) Poisons lead, benzene, and its derivatives, petroleum and its derivatives, arsenical com pounds, .'.ercurial compounds, carbon monoxide, and other chemical gases and vapors arc mentioned, and the symptoms of the diseases that they cause described; (3) Abnormalities in air pressure - caisson disease of tunnel workers and "altitude sickness* of fliers are mentioned; (4) Infections - not common. Anthrax in wool sorters, undulant disease in milk handlers; (5) Dust - silicosis, asbestosis, complicated by tuberculosis in late stages. Methods of Detection and Determination 704 Microdctermination of Arsenic in Eiologjcal Material. J.A. Sultzaberger. Ind. Eng. Chem., (Anal. Ed,), 15, 408-410 (June 15, 1943). The authors have developed a method by which digestion of the sample with con centrated nitric acid and sulfurie acid is followed by distillation of the arsenic as trichloride into dilute nitric acid solution in a Frssenius flask. , The characteristic molybdenum blue color is developed from the evaporated resi due and road in a photoelectric colorimeter. The range is 0 to 100 micrograms of arsenic, and the accuracy is 0.2 microgran. 700 Determination of Benzene. Detection and Estimation of Benzene in tho Presence of Toluene, Xylene, and other Substances. B.H, Dolin. Ind. & Eng. Chem., 15, 242-247 (April 15, 1943). This article describes a colorimetric procedure for the determination of benzene in the presence of other aromatic and aliphatic solvents. The procedure consists of nitration, extraction with ether, development of color with butanone and alkali in alcoholic solution, elimination of the interfering colors by acetic acid addition and color comparison. Nitration is perfomaod with a mixture of equal volumes of fuming nitric and concentrated sulfuric acids. A detailed pro cedure is given in the article. The analysis requires about 30 minutes for a sample. The method is sensitive to 8.8 x 10-7 mgs. and can be used for small air sample* as well as solvent analysis. By decreasing the ether dilution the author bclievos that as small a concentration as 0.27 p.p.m. can be detected on a 10 ml, sample of air. TOt Determination of Small /mount of Benzene and Toluene in tho Air. M.K. Alekseeva. Ehia. P.efcrat. Zhur. 4, 86 (1341). (Eussiani. The method of Schronk, Yant and Pierce is the most effective of all methods studied for determining benzene and toluene. Up to 0.002 cc. of benzene and 0,01 cc. of toluene can be detected in 10 cc. of air. Owing to the different condi tions for the nitration of benzene and toluene the method is also suitable for mixture's of b<-nz>_nc' and toluene. The results arc within about 10 per cent cf the cA t- ; trial Hygiene Digest - 19 ... . ; *onetrie Determination of Benzene, Toluene, and Their Nitro Derivatives. ]r paorS&tein. Ind. & Eng. Chem,, 15. 251-253 (April 15, 1943), article describes modifications to the colorimetric method for aromatics lining nitration and reaction with methyl ethyl ketone and potassium hydroxide. 7:;o author believes that the colored compounds resulting are probably quinoids formed by condensation of the aci-nitro and-, cnol forms with the elimination of v:;.t^r. Spectral absorption curves of butanone-nitro compounds are given as well as certain modifications for the quantitative procedures used for tho determin ation of benzene and toluene. The use of 70 instead of 50 per cent alkali in creases tho rate and amount of color production. Mixtures of benzene and toluene cor. bo analyzed by oxidation of ainitrotolucnc to v;hat the author believes is dinitrobcnzoic acid which gives no color. vy. A Simnle Device for Detecting Small Concentrations of Organic Halide Gases in the Atmosphere. G.W. Jones and K.E. Kennedy. U.S. Bur. Minos, Kept, of Invest., i.'o. 3697. 10 pp. Mimeographed. (April, 1943). Obtainable on request from Div, of Information, U. S. Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C. A simple tester for detecting low concentrations of halide gases in atmosphere is described. The tester, based upon the principle of the well-known halide lamp, employs absorbent charcoal- to adsorb and concentrate tho hnlido-ccntaining gases and thus greatly increases the sensitivity of the test. The tester is so constructed that tests may bo made (1) by aspirating the suspected atmosphere through it, (2) by suspending it in the atmosphere, or (3) by swinging it in the atmosphere to bo tested. `Experiments were conducted on 25 different halide gases; results have proved that concentrations of less than 1 part per million of any of these gases in air can be detected by swinging tho tester in tho atmos phere for 30 seconds or lengor, depending on tho particular halide gas involved. Automatic Apparatus for Determination of Small Concentrations of Sulfur Dioxide in Air. M.D. Thomas and others. Ind. & Eng. Chem., Anal. Ed., 15, 287-290 (April 15, 1943). The application of the automatic sulfur dioxido apparatus of Thomas to carbon disulfide, hydrogen sulfide, ethyl mercaptan, thiophenol and thiophene is des cribed. The apparatus has been modified by the substitution of a simple multiplo port valve (stopcock type) for the poppet valvos of the previously described apparatus. A quartz tube furnace is used to convert sulfur compounds to sulfur dioxide and tho desired temperatures for conversion were determined by experiment. The method can also be used for chlorinated compounds which are converted to hydrochloric acid. Mo successful results could be obtain ed with oxidation of nitrogen compounds to nitric acid. Some observations on the olfactory limits of sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and ethyl mercaptan are given. 710 ghpnical Warfare. C.E. Beland. Can. Chem. Process Ind., 6, 272 (1942). Pive reagents for the detection of: (1) Chlorine and bromine, (2) phosgene, (3) hydrogen cyanide, (4) mustard gas and (5) lewisite are, respectively: (1) r.r.ubigny or fluorescein reagent, (2) Harrison reagent, (3) cupric-benzidinc acetate reagent (Solution I, cupric acetate, Solution II, saturated aqueous solu tion ef benzidine acetate), (4) Schroter reagent and (5) Peronnct reagent. Tests (I), (2) and (5) are specific; (3) is specific in the absence of chlorine, and (1) specific in the absence of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. _ dumber of Particlos in the Atmosphere of the City of Buenos Aires. R.A.Izzo Marcnzi. Pubs, centro invest, tislol., (Buenos .Arcs], 5_, 303-313 (19-U). (Published 1942). --a .analysis of samples of organic and inorganic particles in the atmosphere of 'iirco included tho determination of their number, their size anu chemical nature. The samples were collected at 180 cm. above the ground, on clear and - fH 1 icne Digest - 20 .... end placed on a plaque of quartz covered with a thin film of gelatin. " va.s first filtered through a copper screen which allowed only the puss- ihraugh of particles smaller than 100 microns. The ail* current was maintain " ::..romly in all cases, and at a velocity .of 86 m. per second. In the center city the particles of organic origin predominated; this fact was attri- i to motor traffic, heating systems and factories. In tho outlying districts less traffic and poor pavements, the particles of mineral origin predominated Control Methods a t i 1e.tion for Control of Solvent Expo surea in Fabricating Rubber Military "T'pr.ont. T.R. Thomas and B.D. Tebbens. Heat., Pip., &Air Cond., 15,, 122- i;t {March, 1943). Also under the heading Control of Solvent Exposures in the lubber Industry. Ind. Med., 12^ 255-259 (April, 1943), The hygienic problems connected with the use of solvents in tho fabrication of i* military equipment were studied. Effective control measures were observed :.:t only where toxic solvents such as benzol, toluol and chlorinated hydrocar bons wore used, but also where the less toxic solvents were used. Petroleum naphtha was the chief solvent encountered in the coating of fabrics with natural rubber. Synthetic rubber coating involved the use of toluene or toluene con fining petroleum products. Little benzol or chlorinated hydrocarbons were used. Enclosure and ventilation of the drier is tho obvious control measure in this ease. Benzol, carbon tetrachloride, toluol and carbon bisulfide are among the solvents used in cementing sections of military balloons. Small sections arc joined on benches and the larger sub-assemblies joined on the floor to make the whole balloon. The balloon is then inflated and cementing operations are carried out inside. Ventilation of tho table operations and those inside the balloon is necessary. Lateral and downdraft ventilated tables are described. Ventilation inside the balloon is easily obtained by running the inflating blow er and lotting air escape through a port. The floor operations are carried out in large open areas and do not require mechanical exhaust. Ethylene bichlor ide, ketones and petroleum naphthas arc used in the fabrication of self-sealing fuel tank3. Air samples taken in tho summer during low production periods ..-re not indicative of concentrations that may be encountered. Two untriad ven tilation arrangements are described. 'j-pptric Air Cleaning Controls Oil Mjst From Machine Tools. E.H.R, Regg. meat.*,* Pip., & Air Cond., 15, 242 (May,*19437T Oil smoke and mist caused by high operating speeds of modern machine tools, such ;-:1 automatic thread grinders and gear grinders result in a nuisance and accident a .a;-.rd of major magnitude. An effective solution is described consisting in ' ;. Heating a local exhaust system connected to an electric air cleaner which is "j efficient in removal of saoke as well as oil mist that complete recirculation .a practiced. (Editor1 s Sioto: The Foundation's technical staff have studied r-ir.il,ir installations and have found tnem highly effective.) ZtitiorL of Dust Suppression_ n the Pittsburgh Seem. D.H. Davis and , **, Ins*** mm An,., I'.ot. . injrs., Contrib. L'c. 125. 13 pp. (1942). 'jtor on coal-cutting machines reduced dust 2bh. Addition of wetting reduced dust as much as 77>). ( diulsion-forming oil was most effective Industrial Hygiene Digest - 21 715 Disinfection with Moving Hot Air* H. Kliewe. Ztschr. f. Hyg. u Infektionskr., 123, 727-753 (Kay, 1942). (German). "Culture of five species of non-sporing and two of sporogenous bacteria were dried on-^lltcr-paper, and these were placed in linen bags which were distribut ed among packages of clothing in a hot air sterilizer. Cultivation of those test objects after the maintenance of different temperatures for various periods show ed that in order to be suro of destroying non-sporing bacteria it is advisable to use a temperature of 100-110C. for Id hours; the temperature necessary for destroying spores (130C. sufficed for those tested) is such as would damage fabrics. Hot air sterilization is therefore unsuitable for clothing if total disinfection is required, but the usual object is to destroy the agents of infec tious diseases, which are non-sporing bacteria and viruses. As might be expected disontinuous heating for short periods on successive days was no more effective than continuous heating for the same total period. 71b Heat and Ventilation in Air Raid Shelters. W.J, McGuinness. Heat., Pip., & Air Cond.."15. 193-196 [April. 1943). This article gives the requirements for heating and ventilating air raid shelters. The various types of bombproof and splinterproof shelters are shown. The bomb proof typo is too expensive to construct, hence the most common type is the splinterproof. Shelter size is fixed by number of occupants. No more than 50 people should be placed in the same room. Space and volume requirements for overground and underground shelters are given in a table. Heat requirements are low because of the number of occupants, however, heat losses in England are different from ours because of climatic conditions. On this basis an underground shelter is preferable for American climatic conditions because of the lower ground temperatures which aid in heat loss maintenance. Ventilation require ments arc given and the various types of systems employed are illustrated. ' Mechanical systems with filtration are recommended. ` 717 Wartime Operations Emphasize Industrial Hygjeno Problems of Asbestos Industry. Illinois Labor Bull., 3, 10, 11, 22 (February 28, 1943). The control of asbestosis must be an engineering control because there are no medical means to dotoct the disease until much ham has been done. Engineering control consists of tvro important principles: (1) Adequate exhaust, (2) Good housekeeping. By experiment it has been estimated that if the air contains loss than 5,000,000 particles of asbestos per cubic foot there is small chance of the workers developing asbestosis. The article lists the procedures in the manufac ture of rigid and of textile asbestos products and shows that further protective measures arc still needed in most plants. Industrial Medical Practice 71? Industrial Health - Its War and Postwar Significance. C.O. Sappington. Ind. Med., 12, 361-364 (Juno, 1943). ` The paper considers war and post war problems of industrial health, which are classified into those of medical administration, those of public health in indus try and in the community and those relating to industrial hygiene and sanitation in the plant. Brief but rather comprehcnsivo discussions of the following prob lems are presented: Venereal disease control; Nutrition; Immunization; Freplace- nent and periodic examinations; iVor.cn in Industry; Eon.iatoses; Absenteeism; -. i; Industrial Hygiene Digest - 22 Fatigue; Tuberculosis; Rehabilitation;' Health Education; Processes and materials. Postwar prt^lcms may be anticipated by postwar planning. There will be some new problems ntiri some old ones which will reach greater proportions. The author paraphrases the old adage by saying "In time of war prepare for peace," 7LQ T-ov; the Small Plant Can Conduct a Health Program. si.H. Kronenberg. Illinois Li. J. 83_, 247-251 (April, 1943). This article is intended to help the owner of small industrial plants which now have little or no proper medical protection for their employees. It contains specific recommendations from the Division of Industrial Hygiene of the Illinois Department of Public Health, which acts as a clearing house of information for the industrialist. Suggestions include group health programs (with several plants cooperating), part-time services of a competent doctor and nurse. Any competent health program for industrial safety must be preceded by an adequately furnished first aid room in the plant. Other considerations in the program are (1) Medical examinations, (2) Knowledge of environmental conditions in the fac tory and (3) ThG nature and adequate control of all toxic materials used in the plants. The value of a competent nurse is stressed. Her duties are outlined. Adequate records of sickness and accidents should be kept. Above all managers of small plants whose medical services are limited to the care of emergencies only are urged to take a greater interest in developing health programs for their plants. 720 Industrial Medical Facilities in Pennsylvania - Results of a County by County Survey. J. Shilen. Ind. Med., 12_, 379-381 (June, 1943). A total of 3,086 plants, in 24 counties, vdth 806,456 employees has been survey- ed, and data arc given concerning the following points: number of physicians . employed, nursing service, proemployment and periodic examinations, inspection for hazards, cases handled by the medical department, sick benefit and insurance plans, health talks, interest in industrial hygiene surveys, venereal disease -control, dispensaries, and cafeterias. Only 7.9$ of the plants, but 46.4$ of the employees are covered by a medical industrial health program. Tho author concludes that the facts set forth in the survey prove conclusively the necessity for inaugurating a program of industrial health in all industries. He advises . that the medical profession, together with the State Department of Health through its Bureau of Industrial Hygiene assume the leadership in organizing such a program. 721 The Growth of Industrial Medicine as a Force in Public Health. H.P. Poyner. Texas State J. Med., 38, 563-565 (January, 1943). A brief history of the growth of industrial medicine is given. Compensation laws hnvc made necessary the existence of the safety engineer and the industrial physician, and other protective measures now in common use. Employers have gradually realized that it is profitable to keep a trained employee in good health for as long as possible, and consequently industrial health now often has a purpose similar to that of public health, i.e,, to detect diseases in the early stages and then to turn tho employee over to treatment by his family physi cian. Texas compensation laws arc now interpreted so that a pre-existing con dition of any type, if aggravated by employment, is compensable. This has caused more careful and frequent examinations, but has tho disadvantage that many people are refused employment because of tho insurance burden they might become to the employer. Dr. Poyner recommends that the law be changed so that the employer is r.o longer penalized for hiring these people. L-]_AHiT-l Service. Anonymous. Hat.Safety News, 47, 154,161 (Mar.,1943). .. brief f.enural discussion of medical and nursing service for plants of various sizes is ;resented. CO 'I a r. d. If :J Industrial Hygiene Digest - 23 723 Public Health and Industry. N. Millnan. Inc., Med., 12 , 378-379 {June, 1943). Public heaigji doctors are interested in industrial health for several reasons: (1) The i^pitrial population is so largo and forms such an integral part of the comuai|l3r; (2) The industrial population is 30 tied in'with the war effort. Tho effoct'tif sick absenteeism on production is important; (3) Because the indus trial population is grouped it lends itself to public health methods of provontion. Tho tremendous loss due to absenteeism caused by general illness is em phasized, together with, the need for a program of prevention. Plants surveyed by the National Association of Manufacturers in which an adequate health program is followed show substantial reductions in accident frequency, occupational dis ease, labor turnover, absenteeism and compensation insurance. Duties of the in dustrial physician and nodical department are outlined. The use of the resources of modern medicine and public health offers a challenge to industry. 724 The Urgent Need for Better Local Industrial Health Organization. C.M. Peterson. Illinois M. J., 83_, 234-236 lApril, 1943). Competent industrial medical service pays good dividends. Such service should include a competent physician, nurses, industrial hygiene service and a health program. Employers, employees and the medical profession each has a direct res ponsibility in industrial health organization. The author is establishing in dustrial health committees in state and county medical societies. These com mittees determine names of available physicians, hold conferences, advise and consult with executives and labor organizations as to necessary health measures. Following preliminary organization the industrial health committee will (1) In vestigate local causes of lost time in industry, (2) Coordinate community indus trial health facilities, (3) Educate the public in regard to tho value of an in dustrial health program, (4) Educate the medical profession. It is hoped that these measures will aid in solving industrial health problems through sound com munity organization. 725 Industrial Housekeeping. Washrooms and Lockers. Drinking Water. Anonymous. Nat. Safety News. 47, 168-170, 178-182 (March, 1943). These three important items in industrial safety are discussed briefly. Dust removal and vacuum cleaning are given special attention in the first section. The fourth subject under the head of "Sanitary Equipment and Supplies," is that on "Occupational Dermatitis," which is a condensation of one of the papers by Dr. Schwartz, abstracted in an earlier issue of this Digest. 726 Burns. J.J, Brownlee* Now Zealand Med. J., jSl_, 192-197 (October, 1942). The author first describes thd different degrees of burns. Tho factors involved in the pathology and physiology of burns are considered briefly. The treatment ' of bums i*.?otttlined. Early treatment - morphia for pain, and application of painless (tttoeings. Dressings ere described - especially those impregnated with sulfonamide* For plasma loss, in severe shock due to bums, the transfusion of plasma or scrum by the drip method is necessary. The saline bath for surgical cleansing is advocated and outlined for later treatment. The results of such treatment as compared v.ith treatment with other methods, including tannic acid, and continues irrigation vith sodium hypochlorite, are compared, and tho method advocated by this article seems more advantageous. 727 Thermal Burns. 3D. Gordon and R.A. Gordon. Caned. M.A.J., 48. 302-309 (April, 1943). The authors stress that local treatment of the burned area must bo modified by the physiological condition of the patient. They then discuss the detection and treatment of primary and secondary shock and tho decrease in plasma proteins and chloride. The authors do not start general treatment until an hematocrit Industrial Hygiene Digest - 24 reading is known, and then recommend 200 cc. to 400 cc. of twice concentrated human sensr.to relieve hemoconcentration. This is more successful than the usual salMjjjfel serum or plasma. The concentrated plasma is followed by oral or intravonouipglucoso solution. The authors also deny a burn toxemia, saying it never appoaks if adequate fluid is given early enough. Various local treatments were used, consisting mainly of tannic acid: for first aid, and sulfonamide, tulle gras, and saline for medical treatment. Saline bath3 were found useful to cleanse extensive burns. Complications are also discussed, including pneumonia, jaundice, renal failure, granulocytopenia* and infections. 72" Treatment of Burns. J.S. Houck. N.Y. State J. Med., 43. 226-228 (Feb.,1,1543). The article is a discussion of the routine treatment in Rochester, N.Y., of a largo number of bums received at the same time. Fire houses are the casualty units and first aid only is administered there. This consists merely of dress ing minor bums and giving adequate morphine to severe burns. At the hospital all severe burns must be treated with strict asepsis, and shock and infection must bo combated. Morphine should bo used, and inhalation anesthesia avoided. Plasma should be given as soon as possible (no laboratory tests nocessary) to all severe bums to combat initial shock. Later use of plasma and fluids de pends on clinical judgment. Clothes should bo removed with sterile instru ments and debridement done gently vdth soap and water. Tannic acid and silver nitrate are used except on the hands, face and genitalia. The pationt is placed in a tent kept at 90F. and treated until a thin light brown eschar forms. Oxy gen inhalation should be used for all lung involvements, large or small. Later treatment is routine, including removal of the eschar in seven to ten days and grafting of third degree burns. 729 Treatment of Phosphorus Burns: (With a Note on Acute Phosphorus Poisoning.) IM. Rabinowitch. Canaa. M. A. J., 291-296 (April, 1943). The author first reviews the types, occurrence, chemical and physical, properties, and the pathology of phosphorus. The article deals only with the active, poison ous, white phosphorus, which is soluble in organic solvents and which combines with the oxygen of the air vdth the production of light. Phosphorus flames can be put out vdth water, but reignite on drying; therefore burns must be kept moist until all the phosphorus is removed. Phosphorus burns are very severe, worse than those caused by sulfuric acid, and the phosphoric acids released, tend to imbed in the tissues causing suppuration. First aid treatment of phosphorus burns consist of immediate removal of burned clothing, removal of all visible phosphorus particles, and soaking of the affected area in warm water. At the first aid station tho burned area is washed with v/arm baking soda, then vdth a 1 per cent solution of copper sulfate, which changes any phosphorus into black copper phoaphido, which is then removed vdth forceps. Finally, tho area is wash ed vdth atft&aeptic solution and a dressing applied. The medical treatment of the bums is similar to the first aid treatment unless the phosphorus is mixed v.ith an organic solvent, oil, or vdth rubber. In these cases a special solvent containing copper oleate and trichlorethylene is used which dissolves both tho phosphorus and tho organic substance. Directions for making this preparation are given. Details of medical treatment arc outlined, and the procedure used de pends on the typo of inactivating agents available. Those agents in order of preference arc: (a) sodium carbonate or bicarbonate; (b) alkaline powder mixture (directions given); (c) copper sulfate; and (d) oil-soluble copper preparation (directions given). Use is made throughout of examining the burn in the dark for the prcsonco of luminous particles. After the skin has been thoroughly cleaned and alkaiinixcd, subsequent treatment is the same as for chemical burns in general. The article also contains "A Note on Acute Phosphorus Poisoning." *uc lethal dose, signs, symptoms, pathology, and post-mortem appearances arc des cribed. Treatment consists of prompt gastric lavage with warm potassium CO o i 5 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 5 permanganate solution until the color of the returning liquid is unchanged. Diuresis ijjt encouraged end acidosis combatted. Copper sulfate should not be used as aflii&aretic, and under no circumstances should oil or fatty materials, as milk, be riljttini stored to alleviate the gastric irritation, as these aid in the bsorption'of phosphorus. I 7;:c i luM'u:orus Rums. The Lancet No. 6236, 512 (March 6, 1943). "Or.cc the phosphorus has been completely removed, a phosphorus burn may be treated liku any other burn. But until it is certain that no phosphorus remains ir. the tissues it is unwise to uso oily or greasy applications, which may dis' salvo phosphorus and thus aid its absorption. Recently Dr. Obcrmer proposed tho uca of vmyl salicylate for the dressing of such burns; end it should perhaps be pointed out that amyl salicylate is a solvent and therefore ought not to be applied until one is certain that all phosphorus has been removed. The advan tages which have been claimed for omyl salicylate in burns arc- that it relieves pain, promotes granulation, and lessens exudate; and its use has been advised for large mustard-gas burns which pour out fluid. Y/hether it is suitable for phosphorus burns at any stage is doubtful, for the secretary of the burns sub committee of the Medical Research Council informs us that experimental phosphor us burns treated with amyl salicylate heeled more slowly than those treated by other methods." 73: Zxucrimental Chemotherapy of Burns and Shock. III. Effects of Systemic Therapy on Early Mortality. S.U. Rosenthal. ?ub. Health Repts., 53 , 513-522 (March 26, 19455/ ' Employing a standardized procedure for the production of bums fatal to mice within 48 hours, tho effects of systemic therapy havo been studied. No benefit v:as observed from epinephrine, posterior pituitary extract, adrenal cortical ex tract, or desoxycorticostcrone acetate injected subcutaneously following the bums. Sodium chloride by mouth or intraperitonoally caused a significant reduction in the mortality. Intravenous administration was less effective. Iso tonic sodium chloride by mouth was superior to hypertonic solutions. Potassium chloride caused an acceleration in the tine of death, and when administered with sodium chloride it antagonized the effects of the latter. Calcium gluconate orally was without action. Isotonic glucose solutions orally showed slight therapeutic action. Tho administration of hypertonic glucose or water by mouth caused the animals to die faster than tho controls. Sodium acetate, succinate, bicarbonate, and lactate were as effective as sodium chloride. Mouse serum : intravenously was slightly less active than equivalent volumes of 0.9 per cent s soditm chloride orally. Little effect was observed from the intravenous admin istration of a hypertonic solution of human serum albumin. - Author's summary. ,722 Shock, ExtaSartion and Restoration in VJar. quarterly, 10 3-9 (January, 1943). G. Crilo and others. Cleveland Clinic The paper is largely a theoretical discussion of shock, based on the idea of the loay as a bipolar mechanism. It has been demonstrated by numerous animal exper- i:.:-nts that the brain is electrically positive as compared with the rest of tho bouy end that the same exciting or depressing factors that caused a change in tho lotential gradient also caused destructive changes in the cells of the brain, the live.' and tho adrenal cortex, and changes in the temperature and electrical pro- i-.rties of the sumo cells. Tho author therefore suggests that tho potential - .i, at between the brain and other organs is an accurate indication of the dc- shook. Depression or failure of organs is likened to polarisation. The _ consider those conceptions to bo in harmony with modern methods of pro w. at ion and treatment of shock. ' 0042- 1 ,.ir . i,cr:'/.er*o toluene jr--.".n.io halide gas 70 6 706 i" ro 1 d shelters heat 6; ventilation 716 Air pressure effect on hearing 701 ...V 1V013 " arsenic in biological 704 662 Asbestos industry wartime problems 717 Atr.cspheric pollution in Dublin 702 Benzene deteimination poisoning 705-707 633 Benzopyrene effect on skin 695 Beryllium . respiratory hazards 666 Book reviews 660-661 Brick manufacturing health hazards 665 treatment 726 727-728 Carbon disulfido poisoning 682 Carbon monoxide nnr.c hazards poisoning metabolism 673 79 5S0 Chi orj na ted naphthalene poisoning 6o5 ' ::e `i\. views cutting oil fret; resins pr: version 92-696 638 94 39 97-699 INDEX (July, 1943) Djchioreiethyl sulfide 93 Disinfacticn by hot air 715 Dural poisoning 91 Dust atmospheric determination control grinding coal mining 711 667 714 Industrial health organ!zation war and postwar 724 718 Industrial housekeeping 725 Industrial medical services County survey "'{Penna.) 720 Industrial medicine and public health 721 Keratoconjunctivitis Lead azide toxicity 700 672 Lead poisoning blood changes 674-675 Manganese poisoning 676-677 Medical service 719-722 Oil mist removal from air 713 Occupational disease trends 673 703 Oxygen deficiency 601 Phosphorus burns 729-730 Poisons various 693 Printing industry hazards 669 Public health and industry 723 Shock from burns chcmo t hcrapy in war 731 732 Solvents hazards 687 Spray painting health hazards 71 Sulfur dioxide determination 709 Talc reining hazards 664 Toluene determination 707 Trichlorethylene degreasing 684 Trinitrotoluene poisoning removal from skin 668 690 Tripoli and silicosis 663 Ventilation solvent exposures 712 War gases 86-710 Welding health aspects 670 0 042' :