Document pe2ZOebBKXVMykjKq9RKgQzKB

This n-w.Jcttcr Is Issued monthly to member companies and trade associations affiliated with Air llyciene KojndatIf>n. its piirimse is tn report Foundation news and activities. Air Hycicne Foundation Is a partnership of Industry and science opsnniscd to protect the hcnlth of the 15 million workmen in heavy industry. </jr<: -:P' Audit Your Sick Absenteeism and Cut Losses No. 4 iler.bor companies are writing almost daily saying they will take part in the Founi- tion1 s study of "Sick Absenteeism in Industry," a study which promises to save \ .rticipatirg companies considerable suns of money. Company participation simply in volves the keeping of lost tine records. See the Foundations recent absenteeism re; . rt for details. Please return the coupon on the back pace, if you haven*t already .,-,ne so. L!ore details later as to forms, procedures, etc. Incidentally, this study is receiving national attention in the daily and trade press. Two metropolitan news papers have written editorials consenting favorably on the undertaking. New York Tir.es carried a half-column article. Ask Questions on Sanloyee Health Remember, Air Hygiene Foundation is concerned with every aspect of industrial i.e.Ith, whether it be chemical hygiene, dust or skin diseases. This is shown by the * r\r. *o of literature covered in your attached copy of the monthly "Digest of Indus trie Hycieno." The chenical age has brought new volatile solvents into industry at a rapid rate. Still, there is yet to be found a material that canrt be handled safe ly with proper precautions. A wealth of data and experience is being accumulated by the Foundation and rich facilities are available to the Foundation at its headquart ers in Itellon Institute. Ask us your questions on all phases of employee health. Monthly Index of Digest Inaugurated Starting with this issue of the monthly "Digest of Industrial Hygiene," the Foundation is including an index for each issue. This will be found on the last P-ire. At the end of the year a "master" index will be conpiled covering the full y-r. Meanwhile, as time permits, work is progressing on an index for past years, 1027-39. V.'e hope to have this completed by nid-sumer. The index accompanying each ninthly Digest, as well as the annual indexes, v/ill make the material more readily available and therefore more valuable to members. Do You V/ant the Digest Punched for Loose-Leaf Filing? An alort member writes: "V,'e have been enjoying our copies.. ..Why not have this valuable data prepared in such form that there would be a left-hand margin punched *.ith three holes so that the recipient could retain the pages in a permanent binder?" Tblc men! or will receive the Digest in that form. Any others desiring the punch holes r.*;y hive them by letting us know. Some companies clip up the abstracts for filing. Able Industrial Hygienist Available An able industrial hygienist, a Ph.D.. now associated with one of the Foundail-r/s leading companies, would consider changing his connection. He hss wide exF^rienco in this field, is in his early 30*s and can be recommended without hesitali-n. Furthor information is available through the Foundation, , , Pennies for prevention save dollars worth of cure .*, "** >OU*ll'4IICN ..CO rirTM *visu( UTTTa ITT**UM -A. April, 1940 Air Hygiene Foundation 4400 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. DIGEST OF INDUSTRIAL HTOITOB Literature--Nev/s--Developaents Hews Items 268. Lighting and Air-Conditioning Improve Draftsman* 3 Efficiency. Occupational Hazards, 31 tMarch, 1940). Last cummer, the Detroit Edison Company, Detroit, Michigan, checked the output of its draftsmen and found they were getting out 89BG "work units" in 5008 man hours. Meanwhile, the draftsmen moved into a new wiadowlecs building complete ly air-conditioned and illuminated electrically with 50 foot-candles at the drafting table top. This year, thanks to the conditioning and lighting, the draftsmen required only 3872 man-hours to do 10,474 work units -- a 51.4 por cent increase in efficiency. No longer does work become smudged by hot sticky fingers;- no longer do the tired ey3 of tired men bring about time-consuming errors. 269. All Ohio Safety Congress. The eleventh annual session of the All Ohio Safety Congress and Exhibit will be held April 16, 17 and 18, 1940 at the Deshler Wallick Hotel, Columbus. Among the many speakers listed on the tontativo program will be: Dr. H.L. Johnson, Inland Mfg, Div., General Motors Corp., -- "Medical Department*s Place in Industry." Miss Morion Page, R.N., Gardner Richardson Co., -- "Industrial Nursing." Dr. L.L. Pravor -- "Industrial Dermatoses as Related to the Oil Industry." E.I. Evans, Chief Actuary, Industrial Commission of Ohio -- "Employers' Wortoen* s Compensation Responsibility." C.B. Young, Ohio State Dept, of Health -- "Occupational Health Eazards in the Printing Industry." W.T. Cameron, U.S. Dept, of Labor -- "Dust Control in Foundries." C.A. Smacker, Ohio Dept, of Health -- "Toxic Materials and their Uses in the Dry Cleaning Industry." Dr. K.D. Smith -- "Occupational Diseases Occurring in Ohio." J.J. Bloomfield, U.S. Public Health Service -- "Control of Occupational Disease Hazards." 270. Annual Mooting of the American Ceramic Society, Toronto, Canada, April 7-13, 1940. The General Session on Toxicology will present a number of interesting speakers: T.C. Waters -- "Recent Legislation on Occupational Diseases." E. Poitovin -- "Undesirablo Visitors in the Human Lungs." L.T. Fairhall -- "Relative Toxicity of Lead and Some of Its Common Compounds." M.F. Trice -- "Health of Brick and Tile Workers in North Carolina." A.D. Brandt -- "Engineering Control of Dust with Special Refcronco to Respirators." 0`,, J?'G .Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 2. 271. American Foundrymon* s Association Annual Convention. There will be a Safety and Hygiene Section at the forty-fourth annual convention of the American Foundrymen*s Association to bo bold in Chicago, May 6-10, One of tho speakers will bo Roger Bronson of Chicago who will discuss "Workmen* s Compensation and Occupational Disease Insurance." Headquarters for the conven tion will be in International Amphitheatre. 272. O-jcnpationol Dispose Claim Held not Barred by Statute of Limitations. Occupa tional Hazards 2_, 14 (March, 1940). _ Tho V/orkraon's Compensation Act of Missouri provides that a claim for compensa tion for an occupational disease must be filed within six months from tho time it became reasonably discoverable and apparent that tho compensable disease has been contracted. The disease in this caso was lead poisoning contracted through continued work handling scrap metals, including lend. Tho claimant went to work for the company in 1927 and continued in their employ until 1955, at which tine ho v/as discharged after the plant physician reported that he had high blood pressuro, and that the likelihood of an apoplectic stroke made him a hazard on the job. ttithin six months of his discharge the claimant filed a claim for com pensation. It was grouted. The company claims the award wa3 erroneous, con tending that the claimant had known in 1952, four years before filing his claim, that ho was suffei'ing from lead poisoning, and consequently his claim had not boon filed vdthin the six months* limitation period. The Court rejected the Company's contention, stating: "An injury which 3terts the running of the sta tuto of limitations provided for in Y/orknen' s Compensation Act, occurs in an occupational disease ca3e at the tine when the disease produces a compensable disability, and more fact that the employee has reason to know that ho is suffer ing ill effects which, oven though attributable to natural incidents of employ- ment, have not progressed to the point of in anywi3o impairing his capacity for work is insufficient to start the running of the statute." Smith, vs Federated Metals Corporation ot al (Missouri) 133 S.W. 2nd 1112 (Dec. 1939). 273. * Osteomyelitis Bevelons from Brass Particles in Clothes. Occupational Hazards 2, 15 (March, 1940). An award in this case was granted to the claimant for temporary and permanent disability resulting from the amputation of one leg. Tho facts were: The cleiiiont wus employed in a factory as a brass polisher. In the courso of his work small particles of brass became dislodged from the pieces being polished and settled on his skin and in his clothes, causing scratches on the skin. The claimant's right leg become swollen. He was forced to stop work and was taken to a hospital. The physicians found a large number of healed scratches on the claimant's arms and legs. They also found his right leg swollen and infected with osteomyelitis (inflammation of tho bone-marrow) which had been caused by infection resulting from the scratches of tho brass particles. It was necessary to amputate the leg to check the spread of infection. Mecca vs Phoenix Brass Fitting Corporation (N.J.) 10 Atl. 2nd 491 (Jan. 1940). 274. Turkmen's Conycnsation Acts: Dementia Paralytica Attributed to Aggravation of Pro-oristinr Pypnilis by Heat Stroko. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 114, 1292 (March 30, 1940). The employee in this cose filed a claim for compensation alleging that during the course of his employment lie suffered a "nervous breokdovm" owing to the heat to which he wa3 subjected. The state industrial commission awarded com pensation and tho employer appealed to the Supremo Court of Oklahoma. Tho em ployee had worked for two years in and around a boiler room exposing him to high temperatures and occasionally to intense heat. There was.evidence that he had suffered three heat strokes. Ho bogan to show evidence of an abnormal con dition which claimed bis relatives who had him committed to on asylum. The 01J77 Digest of.Industrial Hygiene - 3. % diagnosis was general paresis of syphilitic origin. He responded favorably to treatment and was restored to competency by the court which had committed him. Shortly thereafter, ho filed his application for compensation. The Supreme Court hold that tho commission had before it competent evidence which, if be lieved, was sufficient to support a finding of accidental injury within the meaning of the wortaaen* s compensation act. The award of compensation was there fore affirmed. Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company v. Maloney (Okla.), 88 P. (2d) 363, 275. Recent Coiari3Sion Findings. Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor, 13, 41-42 (March, 1940). An employee of a steel foundry applied for compensation, alleging permanent total disability as the result of silicosis, contracted in the course of his employment. Ponding a decision on tho claim, the claimant died and his widow applied for a doath award for tho bonefit of herself end six minor children. An investigation revealed that decedent worked in the foundry from May, 1922, to June, 1939, in the cleaning department whore his duties required him to remove hardened sand from castings by use of a pneumatic hammer. A dust count in tho room where decedent was employed showed an exposure well below the accepted safe standard, but the dust contained approximately 20 per cent of free silica. The claims referee was of the opinion that the exposure to silica dust was well established and the claim was approved as compensable by the Silicosis Referees. Acting under the provisions of an amendment to the Occupational Disease Act effective May 26, 1939, the Commission granted an award of $6,500 to tho widow and minor children, payable at the maximum rate of $18.75 per week. ****A painter employed by a general maintenance and engineering company died Jan. 17, 1938, and his widow applied for a death award for the benefit of herself and minor child. She alleged that the decodent died as the result of "Silicosis terminating in cancer.n Investigation revealed that the decedent had worked at tho painting trade all his life, working on interior and exterior work with both spray and brush. When admitted to the hospital his case was diagnosed as one of acute gastric ulcer. The investigator pointed out that, while the claim was filed after the Occupational Disease Act amendment of May 26, 1939. became effective, the conditions giving rise to the claim originated at a time when they come under the provisions of the old law, which did not include a lung can- cor on the list of occupational diseases. It was also pointed out that there v/a$ no basis for the allegation of silicosis os a contributing cause and no evi dence vms adduced to show that paints used contained harmful ingredients to bring about the condition causing death. Tho commission dismissed the applica tion. Notices of New Books 276. Pneumoconiosis (Sillco3is) Tho Story of Dusty Lungs. A Preliminary Report, L.G. Cole and V/.G. Cola, John B. Pierce Foundation, New York, 1940. 52 pp. with an appendix and index. "Tho objoct of thi3 report is to record briefly tho observations that have been made and the conclusions that have been drawn during a further short but inten sive investigation of pneumoconiosis. Many of the conclusions heroin recorded concerning the scientific aspects of the disease -- Its etiology, pathogenesis, pathology, and roentgenology -- as well as its social, economic and legal as pects, are not in accord vdth accepted idoas." The authors classify the dis ease into, four types. Thoy aro, in tho order fo severity; Type I, the invasion of tho perivascular - peribronchial - lymphatic structures and tho hilus by dust laden phagocytes and deposits of collagen; manifested rocntgonologically by acsontuated hilar and linear markings. Typo II, the nodular type, character ized by tho presence of whorl3 of collagen and manifested roontgenologlcally by 0 L J 7 8 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 4 white spots on a black background. Type III, the pocianorking type, character ized by air cysts in the parenchyma of the lung. In tho x-ray, air cysts appear as black spots surrounded by white rings, or small black spots within areas of masslTd collagenization, Typo IV, acute silicosis, manifested by on incom plete aeration or partial consolidation of the alvooii. A general hazo or dif fuse cloudiness of the film is the outstanding roentgenological finding, Tho book also disoussos the social and economic aspects -- the authors believing "that 90 of the types of pneumoconiosis now recognized as 'silicosis' are not compensable; that tho two typos hitherto unrecogaizod or not accepted as sili cosis are by all moans compensable; and that an adequate clinical history, plus an expert roentgen examination with the cooperation of laborer and employer, are indispensable to any fair and proper solution of the problem," An appen dix contains reprints of two articles by the authors. Theieis an adequate index. Papers on Air, Dust and General Industrial Hygiene 277. Silicosis. B.R. Eayhurst. Merck Report, 49, 6, 8, 9, 28, 30, 32 (April, 1940). An excellent short review of the subject of silicosis, Tho author discusses the types (acute and chronic), occurrence, predisposing causes, pathology, symp toms and clinical findings, complications, course and prognosis, diagnosis, dif ferential diagnosis, and treatment (prevention). 278. Recent Developments in Relation to Silicosis. L.U. Gardner# Ind, Med., j9, 45-49 (February, 1940). Experimental work in progress at the Saranac Laboratory seems to lead to the .conclusion that inhaled asbestos fibres are irritating not because they ere silicates but because they are stiff fibres which mechanically irritate the lungs. When asbestos is ground very finely so that few of tho fibres are longer than 2 microns in length the irritating property of the asbestos is practically destroyed. Inhalation experiments with this fine asbestos in a concentration of 125 million particles per cubic foot over a period of three years has not produced fibrosis -- in previous experiments exposure to one third this concen tration of long fibres has produced well marked fibrosis in two years. This phenomenon is directly opposite to that found in silicosis, whore with decrease in particle size, reaction becomes more vigorous. Irritation, from the asbestos fibres seem to be more closely associated with the physical, rather than the chemical, comimsition as in the case of free silica. There are many experi ments whose results are difficult to reconcile with the solubility hypothesis. In vivo, cellular reactions begin 15 to 30 minutes after injections; in vitro, traces of dissolved silica arc found by the most sensitive methods only after 12 to 24 hours. There is some experimental evidence that free silica has a specific toxicity. Fine silica injected into the veins or hearts of certain animals acts liko a strong poison. This has not been observed with particles of larger sizo or with suspensions of other minerals. These toxic effects can bo neutralized by the addition of different substances, for example, colloidal aluminum hydroxide and ferric hydroxide. More and moro experimental evidence seems to demonstrate tho physiological insignificance of particles over 3 mi crons. Finally there is a discussion of tho similarity between tho silicotic and tuberculous.reactions in the lung. 279. Arro3t of tho T'jxis Action of Silica Dust on tho Conjunctive Tissue by Aluminum. A.P.~litiard a;id j.Rullot. Couit.rc-ndTSoc.ao Biol.. 132. 190-192 (1939) .(French]. A study of tho effects on tho cornoa of quartz uiono and quartz with aluminum. Quarts producoa a soriou3 reaction, with pdoma, cellular infiltration for sr-no weeks and hoaling with opacities. Thoro is a very slight roaction with quartz and aluminum. 0LJ?9 Digest of Industrial Hygiene-5. 280. Warning Incidence of Silicosis on Rond. S. Africa Min. & Eng. J., 50, 675-5 `(January 27, 1940}. (British) . This is on abstract of the report on the work of the Miners* Phthisis Medical Bureau for the three year period ending July 31, 1938. The rate of incidence of 3ilicosis has fallen to a now low record; however, there is a marked progres sive incroaso in incidonco with increase in duration of service, al30 with the incroaso in the anount of time spent in machine drilling. A modification of tho system of periodical examination is urged. 281. Detection of Silica-Containing Dust in Lung Tissues by Moans of Fluorescence Microscopy. M. OberdalUoff. Arch. Gewerbepath. & Gewerber.yg., 435-442 (1939) . Abstracted in 3rit. Chcm. 5: Physiol., p. 158 (February, 1940). Quartz and other mineral dusts show characteristic fluorescence colors under ultra-violet light whoa treated v/ith fluorchrcmes, especially auraaine, and then washed with wator. Quartz dust can be detected similarly in silicotic lung tissues provided that the specimen is first treated with olcohol-ether to remove the covering of fat on the quartz particles* 282. An X-ray Study of tho Lungs of Wortanen in the Asbestos Industry, Covering a Period of Ten Years. A.W. George and R.D. Leonard. Radiology 33, 196-202 (1939V A discussion of the exposure to asbestos in the manufacture of brake linings. In 1928 and 1929, 12 workers with symptoms of asbestosis were retired on compen sation and wore followed for 7 years. In 1933, 800 employees from the 3ame plant were x-rayed end three found to have advanced asbestosis. When the plant closed, 90 men sued for compensation and tho authors give a discussion of the trial of 30 cases. During the trial, the 12 men retired S or 9 years beforo .were produced. All but the wesson were perfozming laborious work, and no progress of tho lung condition was apparent. There is a description of the x-ray appear' once of asbestosis and the action of the dust on the lung. The authors consider that "the fibor is innocent of producing any pathologic disturbance except an impedance to the air in this region of the lung." Pleuritic changes are also seon -- adhesions end obliteration of the costcphrenic angles. Eaphysema and changes in the heart contour are other signs. No cases complicated by tubercu losis ware found. X-ray will show asbestos in the lungs when there is enough to cause symptoms. 283. The Fxontgenolofdc Aspects of Bronchonycosis. H.P. Doub. Radiology, 34, 267-275 (March, 1940). "* The signs and symptoms of the hronchomycoses ore similar to those of tuberculo sis and often they are at first thought to be tuberculous in origin. Whenever the history or x-ray changes are atypical of tuberculosis, the sputum should be examined microscopically and also cultured repeatodly, so that these c&sos may cot be treated aa tuberculous. In oarly stages, these patients appear to have a mild bronchitis with some oxpectoration; later they dovelop many of the signs and symptoms and even the complications of tuberculosis. The final diagnosis rests on the discovery and identification of tho offending organism. The roentgen changes are suggestive of a differential diagnosis in some instances but usually only suggest the prosence of a fungous infection. Tho author des cribes some of the more prominent roentgen signs of tho various hronchomycoses. 284. Lungs Affected by Ochro Dust. H. Otto. Arch. Gewerbepath. & Geworbehyg., 9, 487-495 (19 3'J). (Gorman)" Abstracted in Brit. Chem. k Physiol., p. 159 (February, 1940). The harmful constituents of ochre .appear to bo iron oxidos and silica. X-ray findings in ochro-affoctod lungs and pathological anatomy of iron-affected lungs are described. 0 L J 8 0 'tf Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 6, 285. 'Dust and Disease. H. J. Spector. Safety Engineering, 79, 33 (March, 1940), Organic dusts do not produce disabling diseases of the lungs, says this author, basing his claim on autopsy studies of the lungs of 50 patients exposed for many years to organic dusts. Regardless of how violent rn effect inhaling in dustrial impurities might produce in the human system, tuberculous infection takes placo only in tho presence of disonse-producing bacilli. Possible remed ial measures for the control of tuberculosis in industry might include: Control of industrial disease hazards, ample vrage standards, and periodic physical ex aminations. 286. Pulmonary Aspergillosis. H.S. Van Ostrand. Cleveland Clinic Quarterly, 7_, 66-73 (January, 1940-77 The classic instances of pulmonary aspergillosis in man are found in certain occupations which involve prolonged and intimate contact with grains or with birds. Farmers, food-mill workers and threshers are prone to this infection. Certain dusts are important sources of infection, such as that produced by sponge-cleenors and wig-makers. The symptoms may be of acute or chronic nature. The acute form assumes clinically the picture of bronchitis or pneumonia. The course of chronic primary aspergillosis is similar to that of chronic pulmonary tuberculosis. The author describes the physical and roentgen findings. A case of aspergillosis fumigatus of the acute "bronchitic" typo is presented. 287. Experimental Investigation on the Capacity of the Human Nose to Retain Dust. J. Scheidelcr. Arch. f. Ohren-, Nase-, u. Kehlkopfheil., 146, -133-169 (1939) (German) Results of tho examination of 290 men in an effort to determine the capacity of tho human nose to retain dust. There were 10 measurements on each worker and variation was groat -- between 9.5 and 91.1$. Tho individual variation was at most 8.2$ and averaged only 2.96$. The author concludes that the capacity of the individual human nose remains constant as long as the rhinoscopic findings are the same. The capacity varies with tho construction of tho interior of the nose, since this formation determines the direction of the inhaled air stream. Obstacles in tho lower nasal duct and the concentration of the dust ore without influence. The dust-retaining capacities of tho pharynx and larynx are unimpor tant compared to that of the nose. 288. What to Lock for in. Rospirators. W.H. Lemberg. Safety Engineering* 79_, 30 (January, 1940). Respiratory protective devices must measure up to certain standards and specifi cations to be fully efficient. They must be provided with a compact and highly efficient filter medium that will exclude dust and fumes, obstruction to breath ing must be .sufficiently low to provide no discomfort during normal activity, they must fit all types of faces without leakage, they must be comfortable, they must not interfere with the wearing of safety goggles and they must be de signed compactly, with a minimum of free space inside. 289. To Solve Silicosis. S.C. Blacktin. Chca. Ago., 42, 97-98 (February 17, 1940). (British). There is first a general historical discussion of the problem of breathing re sistance in respirators with tho increase in dust-stoppage efficiency, Tho author presents a now principle, "tho Repulsor" based on tho repelling action on dust particles of a heated wire diaphragm. It is proposod in the interests of economy where electric safety lamps are used, to exploit tho provisions already offered, the air-cleaning unit thus forming a composite part of a new all-purposo lamp. Tho author fools that tho dofeat of tho attack on silicosis preven tion has boon duo to thi3 rosistanco of respirators and will now bo solved by this mothod of breathing oaso. 0 L j 81 Eigcct oi Industrial Hygiene - 7. 290. Dust Prevention by Use of Carbonate Minerals. H.C. Dot! and J.B. Lewis. Chem. Eng. Min. Rev., 2, 57"il039). The use of dolomito or a mixturo of magnesite and limostone as trnping in drill halos produces a cloud of basic dust pnrticlos after firing which neutralise the charge on the silica particles and thereby produce flocculation, so that it is possible to effect* complete removal of the silica particles from the air fifteen minutes after firing. 291. Profits in Air: Duet Control. Part I. The Dust Problem, Bsployoe- Examinations, Dust Surveys. F.F. Kravath. Heating & Ventilating, 3, 33-41 (March, 1940). The author outlines a plan for employee examinations and plant surveys with suggested forms for keeping records of employees* physical condition and results of surveys. Careful occupational histories will sometimes obviate time-consuning und expensive physical examination. Periodic examination may be easily brought about at regular intervals by moans of n snail "tickler" file, contain ing the employee* s none or number. A brief outline of the procedures for plant surveys i3 given* 292. Keep it Clean. R.D. Mudd. Safety Engineering, 79, 34-37 (March, 1940). Cleanliness in industry saves money, improves the product and promotes the health and working power of employees. Compensation for skin diseases of occu pational origin makes up as much as 70 of all occupational disease claims in some states. Cleanliness could i;rovent many of these conditions. The writer outlines the steps which plant managers and the forking force can cooperate in and thus achieve healthy working conditions. Every dollar put into equipment and services to promote cleanliness is bound to appear eventually on the right side of the balance sheet. 293. Mineral Technology and Output Per Man Studios: Rock Drilling. C.E. Nighaan and C.E. Kiessling* W.P.A. in cooxjeration v.lth U.J. Bureau of Mines, Report Nc. E-ll pp* 158 (February, 1940). Primarily a discussion of the kinds of technical changes introduced and the rates at v/hich they have been incorporated into industrial practico. In the extractive industries advances in the methods used in drilling operations have . been an important feature of these changes. The development of drilling tech nology in the bituminous coal industry and in petroleum and natural-gas produc tion has been covered in other reports -- this one deals with, rock drilling in other important mineral industries. There is a short discussion on the subject of health and safety. The advent of mechanical drilling greatly increased the prevalence end seriousness of the respiratory diseases. It is estimated that roughly 1/5 to over 1/3 of the miners in typical hard-rock mining camps 20 years ago were afflicted v.lth silicosis. This danger has now been greatly lessened by the vide cooperation of mine operators in dust control programs inaugurated by tho U.S. Bureau of Mines end the U.S. Public Health Sorvico. 294. Preliminary Report on Hygiene Studios of Voiding* L.B. Case and V.J. Castrop. Ind. Med., 9_, 52-55 (February, 1940). Samples of sir taken at a distance of 3 inches from the electric arc show con centrations of nitrogen dioxide as high as 70 p.p.m. These ore not, however, average concentrations. The samples taken near acotyleno welding showed some what aanller results. Analyses were nude of the welding rod.coatings and par tial determinations of tho metal fumes obtained in tho breathing zones of tho weldors. The latter seem to indicate that iron oxide is tho principal ingredient of the t*uno3. There i;j some conjecture by the authors on the coatings of the metals being welded and a short discussion of the matter of personal protection by vontinltion, respirators, etc. It is emphasizod that this is a proliminary report. 0 683 A Digest.of Industrial Hygiene - 8. 295. C&toracta Electrica Following Electric Shock. H. Skydsgaord. Acta Ophthalmologica, 17, 4G0 (1940). (Scandinavian). Abstracted from I. Am.Med.Assoc., 114. 1122 (Uored 23, 1940). One of the most important of oye injuries in persons struct by lightning or who wort with high tension currents is the delayed cataract which occasionally appears. The author reports tho case of a man who had roceivod a shock of 6000 volts and six months later began to notice loss of vision in one eye. A catar act was finally discovered. Tho author is convinced that tho electrical trauma was the cause. Ho says that this type may present only features which are com mon to a large group of cataracts; however, they appear late and may be uni lateral or bi-lateral. He contends that lesions near the eye are not necessary for the development of the cataract and that the strength of current is not of decisive importance, but that its duration may be an essential factor. He enu merates the theories for the explanation of the cause of the cataract but be lieves that no one of them could elone produce the effect. 296. Tho Course of Disabling Morbidity among Industrial Workers, 1921-1933. W.M. Gafafer. Ind. Med., 9^ 55-61 (February, 1940). The material upon which this report is based is from the reported experience of the memberships of industrial sick benefit associations, primarily (43$) in iron and steel but also (21) in public utilities and (3G$) miscellaneous. The latter is ccmposed of data from tho chemical, plumbing fixture, electrical equipment, paper, tiuopieces, hats, flour, and soap industries. A brief sumary of a com prehensive illustrated analysis shows that all sickness is displaying a dovmward trend, more apparent in males, tho prime mover being the respiratory diseases. Non-industrial injuries incline upward for both soxos. A rising curve is evident for moles in appendicitis, diseases of the heart and of the circulatory system. Normal rates of pneumonia and rheumatic disoases are relatively high for the iron and steel industry while relatively low for all sickness, respiratory dis eases, respiratory tuberculosis end diseases of the circulatory system. 297. Annual Safety Souipsicnt Issue. March, 1940. National Safety Nows. 210 pp. National Safety Council, Inc., 20 N. Wackor Drive, Chicago, Illinois. This large issue contains six chapters on: Personal Equipment, Mochanical Equipment, Firo and Plant Protection, First Aid and Medical Service, Sanitary Equipment and Supplies, and Miscellaneous Products and Services. Articles of interest to Foundation readers include: Industrial Ventilation, Lighting for tho Plant, Better Housekeeping, Fatigue, and Skin Infections from Cutting Oils. 298. List of American Standards. American Standards Association, 29 West 39th Street, Now York, N. Y., January 15, 1940. A list of the published standards in civil, mechanical, electrical, mining, chemical, safety, highway traffic and other engineering fields. They cover definitions of terns, specifications for metals and other materials, methods of tost for the finished product, dimensions, safety provisions for use of machin ery and methods of work, etc. These standards represent tho composite work of six laindrod trade, technical, governmental and other groups. 299. Nov: Problem in tho Field of Industrial Hygiene. VI. Occupational Poisons, Reproduction and Offspring. 0. Ehricmnnn. Doutsch. ned. Wchnschr., 65, 18021806 (1959). (Goman)* This is a rojjort, based on the litoraturo, of injury to the powers of reproduc tion end to tlio offspring, causod by alcohol, nicotino, lead (n father*s poison ing supi-oscdly affects the children), magnesium, morcury, chromium, iodine, arsenic, carbon disulfide, benzene, phosphorus and thallium. oljss Digest of Industrial Ifygiene - 9. 300* 301. Physiologic Observations on Caisson Workers, W. Marquort and J, Rietz. Ztschr. f. d. gos. exp. Med., 106, 59V-775 (November 3, 1939). Abstracted from J. Am. Med. Assoc., 114, 1028~{March 16, 1940.) No increase in busal metabolism w&3 found in caisson workers exposed to 3.75 atmospheres. There is increasod respiratory volumo with a simultaneous decrease in frequency but no increase in vital capacity. The pulse showed a decrease in frequency in spitu of tho hard physical labor. There is a decrease in orthyrocytes but this quickly returns to normal. Compressed Air Illness (with special Reference to tho middle oar) W.H. Requartli and R.2. 3onson. Inu. Med., 9_, 115-121 (March, 1940). The etiology, pathology, symptoms and treatment of compressed air sickness in pressures over 15 pounds arc presented. Tho most efficient treatment is stage decompression. In general, the lav/s of this country pertaining to work in com- prosred air recommend a combinod stage and unifoim decompression which is not equal to tho method of stage decompression as practiced in other countries, notably England. Wcrkors in increased atmospheric pressure up to 12 pounds present certain symptoms referable to tho middle ear and Eustachian tube. Usually considered miner, those complaints assume major proportions when viewed from the standpoint of workmen's compensation insurance. The only edoquate treatment of theso middle ear complaints is prophylactic. This is best carried out by a well-planned nodical program consisting essentially in a careful, intensive edu cation of men in the use of preventive measures and the selection of employees on the basis of critical examination of tho respiratory tracts. -- Author's summary. 302. Antiseptics and Their Action. R.M. Freeman. Ind. Med,, 9, 87-88 (February, 1940). The author discusses briefly the general subject of antiseptics -- their advan tages and disadvantages -- and concludes that azochloromid is a valuable and safe member of this group. It is used in 1/500 solution in triacetin. 303. The Inguinal Ligament. C.M, Hlllenbrand. Ind.Ued., 9_, 83-85 (February, 1940). In a study of 500 cases, of which 300 had inguinal hernias, it was concluded that: (1) individuals with an inguinal ligament of less than 11 cm. have little tendoncy to fomation of inguinal hernia; (2) cases measuring 11 to 15 cm. who develop-hernias always have an indirect typo; (3) a3 the length of the inguinal ligament increases from 15 to 19 cm. the hernias are of the direct type. This will be of interest to industrial physicians who need a practical aid in deter mining whether the so-called borderline cases with large rings, loose rings, etc., should be hired. Its use in job placement is at once obvious. 304. The Anti-Syphilis Campaign. P.J. Ochsner. Ind.Med., 9_, 77-79 (February, 1940), Through its contact with half of the population, industrial medicine has a won derful opportunity to act as a caso finder for syphilis. A sixty-day survey revealed that the number of individuals under treatment represented only onesixth of the potential treatment load. Industrial physicians can be of great assistance in seeing that patients receive their required courses of continuous therapy, of prime importance in the treatment of syphilis. Only two types of syphilis are liablo to produce accidents, the cardiovascular and tabetic or parotic. If those uro excluded, there is no available evidence to show that syphilitics arc more accident-prone than non-syphilitics. Tho typo of syphilis encountered in industrial practice is usually non-infcctious and they may be permitted to continue work provided they undergo continued treatment. 305. A Practical Approach to Supervision of Mental Health In Industry. F.S. Parncy. In... MedT,"V," 72-VV (February, 1540), In the author's opinion, the successful treatment of pcychoneurosis lies not in the nan or his job, nor oven in Ids immediate difficulty, but in the doctor's capacity to load the patient to a recognition of Ills fundamental problem and the nocossity of facing up to it, 0LJ8 i Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 10, 306* Women in Industry, M.E. Pidgeon. U.S. Dept, of Labor, Women's Bureau, Bulle tin No, 164, pp. 85 (1938). This i3 an outline for group study of the subject of tho employment of women in industry and tho general conditions under which they ?/ork. Ton aspects of tho subject have been con3idorcd separately. Of moot interest here is Chapter V -- "Health Standards for Women1 s Work" which has been divided into four parts -- (1) Service facilitios and sanitary conditions in the workplace, (2) special health needs, (3) industrial hazards - injuries, and (4) industrial hazards diseaso. 307, Study of the Factors of Baployabillty. G.A. Paul. Ind. Med., 9^, 79-82 (Febru?.ry, 1940). A survoy of a particular industrial organization which shotvod that many of the workers have major physical disabilities and that the proportion of these dis abilities increaso as the workers become older. Unwise legislation may throw obstacles in tho way of the physically handicapped by increasing the scope of compensation in coses of aggravation of pre-existing illness* 308. The Doctor's Part In the Personnel Program. G.A. Coburn. Ind. Med., 64-66 (February* 1940), " The plant doctor plays an important part in a number of activities: in employ ment, by assisting the employer to secure the most satisfactory type of person nel; in transfers, by over-seeing tho proper replacements of employees; in safety by acting in an advisory capacity to the safety department; in collective bar gaining, many of tho grievances or complaints have to do with' matters in tho med ical territory; in maintaining satisfactory employer-employee relationship, by his numerous contacts with largo numbers of employees which by careful handling can form the foundation of sound relations; in maintaining satisfactory public relationship, by his outside contacts with the local medical profession, hospi tals, health agencies end organizations. 309* Relationship of Industrial Medicine to Privato Practice. S.J. Seeger. Ind. Med., 9^ 66-69 (February, 1940), %ho foremost objectives of industrial medicine........ : (1) to fit every person to types and quantities of work according to his ability to perform such work continually without unduo impairment, without injury to himself or his folio?; wortaten, and with profit to himself and his employer; (2) to procure and main tain fitness for work through efforts applied to tho worker as on individual; (3) to educate the worker to a comprehension of the value and significance of physical and mental well-being and, in particular, of porsonal hygiene and acci dent prevention; (4) to reduce all loss of time, absenteeism and short work spans in industry, the cause of which may be related in anyway to health. " The author also discusses the problons which have arisen between tho practice of private medicine and the establishment of modem industrial medical departments in large industries* 310. 311. Small Plant Hired Nurse -- Saves. M.G. Eulstine. Factory Man. & Main., pp.6869 (March, 1940). Lost time duo to injuries or sickness- totaled 23 wooks in the year previous to the installation of this regular first-aid department. This was roducod to a little over two wooks in tho first year under the resident nurso set-up. There is also tho improved employee health and comfort, as well as compensation sav ings and increased wagos for workors who are not off because of illness. The Industrial Nurso. H.M. Jamc3. Ind.Med,,, 61-64 (February, 1940). The qualifications of the industrial nurso may* bo listed under physical, porson al end professional headings. Theso are of particular importance in the nurso who works alone in a small organization us she is ofton tho sole reprosontativo Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 11* of industrial medicine* In industries where it in possible to use visiting service, oxperionce has provod this function of the nurse to be a most valuable one. "The industrial nurse has certainly loft her 'finger wrapping1 and has aavrinced into a highly important role in industry." 312. X-ray in Industry. M.?/. Clift. Ind. Med., 9_, 51-52 (February, 1940). It has been demonstrated that tho initial cost of z-ray equipment is on oxtremoly ffliall factor in the economics of a medical department. The author's exper ience is that the entire capital investment has not only boon liquidated but has also shown a dividend. Tho greatest dividend, however, has come from the salvaging of individuals v/orking in factories and by appreciating thair physical needs, placing then back in industry in positions they can adequately fill. As en agent in reducing expense by decreasing labor tumovor, x-ray equipment is a definite economic measure. 315. A Plan for the Control of Tuberculosis in Industry. U.R. Burnell. Ind.Med., 9j 49-51 (February, 1940). I. Pre-Buploynent Physical Examination. Thi3 is done for tho purpose of placing the individual where he is boat physically as well as mentally fitted. This givos the examining physician the best opportunity to detect pulmonary tubercu losis and is not considered complete without tn x-ray of tho chest. II. Per iodic Examinations for Old Employees. There are amorous occasions on which those examinations 3hould bo made, such as. after illness or layoff, but in any case should be mndo at least onco a year. Cooperation with the family physician is of paramount importance. III. Control of Tuberculosis Within the Plant. The industrial physician is the health officer of the plant -- "it is his duty to locate, identify and determine the importance of all occupational and environ mental sources of 'disease or health impairment end to seo that they are corrected, 314. Priceless Possessions. L. Grecnburg. National Safety Nows 41, 26-27 (January, 1940). There were 1843 cases of compensated eye injuries in New York State in 1938 and the cost v/a3 1,165,000* Eighty per cent of these arc caused by foreign matter entoring the eye and could be avoided by the simple and cheap method of wearing goggles. Ventilation controls are needed for eye hazards of toxic dusts and fumes and in the past year, the Division of Industrial Hygiene has passed and approved 2000 sets of plans for such control in factories. Spocial goggles are needed for protection against radiant energy, hud fatigue of the eyes can bo lessened or eliminated by proper illumination. The author discusses these sight-caving moans and methods for promoting their adoption. 315. Tho 0phthn1a>logl st and tho Workmen's Compensation Law. J.H. Delaney. Pcnna. Mod. J., 43, 645-647 (February, 1940). This is a plea for Pennsylvania (and 23 other statos) for uniform standards end methods of evaluating visual cfficioncy and visual loss. Of the 47 state com missions, only 23 have a recognized method and of those, 7 had difforont stan dards in use -- co that there v/oro 18 different methods of calculating tho come problem. This condition exists in spite of tho excellent method advanced by the Committee on Eyo Injuries of the American Medical Association dovised aftor a 6 year study. To date only 11 states have adopted tho committee'3 recommenda tions. These constitute a threefold method of evaluating vision -- duo consid eration of central visual acuity for near and for, tho Y/cighcd factor for con sideration of muscle balance, and visual fields. Tlio author foels that in testimony tho acuity at 14 inches is twice as important as that ftt 20 foot since the law intends to componento a man for reduced earning pov/or and in most occu pations this of necessity involves the eyes for near work. ' OL'JpC Digest of Industrial Hygiene' 12* 316. The Use of /dr Telocity Meters. G.L. Tuvo, D.K. Wright, Jr., and L.J. Siegel. Boating, Piping and Air Cond., ]af 703-709 (November, 1939). The results of an investigation of methods for instrument calibration and study of the practice! use of instruments for measuring c.ir stream characteristics and air quantities. The authors claim that the roteting-vane anemometer to be tho best average instrument; tho Volomoter (bridled-vane anemometer), tho most convenient for spot readings; tho heated thermometer, tho widest velocity range; the heated thermocouple, bc3t adapted for distant reading; and the kata thenaonetcr, the legist expensive. The three measuring standards used were a thin plate orifice, an electric-thermal meter and the pitot tube. 317. Seme Applications of the Rayleigh Interferometer. E.C. Craven. Indus. Chemist, 15, 354-357 (lOoSj^ A description of some applications of the Rayleigh interferometer in industrial practice, for example, in determining carbon dioxide and consumed oxygen, ex plosive gas concentrations, hydrocarbons in crude hydrogen and the strength of acetic anhydride by means of the liquid, cell. The Instrument used, a home-made 50 cm. type, is described briefly. Instead of a compensating optical method for aligning the bands, pressure Is applied and tho manometer reading is proportion al to the gas concentration. 318. Hydrogen Sulfide Detector. F.B. Behrens. Oil and Cas lour., 30, 36 (March 28, 1940). A regenerative scrubbing process for vapors before processing in a non-selective polymer plant entailed tho handling of hydrogen sulfide in a comparatively pure stato. The hazards involved necessitated the use of a detector. As the usual devices ore quite costly, a compact and efficient detoctor was built at reason able cost by this company. The sampler was designed to handle a volume of 20 cu. ft. of air per minute from 15 different stations. Tho precipitation of load sulfide on moist lead-acetate-treated tape cuts off a source of light thus affecting a photoelectric cell which operatos the alarm system. It may also be used to operate blowers if necessary. The detector has also boon used for the detection of hydrocarbon leaks where hydrogen sulfide is present in the vapors. The electrical measurements are sufficiently sensitive and accurate so that percentages well below tho danger point can be detected. Illustrations of tho device demounted and in a transits housing are shown. 319* Photocolorimotric Determination of Hydrogen Sulfide in Air, as Copper Sulfide. E.P. Kuctner. J. Appl. Chon. Russ., !, 1097 (1939). Air is passed through a solution containing copper sulfate, gum arable, EtOH, and acetate buffer, and tho increase in absorption of light by the solution is measured with the aid of a photo electric cell. The hydrogen sulfide of tho air is then read from a curve. 320. Determination of Small Amounts of Aromatic Nitro-Corpounds in Air. I.S. Schcreschevskoja. Prom. Org. Chen., &j 592-594 Tl939). Known colorimotric or nephelometric methods of determining intermediates and by-products of manufacture of 2:5-dichloro-7-racthoxyacridin are enumerated. 321. Absorption of Gases in liquids as Used in Industrial Air Analyses. S.Maskowitz, J. Siv<*l sna Vi.J Burke. Nov/ York Stato Dept, of Labor, Incuatrial Bulletin, 19, 33-35 (February, 1940). A description of apparatus for tho collection of air-borne materials which ere best iibi> *rbod in liquids. In one typo, a sintarod glass dick is fused to the end of tho gns entrance tubo to eid in the absorption of tho material to bo tested. Another type uson on Aloxito otono. By those methods, mixturos of toxic gasos may bo estimated separately -- complete directions being given for Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 13 simultaneous testing for hydrogen sulfido end carbon disulfide. The method for the determination of fomaldehydo in air is also given. Variations of the appa ratus will permit the tosting for acid vapors and mists, ammonia, methanol and other alcohols, other aldehydes, and phenols. 322. Vfor?cr.on> s Compensation and Occupational Disease Laws in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. H. Bohrend. Ponna. Mod. J., 43, 18-20 (October, 1939). This is a discussion of the history of the Workmen*s Compensation Act since its first enactment in 1913 up to tho act of 1939. The author spooks of the con troversy between tho physician and the insurance company as to the right of the injured man to choose 1is physician. Ho advocates a "universal" workmen* s compensation law for tho injured which ho feel3 should be accomplished through a Federal Act. Although thorc aro 672,000 employees exposed to industrial discaso hazards in Pennsylvania, lees than 20 cases have been posted with the com pensation bear'd. This is in part due to the ignorance of the laborers and also to the fact that the adoption of claims for occupational diseases is optional with the companies. Papers on Industrial Poisons. Cancer, Dermatitis. etc. 323. Report uf the Committee on Volatilo Solvents to tho Industrial Hygiene Section of the American Public Health Association. H.F. Smyth, Jr., Secretary (October 17, 1939). This exhaustive report includes 398 articles on the subject of "Volatile Sol vents" and yot only covers tho period 1937-19381 This gives evidence of tho exceedingly rapid growth of tho literature on this subject. Better than half of tho articles abstracted wore on tho aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons. Of 227 papers reporting original experiments or clinical observations, 149 dis cussed these substances. Duo to the inclusion of a report on trichlorethylene covering 20 years, this hazard leads the solvents in rolatlvc toxicity as judged by cases and deaths reported. If the weight of this paper is discounted, ben. zeno and homologs ore in first place. No important new diagnostic or control methods, aro reported. There aro suggested revisions or new safe limits for benzene, carbon disulfide, chlorinated naphthalenes and diphenyls, methyl "Cellosolve," and tetrachlorothylene. There is a short discussion of the pro blem of precautionary labeling. There arc nmerous tabulations, a general discussion of the literature and a discussion of some of tho more important solvents. There is an author index and the lengthy list of references with annotations. 324. 325. Research upon the Toxicity of Benzeno. R. Chorlior. Arch, intern, pharoaco- dynnnie. 61. 121 (1939). j French)"! Commercially pure bonzone liko chemically pure benzene possesses a paralyzing action upon the peripheral vasomotor system of the by direct action upon tho musclo fibers of the vessels and may be clearly toxic upon the myocardium. Tho commercially pure product is nevertheless possessed of a groater toxicity than that of the chemically pure. The major toxicity is not duo to the presence of thioproao in tho commercial product, but to tho yrosence of other compounds which distill botween 80.4 and 81.2. Tho study from tho phaimaco-dynniaic viow will be a subsequent undertaking. Comparative Action of Pure nnd of Crystolli2ablo Ccimorcial Benzene on the H^art volume of Dogs. J. Bnrzin and R. Charlicr. Compt. rend. S^c. de Biol., 132, 290-297 (1939)7 (French). Commercial crystallizablo benzene, porhaps because of tho impurities, is more toxic than tho puro. Each, howovor, affects tho myocardium seriously. 0 LJ p, 8 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 14. 326. Sulnhemoglobinancmia from Poisoning by Nitrobenzol in Industry. E.C. Vigilant and G. Donati, Hass. lied. Induat.riOi 1334*51 "(1939). (Italian). This man was engaged in dipping metal gauze impregnated with rubbor in a steel easel filled with nitrobenzol. Ho worked without glove3 and his hands, aims, and clothing would be saturated. The workroom was unvcntilotcd. After the first day he felt a sort of deafness with hcadacho, malaise, irritation of the throat, giddiness and mental obtuscncss. His skin became blue and blood examin ation showed the spectrum of sulphcmoglobin. The production of this condition is ascribed to the combined action of nitrobcnzol and hydrogen sulfide formed by hydrolysis of the organic sulfur compounds in the vulcanized rubber. Though this condition is thought to bo very rare, the authors foel that they are quito frequent but go unrecognized. 327. Diseases in Agricultural Workers Caused by Calcium Cymanido. H. Gartner. Munch. Lied. V/chnschr. 66, 1745-1748 (1939). (German). Comercial calcium cyanamide usually contains only 60$ calcium cyanide. In 73 cases of Injury from this substance, the greatest number showed damage to the skin and eyes, but the author reports also on 8 cases where lntoroal injury was present. There were general complaints such &3 nausea, weakness, numbness and later a hyperemia, limited to the head and upper part of the trunk, and bronchi tis. In a fatal case there was bronchopneumonia and glomerulonephritis. In one, the effect of alcohol was increased by the raw product; in several others, the alcohol aggravated the effect of the raw calcium cyanamide. 328. 'Chloroform Liver Injury. L.L. Hiller and G.H. Whipple. Aa.J.Mod.Sci., 199, 204-216 (February, 1940) Liver injury due to chloroform increases in extent as the protein body stores are depleted. In a protein-depleted dog 13 to 20 minutes of chloroform anesthe sia is frequently fatal with extensive hyaline liver necrosis and the typical picture of chloroform poisoning. Twelve minutes of chloroform anesthesia in a protein-deploted dog will cause moderately severe liver injury. Protein deple tion is effected by low protein diets alone or combined with bleeding or plasma pheresis. Control experiments in dogs without protein depletion indicate that 90 minutes of chloroform anesthesia can be tolerated with but little liver ln- .Jury. ' 329. 330. Studios on the Mechanism of the Protective Action of Xanthine Against Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning. J.C. Forbes and E.L. Outhouse. J. Fhnrm. & Ehcp. Themp., J8, 183-193 (1940). The injection of xanthine Indio ink, tri-calcium phosphate and sodium rlcinoleato, all materials which protect the livers of rats from Injury due to carbon totrachlorlde or chloroform, were shown to cause a fall in sonua ostom.se con centration. The marked rise in serum esterase concentration that occurs in rats poisoned with carbon tetrachloride or chloroform is inhibited by the previous administration of xanthine. It is suggosted that the maintenance of normal scrum-octerasc values end the increased rosistanco of hepatic tissue to poison ing with carbon tetrachlorido and chloroform are both associated with a repair proce33 occurring in the tissues at the site of injection of the protective sub stance. Pararhenylonodianino. J.An.Med.Assoc. (Queries and Minor Notes) 114, 274 IJenuary 20, 1940). Exposure in tills man (evidently a plntGgraphor) resulted in a constrictive chest pain which disappeared whon the toxic substance was withdrawn*. The industrial use of paraphenylonodiamino is outlihod, especially its use in the fur and rubbor trades. It can apparently be absorbed through tho intact skin, or bo inholod in vapor or dust form. It may cause dermatitis, urticaria, edema and asthma. It should oither bo eliminated or rubbor gloves and ventilation should bo provided. 01 J 8 $ Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 15. 331. Urinary Excretion of Porphyrins by Chemical Workers. C. Rimington and M.W. Goldblatt. Lancot, pp. 73-75 (January 13, 1940). (British). In workmen exposed to nitro and amino bodies, cyanosis is frequent, due to methomoglobinatta. Toxic symptoms seldom occur. These bodies, of which aniline is an excmple, increase the urinary excretion of porphyrins. This excretion was studied in workers without exposure, with slight exposure and with great expo sure. The porphyrins in aicrograms por 1500 of urine nvoraged 38 for the first group, 70 for the ^second and 117 for the third. No worker was cyanosed or in anyway clinically abnormal when the specimens were collected. Whether the health is ultimately affected following this great increase in excretion has not been determined. It 13 suggested that this examination of the excreted porphy rins might prove of value in detecting those hypersensitive to aromatic nitro and amino bodies. 332. Health Hazard3 in the Rubber Industry. A.N. Currie. Trans. Inst. Rubber Ind., 15, 137-151 (1939). The risks and regulations are survoyed with, especial reference to the use of lead compounds, silica, chlorinated naphthalenes, dusts, benzene, carbon disul fide, carbon tetrachloride and trichlorethylene. The industry, says the author, is remarkably free from troubles arising from these sources. 333. Industrial Health Series. TJ.S. Dept, of Labor, Div. of Labor Standards. May bo obtained from Sup11 of Documents, Washington, D.C., for 5 coats each. No, 10 -- YJood Alcohol Poisoning. 4 pp. No. 11 -- Chlorinated Solvents. 4 pp. No. 18 -- Injury from Acids and Aklalies. 5 pp. Bach booklet contains data on the industrial sources of the hazard, how the poisoning or injury occurs, signs and symptoms, treatment and care, and methods of protection and prevention. 334. Blomicroscopic Studies of the Effect of Cobalt Dusts (Snaltite and Cobaltito) on the Cornea. A. Policard and J. Rollot. Compt. rend. Soc. do Biol., 132, 192-193 (1939), (French). A considerable timo after exposure, snaltlte, Co(As)2 creates serious reactions. Sulfarsenide of cobalt (cobeltite) causes only a slight reaction. .335. Comparative Toxicities of Cobalt and Nickel. P. Caujclle. J. pharm. chimie., 29/ 410-413 (1939) .. (French)". In animals cobalt is always loss toxic than nickel, the latter causing the appearance of definite symptoms of intoxication much sooner. The fatal doses in dogs is 10-20 mg. per Kg., for nickel, and 30 mg. per Kg. for cobalt. These doses were determined by intravenous injection of solutions of the chlorides Into anesthetized animals. The histologic lesions of the liver and kidneys arc more pronouncod after administration of nickel than after equivalent quantities of cobalt. In equal- doses, cobalt chlorido activates the salivary and pancreatic amylases to a groator extent than does nickel chloride. 336. 337. Toxicology of Nickel. F. Caujolle and G. Canal. J.phaim.chimio., 2]3, 391-405 (1939). (French). The respiratory and cardiac norvo centers are affected. Nickel is removed by all evacuating moans, but as the action of the metal is intensified the elimin ation is slov/er and biliary elimination is almost blocked. These are the re sults of intravenous injections in dogs. Tho Effect of Yonst on the Incidence of Cirrhosis Produced by Lead Arsenate. WaTTVonGiiuir. anu.-y.B. plinn. Am./^Path., l7 77i-7uiTI939]-, In a series of rabbits given lead arsenate auT yea3t, tho frequency of the areas of hepatic necrosis and tho incidence of cirrhosis wore considerably reduced ccmporoc to th030 not given yeast. There serins to bo no connection botwoon hopatic glycogen content nnu tho incidence of cirrhosis. n* 'no Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 16* 338. Manganese Poisoning in the Steel Industry: A Case of Kanganlsm in a Ferro-Manganese Worker. H. Voss. Arch.f .Gewerbcpath. u. Gewerbehyg., 9_, 433-463 (1939). (German). This is a more complete abstract of Item No, 842, November, 1939. Since there have been only 230 cases of manganese poisoning reported since 1837, the author concludes that it is relatively a rarity considering the extensive use of manganese end its compounds. This is duo, he feels, to the fact that few people have tho constitution for tho development of a chronic monganisa, that apparently not all compounds of manganese can produce chronic poisoning, and that the chronic conditions can only arise where manganese or its compounds are inhaled or swallowed in dust or futae for a sufficiently long period of time in sufficient amount. Damage to the central nervous system has been observed in extraction, sorting, and loading of ores, working up of pyrolusite (KnOg)* end in processes involving the evolution of metallic fumes, for instance, in welders using electrodes containing thi3 metal. The cost serious eases, however, have occurred in men engaged in smelting zinc ores which contained largo amounts of manganese. This patient woiked in a poorly ventilated room in which ferro manganese and forro-silicon were milled and sieved. His job was to transport open vessels of ferro-maaganese to the mills, to empty them and shovel the metal into the funnel of the mill. At a later stage he had to put the finely nilled metal through an electrically shaken sieve. Both operations produces vast amounts of dust. His first symptoms were weakness of the left leg end a stony stare. Speech was low and indistinct. He had to quit work and finally beceme so weak and clumsy that he could not stand. His spooch became increasingly un intelligible and he drooled. There were fits of Involuntary weeping and laugh ing. He was relatively impotent but evidently not sterilo. The author summar izes the neurological findings and differentiates the condition from paralysis agitons, pseudo-sclerosis, Wilson*s disease, post-encophalitic Parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis, etc. That his fellow-workers did not develop the syndrome is evidence of predisposition* 339* Tetraethyl Lead Poisoning end its Treatment. Experimental Investigations. W. Lanes. Deutsch. med. Wchnschr., 65. 1746-1748 (l939). (German). When animals which had boen injected with tetraethyl lead were given "Glyconom" (containing th6 vitamin B complex), their symptoms were diminished very much or lives were prolonged. This effoct, however, was not obtained if the lead was inhaled. Experiments on the brains of animals killed by intraperitoneal injec tion of tetraethyl lead were performed with the Warburg rospirometer. In the author's opinion there was a significant decrease of carbon monoxide. He be lieves that the effect of lead tetraethyl (or of lead) depends partly on injur ing the vitamin B -- nicotinic acid amide complex. 340. Lead Content of Human Blood. J.N. Chalmers. Lancet 238 , 447-450 (March 9, 1940), (British). Raised concentrations of load in the blood indicate, in the some way as do stippled colls in blood films, an increased absorption of lead but by no means ccnstituto definite evidence of plumbism. They provide a useful estimate of the degroe of oxpesure to load. There is no close correlation betwoon the duration of exposure to lead and the blood lead value. In 70 peoplo with no known industrial exposure to lead, the raago of blood-lead v&luoswas 30-89 microgrcms per 100 cc. with a mean of 57. In 44 load workers, who had no symptoms of lead poisoning) the blood-load values wore 60-192 nicrogroms per 100 cc. with a mean of 104. Thcro was some slight degroe. of stippling in the blood films of 34 of these lead workors. OL J 91 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 17. 341. They Get the Dust Before It Gets Then* B.F. Morris, Factory Man. &Main., (Main. Services) pP* 82-83 (March, 1940). This is a description of the results of a plan to control 3 lead poisoning hazard. Through the uso of mechanical dust controls supplemented by on intell igent industrial health program, not a caoo resulted in five years in this bat tery plant. Economics resulting from this plan have offset the cost of install ing and operating a highly efficient, yet simple, control raothod. Where poss ible, dust was controlled at its source, but in addition, respirators are used on particularly dusty operations. Periodic physical examinations, blood tests, and rotation of crows wore other steps in thG control program. Plant surveys wero made at monthly intervals as a check on ell mechanical safeguards. 342. Effect of Bismuth Therapy on Latont Plunbisn. E. Epstein. Arch. Dora. Syphil., 41, 38-41 (January, 1940), The cases of a painter end a smelter workor are presented. Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in both patients followed the administration of bismuth in the treatment of a syphilitic infoction. It is suggested that bismuth may re place the load stored in the bones and bring on the mobilization of lead, with tno development of such symptoms as cramps and a lead lino. Prophylactic treat ment of lend poisoning in those exposed tw the influence of the metal may de crease tho incidence of untoward reactions following bisiuth therapy. 343. Lead Poisoning. Part I. Penaa. Dept, of Labor & Industry, Safe Practice Bulletin #52, February, 1940. Edited by R. L. Houtz. Depending upon tho rate of absorption of load in the body, its storage in the .tissue, its mobilization and elimination from the body there are produced the clinical pictures known as acute, latent and chronic plimbisa. The severity of the resulting toxicity depends on the lead present in the blood stream (not the total lead but the serum or pathological load); tho degree of acidosis (pH); and such pathological conditions which interfere with its elimination from the body. The degree of severity of the symptoms, rather than the kind, indicates the type of plunbism. This is the bulletin which should procode the Part IX which was abstracted as Ho. 228 in the March digest, 344. The Effect of Vitamin C on Load Poisoning. H.N. Heines, K. Cempbell and E.J. Ambcrg. J. Lab. Clin, Med., 24, 1119-1127 (1939). A study of the effects of vitamin A, D and C, calcium gluconate, lactate and diphosphate and ascorbic acid on men suffering from lead poisoning. The latter substance was suggested by the resemblance between chronic lead poisoning and subclinicol scurty. The authors believe that whereas calcium gluconate and lactate cause lend phosphate deposit in the bones, necessitating cautious de- leading, vjtnWdn C causos formation of a soluble but unionized lead ascorbic salt or complex, which is preferentially absorbed in the liver and, with tho aid of the bile, excreted in tho feces. Included la a list of foods providing known quantities of vitamin C. 345. Toxicity of Carbon Monoxide at High Altitudes. F.W. Heim. J. Aviation Med., 10, 211 (December. 1959). Abstracted from J.An.Mcd.Asscc.. 114. 1113 (March 23, 1940). Studios show that a concentration of 0.01# of carbon monoxide in the air at 10,000 feot roducc3 tho oxygen-carrying capacity of the hemoglobin by 10.5#, tlioreby bringing tho blood into a stato of anoxemia. It is thu3 apparent that a concentration of carbon monoxide which is innocuous at sea level becomes dan gerous at this altitude. It is therefore imperative that not a trace of carbon mcnoxido should bo permitted to exist in airplono compartments at oven moderate altitudes. DiC^st Industrial Hygior.o - IQ* 346. Treatment vf C-rrhor. il-inr-xiac Poisoning. L. Bluet. Pressc mcd., p;. 1500-1501 (1939). (Fronsiu. Whoa exit sod to illuminating (P& passed thr.ugh in aquarium, goldfish die, although tlicy arc not effected by pure carbcr. n n.jxide. The gas also contains prussic rcifi in the auruat of 0.1 ng./liter. Sudiun hyp..sulfito added to the water will *.rovido protecticn. Experiments with isolated lungs sir. wed that breathing pure oxygen caused carbon n-noxide to Cisawear faster then when only air is inhaled. Additional acceleration was obtained by adding nethyleno blue (0.005 ng./450 cc.) to the blood streaming through the lung. 347. Carbon Monoxide Poisoplnn. tf.D. IIcHally. J. Ilichigan State ;led. Soc., 38, 871 (1939). Abnormalities of the spinal function result from severe gassing, and anatomical changes occur chiefly in the central nervous system. A psychosis, usually temporary in character, is the syuvton cojxionly noted after carbon monoxide poisoning. Confusion and bewilderoent is followed by loss of memory. Amnesia in some fora is the most regular feature of the psychosis, and usually consists in defects of memory. Ifervous sequelae vary from slightly increased deep re flexes to well advanced Parkinsonism. Sensory disturbances consist in skin anesthesia and peripheral motor neuritides. While oil the cases will improve, the final result depends upon the initial damage. Uyoccrdial involvement following carbon monoxide poisoning is more common than is generally supposed. Coronary lesions clue to this gas have been often reported. 348. Prevention of Industrial Dermatitis. J.V. Xlauder, B.H. Gross and H. Brora. Arch. Derm. & Syphil., 41, 331 (February, 1940). In the authors' opinion much of the industrial skin disease is caused by the methods of cleaning the skin. They discuss their studies of skin cleansing, methods and materials used and the use of protective applications, of which they give eight formulae. Substitutes for mechanic abrasive soap are given. There is a discussion of various kinds of soaps, and detergents such as tri ethanolamine soap, naphthenic add soap and sulfonated oils. In the authors' opinion the dotergent properties of the vegetable meals is not sufficiently appreciated. 349. Allergic Occupational Deraatoses. L. Schwarts. J. Allergy, 11, 318-322 Tllarch, 1940). In a compilation of about 10,000 cases of occupational dermatoses, it was found that tho large majority are caused by primary irritants. It is in the groups listed under plants, dyes, dye intermediates, rubber and its compounds, and vegetable oils, fats end waxes that will be found the upases of allergic occupa tional dermatoses. These cou;rise less than 18# of the 10,000 cases. In allergic occupational dermatitis there is alv/ays a period of incubation, usually 8 to 21 days, although it may bo longer. This definite period of incubation is a very important medicolegal point because a worker may justly claim he develop ed an occupational dermatitis three weeks after leaving his last job. Desen- sitlzction as wall us sensitisation occurs in industry. Workers who do not develop such on immunity should be transferred to other occupations. If dif ficulties are encountered using the patch te3t, the passive transfer should be tried. There is a list of chemicals given which have _ roduced allergic occu pational dermatitis. 0LJ93 Antiseptics 302 Asbestosis 262 Aspernillosis 286 Benzene 324-325 Book reviews 276 Bronchoiaycosis 283 Caisson v/orkers 300-301 Calcium cyanr.nl de 327 Carbon nonoxide 345-346-347 Carbon tetrachloride 329 Cataract, electric 295 Chloroform 326 Cobalt 334-335 Dermatitis 346-349 Dust control 290-291-292-293 Dusts cobalt ochre organic silica 334 284 .285 280-261 INDEX (April, 1940) Bnployabllity 307 Eye, general 295-314-315 Gas analysis 317-318-319-320-321 Hernia 303 Industrial health publications 333 Industrial hygiene, general 299 Industrial medicine 305-309 Lead 340-341-342-543-344 Lead arsenate 337 Lead tetraethyl 339 Leral decisions 272-273-274-275 Unncanose 338 Keatings 269-270-271 Kasai filter 287 Nickel 335-336 Kitro-benzol 326 Nurse, industrlal 310-311 Personnel employability 307 medical factors 306 Paraphenylenediamine 330 Porphyrins, excretion 331 Respirators 288 Rubber industry 332 Silicosis, general 277-278-279-289 Solvents, volatile 323 Standards 298 Statistics, morbidity and mortality Tuberculosis 313 Ventilation 316 Syphilis 304 Welding 294 Women, in Industry 306 Workmen*s compensation 322 X-ray 312