Document oeM3v5JQxDNj69vJzQmnvjXeX

T Air Hygiene Foundation of Amerioa, Ino., 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Fa,, January 10, 1938 / s a 'REFERENCES TO RECENT LITERATURE ON INDUSTRIAL DISEASES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - yews Items f; flOOD HOUSEKEEPING A D SAFETY IN FOUNDRIES AND INDUSTRIAL CODES AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE LEGISLATION. Reprint No 3-7-30, American Foundrymen*s Assoc., Inc., Chicago, (1937). 61 pp. price 1.50 This booklet oonsists of papers presented at the last meeting of the association. Among the subjects treated are eye and respiratory protection in the foundry, silioosis, good housekeeping in the foundry, industrial codes and their applica tion*, and occupational disease legislation. Abstracts of these papers will ap pear in a future bulletin. COVERED HOPPER CAR FOR GRAVITY UNLO/DING. The following note was sent to us with the statement that it might be of interest to the members of the Foundation. The dust problem in loading and unloading raw materials shipped by rail in bulk has long been known as a serious hazard. In most instanoes fine granular products iliava been pulled out of a box car by means of a power shovel operated by erne or ' more men within the dust filled oar. Not only is the oar itself loaded with dust, but pulling the commodity into a chute at the edge of the box oar allows a good 'aeroentage of the material to be blown into other near parts of the plant. This problem has become so' aoute in industries using silica sand, powdered ar-senio, burned lime and other hazardous commodities that the General Amerioan Transportation Corporation, 136 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, have developed. Lit and leased to shippers or consignees, a oovered hopper oar that will unload ry granular produots by gravity. An inexpensive track hopper is usually used in oonjunetian with the oar.and a boot between the hopper and the oar makes the un loading operation both dust proof and economical." 4 8) papers on Dust, Dust Diseases and General Industrial Hygiene. $ DUST HAZARD AMONG FOUNDRYMEN. L. H. Osmond. Am. J. Roentgenol, and Rad. Therapy 88, 122-8 (July, 1937), (See note on final page.) UTe author reports roentgenologioal and clinical surveys of the foundry employees* of a large plant in Pittsburgh. All workers undergo an annual physical examina tion, and careful histories are taken showing the looation of ea.ah man*# work since he entered the company's service. Dust oounts are available for eaoh looa tion. They range from 13*1 million particles per oubuo foot in the molding room to 44*9 million in the ooromaking department, but a count of 240 million was ob tained during the night shakeout, Chemical analysis of the dust showed 52$ free silloa and 10.3$ oaloium and magnesium silicates. The incidence of simple sili cosis in the entire group, including many who had worked less than 5 years was 5.3$. In those with over 20 years' experience, silicotic fibrosis was found in 44$, including 32)$ without infection end 12$ with infection. The disability of-those without infeotion was practically nil, while it was frequent in those w?ho had complicating infection* Little correlation betweon incidence and dust Concentration was observed. The death rate among nces to Recent Literature - 2 '00,000, as compared with 89 per 100,000 for nil males in Allegheny County over Lj years of age* The men now wear respirators, but tests made at the level of J#8ne runners showed 42.6 million particles per cubic foot in the free air, 39*3 ^jiion beneath the respirator with an old cartridge und 12*2 million with a new ;Jirtridge. JJLICOSIS IK MODERN FOUNDRIES - STUDY OF THE INCIDENCE. J.F.Kelly and R.C.Hall. J,y. State J. Med. 37, 478-81 (1937). jjjree foundries in fltica.were surveyed; two were modern plants, fitted with latest peons of dust protection and employing 150-200 men each, while the other, employjag about 50, used no special precautions. Of the 403 cases examined, 4 cases of first degree silicosis, 1 of silicosis with tuberculosis, and 3C of "dusty lung" *ere found. The term "dusty lung" was applied where an exaggerated pulmonary pattern or increased perilymphatic fibrosis was shown. Two of the oases of sili cosis were found in the small factory. Three of the cases occurred among molders tr.i one among the "shakers-out?" The authors conclude that their investigation showed a very low incidence. { H5P0RT ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SANDBLASTERS' SILICOSIS IN THE FOUNDRIES OF OBEREB.'SE AND HESSE-NASSAU. H.R.Buettner. Verh. Dcut. ges. f. Inn. Med. 48, rS-82 (1936). Pneumoconiosis was diagnosed in 20% of 147 sandblasters examined, and 2 coses were classified os severe. Seven out of 53 who had worked for 1 year had definite pneumoconiosis and 5 had primary pulmonary tuberculosis, while 9 cases were found in those with occupational exposure of 6 to 24 years. The x-ray films in 18 of 26 oases of pneumoconiosis resembled those of definite miliary tuberculosis. In two large glass works investigated, 10 and 44% of the sandblasters, respectively, had pneumoconiosis; imperfect protection was afforded in the latter works. 6 FILTRATION OF RESPIRED AIR AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN FNEUM0C0NI8SIS. G. Lehmann, Ergeb. d. Hyg., u. Beet. 19, 1-87 (1937). (German). This paper is a summary and amplification of the author's work on filtering ability of the nose, some of which has been reported in these abstracts. An ap paratus for testing nasal filtration is described. The nasal meohanism for ar resting dust is described fully. Experiments on the relation between nasal fil tration and pneumoconiosis are reported; good dust filtration is found to be a protection against the early development of severe pneumoooniosis* An investiga tion of wearability and efficiency of dust protective measures is also inoludod* The experiments havo been carried out very thoroughly and are of great interest* 7 THE EXCRETION OF SILICA IN URINE AFTER ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF SILICA AND SILICATE DUSTS AID THE SOLUBILITY OF SILICA AND SILICATE DUSTS IN ACID AND ALKALINE SOLU TIONS AT 37oq. A.G.R.TThitehouse, British Colliery Owners' Research Association, Jjtoyal School of Mines London.. England. J. Ind. Hyg. A Toxiool* 19, 590-7 ^December 1937), Reprints obnr-uiable from aucher, It is known that silica dust nakon into the stomach of a dog oauses a definite in crease in urinary output of silica, and the author made a similar human investi gation, using himself as subject, swallowing various quantities of quarts, flint, precipitated silica, and whinstone, a mixture of silicates containing no free salica. Various precautions wore found necessary for accurate results; the input of liquids had to be kept constant, water low in silica h^d to be used, and beer was avoided. The daily excretion of silica wr.s definitely increased with very fine flint dust, the silicate dust and precipitated silica; in the cose of silicic acid the increase was much greater. In the second part of the investigation, the solubility of silica and silicate dusts in solutions of known acidity and alkalinity was determined at the body temperature, 37C. This procedure was necessary because the results of the feed ing experiments did not reveal whether the dusts dissolved in the gastric juice nces to Recent Literature - 3 in the alkaline body fluids. The amount of silicr. dissolved by 0.1 normal so dium hydroxide was greatest with flint, lower values being obtained from quarts, joal-moasure sandstones, granite and whinstone, while a sample of stone dust |fibout 5% free silica) gave much the lowest figure. With 0.1 normal hydrochloric jeid, as solvent, the dusts arranged in order of solubility were whinstone, jranite, sandstone, quartz and flint. The amount of silica dissolved by 0.2 nor mal sodium carbonate was much greater than by 0.1 n. sodium hydroxide, while the feverse of this was the case with granite. The influence on the rato of solution of such factors as particle size and ratio of dust to solvent are shown. In view of the facts determined, great care should be exercised in attempting to corre late urinary exoretion of silica with silicosis. ; ETIOLOGY, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PROTECTION AGAINST LUNG INFLAMMATION OF WORKERS IN THOMAS SLAG MILLS. H. Gundel and H. Fischer. Ztschr. f. Hyg. u. Infection. (German) 120, 66-87 (1937). 8tatistioal data on incidence and fatal cases of pneumonia in Thomas slag workers are presented, both for early days and recent years, during which thore were sev eral epidemic-like outbreaks. The authors agree with others in believing that the dust weakens resistance of lung tissue to bacteria and paves "the way for inflam matory diseases of the lungs. fheumonia of types II and III was found abundantly in workers in Thomas slag plants Therefore the case is ono of real infectious disease, the frequent occurrence of whioh is determined by a special hazard. The authors recommend elimination of all workers with catarrh of the upper respiratory tract. They have also begun active immunization of personnel of one industry against pneumonia of types I, II, and III. Animal experiments on the effect of magnesium in Thomas slag aro being con ducted. 9 1CNERAL0GIC AND IRYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MINERALS AND THEIR DUSTS WITH REGARD TO THE DUST HAZARD IN STONE QUARRYING, DRESSING AND MANUFACTURING. G. Hass. Zntrlbl. f. Gewerbehyg. u Unfall, 24, 193-201 (1937). A comprehensive description of silicates and minerals under the heading of "free silica* and other minerals is given. The author's view is noteworthy in that he believes serioite may possibly be formed from feldspars by "disintegration processes* in the lungs. The author suggests, as others have previously, that the composition of a dust under'certain conditions may be different from that of its parent substanoe. Quartz mixtures in fluorspar, barite and roofing slate are described and the role they play in dust formatiaa is discussed. The chamioal and physioal properties, occurrence, importance and technical uses of various kinds of stono are presented in a table. 10 THE EFFECTS OF COAL SMOKE OF KNOWN COMPOSITION ON THE LUNGS OF ANIMALS. Lucy Sohnurer and 8. R. Haythorn. Am. J. Ifcthol, 13, 799-808 (Sept, 1937). Reprints are obtainable from Dr. Haythorn, Singer Memorial Lab., Allegheny General Hos pital, Pittsburgh, Ru An experimental method is described by whioh finely divided oarbon particles in an almost pure state may be successfully introduced into the alveoli of the lungs. Immediately after exposure to the smoko inhalations the lung lesions were those of non-accupcticnal anthraoosis. The animals kept under animal house conditions for several months to a year after exposure to smoke developed fibrous reactions about the carbon deposits with the formation of collagen strands. The resulting lung changes were analogous to those of a milder grade of bituminous as seen in soft coal miners. The method provides a way of experimental study of the actual relation of oarbon deposits to the common respiratory infections - Author's summary. ^{ereaoes to Recent Literature - 4 o PNEUMOCONIOSES OF THE WORKER. K. Wider. Ztschr. f, Gewerbehyg# u. Unfall, 44,131-5(1937). Jilicosis became compensable in Austria on April 1, 1935. Since then, 206 oases have been reported in the Workmen's Compensation Office; of these, 171 are miners, eooe from lignite mines# In the metal industry, most cases are among sandstone grinders and sandblasters. PULMONARY ASBESTOSIS. IV. THE ASBESTOS BODY AND SD/IILAR OBJECTS IN THE LUNG. Kenneth M. Lynch, M.D., Dept, ef Pathology, Medical College of the State of South Carolina, Charleston, S. Carolina. J.A.M.A. 109, 674-8 (Deo. 11, 1937). Re prints probably obtainable from author. The typical asbestos body (al6o called asbestosis body) is an object 10 to over 100 microns^a^d 1 to 12 microns thick and is composed of a oentral translucent fiber or needle crystal of asbestos with an enveloping shiny golden or brownish gelantinous substance constructing various architectural figures. Sometimes it is beaded or clubbed and sometimes spherical, A Prussian blue reaction for iron is given. These bodies may be found at various places in the lung, especially in the bronchioles, the alveoli and in the tissues along the lymphatic route; usual ly shorter at a distance from the alveoli, but often surprisingly long, consider ing the distance they have traveled. They sometimes cause fibrosis around them, but not necessarily. They are also found in the sputum of those exposed to as bestos dust, but their presence or absenoe in the sputum does not indicate the presence or absence of asbestosis; their presence only shows that exposure to the dust has occurred. Similar bodies have been found in persons exposed to ooal dust, and in others who have died of heart failure, rheumatism and arteriosclero sis, without known heavy dust exposure. Exposure to asbestos dust does not al ways produce asbestos bodies; bare fibers have been found in the lungs of animals, the author has seen silica particles similarly enveloped, in cases of silicosis, not always so highly oolored; It is suggested that other fibrous or orystalline dusts not yet studied may form similar bodies. 1! BLOOD EXAMINATIONS IN PULMONARY FIBROSIS OF HEMATITE IRON ORE MINERS. J. Craw. Tuberole, 19, 8-18 (Ootober 1937). In radiographic examinations of hematite miners in West Cumberland (England), the hematite accumulations show a definite and dense Bhadow, apart from any accompany ing fibrosis, and there is a tendency to diagnose silicosis when a miner complains of unfitness and his pulmonary symptoms end the x-ray of the test show generalised nodulation. The silica content of inhaled dust, however, is low, and in spite of 20 to 30 years' work and general nodulation in all lung fields, the miners are perfeotly fit for work end arc not short of breath. For these reasons hematologioal work was instituted as an essential in diagnosis. Routine procedure includ ed the following determinations* (l) sedimentation rate of tho red oells; (2) total white oell count; (3) differential white oell count, and (4) the polymor phonuclear* count of von Bonsdorff. The findings in 6 oasos are given, with case histories. Of the 50 hematite miners studied, 20 normal minors had no complaint of breathleesnoss and no x-ray or physical signs of pulmonary fibrosis, while 30 oomplained of pulmonary disability in varying degrees, with positive x-ray find ings. Many miners develop a pure pulmonary siderosis without acoompanying fibro sis, and their blood pioturo is normal. Sidero-silicosis of uncomplicated type shows a definite increase in percentage of lymphocytes, and the ratio of poly morphonuclear oells to lymphocytes becomes 1 or less. The sedimentation rate and nuclear count are normal. When infection is present, the sedimentation rate in creases, the nuclear count increases and there is a leucocytosis which may ap proach a septic count. Although the results are preliminary, the method is reoom- mandod for aiding the differential diagnosis of siderosis without fibrosis and of sidero-silicosie, and for detecting tuberculosis or other infective agents at an early stage. ^feronoes to Recent Literature - 5 ,4 RANGE OF ELECTROTOR METER DEMONSTRATED BY DARK-FIELD COUNT. S.C. Blacktin. J. Ind Hyg. & Toxicol. 19, 579-89 (Deoember 1937). Ihe electrotor metor, invented by the author, is an instrument for dust determin ation on the same general principle as the Owens jet counter, but the dust is de posited on a ciroular disk of celluloid or ebonite which rotates as the plunger is pushed and is electrified at the same time by friction. Six orifioes are pro vided, one at the center of the disk and the others at varying distances from the center, and any one or any combination of orifiees can be used for the same air sample. The dust, then, is deposited at the center or in one or more of a series of concentric rings, or both at the center and one or more rings, each of which is 1 mm. in width. In light dust concentrations, the center alone may be used} in very dusty air, several rings may be used simultaneously. Sinoe equal quan tities of dust are deposited in the various rings and the area of the total de posit varies with the distance from the center, the number of particles per unit area decreases correspondingly, and at least one ring will be found where the dis persion is neither too light nor too heavy to count. This construction enablos the instrument to be applicable to dust concentrations varying from 5 to 1.5 million particles per oc. (140,000 particles to 42 billion particles per cubic foot), which is a much wider range than is attainable by any other instrument. The figures given apply to darkfiold under a magnification of 450. Rough es timates of dustiness may also be made by inspection of the record. (A modifica tion by which dust deposits can be both counted and weighed has been described in our abstract no. 536. As yet no reply has been received to our inquiry for earliGr reprints and other' information.) 15 DOST CONTROL IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM REFRACTORY MATERIALS. F.Prookat. Staub. no. 4, 16-37 (January 1937) (German.) The uso of water during crushing of quarts is not always sufficient to prevont dust, as some dust arises when the stamp or hnmmer is aotually crushing the quartz The dust hazard can be remedied by a suitable exhaust Bystom. Molding of re fractories can often be carried on in open air. Respirators should be used only when no other remedy is available. A German law of April 1, 1937 require* em ployers to pay special attention to silicosis prevention. 1ST OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES APPROVED BY THE U.S. BUREAU OF MINES. K. Sohrenok. U. S. Bur. Mijios, Information Circular no. 6952 (August 1937). btainable from the Division of Information, U.S. Bureau of Mines, Washington,DC. \e list of approved respiratory devices is brought up to date in this issue. 10 presont list inoludes all devices approved up to April 10, 1957, a total of jout 40, with names and addresses of manufacturers. 17 PROCEDURE FOR TESTING SUPPLIED-AIR RESPIRATORS FOR PERMEABILITY. U.S.Bur. Minos Schedule 19A. (Aug. 9, 1937). Obtainable from Supt. of Dooumonts, Washington, D.C., for 5 cents, c&6h. This Bohedule describes the present methods used by the Bureau of Minos for test ing supplied-air respirators, the standards used, and the method of approval. (A similar schedule for filter-type respirators was issued as no. 21 in 1934.) 18 INDUSTRIAL EXHAUST VENTILATION. RATE OF AIR FLOW THROUGH HOODS. John L. Alden. Heating and Vent, 34, 47-52 (December 1937). No reprints are available at presont, but nay be when the series is completed. This paper is the fourth in the series on the subject. (See abstracts 548, 597 and 598y The air volume to be drawn through a hood can be oomputed only after the general shape and location of the hood are established. The minimum basis for the necessary assumptions is a freehand sketch reasonably drawn to soale. The preparation of this sketch must take into account most of the faotors treated in the former papers, which are summarized, including elimination of unnecessary air contamination, control of dust-disporsing currents by baffles or shields, and by currents of greater intensity, making the exhaust velocity greater than the velocity of escape at all points, and locating the hood so that high-speed par ticles will be thrown into it. No general statement can be made as to the ve locities required to prevent the escape of dust and dusty air, and the engineer must lay his own foundation for hood design. A simple exploratory hood is de scribed and illustrated. Its volume rate of flow can be measured and plotted ; against the static suction* It can be moved until the most satisfactory location is found. Such equipment will pay for itself in lessened first cost of the ex haust system. Average face velocities of 500 to 1000 feet per minute are usually sufficient for hoods partially or wholly enclosing the dust source. Most woodworking and grind ing hoods fall in this catogory. Figures are given for several examples. Ex periments with a mixture of stones and coffee beans showed that relatively low velocities will pick up fairly heavy particles. The coffee beans alone were picked up at 1650 f.p.m. Satisfactory pipe sizes and suction for a variety of manufacturing machinery are given in a table. Formulas are given for calculating noocssary air volume entering the hood. The coefficient of entry is discussed, with experimental results on different types of orificos. Of those types, the well-rounded nozzle and the thin plate orifice, are extensively used and have been investigated thoroughly, but coef ficients of some of the others are not so well established. The loss in percent velocity head is plotted against coefficient of entry, and the method of calcu lation is given. 19 SAFETY IN THE ENAMEL PLANT. E. Eckels. Coram* Forum 4, 4 (Deo., 1937). A general paper reporting safety precautions in use at the Erio plant of the General Electric Co., including mechanical safeguards and prevention of excess pressure in spray barrels- The uso of respirators in spraying operations and in struction of operators regarding lead and silicosis hazards is urged. Spray booths havo been improved and good respirators and other protective equipment are now available, and silicosis has lest its first place as a hazard in the enamel plant. The present evils in the enamel plant, as elsewhere, arc the / small things not attended to or properly supervised. <20 SOME NOTES ON THE PROPERTIES OF CHILLED METALLIC SHOT AND GRIT USED IN SAND BLASTING. J.E.Hurst and J.H.D.Bradshaw. Foundry Trade J. 57, 447-8, 474-6, (Dec. 9 and 16, 1937). Metallic shot and grit arc usod extensively in Great Britain instead of sand for abrasive blasting. The term "shot" denotes more or less spherical particles, and "grit" those with sharp edges. They are used in a wide range of sites, from 100 mesh and coarser, for various types of work* This paper is a discussion of ohemical composition, performance data, nozzle wear, life of the shot and grit, strength properties, microstructure and grading, with results of various tests. No general conclusion is reached, because the necessary properties vary widely with the exact nature of the work. Additional investigation is recommended* 21 A NEW ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR. G,W,Ponney* Elec. Eng. 56, 159-71 (1937). Reprints are obtainable fresn the author, address Rosearoh Laboratory, Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co., East Pittsburgh, Pa. The author describes a new type of plate tc plate precipitator with pre-ionizing wires, and states that as a result high air cleaning efficiencies arc now pos sible without tho production of objectionable concentrations of ozone or oxides of nitrogen* The prooipitators havo boon found to give excellent results in re moving smoko, soot, pollon causing hay fever and asthma, and hazardous dusts such as silica. Tests with the impingcr showed a dust collecting efficiency of 99.5JS. fonccs to Recent Litcraturo - 7 jr CONDITIONING FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS. Charles L. Hubbard. Tower Plant Eng. 681-2 (November 1937). %0 use of air c'nditi< *ning in industry is growing, not only for protection against injury, but also for comfort and greater efficiency. Tho prosont briof paper deals exclusively with tho latter aspect. Physical comfort depends large ly upon b 'dily temperature, and this in turn upon the relation between the rates of heat production rad dissipation; that is, heat must bo removed from the body at the same rate at which it is produced. The principal factors affecting this condition aro temperature, humidity, and air motion, and botweon certain limits various combinations of these will give practioally the same result. The wef fective temperature" is any combination of the 3 factors that give the same re sult as saturated still air at 70 'F. Tables, abridged from more elaborate ones published by the a.S.H.V.E. arc presented, showing such combinations for summer and winter c mditi ns, for still air and for a velooity of 200 feet per minute. It is pointed out that too great a contrast between indoor and outside air must not be introduced. In general it should not exceed 10F., but in special cases modifications are necessary. IS AIR CONDITIONING IN FACTORIES. C.W.Erico. Proc. Royal Soc. Med. 30, 1544-7 (October 1937.) The author believes that conditions in different industries are too varied to allrw adoption of complete air-conditioning methods. In Great Britain the prob lem is mainly one of ventilation and adequate heating, supplemented with air cleaning where necessary. U AIR PURIFICATION AND ALLERGIC CONDITIONS. E.K.Fraenkel. Proc. Royal Soc. Med. 30, 1547-50 (Oct, ber 1937). The author has devised a mask containing fine granular silica gel and active char coal. The mask Is said t-' retain particlos down to 0.01 micron and to be impernoable to pjrridino, capronic acid, scatel, tobacco smoke, ammonia, chlorine, phosgene, and sulfur dioxide. It is recommended for protection against allergens and poisonous war gases. 25 FORD MOTOR COMPANY SETS HIGH AIR CONDITIONING STANDARDS. J.J.Floreth. Heating, Piping A Air Cond* 9 , 729-32 (Deconbcr 1937). The paper is a general description of air conditioning in the plants of tho Ford Motor Co., the largest single user of modern air conditioning. The program started many years ago with controlling of air required in several basio process es of manufacture, and varied types of air conditioning are now usod for spooial purposes; for instance, a temperaturo of 30eF. and air ourront of 70 miles per hour, to tost automobiles under severe conditions. Hcwovor, tho rapid extension of the program to the strictly human comfort field is more significant. Air conditioning is now usod in a largo section of the main plant, officos, laboratories and a number of branch assembly plants. Returns cannot be measured directly, but must be evaluated from increased efficiency, more accurate work, better health, and especially increased good will. Specifications range from 80F and 45% humidity in the hottest days to 70F and humidity, in severe winter weather. Experiments on various methods of dis tribution, temperature and air filtration are- undertaken by the company, and bidders are given full instructions on all requirements before deciding on equip ment and installation. 26 SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE HEALTH ASPECTS OF AIR CONDITIONING. W. J.McConnell, H.H.Follows, M.G.Fellows and M.G.Stephens. Bulletin issued by Metropolitan Lifo Insurance Co., New York (1937) and obtainable from the Company. An investigation of a group of 5,000 clerical employees working in completely air-conditioned offices, and an equal groups in offices that were net air con ditioned but ctherwiso properly heated and ventilated, shaved no measurable J,,'<,"'v;rvies in the incidence or length of absonccs caused by upper respiratory fcrenccs to Recent Literature - 8 diseases or from non-respiratcry illnoss. When comfort is considered, however, quite satisfactory results, particularly in hot weathor, were obtainod from airoonditiuning apparatus. if GOOD AIR IN WORKPLACES. W. Wletfeldt. Zentrlbl. f. Gewerbehyg. u. Unfull* 24, 225-33 (October 1937) (German)* Natural ventilation should bo used to the greatest possible extent for economical reasons. Where it is inadequate, local or central supplementary meohanioal ven tilation should be installed. Local ventilation is cheaper, but central systems have a wider range of application. Such installation should be entrusted to ex perts, as improperly made installations may be expensive and useless. Twelve fundamental principles outlined by the German Ministry of Labor are listed. 28 REPORT OF THE CONNECTICUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BUREAU OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES. Dr. A, S, Gray, Director, pp. 155-221 (1936). Obtainable from above Bureau, Hartford, Conn. This report departs from the conventional type <f state document in being a series of technical papers describing investigations actually made. Among those report ed are dust hazards, their estimation and control, as in foundries, rock drilling as a source of dust, prevention of contamination by organic solvents and chlor inated naphthalenes, carbon monoxide surveys and various dust problems. 29 MINES DEPARTMENT * FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SAFETY OF MINES RESEARCH BOARD, 1937# E.M*Stationery Office, London (1937). Obtainable from British Library of Information, 270 Madison Ave, New York, ftrioe not given. Most of the report is devoted to mine safety, including the development of an oleotrioally driven firedamp reoorder, improvement of lighting, faotors relating to fells of ground, and haulage accidents, reduction of noise, protective cloth ing, and effect of radiation from walls on comfort in hot mines. Work on dust suppression and prevention continues. The Hay mist projector is of value where the temperature is not above 65F, and the addition of moisture to the atmos phere has but a negligible effect on comfort. Where the temperature is much higher other equipment is desirable. A serios of bag filters of 400 sq, ft. filtering area with a suction fan of 1200 ou. ft. per min. oapaoity has been found highly efficient. The study of the use of wetting agents in dust sup pression is being continued. 30 SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 5ESEASCH BOARD TO JUNE 30, 1937, H.M.Stationery Offioe, London, 1937. Obtainable fjrom the British Library of Information, 270 Madison Ave*, New York, fcriee jjot given. Fuller abstract in Journal of Industrial Hygiene, December 1937, This is the latest annual summary of the work of the above Board. The subjocts studied include fatigue, illumination, environmental conditions, a summary of literature on toxio solvents, scale of equivalent warmth, medical examinations for Post Office servioe applicants, accident proneness, vocational guidonoe and sickness among transport workers. The effects of exposure to alumina dust have been studied (see our abstract 434 in the September Bulletin.) In an investiga tion of silicosis in sandblasters it was not possible to conclude that serioito is an important causative factor. Silicosis has been defined for compensation purposes in accordance with well-recognized signs of disease and states of dis- . ability, but there are cases that do not present the recognised well-marked features, and are classed as wnon-certifiable silicosis", A large scale in vestigation of such cases is planned. for-cncoB to Recent Literature - 9 THE FLaCE OF THE STATE IN SAFETY. August Sigurdson. Safety Eng. 74, 19-20 (Dec. 1937). The author presents c. brief account of progress made by the Industrial Commission of Wisconsin, particularly in securing cooperation by employers and employees. The policy of selling the safety idea, rather than compulsion and prosecution, has been kept uppermost. It is often more difficult tc enlist the cooperation of employees than that of omployers, but it has been accomplished by persistent effort on the port of safety workers. 55 SICKNESS AMONG MALE INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES DURING THE SECOND QUARTER AND FIRST HALF OF 1937. D.H.Brundage. U.S.Pub. Health Repts. 52, 1523-6 (Oct. 29, 1937). Obtainable from Supt. of Documents, Washington, FTc., for 10 cents cash. Based on reports covering 184,000 males, the rate of sickness and non-industrial accidents for the first half of the year v/as about 15$ higher than that for the same period in 1936 and 22% above the 5-yoar period, 1932-1936. The rate for respiratory disease in tho first half of 1937 -was 56.9 cases per 1000, -which is 36% above that for 1936 and 49$ above the 5-yoar average, ftieumonia has in creased in the last 2 years, and the 1937 influenza rate -was about 70$ above the 1936 figure. Tuberculosis showed a decrease, and appendicitis increased. There was little variation in other diseases. 54 INDUSTRIAL DISEASES IN 1936 ACCORDING TO TEE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL TRADE ASSOCIATIONS. ARBEITSSCHCJTZ (German) 10, 244-51 (1937). In 1936, 5926 cases of industrial diseases were reported in Germany and 532 were compensated. Figures are also given for each year since 1929. A report follows giving the occurrence of industrial diseases according to groups of industries and the measures adopted for prevention. In the stone and mining industry, x-ray and medical examinations wore made by experts, but many abuses are still present. In the metallurgical and rolling mill groups there are relatively large numbers of poisoning by lead and carbon monoxide and injury from Thomos slag dust. r-c.aoe of lead poisoning still run high among painters and iron construction industries, as do also pneumoconiosis oases among polishers. Introduction of silioa-froe grinding wheels and substitution cf stool shot for quartz sand in sandblasting have progressed, and tho medical inspection of sandblasters has improved. Benzeno poisoning is frequent in the rubber casing industry and a fatal ease occurred in a factory making printing dyes, but it is now possible to produce dolors that contain little or no aromatic hydrocarbons. Attention is called to the use of bichromates in photoengraving/ 55 THE EXPANDING ACTIVITIES OF STATE LABOR DEPARTMENTS. E.F.Stewart. U.S.Monthly Labor Rev. 45, 529-40 (Sept. 1937). Administrative agencies have boen created in several States and moterially strengthened in others, in order to build up adequate machinery for administra tion and enforcement of the many recently enacted labor laws. State departments have been established in most cf the Southern States, and existing agencies nave been strengthened by unification in others, notably Arkansas, Indiana and Rhode Island. In Pennsylvania and other States long established labor deportments have been reorganized and expanded in order to deal v/ith a broadened program of labor legislation. 36 RECENT ADVANCES IN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND MEDICINE. T.M.Ling. Published by P.Blakiston's Sons & Co, Inc, Philadelphia, 1937. 212 pages, price $3*50. The reviewer recommends this text as useful to newcomers in the field of indus trial medicine who need the major problems presented simply. The first ohapters deal with medical and supervision, industrial accidents and neuroses. Dust and its effects are disous6ed simply and clearly, and a chapter is devoted to lead poisoning. The treatment of gases and solvents is very brief. efereneos to Recent Literature - 10 ABSOLUTE COLORIMETRIC DETERMINATION IN CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY. H.Kaiser (German) Angew. Chera. 50, 632 (1937)* The following method for determination of the silioa content of lungs is presented the sample is ashed below 500C, the ash is converted with freshly prepared soda I solution, which is then diluted, filtered and neutralized with hydrochloric acid, and made up to 100 co. Thirty oc. of the solution is dyed according to Urbach's method, employing molybdic oxide, hydroquinone and carbonate-sulfite solution. After destruction of the phosphorus-molybdon-ac id complex, the sample is measured : photometrically and the silica content is calculated* [(C) fftpers on Industrial poisons. Cancer, Dermatitis, etc. 58 PROBLEMS ON THE TOXICOLOGY AND CLINICAL ASPECTS OF ACUTE POISONING FROM SOLVENTS. F Luoo. Gasmaske (German) 9_, 89-90 (1937). Solvents used in industry are usually impure substances or mixtures, and the ef fect of each component must be considered. The effects of the constituents may be additive in mixtures, but that is not always true. The total vapor pressure of mixed solvents is necessarily higher than that of the pure substances. In the treatment of prolonged loss of consciousness, especially if epileptic seizures oocur, generous rectal or subcutaneous doses of physiological dextrose or Ringer solution are recommended. The search for detoxifying antidotes must be continued. The n&ture of the "second attack" occurring after apparent recovery, especially after carbon tetrachloride poisoning, must be studied* 59 INDUSTRIAL TOXICOLOGY OF TODAY. D. Hunter. Hiarm. J. 137, 514-5, 539 (1936). The British legal aspects, symptoms and clinical treatment in cases of industrial poisoning by various inorganic and organic substances, chlorine compounds and toxic gases are described* i40 PRECAUTIONARY NOTES FOR USERS OF VOL-.TILE ORGANIC SOLVENTS. Home Offico, Factory Department, Form 297 (London), June, 1937. Obtainable from British Library of Information, 270 Ifodison Ave, Now York. Part of the danger in the use of organio solvents is due to their being branded with trade names that conoeal their composition* Any product of this kind should bo assumed to be injurious by inhalation or by skin contact unless it has been proved safo undor all conditions." Some compounds which are not toxic may cause soreness of the eyoe and throat. Simple precautions can be takon with little trouble and at comparatively low cost. They include total enclosure of the proc ess if possible, otherwise general ventilation, prevention of escape of the va pors, protective clothing, immediate washing when solvents come in oontact with the skin, prohibition of smoking and open flames (whether the solvents are in flammable or not), prohibition of eating where solvonts are present, and general oare of health of the workers. 41 BENZENE NOTICE SHEET. Arbeitsschutz (German) 10, 236 (1937). A "benzone notice sheet" has been prepared by the German Health Office for dis tribution to workers and foromen. It is probably similar to the pamphlets issued by the U.S. Division of Labor Standards, mentioned in our earlier Bulletins. 42 HEALTH INJURY IN PHOTOENGRAVING. J. Brachmann. Arch. f. Hyg., 118, 328-52 (1937) (German). This paper deals with tho use of bcnzenc-xylene mixtures and their toxicity. The employees of 4 plants were examined. In the beginning of work with theso mixtures headache, fatigue, irritability and other symptoms aro common, but they usually disappear later. The color index of the blood is frequently over 1, and some times there is a notable decrease of leucocytes. The lymphocyte percentage is Inference s to Recent Literature IX usually increased* The number of granulooytes was usually found below normal. An industrial disease is undoubtedly present whon the neutrophylio granulocytic count is below 2000 and the total loucocytic count is below 4000, even with fair general condition* However, there is great variation in the ratio of blood find ings and symptonsi if the sjjaptoms are severe with no marked blood changes, in dustrial disease must be considered prosent. In plants where benzine is used instead of benzene and xylene, the workers' health was much better than in the others, Gnd the use of benzine should be encouraged. Ventilation and local cxhaust systems should be provided. *(and slight subjective symptoms). 43 KETENE AS A NOXIOUS GAS. G.R.Cameron and A.Neuberger. J. Path. Baot. 45, 655-60 (November 1937). The toxicity of ketene has been suspected, but not previously fully investigated. In concentrations of less than 100 parts per million, ketene was proved fatal to mice. It resembles phosgene in its mode of action, viiioh is mainly in tho al veolar and capillary tissues. Gas masks with canisters containing soda lime give efficient protection. 44 EXPOSURE TO TRICHLORETHYLENE, Ind. Bull. 16, 437-8 (llov. 1937). Obtainable from Division of Industrial Hygiene, N.Y. Stc.teT"Dept of Labor, 80 Centre St., New York. N.Y. The Division of Industrial Hygiene is undertaking an extensive investigation of possible toxic effeots of exposure to triohlorethylene, and this paper is a proliminary review of the present status of the subject. The work of von Oettingen (our abstraot no. 563) and the earlier work of Stuber are reviewed briefly. An assiduous search of American literature has failed to reveal a single case of in dustrial poisoning due to triohlorethylene; whether this is due to unreported cases or to aotual absence of cases, wo do not know. It is suggested that the discrepancy between this lack of cases and the number reported in Europe is due to the greater stability of the American product, whioh point is being investi gated. Throe cases of workers under exposure to triohlorethylene are being studied. A list of their symptoms is presented* but the symptoms do not as yet offer a definite conclusion as to whether they aro the result of exposure. A full report of these cases and other findings will appear when the investigations cute completed. VClassification of triohlorethylene. m. Triiiat. Ann. d. Hyg. pub. is, 434-41 1937). (French). o author states that the*belief that triohlorethylene is dangerous is ungroundso far as the present produot is concerned. No case of aeute poisoning has a^pearod since 1930, and earlier cases were due to the impure produot. Quoting om the Conseil d' Hygiene, he says* BTho listing of triohlorethylene with azardous substances thus is unjustified." (The abstractor objects to this Con clusion on the ground that tho chronic effoct is disregarded and that there are many reoent reported oases of acute poisoning, a fair estimate of the toxicity of trichlorethyleno can be obtained from the preceding abstract, also no. 652 in December Bulletin and the original paper of no. 563, in the November Bullotin.) 46 HEALTH HAZARDS IN THE USE OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE. G.'.V.Daubenspeck. 111. Med. J. 72, 274-5 (Sept. 1937). The industrial uses of carbon tetrachloride are listed and symptoms of acute poisoning are given. For oonstant exposure, 100 parts pr million is considered the maximum safe concentration. Its decomposition produots (phosgene, and hy drogen chloride espcially) are very toxic and contact with an open flame in a closed room should be avoided* Carbon tetrachloride should be handled only in closed systems or under forced draft, and special precautions must be taken when other substances like chlorinated waxes, aloohcl, eto., are also used. Inferences to Recent Literature - 12 47 TOXICITY OF HALOWAX AND CHLORINATED NAPTHALENES. J.A.H.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 1386 (0ot 23, 1937). The inquirer reports that all workers exposed to halowax in a plant have developer an acne, in spite of protective measures. The face and arms are chiefly attacked. The reply refers to Special Bulletin No. 43 of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (obtainable on application to that Department), but deals es pecially with the systemic effects. 48 GLYCERIN, ETHYLENE GLYCOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL AND DIETHYLENE GLYCOL. H.G.O.Holck J.A'.;:.A. 109, 1517-20 (Nov. 6, 1937). On account of the substitution of diethylene glycol for glycerin as a hygrosoopic agent, the toxicity of the 2 substances was studied in feeding experiments on rats. High concentrations of glycerin appear harmless, but 5J? of diethylene glycol was found distinctly injurious, judging by mortality, stunted growth and impaired reproductive capacity. When administered in water it was even more toxic 0.25/? in water seemed to hinder growth. 49 RENAL LESIONS DUE TO DIETHYLENE GLYCOL. H.D.Kesten, M.G.Mulinos and L. Pomerants J.A.H.A. ]9, 1509-11 (Nov. 6, 1937). Diethylene glycol administered orally to rats and intravenously to rabbits caused extensive injury to the epithelium of the renal convoluted tubules, leading to urinary obstruction and uremia. The liver and adrenals were less regularly in volved. Three per cent diothyleno glycol in the drinking water killed about half of the rat6 in 2 months Other details are given. 50 PROPYLENE GLYCOL: RATE OF METABOLISM, ABSORPTION AND EXCRETION, WITH METHOD FOR ESTIMATION IN BODY FLUIDS. A.J.Lehman and H.W.Newman. J. Pharmacol. 4 Exp. Therap, 60, 312-22 (July 1937). An experimental study of the effects of injected and ingested propylene glycol on animals showed that in intravenous injection, the acute toxicity was less than half that of ethyl alcohol, and the narcotic aotion about one-third as groat. It is estimated in body fluids by oxidation with sodium neriodate after pre cipitation of glucose by barium hydroxide in alcoholic solution. 61 THE GLYCOLS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES. L.J.Goldwater, Div. of Industrial Hygiene, N.Y.State Dept, of Labor, 80 Center St., New York. Ind. Bull. 16, 308-9 (Aug. 1937). Reprints obtainable at above address. The Division of Industrial Hygiene is making a study of some of the glycols and their derivatives, which are becoming more widely used in industry. In a brief review of the literature, the author states that no oases of industrial poison ing from ethylene glycol have been reported, but urges reasonable precaution in handling glycol until further observations have freed the substanoe from any sus picion of toxicity under industrial conditions. 82 THE GLYCOLS aND THEIR DERIVATIVES. II and III. Leonard J. Goldwater. Ind. Bull16, 438-9 (Nov. 1937) and 504-5 (Dec. 1937). Reprints obtainable as por pre ceding abstract. The roview of the literature on glycols end derivatives is extended to consider ation of prop^l^ue' glycol, diethlyono glycol, triethlyono glycol, "oellosolve" and other others, and glyool esters. Industrial poisoning due to propylene gly col has not as yet been reported. The animal experiments that have been made (including abstract 50) indicate a relatively low toxicity, but the results so far obtained cannot bo interpreted in terms of industrial exposure. Diethylene glycol has been given publicity as a result of fatalities resulting from its use as a solvent, and such an occurrence should warn all who contemplate using newly developed substances for any purpose whatsoever. Nearly all of the pharmooolog- {References to Recent Literature - 13 leal and toxicological studies of this substance have been in connection with its use as a hygrosoopio agent in cigarettes but no conclusion has been reached on that point, and the effects of prolonged inhalation are unknown. Triethylene glyool has been little used in industry, and little is known about its effects. The studies on ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, known comrrercially as "cellosolve", have indicated that it has a similar toxicity to that of ethylene glycol. The game is true of the glyool ethers and ester-ethers, known under the trade names of butyl cellosolve, methyl carbitol, carbitol, butyl carbitol, methyl cellosolve, ssllosolve acetate, and carbitol acetate. Such of those as have been investigated show toxic effects on animals in high concentrations, but the effect of low con centrations over long periods is unknown. All these substances should be used with caution until more information has been accumulated. f* TOXICITY OF ORGANIC SILICON COMPOUNDS. I. TETRAETHYL-ORTHO-SILICATE. Joseph A. Kasper, Carey F. McCord and William G Frederick. Ind, Fed. 6^, 660-4 (Dec. 1937). Reprints or multigraphed copies may be obtained from Dr. McCord, Dept, of Health, Detroit, Mich. Tetraethyl-ortho-silicate, generally known as ethyl silicate, is used industrially as a stone preservative and solvent. In experiments with 228 small animalB (rab bits, guinea pigs and rats) the substance was administered intravenously, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intratracheally, orally, and to a limited extent through inhalation, alone and with suitable control substances, in different amounts and at various intervals. The minimum lethal dose, when injected intra venously into rabbits, is approximately 0.2 ml. per kilo of body weight* death usually occurs within one hour. The minimum lethal dose for rats, when admin istered intraperitoneaily, i6 approximately 0.06 ml. per 100 grams of body weight* death usually takes plaoe within 4 days. Whatever method of introduction is used, the first action is mainly on the lungs, and oonsists of rupture of terminal capillaries, accompanied by pulmonary hem orrhage. This rupture may be noted within 10 minutes after peritoneal injection. In quickly fatal cases the heart was found greatly dilated, without material changes in the microscopic structure. In animals surviving the effects of the primary action of ethyl silicate, a definite acute nephritis may be demonstrated* hemolysis, hematuria and necroses of the tubular epithelium were also found. "Although ethyl silicate possesses no proved physiologie properties of a type characteristic of the slow action of silica in producing silicosis, this organio substance, through animal experiments, displays a high degree of toxicity, acute in nature, and possibly related to the slow action of silica.n 55 EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON WORKERS WITH CARBON DISULFIDE. J.A.M.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 1472 (Oct. 30, 1937). An inquiry was made regarding intolerance to alcohol among all workers in a chem ical plant making rubber accelerators, where there is exposure to carbon disul fide. Even after a glass of beer, the men have rapid pulses, flushing of the face and hands, and fall in blood pressure. No other results of the exposure ere noted. Skin tests and feeding experiments on mice were negative. The reply refers to the literature on oarbon disulfide poisoning and suggests that "the aleohol may be regarded as a provocative agent demonstrating the actuality of carbon disulfide poisoning, minor in degree but possibly constituting much more of a threat in the well exposed workers than is implied in the query." 66 MEMORANDUM OF PRECAUTIONS IN THE HANDLING, STORAGE AND USE OF LIQUID CHLORINE. Factory Department, Home Office, Form 1868, H.M.Stationery Office, London (April 1937). Obtainable from British Library of Information, 270 Madison Ave. New York. This memorandum describes precautions to be used in handling cylinders of liquid chlorine and first aid treatment for oases of gassing. Liquid chlorine should be handled only by experienced persons. Cylinders and drums should be stored where Inferences to Reoent Literature - 14 they are proteoted from heat and danger of explosion, but -where they are access ible in oase of fire* Damage to valves, pipes and couplings should be avoided* When leakage oocurs the point of leakage should be turned upward to avoid leak age of liquid* Mechanical devices for handling cylinders are given. Suitable respirators and oxygen breathing apparatus should be at hand* First-aid measures inolude stimulating expectorant mixture, hot poultices, veneseotion, tincture of opium, and pituitary extract, each to be used as the symptoms indioate* 11 STUDIES RELATING TO TOXICITY OF FLUORINE COMPOUNDS. C.A.Kempf, D.A.Greenwood and V.E.Nelson* J. Lab* & Clin* Med* 22, 1133--7 (August 1937), sodium The authors found no effect from oral administrati on to dogs of/fluoride in quan tities up to 4*52 mg* of fluorine per kg. of body weight* Alpha-fluoronaphthalene produced mottled enamel of the teeth, but several other organo-fluorine com pounds did not* The removal of fluorine from water by the use of aluminum sul fate is disoussed. 58 INSTRUMENTAL METHODS OF AIR ANALYSIS DEVELOHBD FOR INDUSTRY. Samuel Moskcrwitt, Fh. D*, Division of Industrial Hygiene, N.Y.State Department of Labor, 80 Centre St*, New York. Ind.Bull. iJB, 602 (November 1937). Reprints obtainable at that address. Several instruments for air examination, developed during the last few years, are described. They inolude a portable carbon monoxide indicator, a combustible gas indicator and a interferometer for comparing the refractive indioes of two spec imens of gas or liquid* Small, inexpensive devices for the estimation of other impurities in air are also available. They include hydrogen sulfide indicator, and one for carbon monoxide, smaller but less sensitive than the one first de scribed. 69 MINE GASES AND THEIR EFFECTS. J.AK.A* (Queries and minor notes) 109, 976 (September 18, 1937). Gases oceuring in mines are divided into natural ones and those oaused by dyna miting and fires. Their effects are discussed briefly. 60 COLORIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN AIR. K.A.Smirnov. Zovodakaya Lab. (Russian) 6, 240 (1937). . A method involving the use of sodium nitroprusside and arsonious sulfide is de scribed. (An abstract in Chem. Aba. and in J. Ind. Hyg. gives details whioh may be sufficient for practical uso.) 61 FATAL POISONING El "WELDING WITH ACETYLENE (DISSOUS GAS). Ifewioh. Arbeitsschutr 10, 239-42 (1937). (German). 3ne death and one oase of illnoss occurred in workers who had been welding in a boiler. Technical experts blamed carbon monoxide, but the medioal authority pronounoed the death due to a lung irritating gas. Cases from tho literaturo aro oited, with decisions and disoussion of other possibilities, especially that of a combined poisoning.- 62 METALLIZING. Ztsohr. f. Gewerbohyg. u. Unfall. 44, 141-2 (1937). (German)* A worker using aoetylone in a tine metallizing tank beeame very ill, with signs of liver injury and ohanges in the electrocardiogram. The gas was found to con tain 0.,17 mg. phosphine and 0.25 mg. hydrogen sulfide per liter. Tho liver ohanges are evidently caused by the phosphine. jeforences to Rooent Literature - 15 65 ACUTE CARBON MONOXIDE ASPHYXIA. F.F.Davis. Virginia Med. Month. 64, 337-9 (September 1937). There are 50,000 cases of asphyxia annually, and half of them are estimated to be caused by oarbon monoxide. The author feels that such oases should be treated by a physician and not left to safety squads of gas and electric companies. The recommended treatment oonsists of artificial respiration and administration of mixtures of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Injections and blood transfusions are prob ably useless. The value of methylene blue is questionable. Psychic disturbances sometimes result from oarbon monoxide poisoning, but they are believed to be sel dom permanent. 64 VALUE OF METHJPtENE BLUE IN THE THERAPY OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCYANIC ACID POISONING. Ztsohr. f. Gowerbehyg. u. Unfall. 44, 102-8 (1937). A review of the literature leads the author to doubt that methylene blue is an antidote for oarbon monoxide poisoning; however, it has a favorable effect in cases of poisoning by hydrocyanic acid and cyanic compounds. 65 CYANIDE POISONING. Alfred P. Ingegno and Saverio Franco. Ind. Med. J5, 573-6 (November 1937). Two oases of cyanide poisoning ore reported and described, one from inhalation of hydrocyanic acid, the other following the ingestion of potassium cyanide. In both oases, intravenous injection of.sodium nitrate and sodium thiosulfate after preliminary injection of ooramine and caffein in one case and ammonia and eaffein in the other, lod to complete reeovory. Thi6 method has been found successful in animal experiments. Occupational souroes of oyanide poisoning, mode of aotion of cyanides, symptoms, identification of oyanide, details of treatment and refer ences are included. 66 TOXIC EFFECTS OF CARBON DIOXIDE. Ralph M. Waters. New Orleans Med. k Surg. J., Ootober 1937; Ind. Med. 6, 676-81 (Dec. 1937). Carbon dioxide is not nonSilly regarded as a poison, but a few persons are hyper sensitive to it, and two oases arc described as typical, in which oarbon dioxide toxemia oocurred in hospitals. In one case a mixture of oarbon dioxide and oxy gen was being administered; In the other the presence of oarbon dioxide resulted from failure of absorption apparatus during an operation. 67 POISONING BY OXIDES OF NITROGEN. AN INVESTIGATION OF CASES AT THE RJUKAN SALTH5TKE FACTORIES. O.J.Brooh. Norsk. Mag. f. Lacgovidenskapen (Norwegian) 98, 370-97 (1937). The gases studied wore mainly nitric oxide and its oxidation product, nitrogen peroxide. Casos of poisoning .occur only in the "solution department*, where a small number of workers oonduct the operation. They are highly paid, and their desire to oontinue at the high wage increases the possibility of ill effects. There were 19 workers oxamined, mostly with long experience, and 10 had been seriously gassed at least once. Permanent synptoms inoluded dizziness, headache, vomiting, shortness of breath, decrease of enduranco, and bad teeth; blood-stained expectoration occurred at intervals. Individual susceptibility differsf oorpulent and heavily built workers suffering most. The author believes that masks would be little used if they were provided, on account of their weight, but is sure that available preventive measures would make oases of gassing very rare. 68 EFFECT OF AMMONIA ON MAN, AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES. H. Muesohonborn. Ztsohr. f. Gewerbehyg. u. Unfall. 44, 122-5 (1937). (German). The effoots of ammonia are discussed, with reports of 2 accidents. The wearing of gas rusks with a special filter is recommended in repair work where ammonia is likoly to esoape. Fjefcroncos to Recent Literature - 16 {9 DETERMINATION OF LEAD. D.M.Hubbcrd. J. Ind. Eng. Chem. Anal. Ed. 9, 495-6 (1937). jhe paper describee a photometric "mixed color" dithizono method for the determina tion of lead in certain biologioal materials. Three extractions are made, the first for the removal of extraneous salts, the seoond for the elimination of bis muth and the third for the final estimation of the lead, which is present in a state of high purity. Other metals usually found in biological material do not affect the rosults. The method is rapid, permitting complete analysis in a single day. 70 DETERMINATION OF LEAD IN BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL. J. Cholak. D.I .Hubbard, R.R.MoNary j and R.V.Story. J. Ind. Eng. Chem. Anal, Ed. 9^, 488-90 (1937). i The speotrographic, dithizone and chemical separatory (carbazide) methods for es timation of lead in biological materials were compared experimentally. The spectrographic and dithizone methods were found equally good whore the quantity of lead exceeds 1 microgram, but the speotrographic method was found superior for smaller quantities. The chemical method is chiefly useful for large samples, in which a loss of approximately 0*07 mg., inherent in the method, is insignificant in either a chemical or physiological sense. 71 DITHIZONE, AN EXCELLENT REAGENT FOR LEAD. C.F.Miller. Chemist Analyst 26, 66 (1937). The preparation of thG dithizono reagent from phenylhydrazine is described, as is also the method of conducting the test for lead by means of a 0*01% solution of the reagent in carbon tetrachloride. 72 METHODS OF PROTECTION IN THE MAKING OF BEARINGS OF BRONZE-LEAD ALLOY IN THE PRINCE H0HENZ0LLERN FACTORY, LAUCHERTBAL. Glaser. Zntrlbl. f. Gewerbohyg. u. Unfall. 24, 24 (1937). (German). The paper describes the methods of protection from lead fumes in a factory pro ducing an alloy of copper and lead for bearings. Strong exhaust ventilation is provided over the fumaoes and places *here the alloy is poured out for casting, and those locations oan be shut off from other rooms. The exposed men wear colloid masks, whioh are very efficient when proper attention is given them. Each :ma8k is tested after putting on, by exposure to irritating gases; the re sistance to respiration is regularly measured, and particular attention is paid to the outlet valve. Individual supervision and instruction of the workers form a part of the program. # 73 BRASS POISONING. J.A.M..1. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 972 (Sept. 18, 1937). "Brass poisoning" is an anomalous term, because any chronic 'disease arising in brass manufacture is probably either lead or arsenic poisoning. Copper is com paratively harmless, but zinc may oause metal fume fever at the temperature at which it is generally mixed with ooppor. Proper protection involves ventilation and use of respirators. Exposure to zinc sulfate may give rise to a different and serious type of industrial poisoning. 74 TREATMENT OF ACUTE POISONING FR3M MERCURY SALTS BY MEANS OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE (STRZYZOWSKI ANTIDOTE). L. Mischaud. Schweiz, med. Wchschr. 67, 818-20 (1937) (German.) A case of sublimate poisoning was successfully treated by the use of this reagent. A severe nephritis which followed was quickly cured by the accompanying treat ment of ingestion of alkalies, intravenous glucose ingestion end diathermy. fences to Recent Literature - 17 * ji STUDY OF CHRONIC MERCURIALISM IN THE HATTERS* FUR CUTTING INDUSTRY. Pwi.Neal, j.R.Jones, J.J.Bloomfield, J.M.DallaValle and T.I.Edwards. U.S.Pub. Health Bull, n0. 234 (H&y, 1937). Obtainable from Supt, of Documents, Washington, D.C. j5 cents, cash. I survey was mde of all fur cutting factories operating between February and May 1935, 36 in number, including physical examinations of 529 men and women, constitut ing 26,4$ of the fur cutters in the United States. The plants are larger than In the average industry but the provision of medical care is more limited. Estima tions of mercury vapor in the air and dust oounts in 5 factories showed from a ' trace to 1.04 mg. mercury as vapor and dust per cubic meter of air. The workers nost exposed are shippers, followed by pilcrs, blowers, cutters and sorters. Carrotters who apply the mercuric nitrate to the pelts are not exposed to meroury vapors. The amount of dust is not high enough to be injurious. Forty-three of the workers were found to be suffering from chronic merculialism, but there may have been subclinical cases not included. Psyohotic and nourotic symptoms and those of digestive disturbance increase with increasing quantities of mercury in the air. Psychic disturbances and fine intention tremor present in 34 out of 43 cutters, are much higher in incidence than in other industries in vestigated by the Public Health Service. The picture of chronic nercurialism corresponds to the classical one in all im portant respects. Slight salivation was found in only 10, all of whom had worled in high concentrations (0.25 mg. per cu. m.) of air. The incidence of other dis eases is not high. Practical suggestions include the use of local exhausts and segregation of occupations not involving exposure to mercury. 16 DETECTION OF SHALL QUANTITIES OF MERCURY IN AIR. K. Grosskopf. Draegorheft. No. 19, 3589-91 (1937). (German). A sampling tube for mercury has been developed by the Drnoger firm in connection with its apparatus for determining traces of gas. Gold chloride Is fixed on pure silica gel, which is then dried in vacuo at high temperatures, activated and put into the tost tube. On drawing air through the tube after preliminary washing, a sharply defined ring of colloidal gold with definite color variations is seen in the tube. With increasing amounts of meroury the color of the ring deepens, then the zone of reduction widens, and an approximate quantitative estimation may be made with the aid of comparison tubos* A concentration of 0*001 mg. per liter of air may be detected. 77 THE TOXICITY OF ORALLY INGESTED ARSENIC, SELENIUM, TELLURIUM, VANADIUM AND MOLYB DENUM. K.W.Franke and A.L. Moxon. J. Hiarm. Exp. Therap. 61, 89-102 (Sept. 1937). Salts of the acids of these elements were fed albino rets aF levels of 25 and 50 p.p.m. of the elements in their diets. Toxicity was determined by effect on growth, food consumption, mortality and hematopoietic system of tho animals, and the results arc presented in charts and tablos. Tho rclativo toxicitios- in in creasing order aro as follows* arsenic, molybdenum, tellurium, vanadium, rri selenium. At the 50 p.p.m. level selenium was very toxic, tellurium and vu.iGdiua moderately so, and the other two slightly toxic. Selenium was the only ore that caused a distinct disturbance of the hematopoietic system. Tellurium caused loss of hair. 78 TOXICITY OF GREEN ROUGE OR CHROME GREEN. J.A.K.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 813 (Sept. 4, 1937). inquiry concorns the toxicity of the above substances which are used in polish ing and coloring electrical fixtures. Green rougo is chronic oxide, quite widely used as an abrasive. Its use may lead to "chrome holes." Chromic acids, its 6alts and chromium oxides attack unbroken skin, and nasal perforation or inflammation may bo caused by inhalation of the dust of the oxido. ftrcnocs to Recent Literature - 18 f9 MANGANESE. Industrial Data Sheet D. Chem. 26. National Safety Council. Nat. Safety News 36, 60. (Dec. 1937). Supplied to members of the National Safoty Council at 5 cents, from its headquarters. The hazards, symptoms, treatment and prevention of manganese poisoning are dis cussed briefly. The hazard arises from inhalation or swallowing of the dust. Manganese has its largest use as an alloy for steel and niokol, but is used also in dry battery manufacture, in coloring glass, enamels and coments, in the pro duction of aniline dyes, and as c drier for varnishes and oils. Acute oases of manganese poisoning have never been reported, and all cases of chronic poisoning have been contracted through inhalation of dust or fumes containing oxides of man ganese. Symptoms develop after 3 months and vary with the individual, They in clude languor, sleepiness, stolid appearance of the face,a low monotonous voice, muscular twitching, and cramps. Thore is no degeneration of tissue as in lead poisoning. Thu metal usually attacks a non-vital portion of the nerves and muscles, but leaves the victim well otherwise. The best treatment in early stages is trans fer to dust-free atmosphere; little can be done in advanced cases. Preventive measures include cleanliness, change of clothing, not eating in workrooms, regular examinations, and the use of respirators where the dust cannot be removed suffi ciently. 80 TOXICITY OF SELENIUM. IV. EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO HYDROGEN SELENIDE. H.C.Dudley and J.W.Miller. U.S.Pub. Health Repts. 62, 1217-30. (Sept, 3, 1937) Obtainable from Supt. of Documents, Washington, D.C., for 5 cents, cash, Guinea pigs were exposed to hydrogen selenide in concentrations ranging from 0,571< 0,002 mg. per liter of air for single exposures of 10, 30 and 60 minutes. Ten minutes' exposure to the highest quantity was fatal to all animals in 5 days, and 40 minutes' exposure to the lowest was fatal in 25 days. The pathologic changes were fundamentally an early fatty metamorphosis of the liver and a later hyper trophy of the spleen. The apparatus is described in detail. 81 TOXICITY AND PATHOLOGY OF SELENIUM. K.I.Smith, E.F.Stohlmnn and R.D.Lillie. J. Fhnrm. Exp, Therap, 60, 449-71 (August 1937). The acute and chronio effects of selenium poisoning was studied in animal exper iments. About 50$ of rats die when exposed to 3 mg, per kg. body weight, wh3ther selenite or sclonate is administered. Corresponding results were obtained with rabbits. However, the selenite is the more toxic when injeoted intravenously in rabbits. 4 82 ELIMINATION OF SELENIUM -iND ITS DISTRIBUTION IN THE TISSUES. M.I.Smith, B.B. Westfall and E.F.Stohlnan. U.S.Pub. Health Repts. 52, 1171-7 (August 27, 1937). Obtainable from Supt. of Documents, Washington, D.C., for 5 oents, oash. Sodium selenite fed to cats was excreted in the urino to the extent of 50 to 80$, and up to 18$ in the feces. The selenium is also widely distributed in the tis sues, mostly in the liver, kidneys, spleon, pancreas, heart and lungs. 83 DESIGN OF PAINT STRAYING AND SANDBLASTING NOXZLES. Freudenthal. Zntrlbl, f, Gewerbchyg, u. Unfall, 24, 203-6 (1937) (German). The author 6hows how dust prevention can be secured by proper arrangement of the spraying nozzle, including widening, flattening, beveling and admission of air. The design is illustrated. 84 REPORT ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE TECHNICAL INSERTION OFFICE IN 1936. Chemical InDustry Association, Chem. Ind. (German) 60, supplement issued with -tiug. 14 number, 1-56 (1937), This is an extensive report on many cases of accidonts and sovoral industrial diseasos. Among the latter were 2 fatal cases of dinitrocrosol poisoning, 2 oases of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, sovoral of carbon monoxide poisoning and 2 fatal cases of Weil's disease in workers who took care of rats in a biochemistry lab oratory. rentes to Roocnt Litoraturo 19 ELECTRIC ARC WELDING. J.A.K.a. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 975 (Sept. 18, 1937). Two hundred feet from a welding place is considered as a safe distance for specta tors and other workers not wearing goggles. ((OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE EYES AND WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION. M. Gardner. Med. J. Australia 2 732-3 (October 23, 1937). The author discusses the 666"'cases of occupational diseases rnd injury of the eyes, which he has observed in 5 years (in Australia). There wore 324 oases of corneal lesions, including 230 caused by foreign bodies, and many fram burns. A rough method for estimating percentage loss of vision is presented. In the discussion a simple table of suggested percentage incapacity ratings for different visual acuities of the affected eye is listed, in place of the present (Australian) sys tem of compensation of eye injuries. j7 SALT TABLETS FOR BEAT - POSSIBLE OVERDOSE. J.A.M.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 972 (Sept. 18, 1937). The question is raised as to whether there is danger of overdosago of salt tablets in cases of arteriosclerosis or nephritis with potential edema. The reply is that tho use of 5 to 10 tablets daily does not exceed the replacement basis in hot in dustries cr during hot weather, and should cause no ill offeots. 88 LOSS OF MINERALS THROUGH THE SKIN OF NORMaL HUMANS WHEN SWEATING IS AVOIDED. R.H. Freyberg and R.L.GRant. J. Clin* Invost. 1(5, 729-31 (Sopt. 1937)* The loss of certain inorganic elements through the skin of two healthy men was in vestigated, with precautions to prevent sweating. No oalcium or phosphorus was found. Tho 24' hour eliminations of sodium, calcium, chloride ani sulfate sulfur wore found to be largo enough to be of importance in the accurate determination of the oxchange of thoso elements as commonly done in mineral ^balance" studies, and corrections should be made in those studios for losses through tho skin. 89 AFTER-CARE AND RE-EMROYIENT OF THE TUBERCULOUS PATIENT. E.L.Sandiland* J. Roy. Inst# Pub. Health and Hyg. 1_, 46-58 (Oct., 1937). Attempts to find employment for men disabled by tuberculosis in Groat Britain have been made in three directionst (l) tho establishment of workshops in tho outside world under After-Care Coranittees or Local Authorities| (2) employment of ex~ patients on the staffs of sanatoria, and (3) the establishment of village settle ments, with industries attached. The first plan has not been very successful, mainly on account of lack of financial help. The author concludes that settle ments constitute one of tho most economical methods of dealing with certain typos of tho tuberculous population. 90 INDUSTRIAL CANCER WITH SIECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS PREVENTION jiND ACCIDENT LEGISLA TION. 0. Teuschlaendor. Med. Welt (Gorman) 11, 1267-72 (1937). The paper is a oritioal review and general discussion of industrial canoer, in cluding the industries concerned, tho active agents and the localizations ob served. In most oases it is impossible to render the injury harmless or neutral ize its caroinogenicity; all -that remains is to diminish the exposure. Cleanli ness. medical supervision and change of work are suggested} compensation problems are discussed. 91 SKIN IRRITATION AND CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY. S. Poller and C.S.Stephen son. Am. J. Mod. Sci. 194, 326 (Sept. 1937), The prolonged exposure to the sun's rays, open air and salt water, to whioh Navy men are subjected, is associated with a frequency of cancer of the lip and skin 8 times the normal and a groatly diminished morbidity and mortality from all other cancers. In about four-tenths of tho men who would be expected to die from an innor malignant manifestation there developed instead a ourable tumor of tho lip and skin. The mortality from oancer of the skin and lip is about 3 ^forcncc s to Rocont Literaturo 20 times higher in the Navy than in the average population of the samo ago group. Apparently a tumor in the inner organs develops later in only a small part of the patients in whom cancer of the lip and skin has been curod. This problem must be studied on a large scale, ns this situation suggests a possible preventive treat ment* Statistics of incidence cf the forms of cancor considered are includod. }2 CHEMOTHERAPY OF BLADDER CARCINOMAS WITH AMINO BODIES. Honschen. Arch. f. klin. C-hir. 189, 19-20 (1937). (German). Bladder cancer has been produced in rabbits by the inhalation of naphthylamine vapor. Experiments by Schaer on resorption and excrotion by the bladder in on aniline worker showed that there are several ways in which naphthylamine can come in contact with bladder tissue, from the general circulation and through the bladder vessels. Precancerous and wr.rning stages are local hyperemias, ystitis cystica, and subepithelial hemorrhages* The possibility of antieftneerous action of some aromatic amido compounds, administered orally, is being studied. 95 TURPENTINE ECZEMA IN SWEDISH PAINTERS. AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE INVESTIGATION. G. Rundberg. Hygiea (Swedish) 99, 209-49 (1937). A paper on the chemical aspects of this subject was abstracted in our last bulle tin (Abst. no. 690). This paper deals with results of occupational exposure. The author conducted inquiries among 450 painters in Stockholm and oarried out skin sensitisation tests with French turpentine, Swedish sulfate turpentine, Swedish charcoal turpentine and a petroleum derivative so3.d as dilutin. It was found that 110 of the painters suffered from eozema , and 55 others showed changes that may in some cases be preliminary symptoms of ecz >m: Various general symp toms were found in many cases. Both the clinical examinr. cicv.a '\nd zbe skin tests suggested that the Swedish preparations were more to blame than the French. The producers of Swedish turpentine have undertaken to revise thoir chemical process es so as to eliminate or reduce the impurities. 94 EFFECTIVENESS OF SOME FROTEC'TVE AGENTS AGAINST ECZEi ji. I. LTTPOCID AND BOROLAN. K. Pinkenrath. Zntrlbl. f. Geworbehyg. u Onfall- (German) 24, 206-8 (1937). Lupooid salve and borolan (apparently proprietary ren^d:.. e that are on the German market at least) wero found to fall short of the claim made by their makers. The former has an irritating effect on the skin and the latter does not prevent an occurrence of eczema. 95 LEAF OF ALOE VERA IN TREATMENT OF ROENTGEN RAY ULCERS. REPORT OF TWO ADDITIONAL CASES. A.B.Loveman. Arch. Dermatol, ie Syphil. 36, 838-43 (Oct. 1937). The author reports success in the treatment of roentgen ray ulcers with leaves of aloo vera, but only after a long period, definite signs of improvement appearing after 5 weeks. He attributes the slow healing to the fact that only certain parts of the ulcer are capable of regenerating the epithelium. The whole leaf was found to be much more efficaceous than the ointment. 96 DERMATITIS ACTIIdCA DUE TO ROENTGEN RAY TREATED WITH THE LEAF OF ALOE VERA, H. Fox. Arch* Dermatol. <fc Syphil* (Society transactions) 36, 891-2 (Oct. 1937). The author and several others obtained no success with the aloe vera treatment. In the author's case it was discontinued after 2 weeks on account of the pain. In view of the results in the preceding abstract, it is possible that the treat ment was not continued long enough. ofercnccs to Recent Literature - 21 f PROTECTION OF THE SKIN AGAINST LINE. G. C. Pother. Brit. Med. J. 2, 792-3 (October 9, 1937). Exposure to burnt lime injures the skin and eyes. Respirators for the nos* and goggles for the eyes are worn by workers in lime kilns, but the question of skin protection remains. Some men, but not all, acquire a tolerance to the dust. The skin becomes dry and hardened, and severe ulcers may follow. Washing gives no protection, but talc dust shaken over the skin, lessens sweating and forms a protective film. It is also of value as a dressing for ulcers. Strips of lint wore under the collar protect the skin of the neck from abrasion. Wo received the following information on reprints too late to insert it in the headings j No. 8. (DUST HAZARD IN FOUNDRYiEN) is obtainable from the author. Dr. Leslie H. Osmond, St, Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa.. ABSTRACT #63 was ommitted in its regular turn, and is given below: 53 TOXICITY OF MATERIALS USED IN LINING BEER CANS. J.A.M.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 891 (Sept. 11, 1937). The toxicity of chemicals used in lining beer cans is discussed, in reply to the report of a case of secondary anemia in a nan engaged in that work. The solvents are methyl-ethyl-ketone, known as *MEK" and LAC X21B, probably a vinyloid syn thetic resin. References are given, and no defaur.oo conclusion is stated, ex cept that the substances mentioned are not generally considered very toxio.