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Air Hygiene Foundation of America, Ine,, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Fa,, ^ January 10, 1958 / l REFERENCES TO RECENT LITERATURE ON INDUSTRIAL DIS:[EASES "X - 2a J f(J00D HOUSEKEEPING X 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 consists of papers presented at the last meeting of the association, ^Jraong the subjects treated are ye end respiratory protection in the foundry, .silicosis, good housekeeping in the foundry, industrial codes and their applica tions, and occupational diseased-legislation. Abstracts ofjthese papers will ap- ?ij>ear in a future bulletin, V'"' ^ LOWERED HOPFER CAR FOR GRAVITY UNLOADING. The following note was sent to us with the statement that it might be of interest to the mambers of the Foundation* ; The duet problem in loading and unloading raw materials shipped by rail in bulk |d8 long been known as a serious' hatard. In most instances fine granular products it been pulled out of a box car by means of a power shovel operated by one or * - g6ofe men within the dust filled ear* Not only is the oar itself loaded with dust, at pulling the commodity into a chute at the edge of the box oar allows a good' sroentage of the material to be blown into other near parts of the plant. ' "iish problem has become so* acute in industries using silica sand, powdered ar- ale, burned lime and other hasardous commodities that the General Amerioen |$fUaaportation Corporation, 135 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, have developed, " lit and leased to shippers or consignees, a covered hopper oar that will unload granular products by gravity. An inexpensive track hopper is usually used in Junction with the oar.and a boot between the hopper and the oar makes the un loadlag operation both dust proof and economical." ttepera cn Dust, Dust Diseases and General Industrial Hygiene, - OUST HAZARD AMONG F0UNDR7MEN, L. H. Osmond. Am, J. Roentgenol, and Rad, Therapy 38, 182-8 (July, 1937). (See note on final page.) ' $To author reports roentgenological and clinical surveys of the foundry employees' of a large plant in Pittsburgh. All workers undergo an annual physical examina tion, and careful histories are taken showing the location of each man's work since he entered the company's service. Dust eounts are available for eaoh loca tion. They rango from 13,1 million particles per oubuo foot in the'molding room to 44,9 million in the ooremaking department, but a count of 240 million was ob tained during the night shakeout* Chemical analysis of the dust showed 62$ free silica and 10*5# oalolum and magnesium silicates. The incidence of simple sill oosis in the entire group, including many who had worked lees than 5 years was 5,8$. In those with over 20 years' experience, siliootic fibrosis was found in 44$, including 32$ without infection and 12$ with infection. The disability of?-those without infection was practically nil, while it was frequent in those who had complicating infection. Little correlation botweon incidence and dust Concentration was observed. The death rate among ell these workers filTnor V. . W 1 .-f,' I -1 IS T? i 'nces to Recent Literature * 2 p0#000, as compared with 69 per 100,000 for all males in Allegheny County over & years of age. The men now wear respirators, but tests made at the level of runners showed 42,6 million particles per cubic foot in the free air, 39,3 Illon beneath the respirator with an old cartridge and 12,2 million with e. new ;rtridgo. IfljCOSIS IK MODERN FOUNDRIES - STUDY OF THE INCIDENCE. J.F.Kelly and R.C.Hall. -f,Y. State J, Med. 37, 478-81 (1937). "5iree foundries in Utica .were surveyed; two were modem plants, fitted with latest fail's of dust protection and employing 150-200 men each, while the other, employ- ; jug about 50, used no special precautions. Of the 403 cases examined, 4 cases of 'first degree silicosis, 1 of silicosis with tuberculosis, and 30 of "dusty lung" :-jere found. The' term "dusty lung" was applied where on exaggerated pulmonary pattern or increased perilymphatic fibrosis was shown. Two of the oases of sili cosis wore found in the small factory. Three of the cases occurred among molders wd one among tho "shakers-outs" The authors conclude that their investigation shewed a very law incidence. IMPORT ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SANDBLASTERS' SILICOSIS IN THE FOUNDRIES OF OBER- Efk'SE AND HESSE-NASSAU. H.R.Buettner. Vorh. Dcut. ges. f. Inn. Med. 48, rS-82 (1936). ` .rRicumoconiosis -was diagnosed in 20?? of 147 sandblasters examined, and 2 cases were classified as severe. Seven out of 53 who had worked for 1 year had definite " pneumoconiosis and .5 had primary pulmonary tuberculosis, while 9 oases were found in those with occupational exposure of 6 to 24 years. The x-rny films in 18 of 28 cases of pneumoconiosis resembled those of definite miliary tuberculosis. In v.::two large glass works investigated, 10 and 44?? of the sandblasters, respectively, vhcd-pneumoconiosisi imperfect protection was afforded in the latter works. FILTRATION:OF RESPIRED AIR AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN PNEUMOCONIOSIS, G, Lehmann, Brgeb? d Byg., u. Beet, 19, 1-87 (1937). (German), This-; paper is a summary and amplification of tho author's work on filtering ^ability of tho nose, some of which has been reported in these abstraots. 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 o protection against tho early development of sevore pneumoooniosis* An investiga tion of wearability and effioienoy of dust protective measures is also included, /'The experiments havo been carriod 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-TXOHS AT 37p. A.G.R.Whitehouso, British Colliery Owners5 Researoh Association, . ^oyal .School of Mines London? England. J. Ir.d< Hyg. h Toxicol 19, 590-7 ; \December 193 7). Reprints ob'cnnable from authors It is known that silica dust xakon into the stomach of a dog causes a definite in.crease .in urinary output of silica, and tho author made a similar human investi gation, using himself as.subject, swallowing various quantities of quartz, flint, precipitated silica, and whinstone, a mixture of silicates containing no free silica. Various precautions wore found necessary for accurate results; the input .of liquids had to bo kept constant, water low in silica had to bo used, and bear was avoided. - Tho daily excretion of silica was definitely increased with very fine flint dust, the silicate dust and precipitated silica; in the case 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 tho gastric juice ices to Recent Literature - 3 in the alkaline body fluids. The amount of silica dissolved by 0*1 normal so yas hydroxide was greatest with flint* lower values being obtained from quartz* joftl-moesurs sandstones* granite and whins tone * while a ear.ple of stone dust ~eiout 5% free silica) gave much the lowest figure. "With 0.1 normal hydrochloric sold# as solvent, the dusts arranged in order of solubility were whinstone, jranite, sandstone, quartz and flint. The amount of silica dissolved by 0.2 norsl sodium carbonate was much greater than by 0.1 n sodium hydroxide, while the reverse of this was the case with granite. The influence on the rate of solution ct such factors as particle sito 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). Statistical""date, 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- oral epldamic-l ike outbreaks. The authors agree with others in believing that the ddst-weakens resistance of lung tissue to bacteria and paves the way for inflam- jiatopy diseased of the lungs*. ...... Itoe\aaoni& of types'll and III. was found abundantly in workers in Thomas slag plants Therefore the case is one of real infectious disease, the frequent occurrence of which 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 on industry against pneumonia of types I, II, and III. Animal experiments on the ffoct of magnesium in Thomas slag arc being con ducted. t NXNERALQGIC AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MINERALS AND THEIR DUSTS WITH REGARD TO THE DOST HAZARD IN STONE QUARRYING, DRESSING AND MANUFACTURING. G. Bass. Zntrlbl. f. Gewerbehygo u* Unfa.Ho 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 cay 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 nay be different from that of its:parent substanoei Quartz mixtures in fluorspar, barite and roofing slate are described and the role they play in dust formation is disoussed* The chemical and-physical' properties, occurrence, importance and technical uses of various kinds of ston are presented in a table. 10 THE EFFECTS OF COAL SMOKE OF KNOWN COMPOSITION ON THE LUNGS OF ANIMALS. Lucy Sohnurer and S. R. Haythorn. Am. J. Bvthol* 13, 799-808 (Sept. 1937). Reprints are obtainable from Dr* Haythorn, Singer Memorial Lab., Allegheny General Hos pital, Pittsburgh, Ft. An experimental method is described by which 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--occupational, onthmoosis. 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 soen in ' soft coal miners. The method provides a way of experimental study of the actual relation of oarben deposits to the common respiratory infections - Author's summary. ^ferencee to Recent Literature - 4 . *tJMOCONIOSES OF THE WORKER. K. Wider, Ztschr. f. Gewerbehyg, u. Unfall, U44, 131-6 (1937). Jilicosis became compensable in Austria on April 1, 1935, Since then, 206 cases havebeen reported in the Workmen's Compensation Offices of these, 171 are miners, 6ome from lignite mines. In the metal industry, most oases are among sandstone grinders and sandblasters. PULMONARY ASBESTOSIS. IV. THE ASBESTOS BODY AND SIMILAR OBJECTS IN THE LUNG. Kenneth M. Lynch, M.D., Dept, cf 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 typicaj asbestos body (also called asbestosis body) is an object 10 to over 100 micronVaftd 1 to 12 microns thick and is composed of a central translucent fiber or needle crystal of asbestos with an enveloping shiny golden or brownish gel&ntinoue 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 asbestos'dust, but their presence or absence 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 boen found in persons exposed to coal 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 oases of sllioosis, not always so highly colored,- It Is suggested that other fibrous or orystalline usts not yet studied may form similar bodies. 15 BLOOD EXAMINATIONS IN PULMONARY FIBROSIS OF HEMATITE IRON ORE MINERS, J. Craw. Tubercle, 19, 8-18 (Ootober 1937). In radiographic examinations of hematite miners In West Cumberland (England), the hematite accumulations show a definite and dense shadow, apart fVom any accompany . ing fibrosis, and there Is a tendency to diagnose sllioosis when a miner complains of unfitness and his pulmona/y symptoms aid the x-ray of the test show generalised modulation. The silica oontent of inhaled dust, however, is low, and in spite of 0 to 30 years' work and general nodulation in all lung fields, the miners are perfectly fit for work end arc not short of breath. For these reasons hematolog ical work was instituted as an essential in diagnosis. Routine procedure includ ed the following determinations * (1) sedimentation rate of tho red oellsj (2) total white cell count; (3) differential white cell count, and (4) the polymorphonuolears count of von Bonsdorff, The findings in 6 oasos are given, with ease histories. Of the 50 hematite miners studied, 20 normal minors had no complaint of breathlessness and no x-ray or physical 6igne of pulmonary fibrosis, while 30 complained of pulmonary disability in varying degrees, with positive x-ray find ings. Many miners develop a pure pulmonary siderosis without accompanying fibro sis, and their blood pioture is normal. Sidero-silicosis of uncomplicated type shows a definite increase In percentage of lymphocytes, and the ratio of poly morphonuclear cells 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 leucocytosi6 which may ap proach a septic count* Although the results are preliminary, the method ie recom mended 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. ftorenoes to Recent Literature - 5 J48ANGB OF ELECTROTOR HETER DEMONSTRATED BY DARK-FIELD COUNT, S.C. Blacktin. J. Ind* Hyg. Sc Toxicol, 19, 579-89 (December 1957)* The electrotor motor, invented by tho 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 whioh rotates as tho plunger is pushed and is electrified at the same time by friction* Six or ifloos 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 orifices 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 ooncentrio rings, or both at the center and one or more rings, each of -which is 1 mm. in width. In light dust concentrations, the oenter alone may be usedj in very dusty air, several rings may be used simultaneously. Since equal quan tities of dust are deposited in the various rings and tho area of the total de posit varies with the distance from the center, the number of particles per unit area doorcases correspondingly, and at least one ring will be found where the dis persion is neither too light nor too heavy to count. This construction enables the instrument to be applicable to dust concentrations varying from 5 to 1*5 million particles per cc. (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 desoribed in our abstract no. 556, As yet no reply has been received to our inquiry for earlier reprints and other' information.) 16 DUST CONTROL IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM REFRACTORY MATERIALS. F.R*ockSt. Staub, no* 4, 16-57.(January 1937) (German.) The uso of water during crushing of quarts ig not always sufficient to provont dust, as sesno dust arises when the stamp or hammer is aotually crushing the quarts The dust ha sard con be remedied by a suitable exhaust system. 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, 1957 requires em ployers to pay special attention to silicosis prevention. 1ST OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES APPROVED BY THE TJ.S. BUREAU OF MINES. .. H. Sohrenok. U. S. Bur. Mipos, Information Circular no* 6952 (August 1957). btainable from tho Division of Information, U.S Buroau of Mines, Washington,DC, ie list of approved respiratory devjLoes is brought up to date in this issue* io present list includes all devices approved up to April 10, 1937, a total of jout 40, with names, and addressee of. manufacturers. - 17.PROCEDURE FOR TESTING SDPTLIED-AIR RESPIRATORS FOR PERMEABILITY. U.S.Bur* Minos Schedule- 19A, (Aug. 9, 1957). Obtainable frem Supt. of Dooumonts, Washington, D.C., for 5 cents, cash. . This schedule describes the present methods used by the Buroau 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 1954*) 16 INDUSTRIAL EXHAUST VENTILATION. RATE OF AIR FLOW THROUGH HOODS. John L. Alden. Heating and Vont. 34, 47-52 (December 1937). No reprints are available at present, but r.ay be when the series is completed. This paper, is the fourth in the, series on the subject. (See abstracts 548, 597 and 598) 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 scale. ferenee s to Rocent Literature 6 The preparation of this sketch must take into account most of the factors treated in tho former papors, which are summarised, including elimination of unnecessary air contamination, control of dust-disporsing currents by baffles or shields, and ty ourrents of greater intensity, making tho 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 rato of flow can b measured and plotted against tho static suction* It can bo moved until the most satisfactory location is found. Such equipment will pay for itself in lessoned first cost of the ex haust system. Average face velocities of 600 to 1000 feet per minute are usually eufficiont 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 piok 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 nocessnry air volume entering the hood. The coefficient of entry is discussed, with experimental results on different types of orifi cos. Of those typos, 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 ere 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 (Dec, 1937). . A general papor reporting safety precautions in us at the Erio plant of the General Electric Co*, including mechanical safeguards and prevention of excess pressure in spray barrels. The us of respirators in spraying operations and in struction of operators regarding lead and silicosis hazards is urged. Spray booths have boon improved and good respirators and other protective equipment aro now available* and silicosis has lost Its first place as a hazard in tho enamel plant. The present evils in the enamel plant, as elsewhere, are tho I 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.Bradshavr, Foundry Trad J. 67, 447-8, 474-6, (Dec. 9 and 16, 1957). .' Metallic shot and grit are usod extensively in Great Britain instead of send for abrasive blasting. The term "shot'* denotes more or 106s spherical particles, and * grit". those- with sharp edges. They aro usod in a wide range of sizes, from 100 mesh and coarser, for various typos of work* This paper is a discussion of chemical composition, performance data, nozzle wear, life of the shot and grit, strength properties, miorostruoture 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,Penney, Elec. Eng. 56, 159-71 (1937). Reprints are obtainable fran. the author, address Rosearoh Laboratory, Nestinghouse Eloctrlc and Manufacturing Co., East Pittsburgh, Fa. The author describes a new. type of plate to plate precipitator with pre-ionizing wires, and states that as r. result high air cleaning efficiencies arc now pos sible without the production of objectionable concentrations of ozone or oxides of nitrogen. Tho precipitators have been found to give excellent results in re moving smoko, soot, pollon causing hay fever and asthma, and hazardous dusts such as silica, Tosts with tho impingor showed a dust collecting efficiency of 995j. poxiocs to Roccnt Literature - 7 "ilR CONDITIONING FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS. Charles L# Hubbard. Power Plant Eng. itlt G81"2 (November 1937). 'fjw use of air conditioning in industry is growing, not only for protection against injury, but also for comfort and greater efficiency* Tho present brlof paper deals exclusively with the letter aspect. Physical comfort depends large- . ly upon b-'d.ily temperature, and this in turn upon the relation between the rates host production and dissipation? that is, heat must be removed from the body at the same rate at which it is produced* The principal factors affecting this condition are temperature, humidity, and air motion, and botweon certain limits various combinations of these will give practioally the sane result. The nof- foctivo temperature* is any combination of the 3 factors that give the same re sult as saturated still air at 70F. Tables, abridged from more olaborate ones published by the a*S*H.V*E. arc presented, shewing such combinations for summer and winter conditi ns, for still air and for a veloolty of 200 feet per minute. It is pointed out that toe great a contrast between indoor and outside air must .not be introduced. In general it should not exceed 20F*, but in special cases modifications are necessary* . I!AIR CONDITIONING IN FACTORIES. C.Y/.Prioc, Proc. Royal Soc, Med. 30, 1544-7 . (October 1937.) . The author believes that conditions in different industries arc too varied to allow adoption of eomploto 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.M.Fraenkol. Proc. Royal Soc. Med, . 30, 1547-50 (Octi ber 1937). The author has devised a mask containing fine granular silica gel and active char coal. The mask is said retain particlos down to 0*01 micron and to be impernonble to pyridine, caprcnic acid, scatcl, tobacco smoke, ammonia, chlorine, .. phosgene, and sulfur dioxide. It is recommendod 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 (December 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 basic process es of manufacture, and varied types of air conditioning are now usod for spooinl purposes? for instance, a temperature of 30^F. and air current of 70 miles per hour, tn tost automobiles undor severe conditions. However, tho rapid oxtension of the program to the strictly human comfort field is more significant* Air conditioning is now used in a largo section of the mair plant, offices, laboratories and c 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 46$ humidity in the hottest days to 70F and 30$ humidity, in severe winter weather. Experiments on various methods of dis tribution, temperature and air filtration are undertaken by tho 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 3i.G,Stephens. Bulletin issued by Metropolitan Lifo Insurance Co., New York (1937) and obtainable fr^n the Company, An investigation of a group <-f 5,000 clerical employees working in completely air-conditioned offices, and an equal groups in offices that were net air con ditioned but otherwise properly heated toad ventilated, sh'-.ved no measurnblo in the in.cidor.ee or length of absences caused by upper respiratory (terenccs to Rocent Litorature 8 discctsos or from non-re6piratory illnoss. 'When comfort is considered, however, quite satisfactory results, particularly in hot weather, were obtainod from air conditioning apparatus,'. ' ' - GOOD AIR IN WORKPLACES, W. Wiotfeldt. tentrlbl* f. Gewerbehyg. u. Unfallt 24, 225-35 (October 1937) (German)* Natural ventilation should bo used to the greatest possible extent for economical reasons* Where it is inadequate, local or central supplementary mechanioal 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. |6 REPORT OP THE CONNECTICUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, BUREAU OP OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES. Ur. A, S. Gray, Director# pp. 155-221 (1936). Obtainable from above Bureau, Hartford, Conn. . .. This report departs from the conventional type of state document in being a series of technical papers describing investigations actually unde. Among those report ed are dust hasards, 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 HINES DEPARTMENTS FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SAFETY OF MIKES RESEARCH BOARD, 1937* H.M*Statlonery Office, London (1937). Obtainable from British Library of Information, 270 J&dison Ave, New York# Price not given# . Most of the report is devoted to mine safety, including the development of on ' oleotrieally driven firedamp recorder, improvement of lighting, factors relating, to falls of ground, and haulage accidents, reduction of noise, protective cloth ing, and effect of radiation from walls on oomfort 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 hue but a negligible effect on comfort. Where the temperature is much higher other equipment is desirable* A searios of bag filters of 400 sq. ft. , filtering area with a suction fan of 1200 cu, ft. per min* capacity 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 -TBS INDUSTRIAL HEALTH JESEAfiCH BOARD * TO JUNE SO, 1937, H.M.Stationery Office, London, 1937. obtainable from the British Library of Information, 270 Madison Ave*, New York# Price 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 inolude fatigue, illumination, environmental conditions, a swamary of literature on toxio solvents, scale of equivalent warmth, medical examinations for Past Office servioe applicants, accident proneness, vocational guidance and sickness among transport workers# The effects of exposure to alumina duet have been studied (see our abstract 434 in the September Bulletin.) In an investiga tion of silicosis in sandblasters it was not possible to conolude that sericito 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 ^non-certifiable silloosis* A large scale in vestigation of such cases is planned* r.cn.oos to Kceont Literature - 9 THE Hx*CE OF THE STATE IN SAFETY* August Sigurdsan. Safety Eng*. 74, 19-20 (Doc, 1937). -- Tho author presents r. brief acoount 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 to enlist 1110 cooperation of employees than that of onployers, but it has been accomplished by persistent effort on the part of safety workers* 33 SICKNESS ATfflNG I/ALE 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, 57*C., for 10 cents cash. Based on reports covoring 184,000 males, the rate of sickness and non-industrial accidents for the first half of the year was about 15$ higher than that for the same period in 1936 and 22$ above the 5-year 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-year average. Pneumonia has in- creasod. 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 TEE INDUSTRIAL TRADE ASSOCIATIONS. ARBEITSSCHDTZ (German) 10, 244-51 (1937). In 1936, 5926 cases of industrial diseases were reported in Germany and 552 were compensated. Figures are also given for each year since 1929. A report follows j 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 tho metallurgical and rolling mill groups there are relatively large numbers of poisoning by lead and carbon monoxide and injury from Thomos slag dust, f aser of lead poisoning still run high among painters and iron construction Industrijs, as do also pneumoconiosis oases among polishers. Introduction of silica-free grinding whocls and substitution of stool shot for quartz sand in sandblasting have progressed, and tho medioal inspection of sandblasters has improved. Benzene 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 odors that contain little or no aromatic hydrocarbons. Attention is called to the use of ` bichromates in photoengraving* -. 35 TEE EXPANDING ACTIVITIES OF STATE LABOR DEPARTMENTS. E.K.Stewart. U.S.Monthly Labor Rev, 45, 529-40 (Sept. 1937). Administrative agencios have boen created in several States and materially 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 of the Southern States, and existing agencies nnvu been strengthened by unification in others, notably Arkansas, Indiana and Rhode Island. In Pennsylvania and other States long established labor departments have been reorganized and expanded in order to deal with a broadened program of labor legislation. 36 RECENT ADVANCES IN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND MEDICINE. T.K.Ling. Published by P^lakiston5s Sons A Co,, Inc*,.Philadelphia, 1937. 212 pages, price $3,50. The reviewer recommends this tert as useful to newcomers in the field of indus trial medicine who need the major problems presented simply. The first chapters - deal with medical and supervision, industrial accidents and neuroses. Dust and its effects are discussed simply and clearly, and a chapter is devoted to lead poisoning. The treatment of gases and solvents is very brief. eferencos to Recent Literature - 10 ABSOLUTS COLORIMETRIC DETERMINATION IN CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY. H.Kaiser (German) Angew* Chem. 60, 632 (1937)* She following method for determination of the silica content of lungs is presented the sample is ashed below 500C, the ash is converted with freshly prepared soda -. solution, whioh 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 molybdie oxide, hydroquinone and carbonate-sulfite solution* i After dostruotlon of the phosphorus *olybden-acid complex, the sample is measured photoaetrioally and the silica content is calculated. C) Ihpers on Industrial poisons. Cancer, Dermatitis, etc. PROBLEMS ON THE TOXICOLOGY AND CLINICAL ASPECTS OF ACUTE POISONING FSOM SOLVENTS. F* Luoo. Gasmask (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 nature of the "second attack" occurring after apparent recovery, especially after carbon tetrachloride poisoning, must be studied* ,,S INDUSTRIAL TOXICOLOGY OF TODAY. D. Hunter. Riann. J. 137, 514-6, 539 (1936). Tho British logoi aspects, symptoms and clinical treatment in cases of industrial poisoning by various inorganic and organic substances, chlorine compounds and toxic gases are dosoribod* HffiCAUXIONARY NOTES FOR USERS OF VOLATILE ORGANIC SOLVENTS. Home Office, Factory Department, Form 297 (London), June, 1937. Obtainable from British Library of Information, 270 Madison Ave*, Now York. Part of tho danger in the use of organio solvents is due to their being branded with trade names that conceal 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*' Somo compounds which are not toxic may onuso soreness of the eyos 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 goneral ventilation, prevention of escape of tho 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 aro present, and general oaro of health of the workers. ' 41 BENZENE NOTICE SHEET. Arbeitsschutz (German) 10, 256 (1937). A "benzene notico sheet" has been prepared by tho German Health Office for dis tribution to workers and foremen. It is probably similar to the pamphlets issued by the U.3. Division of Labor Standards, mentioned in our earlier Bulletins. 42 HEALTH INJURY IN THOTOENGRAVTNG. J. Brachmann. Arch. f. Hyg., 118, 328-62 (1937) (German). This paper deals with tho use of benzene-xylene mixtures and their toxicity. The employees of 4 plants were examined. In the beginning of work with these 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 fierenoes to Kecent Literature xi ----------------------- -- ----- ;-- ------------------_ usually increased* The number of granulocytes was usually found below normal. An industrial disease is undoubtedly present whon the neutrophylio gronulooytic 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 symptoms} if the symptoms 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* and the use of benzine should be encouraged* Ventilation and local oxhaust systems should bo provided* *(and slight subjective symptoms). 45 KETENE AS A NOXIOUS GAS, G.R.Camoron and A.Neuberger. J* Path* Baot. 45* 653-60 (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* vhioh is mainly in tho al veolar and oapillary tissues. Gas masks with canisters containing soda lime give efficient protection. 44 EXPOSURE TO TRICBLOEETHYLENE*, Ind. Bull. 16* 437-8 (Nov* 1937). Obtainable from Division of Industrial Hygiene* N.Y. StnteDept. of Labor* 80 Centre St** New York. N.Y. Tho Division of Industrial Hygiene is undertaking an extensive investigation of possible toxic effects of exposure to triohlorethylene* and this paper is a proliminary review of the present status of the subject. The work of von Oettingen (our abstract 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 oases or to actual 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 tho American product, which point is being investi gated. Throe cases of workers under exposure to triohlorethylene are being studied. A list of their symptoms is prosontod* but the symptoms do not as yet offer a definite conclusion as to whether they aro the result of exposure. A full report of those cases and other findings will appear when the investigations ajfe completed* ^CLASSIFICATION OF TRICHL0HETHYU5NE. M. Trillat. Ann. d. Hyg* pub* 15, 434-41 k1937). (French). io author states that the'beliof that triohlorethylene is dangerous is ungroundbo far as tho present product is concerned. No case of acute poisoning has appeared since 1930, and earlier oases were due to the impure product. Quoting rom the Conseil d' Hygiene* he says* "Tho listing of triohlorethylene with iazardous 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 abstraot* also no* 662 in December Bulletin and the original paper of no* 563* in the November Bullotin*) 46 HEALTH HAZuhRDS IN THE USB OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE. G.'K.Daubenspeok. HI* Med. J. 72, 274-5 (Sept. 1937). We industrial uses of carbon tetrachloride are listed and symptoms of acute poisoning are given. For oonstant exposure, 100 parts per million is considered the maximum safe concentration. Its decomposition products (phosgene* and hy drogen chloride especially) are very toxic and contact with an open flame in a closed room should be avoidedf Carbon tetrachloride should be handled only in olosod systems or under forced draft* and speoial precautions must be taken when other substances like chlorinated waxes* alcohol* eto** are also used* to Recent Literature 12 j7 TOXICITY OF HALOTAX AND CHLORINATED NAFTHALENES. J.A.H.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 1386 (Oct. 23, 1937). The inquirer reports that all workers exposed to halowax in a plant have developed 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.Hoick J.A.II.A. 109, 1517-20 (Nov. 6, 1937). On account of the substitution of dicthylene glycol for glycerin as a hygroscopic agent, the toxicity of the 2 substances was studied in feeding experiments on rats. High concentrations of glycerin appear harmless, but 5?S of diethylene glycol was found distinctly injurious, judgiag 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 L ESIONS DDE TO DIETHYEENE GLYCOL. H.D.Kesten, M.G.Mulinos and L. Pomerantz J.A.K.A. 109, 1509-11 (Nov. 6, 1937). Diethylene glycol administered orally to rats and intravenously to rabbits causod 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 oent diothyleno glycol in the drinking water killed about half of tho rats in 2 months Other details are given 60 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 glyool v on animals showed that in intravenous injection, the acute toxicity was less than half that of ethyl aleohol, and the narcotic action about one-third as groat. It is estimated in body fluids by oxidation with sodium neriodate after pre cipitation of gluoose by barium hydroxide in alcoholic solution. 61` THE GLYCOLS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES. L.J.Goldwater, Div. of Industrial Hygiene, N.Y.State Dopt of Labor, 80 Center St., New York. Ind. Bull. 16, S08-9 (Aug. 1937). Reprints obtainable at abovo address. The Division of Industrial Hygiene is making a study of seme 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 poisor.lng from ethylene glycol have been reported, but urges reasonable precaution in handling glycol until further observations have freed the substance fresn any sus picion of toxicity under industrial conditions. 52 THE GLYCOLS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES. II and III. Leonard J. Goldwnter. Ind. Bull 16, 438-9 (Nov. 1937) and 504-5 (Dec. 1937). Reprints obtainable as per pre ceding abstract. Tho review of the literature on glycols and derivatives is extended to consider ation of propyifcne' glycol, diethlyono glycol, triethlyono glycol, "oellosolve* and other ethers, 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 60) 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- rence6 to Recent Literature - 13 leal and toxicological studies of this substance have been in connection with its use as a hygroscopic agent in cigarettes but no conclusion has been reached on that point, and the effects of prolonged inhalation are unknown* Triethylene gly col has been little used in industry# and little is known about its effects* The studies on ethylene glycol monoethyl ether# known coimrercially as "cellosolve", hare Indicated that it has a similar toxicity to that of ethylene glycol. The same is true of the glyool ethers and ester-ethers# known tinder the trade names of butyl cellosolve, methyl carbitol# oarbitol# butyl oarbitol, methyl cellosolve, ' eillosolve acetate# and oarbitol acetate. Such of those as have been investigated show toxio effeots 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. {4 TOXICITY OF ORGANIC SILICON COMPOUNDS. I. TETRAETHYL-ORTHO-SILICATE. Joseph A. Kasper, Carey F. McCord and William G. Frederick. Ind. Med. 6^# 660-4 (Dec. 1937). Reprints or multlgraphed copies may be obtained from Dr. McCord, Dept, of Health, Detroit, Mich. Tetraethyl-ortho-sillcate# generally known as ethyl silicate, is used industrially as a stone preservative and solvent. In experiments with 228 small animals (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, is approximately 0.06 ml. per 100 grams of body weight* death usually takes place within 4 days. Whatever method of Introduction is used, the first action is mainly on the lungs, and consists of rupture of terminal capillaries, accompanied by pulmonary hem orrhage. This rupture may be noted within 10 minutes after peritoneal injection. In quickly fatal oases 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 physiologic properties of a type characteristic of the slow action of silica in producing silicosis, this organic substance, through animal experiments, displays a high degree of toxicity, aeute in nature, and possibly related to the slow action of silica." 55 EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON WORKERS WITH CARBON DISULFIDE. J.A.N.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 1472 (Oct. 30, 1937). An inquiry was made regarding intolerance to alcohol among all workers in a chemioal plant making rubber accelerators, where there is exposure to oarbon 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 are noted. Skin tests and feeding experiments on mice were negative. The reply refers to the literature on oarbon disulfide poisoning and suggests that "the alcohol 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." Sfi MEMORANDUM OH 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 U6ed 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 'ferenees to Recent Literature 14 they are protected from heat and danger of explosion, but -where they are access ible in case of fire. Damage to valves, pipes and couplings should be avoided* tfhen leakage occurs 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 include stimulating expectorant mixture, hot poultices, veneseotion, tincture of opium, and pituitary extract, eaoh to be used as the symptoms indicate. (7 STUDIES RELATING TO TOXICITY OF FLUORINE COMPOUNDS. C.A.Kempf, D.A.Greenwood and V.E,Nelson, J Lab, it Clin, Med* 22, 1133--7 (August 1937), sodium The authors found no effect from oral administration to doge 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 discussed. $8 INSTRUMENTAL iETHODS OF AIR ANALYSIS DEVEL0H3D FOR INDUSTRY. Samuel Moskowitz, Ih D*, Division of Industrial Hygiene, N.Y.State Department of Labor, 80 Centre St,, New York. Ind. Bull. 16, 602 (November 1937), Reprints obtainable at that address. , Several instruments for air examination, developed during the last few years, are described* They include a portable carbon monoxide indicator, a ccmbustible gas indicator and a interferometer for comparing the refractive indices of two spec imens of gas or liquid. Small, inexpensive devioes for the estimation of other impurities in air ar also available. They include hydrogen sulfide indicator, and one for -carbon monoxide, smaller but less sensitive than the one first de scribed, 59 JUNE GASES AND THEIR EFFECTS* J*AK*A (Queries and minor notes) 109, 976 (September 18, 1937). Gases securing 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. E.A.Smirnov. Zavadskaya Lab, (Russian) 6, 240 (1937)* . A method involving the use of sodium nitroprusside and arsonious sulfide is de scribed* (An abstraot in Shorn, Abs. and in J. Ind, Hyg. gives details whioh may be sufficient for praotioal uso.) ' 61 FATAL POISONING IN "WELDING WITH ACETYLENE (DISSOUS GAS). ISawieh. Arbeitsschutz 10, 239-42 (1937)., (German). Sne death and one case of illness occurred in workers who hod been welding in a boiler. Technical experts blamed carbon monoxide, but the medloal authority pronounced the death due to a lung irritating gas. Cases from the literature aro oited, with decisions and disoussion of other possibilities, especially that of a oembined poisoning.' 62 METALLIZING. Ztsohr. f. Gewerbohyg, u. Unfall. 44, 141-2 (1937). (German), A worker using aoetylone in a sine metallizing tank beoame very ill, with signs of liver injury and ohanges in the electrocardiogram. The gas was found tp oontain 0.,17 mg, phosphine and 0*25 mg, hydrogen sulfide per liter. Tho liver changes aro evidently caused by the phosphine. Inferences to Rooent Literature - 15 {3 ACUTE CARBON MONOXIDE ASPHYXIA. F.F.Davis. Virginia Med. Month. 64, 537-9 (September 1937). There are 50,000 cases of asphyxia annually, and half of them are estimated to be caused by carbon monoxide. The author Teels that such oases should bo treated by a physician and not left to safety squads of gas and electric companies. The reoonmended 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 iTHjNE BLUE IN THE THERAPY OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND HYDROCYANIC ACID POISONING. Ztsohr. f. Gcwerbehyg. u. Unfall, 44, 102-8 (1937). A review of the literature leads the author to doubt that methylene blue is an antidote for carbon monoxide poisonings however. It has a favorable effeot in cases of poisoning by hydrocyanic acid and cyanic compounds. $5 CYANIDE POISONING. Alfred P. Ingegno and Saverio Franco. Ind. Med. j>, 573-6 (November 1937). ' Two cases of cyanide poisoning are 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 coroutine and caffein in one ease and ammonia and caffe in in the other, lod to cample to recovery. This method has been found successful in animal experiments. Occupational sources of cyanide poisoning, mode of action of cyanides, symptoms,'identification of cyanide, details of treatment and refer ences ore included* * 66 TOXIC 2FPECTS OF CARBON DIOXIDE. Ralph M. Waters. New Orleans Med. & Surg. J., * October 1957} Ind. Med. 6, 676-81 (Dec. 1937), Carbon dioxide is not normally regarded as a poison, but a few persons are hyper sensitive to It, and two oases aro described as typical, in which carboh dioxide toxemia occurred in hospitals. In one case a mixture of oarbon dioxide and oxy gen was being administered; -in the other the presenco of oarbon dioxide resulted from failure of absorption apparatus during -an operation. ` t 67 POISONING BY OXIDES OF NITROGEN. AN INVESTIGATION OF CASES AT THE RJUXAN SALT PETRE FACTORIES, O.J.Broch. Norsk. Mag* f. Lacgovidenskapon (Norwegian) 98, 570-97 (1937). ; The gases studied were mainly nitric oxide and its oxidation product, nitrogen peroxide* Cases of poisoning .occur only in the "solution department*, where a small number of workers oonduot the operation. They are highly paid, end their desire to continue at the high wag increases the possibility of ill effeots* There were 19 workers oxamined, mostly with long exporionce, and 10 had been seriously gassed at least onoc, Permanent symptoms included dizziness, headache, vomiting, shortness of breath, deoroase of endurance, and bad teethj blood-stained expectoration occurred at intervals. Individual susceptibility differsf corpulent 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 cases of gassing very rare, 68 EFFECT OF AMMONIA ON MAN, AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES. H. Mueschenbom. Ztsohr, f. Gewerbehyg, u. Unfall. 44, 122-5 (1937). (Gc-man). The effoots of ammonia are discussed, with reports of 2 accidents. The wearing of gas msks with a speoial filter is reoommended in repair work where ammonia i6 likely to escape* foronooe to Recent Litoraturo 16 :|9 DETERMINATION OF IEAD. D.JJ.Hubbard. J. Ind. Eng. Chem. Anal. Ed. 9, 495-6 (1937). The paper describee a photometric "mixed eolor" dithirono method for the determinetion of lead in certain biological materials# Three extractions are made, tho first for the removal of extraneous salts, the second for the elimination of bis muth and the third for the final estimation of the lead, which is present in a 6tate 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* JO DETERMINATION OF LEAD IN BIOLOGICAL tkXERIAL. J Cholak. D.t .Hubbard, R.R.McNary end E.V,Story. J. Ind. Eng* Chem* Anal* Ed* 9, 488-90 (1937). The spootrographic, dithisone and chemical separatory (carbazide) methods for es timation of lead in biological materials were compared experimentally. The speetrographic and dithlsone methods were found equally good whore the quantity of lead exceeds 1 microgram, but the speotrographic method was feund 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 DITHXZONE, AN EXCELLENT REAGENT FOR LEAD. C.F.Miller. Chemist Analyst 26, 66 (1937). The preparation of tho dithlsone reagent from phenylhydra tine is described, as is also the method of conducting the test for lead by means of a 0.0lj solution of the reagent in oarbon tetrachloride* 72 METHODS OF PROTECTION IN THE JOKING OF BEARINGS OF BRONZE-IEAD ALLOY IN THE PRINCE HOHEKZOLLERN FACTORY, LAUCHERTHAL. Glaser. Zntrlbl. f* Gawerbohyg. 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 furnaces and places there the alloy is poured out for casting, and those locations oan bo shut off from other rooms. The exposed men wear colloid masks, whioh are very efficient when proper attention is given them. Each .`mask is tested after putting on, by exposure to irritating gasesj the re sistance to respiration is regularly measured, and particular attention is paid to the outlet vulva. Individual supervision and instruction of the workers form a part of the program* , 73 BRASS POISONING. J*A.M.^. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 972 (Sept* 18,. 1957). "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 sine may oause metal fume fever at the temperature at which it is generally mixed with copper. Proper protection involves ventilation and use of respirators. Exposure to rime sulfate may give rise to a different and serious type of industrial poisoning. 74 TREATMENT OF ACUTE POISONING FROM MERCURY SALTS BY KEANS OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE (STRZYZCTTSKI ANTIDOTE). L. Mischaud. Schweiz, med. Wchschr. 67, 818-20 (1957) (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 and diathermy. .ranees to Recent Literature - 17 STUDY OF CHRONIC NERCURIALISM IN THE BATTERS' FUR CUTTING INDUSTRY. P.A.Neal, jt.R.Jones, J.J,Bloomfield, J.H.DallaValle and. T.I*Edwards. U.S.Pub. Health Bull. 5o, 234 (May, 1937). Obtainable from Supt* of Documents, Washington, D.C. jg cents, cash. 4 survey was made of all fur cutting factories operating between February and May 1955, 36 in number, including physical examinations of 529 men and women, constitut ing 26*4$ of -tiie fur cutters in the United States. The plants are larger than in tii average industry but the provision of medical care is more limited. Estima tions of mercury vapor in the air and dust counts in 5 factories showed frcm a 'trace to 1*04 mg* mercury as vapor and dust per cubic meter of air* The workers post exposed are shippers, followed by pilcrs, blowers, cutters and sorters. Garrotters who apply the mercuric nitrate to the pelts are not exposed to mercury vapors. Tho amount of dust is not high enough to be injurious* ; Forty-throe of the workers were found to be suffering from chronic meroulialism, 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 tho Public Health Service. Ihc picture of ohronic mercurial ism corresponds to the classical one in all im portant respects. Slight salivation was found in only 10, all of whom had worksd in high concentrations (0*25 mg. per cu. m.) of air* Tho 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* 76 DETECTION OF SMALL QUANTITIES OF MERCURY IN AIR. K. Grosskopf. Draegorhoft. No. 19, 3589-91 (1937). (German). A sampling tube for mercury has been developed by the Draoger 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 test tube. On drawing air through the tube after preliminary washing, ' a sharply defined ring of colloidal gold with definite color variations Is seen In tho tube. With increasing amounts of mercury the color of the ring deepens, 'then tho zone of reduction widens, and an approximate quontitotive estimation may be made with the aid of comparison tubes* 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. Koxon. J* Pharm. Exp* Thorap, 61, 89-102 (Sept. 193"). 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 the animals, and the results arc presented in charts end tablos. The rclativo toxicitio? in in creasing order aro as follows: arsenic, molybdenum, tellurium, vanadium, nr-.I selenium. At the 50 p*pm. level selenium was very toxic, tellurium and vanadium 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.M.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 813 (Sept. 4, 1937). The inquiry concerns the toxicity of the above substances which arc used in polish ing and coloring electrical fixtures. Green rougo is chromic oxide, quite widely used as an abrasive. Its use may lead to "chrome holes." Chromic acids, its salts and chromium oxides attack unbroken skin, and nasal perforation or inflammation may bo caused by inhalation of the dust of the oxido. fercnccs to Recent Litcraturo 18 jg MANGANESE. Industrial Data Sheet D. Chem. 26* National Safety Council. Nat. SafetyNews 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 tho dust. Jfcnganese has its largest use as an alloy for steel and nickel, but is used also in dry battery manufacture, in coloring glass, enamels and coments, in tho pro duction of aniline dyes, and as a drier for varnishes and oils. Acute cases of manganese poisoning have never been reported, and all oases of chronic poisoning have been contracted through inhalation of dust or fumes containing oxides of man ganese* Symptoms develop after 5 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. The metal usually attacks a non-vital portion of the nerves and muscles but leavos the victim well otherwise. The best treatment in oarly 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 uso of respirators where the dust cannot be removed suffi ciently. 80 TOXICITY OF SELENIUM. IT. EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO HYDROGEN SELENITE. H.C.Dudley and J.W.Miller. U.S.Pub. Hoalth Repts. 52, 1217-30. (Sept, 3, 1937) Obtainable from Supt. of Documents, Washington, D.C., for 5 cents, cash* Guinea pigs were oxposed 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 oarly fatty metamorphosis of the liver and a later hyper trophy of tho spleen. The apparatus is described in detail. 81 TOXICITY AND PATHOLOGY OF SELENIUM. K.I.Smith, E.F.Stohlmnn and R.D.Lillie. J. Pharm. Exp, Therap. 60, 449-71 (August 1937)* Tho acute and chronio effects of selenium poisoning was studied in animal exper iments. About 5C$ of rats die when exposed to 3 mg. per kg, body weight, whether selenite or selonate is administered. Corresponding results were obtained with rabbits. However, the selenite is tho more toxic when injected intravenously in rabbits. ' 82 ELIMINATION OF SELENIUM aND ITS DISTRIBUTION IN THE TISSUES. M.I.Smith, B.B. Westfall and E.F.Stohlman* U.S.Pub. Health Repts. 52, 1171-7 (August 27, 1937). Obtainable from Supt. of Documents, Washington, D.C., for 5 cents, cash. Sodium selenite fed to cats was excreted in the urino to the extent of 50 to 80^., and up to 18,t in the feces. The selenium is also widely distributed in the tis sues, mostly in tho liver, kidneys, spleon, pancreas, heart and lungs, 83 DESIGN OF PAINT SPRAYING AND SANDBLASTING N0XZLES. Freudenthal. Zntrlbl, f, Gowerbchyg, u. Unfull. 24, 203-6 (1937) (German). The author shows how dust prevention can be secured by proper arrangement of tho spraying nozzle, including widening, flattening, beveling and admission of air. The design is illustrated. 84 REPORT ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE TECHNICAL INSPECTION OFFICE IN 1936. Chemical In Dustry Association. Chem. Ind. (German) 60, supplement issuod with *uig 14 number, 1-56 (1937). This is an extensive report on many cases of accidents and sovoral industrial dis eases. Among the latter were 2 fatal cases of dinitr.ocrosol poisoning,. 2 cases of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, several of carbon monoxide poisoning and 2 fatal cases of Weilfs disease in workers who took care of rats in a biochemistry lab oratory. . JIECTRIC ARC WELDING. J.A.K.A* (Queries cuid minor notes) 109, 975 (Sopt. 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~ca$es 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 frcan burns. A rough BOthod for estimating percentage loss of vision is presented* In the discussion a simple tablo 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. IT SALT TABLETS FOR BEAT - P0SSIBI OVERDOSE. J.A.K.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, 972 (Sept. 18, 1937). The question is raised as to whether there is danger of overdosage 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 a* during hot weather, and should cause no ill effects* 88 LOSS OF MINERALS THROUGH THE SKIN OF NORMAL HUMANS WHEN SWEATING IS AVOIDED. R.H. Freyberg and R.L.GRant. J, Clin* Invost. 16, 729-31 (Sept. 1937). The loss of certain inorganic elements through the skin of two healthy men was in vestigated, with precautions to prevent sweating. No calcium or phosphorus was found. The 24' hour eliminations of sodium, calcium, chloride uni sulfate sulfur were found to be largo enough to be of Importance in the accurate determination of the oxehange of the so elements as commonly done in minoral ^balance* studies, and corrections should bo made in those studios for losses through tho skin. 89 AFTER-CARE AND HE-EMFLOYINT OF THE TUBERCULOUS PATIENT. E.L.Sandilnnd. J. Roy* Inst. Pub. Health and Hyg. 146-58 (Oot., 1937). Attempts to find omployment~for men disabled by tuberculosis in Groat Britain have been made in three directions* (l) tho establishment of workshops in tho eutsido world under Aftcr-Car Committees or Local Authorities (2) employment of sx- x pationts on the staffs of sanatoria, and (3) the establishment of village settle ments, with industries attached. The first plan has not been very successful, sminly 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 SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS PREVENTION ,.ND ACCIDENT LEGISLA TION. 0. Teuschlaendor* Med. Welt (German) 11, 1267-72 (1937). The paper is a critical review and general discussion of industrial cancer, in cluding the industries concerned, tho active agents and the localisations ob served. In most cases it is impossible to render the injury harmless or neutral ise 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. Polior and C.S.Stephen son. Am. J. Med* Sci* 194, 326 (Sept. 1937). The prolonged exposure to tho sun's rays, open air and salt water, to which Navy men are subjected, is associated, with a frequency of cancer of tho lip and skin 8 times the normal and a greatly diminished morbidity and mortality from all other cancers. In about four-tenths of the men who would be expected to die from an inner malignant manifestation there developed instead a curable tumor of tho lip and skin* The mortality from oancer of the skin and lip is about 3 jtorcnccs -to Rceont Literaturo - 20 times higher in the Navy than in the average population of the samo ago group. Apparently a tumor in the innor 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, as this situation suggests a possible preventive treat ment . Statistics of incidence cf the forms of cancor considered are includod* )2 CHEMOTHERAPY OF BLADDER CARCINOMAS YilTH AMINO BODIES. Henschcn. Arch, f, kiln. Chir. 169, 19-20 (1937). (Goman). Bladder cancer has been produced in rabbits by the inhalation of caphthylomine wpor. Experiments by Sohaor on resorption and excrotion by the bladder in on aniline worker showed that there are several ways in which naphthyl amine can eone in contact with bladder tissue, from the general circulation and through the bladder vessels. Precanoerous and warning stages are local hyperemias, ystitis cystica, and subepithelial hemorrhages< The possibility of anti- cancerous action of some aromatic amido compounds, administered orally, is being studied. * S3 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 carried out skin sensitisation tests with French turpentine, Swedish sulfate turpentine, Swedish charcoal turpentine and a petroleum derivative sold as dilutin. It was found that 110 of the painters suffered from eozema, and 56 others showed changes that may in some cases be preliminary symptoms of eci.w- Yard mis general symp toms were found in many oases. Both the clinical ex-unliir. cic'-'.t- and ahe skin tests suggested that the Swedish preparations were moro to to.too than the Frenoh. The producers of Swedish turpentine have undertaken to revise thoir chemical process-' cs so as to eliminate or reduce the impuritios. 94 EFFECTIVENESS OF SOI PROTECTIVE AGENTS AGAINST ECZEMA, I. LUFOCID AND BOROLAN. K. Finkenrath* Zntrlbl* f Geworbehyg. u* Unfall. (German) 24, 206-8 (1937), Lupooid salve and borolan (apparently proprietary ron-sdi-. t thaT are on the German market at least) wero found to fall short of the claimo made by "their makers. ' The former has an irritating effect on the skin and the latter does not prevent ,an occurrence of ecsena. * ' 95 LEAF OF ALOE VERA IN TREATMENT OF ROENTGEN RAY ULCERS. REPORT OF TWO ADDITIONAL CASES. A.B.Loveman. Arch. Dermatol. & Syphil, 36, 838-43 (Oct. 1937). The author reports success in the treatment of rocnegen ray ulcers with leaves of aloo vera, but only after a long period, definite signs of improvement appearing after 6 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 four.d to be much more efflcaoeous than the ointment. 96 DERMATITIS ACTIIdCA DUE TO ROENTGEN RAY TREATED WITH THE LEAF OF ALOE VERA, H. Fox. Arch., Dermatol. A Syphil* (Society transactions) 36, 891-2 (Oct* 1937). The author and several others obtained no success vdth 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. forcncoE to Recent Litoraturo 21 ( jt PROTECTION OF THE SKIN AGAINST LIVE. G* C. Pethor. Brit. Mod. J. 2, 792-3 (October 9, 1937). Exposure to burnt lime injures the skin and eyes. Respirators for the nose end 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 tale dust shaken over the skin, lessens sweating and forms c protective film. It is also of value as a dressing for ulcors. Strips of lint worn under the collar protect the skin of the neck from abrasion. ffs received the following information on reprints too late to insert it in the headings * No. 8. (DUST HAZARD IN FOUNDRY!!!) is obtainable from the author. Dr. Leslie H. Osmond, St, Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, Bs. . ABSTRACT |fS3 was ommitted in its regular turn, and is given below* 55 TOXICITY OF I&TERIALS USED IN LINING BEER CANS. J.A.M.A. (Queries and minor notes) 109, B91 (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 man engaged in that work. The solvents are methyl~ethyl-ketone, known as and LAC JC21B, probably a vinyloid syn thetic resin. References are given, and no defi'iito occlusion is stated, .ex cept that the substances mentioned are not generally considered very toxic.