Document pBr17DLjvz0yY9Nnr3DQOQqE6

lead may be absorbe food which has come in contact with lead, or through the slrin. Manufacturing and smelting of lead, manufacturing of storage batteries and paints, painting and printing are common sources of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning may have several different results. It may cause loss of appetite at first, later indigestion and "lead." or "painters colic"--severe stomach cramps. It may attack the nervous system causing paralysis of the muscles used most. If tho forearm becomes weakened, it is called "wrist drop." The "grip test" is a common method of determin ing whether a worker is poisoned. Similar paralysis may attack other muscles. If the brain is affected, inflammation may cause death. Often internal organs are affected and death or disability results from them directly--load poison ing being the real cause. It is generally believed that after recovering from lead poisoning, the worker should leave the industry. Studies show he generally remains. In the plants surveyed, conditions could have been much improved with a resulting reduction in exposure. Furnace /operations were not always well hooded with properly con^ ctructed and adoguafoly powered exhaust fans. Cracks in floors contained lead oxide which entered the air as dust-- particularly when dry swept instead of being wet swept. Lead oxides were dried in the open shop. Clothes worn at work were not left in the plant to be laundered, if clothing was changed, the street clothing was not protected from dust. In many cases lunches were eaten without hands being carofully washed, and daily showors wore exceptional. European lead industries have reduced their injuries to a minimum. The conclusion of those making the survey was that great reduction was possible here through efforts of both employers and employes. Occupational disease com pensation should be an incentive to that end. in J itth rr\icr\niur