Document zor74Ypx1bG9YxY1VQqOQwap7

y * n r\ wr-\ n /*+ > ;:..." LiirfWu/ ' . ' ( 1j f i r7^T3r!rT3"f?r'j"l [_JL_j u WkzJI 1 n r"\ r^ -'*'\ Slitelatute CtLshacts MEDICAL ENGINEERING LEGAL - - - decisions and trends Qnbusbii&l Health hews Utimi MonMy By INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE FOUNDATION 4400 FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA. C04J3S |Nf,V*rwiAU HYGI4NC roiJ>* RATION VOX FOUNDATION FACTS July, 1945 Foundation Facts is a monthly news-letter issued to industrial concerns holding membership in Industrial Hygiene Foundation. The Foundation is a combined research and service institution to protect the health of workers in industry- : :o. ?. H. B. Heller Br. H. B. Meller, formerly managing director of Industrial Hygiene Foun dation and a world authority on sir pollution and smoke prevention, died in a Pittsburgh hospital on Sunday evening, Iune 27. He was 65 years old. Burial was made at Altoona, Pa., on July 1. Formerly Dean of the School of Mines at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Meller had headed Mellon Institute's air pollution investigation since 1923. do became managing director of Industrial Hygiene Foundation when the organization was formed in 1935 and directed the Foundation until last September when failing health forced him to relinquish active management. He had continued as a Consultant. Hi's direction accounted in a large measure to the upbuilding of the Foundation during its formative years. Through his work at Mellon Institute for two decades, Dr. Meller became known internationally as a specialist on air pollution. Also, through these efforts, Pittsburgh adopted an anti-smoke ordinance which became a model for other cities throughout the country. He headed Pittsburgh's Bureau of Smoke Regulation from 1920 to 1938. As an indication of his contribution to air hygiene, and at a time when the field was little known. Dr. Meller published some 30 articles and was senior author of a dozen other articles written with associates. These tvere exclusive of the scores of papers which he presented before distinguished groups through the years, including such organizations as the New York Academy of Medicine, the Franklin Institute, the American Chemical Society, the American Public Health Asso ciation and the Nationsd, Safety Council. Born in Altoona, Dr. Meller first went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a clerk. In 1900 he became clerk and later secretary of the faculty of the Department of Medicine at the University cf Pennsylvania. After attending the University and the Michigan College of Mines ho joined the University cf Pittsburgh faculty as an instructor in 1910. He baccme Dean of the School cf Mines in 1914 and held that position until 1923 when he ccmc to Mellon Institute. al lYtil t Nr I'OUNOATION u4oo pirTH avcnue CO < n . PITTonUNOH, p * ily 1043. Vol. -.11* ..c 7. Industrial Hygiene Foundation 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE DIGEST Literature and News News Items C42 Hydrogen From Water At Fires. Bulletin 166 by the Committee on Fire Prevention and Engineering Standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters discusses the formation of hydrogen from water decomposition by fires. The danger of hydrogen accumulating is theoreti cal. 'The gas bums as fast as it is formed. The almost instantaneous libera tion of a large volume of steam has often been mistaken for a hydrogen gas ex plosion. 643 Safety Equipment. The March issue of National Safety News is devoted entirely to safety equipment. Several signed articles of a general nature are followed by brief anonymous discussions of various mechanical and hygienic safety features, classified in the following general sections: (1) personal protection; (2) mechanical equip ment; (3) fire and plant protection; (4) first aid and medical service; (5) sani tary equipment and supplies, and (6) miscellaneous services and problems. The subsections on "Respiratory Protective Equipment" under the first heading, and "Industrial Ventilation" under the second, were given brief notices in the June Digest, and Sections 4 and 5 arc briefly abstracted in this number. The entire issue, however, is worth reading for a summary of a complete safety plan. C44 Flammable or Inflammable? There has .always been a certain amount of confusion v/hen gasoline or other sol vents aro referred to as inflammable materials. V/hen we refer to a substance as being incombustible, we moan that it will not easily burn, whereas, custom has established the use of the ;vord "inflammable" to mean something that could easily bo ij-.r.itcd. In Webster's Dictionary, the words "inflammable" and "flammable" are oefined as follows: Inflammable - capable of being easily sot on fire; easily cnxindlcd; combustiblo. Flammable - capable of being easily ignited; inflammable. Ia order to clarify this terminology, the National Fire Protection Association nao recommended that we eliminate the use of the word "inflammable." They ruconi`Xnd that the word FLAMMABLE be used to indicate ready combustibility and NCK.ABLE for materials which are not easily ignited or set on fire. It ic rather * i'-'icult to change our habits, but in the future wo should refer to materials as b-.'inr cither FLAMi.lABLE or iftN-i'IA-.-ABLE to assist in establishing a proper under Ti-iing of the characteristics of certain materials. -- E.C. Barnes, Safety ILv/s, ;ii:it;houso Electric C& Manufacturing Company. C o 4" industrial Hygiene Digest - 2. ,145 v.'hot's V.'ronr: V/ith Safety Training* Xii the "holy wanted" columns of a daily paper the following jobs were advertized recently: "`Production engineer - $450; Mechanical engineer - v400; Safety engin eer - vl75* Alfred M. Cooper in the February issue of "Engineering For Safety" asks if there is a direct correlation between the discrepancy in salary and the nov; all time high accident rate experienced by industry? As a rule, v;e get what v;o pay for, in merchandise or manpower. In today's labor market one cannot ob tain a good safety engineer for $175 per month, nor for any figure within double that amount. - Ohio Ind. Comm. Monitor, 16, 51 (April, 1943). C45 Ceramic Tubes in Dust Collectors. To save steel, the Prat-Daniol Corp., Port Chester, N. Y., is constructing tubes of special fire clay in Themix ceramic tubular dust collectors. Those tubes are sufficiently thick and rugged to be proof against fracture and breakage from normal handling or from changes in temperature, yet they weigh no more than steel. The ceramic tubes are mounted in a concrete or brick casing above con crete bins, entirely eliminating the use of steel. - Chem. & Eng. News, 21. (March 25, 1943). 647 Federal Government Safeguards Working Youth. Safeguards for the health, welfare, and education of American youth whoso ser vices arc being demanded by tho war program have been advanced by a statement of policy just approved by the War Manpower Commission. This policy, formulated in cooperation with the Children's Bureau of the U. S. Department of Labor covers matters relating to the enforcement of school attendance and child-labor laws, the employment of youth under 13 years of age, provision for the educational program of those who take employment, transportation of young people to and from work and assurance that suitable living conditions are available if the work re quires that young people live away from homo. The policy also states that any youth interested in work in another area should first register for employment at the nearest local office of the U. S. Employment Service or such other agency as may be designated by the War Manpower Commission. After presenting evidence of parental consent, he will be referred to a specific job opening where he can be lawfully employed, and where there are suitable arrangements for housing. -- Labor Inf. Bull., March, 1943. 543 Safety and Health Efforts Aid in Greater Production. Some examples of the activities of agents of the National Committee for the Con servation of Manpower in War Industries are the uncovering of hazards to health and safety of workers. New England industrial landmarks, nov/ centers of renewed activity, wore badly in need cf repair. A high labor turnover in a plant manu facturing anay tonts was found to be due to illness caused by tho solvent used on tho cloth. The formula was discontinued. Provisions for a noon meal were made in a shoe factory, whose employees had become ill from eating hot dogs at the only available eating place. Two illustrations of the work cf the Committee in promoting safety programs are given. -- Labor Inf. Bull., March, 1945. 649 War Industries Urged to Save Workers* Evesight. Industrial concerns should give much mere attention to workers' eyesight, "not only for humane reasons, but to increase production, to reduce spoilage, and tc add manpower," C.P. Telman, consulting engineer for the National Society for tho Prevention of Blindness, declares. At least one fourth of industrial workers, he estimates, have defective, but correctible, vision. Mere than three fourths of 50 typical plants studied make no effort to determine what visual requirements are necessary or acceptable to qualify a worker for any particular job. These plants do not know how many men v/ith defective vision can bo utilized, while, on Industrial Ifygiene Digest - 3, the other hand, they may be employing men whose vision is a hazard on the partic ular job. for example, a crane operator who could not judge the height and place ment of a crane load would be a menace to life and property, whereas on a job to which his eyesight is suited, ho could carry on safely and effectively. -- Science News Letter, (March 13, 1943). CSC Reducing Blackout Hazards. New developments plus experience gained during the past year are helping reduce the hazards of blackouts and dim-outs and arc making these protective measures more elective, according to S.G. Hibben, noted lighting authority. Mr. Eibben, who is director of applied lighting at the V/cstinghouso Lamp Division, Bloomfield, N. J., predicted a greater reduction in the accident toll during blackouts and dim-outs once full advantage is taken of modern lighting and safety devices. "Vfe have learned much about blackout technique during the past year," he declar ed. "...It is quite possible to have a complete exterior blackout without sacri ficing adequate interior illumination in home or factory." "...In case of air raids -- people should be prepared to carry on vital work without interruption..." Present day industrial architecture represents the ideal in industrial protection. It provides such important features as windovdess construction, shatterproof glass, minimum of sky lights, neutral exterior coloring, and light interior paint ing. "Even in older industrial plants not so equipped, it is possible to have such protection by making full use of the most modem lighting and safety devices..." One of the most interesting developments in blackout technique has been that of phosphorescent and fluorescent materials. Mr. Hibben recommends the use of luminous markers and signs to denote exits, doors and factory aisles. Ho also described its use on clothing and automobile exteriors, and added that phos phorescent coatings may be used to outline door knobs,, switches, stairs, rail ings, paths to air raid shelters and in many other locations. -- Buildings and Building Man., April, 1943. 651 Protein Allergy Attacks Workers in Castor Plants. A new danger to the health of workers in an important war industry was disclosed before the Detroit meeting of the American Chemical Society by two U.S. Depart ment of Agriculture research men, J.R. Spies and E.J. Coulson. This industry is the extraction of castor oil, now needed in huge quantities for filling the recoil cylinders of heavy guns, and other important uses. Workers handling the pomace or pulp left after the oil has been extracted sometimes develop asthma and other allergic symptoms. Even when ricin, a deadly protein poison has been removed, the pomace is still capablo of causing allergic reactions. The newly discovered allergy-producing protein is, as yet, known only by a set of initials; CB.-1A. Something closely resembling it in chemical and physiological properties has also boen isolated from cotton seed. -- Science News Letter, April 24, 1943. 652 Health Hazard. It is essential that all persons engaged in the business of plating, selling, manufacturing or distributing utensils and equipment which may come directly or indirectly in contact with food or drink be again warned concerning the hazard to public health involved in the use of deleterious metals in this connection. The Sanitary Code of the City of Nov/ York definitely prohibits the use of cadmium, lead or other deleterious metals in the construction of food equipment cr uten sils. A simple field test for the rapid detection cf cadmium is available upon request at the office cf the Bureau of Food and Drugs, Department of Health of the City of New York. -- Products Finishing, 7.* 55 (May, 1943). 0043 30 Industrial Hygiene Digest - 4 Legal Developments 603 Tuberculosis Reactivated. Whether Accidental Injury Accelerated Disease. This is an appeal in a compensation from a judgment sustaining a demurrer to the petition and dismissing the suit. Petitioner, a man twenty-nine years of age, was suffering from tuberculosis contracted some time before his employment by the Procter & Gamble Company, insured by the Travelers, but which it was alleged had been arrested prior to his employment and that, as the result of inhaling gaseous fumes and fine particles of dust thrown out in the operation of the de partment in which he worked, the old scars or lesions left on his lungs had been disturbed and broken and the disease re-activatod. The trial Judge was of opin ion that petitioner was suffering from a disease, not the result of accident. To be within the Compensation Act the injury must be "unforeseen, unexpected and fortuitous. An element of unexpected casualty must be present." In the instant case the resultant condition of which petitioner complains could not, it would seem, have been unexpected. On the contrary, it was a natural and forseeable result. The court is constrained to agree with the trial Judge that the declar ation failed to state a case of liability in that no accidental injury is shown to have resulted in either causing or accelerating the disease from which it is alleged petitioner is suffering. The judgment is affirmed. Johnson v. Trave lers Insurance Co. Tenn. Supreme Ct. Decided May 8, 1943. {CCHK 654 Death of Sand-Blaster Resulting From Inhaling Silica Sand Dust. Prejudicial Error in Instruction to Jury. The death of plaintiff s decedent was allegedly due to the negligence of defend ant in failing to provide decedent with a safe place in which to perform his work, and failing to provide him with proper equipment to protect him from inhaling silica sand dust and particles, while employed by defendant as a sandblaster, whereby ho contractod the disease of silicosis, which culminated in his death. Defendant in his answer affirmatively alleged that it complied with its duty to the deceased by furnishing him with the properly equipped respirator; but it was further alleged that decedent refused to wear the respirator, by reason of which he contracted the disease resulting in his death. The court rendered judgment for plaintiff. The grounds urged for a reversal are: (1) Erroneous instruc tion No. 1 given to the jury, and (2) > that the defendant's motion for a peremp tory instruction should have been sustained, on the ground that the evidence show ed conclusively that deceased refused to wear the respirator while he was engaged in bis work. Instruction No. 1 still contained grounds upon which the jury oould return e verdict against defendant, although it did furnish an efficient respirator and defendant woro it while at work. Such cumbissions to the jury constituted false and immaterial issues, winch instruction No. 2, did not elimin ate. The testimony on the issues of defendant's failure to furnish an effi cient respirator or on the issue of defendant's failure to appropriate it when performing his work did not create such a failure of proof as to render a find- ing by the jury either way as being flagrantly against the evidence so as to re quire the giving of a peremptory instruction. The error in instruction No. 1, as above pointed out, was prejudicially erroneous, requiring a reversal cf the judgment, end it is so ordered, with directions to set it aside ana for proceed ings consistent with this opinion. Fearless Manufacturing Corporation v. Mackey. Ky. Ct. of App. Decided May 7, 1943. (CCH). or? Buffer Breathes Mineral Dust, Arrnvotlon of Pre-Existing Bronchiecta- ~''Disability. Sufficient Evidence for Award. oillnt`3'appeal is from the jua^ent of the circuit court affirming an award by* the Commission in favor of appellee. Appellee, v/ho suffered from a cough, considerable expectoration, soreness of his lungs, dryness and hoat sensations ie the bronchial tubes, loss of weight, and pain in his shoulder and back, work ed in the buffing department 'where minute particles of tho lime and nickel make a cloud of dust which fills tho room and he became disabled by aggravating a pre existing condition of bronchiectasis. Appellant contends that there was not sufficient competent evidence in tho record to sustain the finding of facts made by tho commission. Medical testimony has shown that the air which appellee ..as forced to breathe while doing his work was strongly impregnated with mineral oust which aggravated a diseased condition of his bronchial tubes, and resulted in disability. Judgment affirmed. Solid Steel Scissors Company v Kennedy, /irk. Supreme Ct. Decided iday 31, 1943. (CCH). Death From Tuberculosis Following Contraction of Silicosis. Liability of Employ er. Propriety of Instructions. Admissibility and Exclusion of Evidence. Offi cials* Non-Liability. Coburn was employed by defendant as a "grinder" in the manufacture of refractory brick. Cobum developed silicosis, and he died from tuberculosis. Coburn's ad ministratrix brought suit for his death, alleging that it had been directly and proximately caused by the negligence of the defendants. The court below over ruled the Company's motion for a directed verdict, but sustained a similar motion on behalf of the individual defendants, officials in tho plant. The jury, how ever, found for the Company, and this appeal is from the judgment dismissing the petition. As grounds for a reversal, appellant contends, inter alia, that the Court erred in its sixth instruction to the jury; in rejecting material competent evidence offered by the appellant, and in admitting incompetent evidence offered by the Company; and in directing a verdict for the individual defendants, Loighow and Cartrcll. Instruction No. 6, stated that death was directly caused by tuberculosis. But the jury was told not to find for plaintiff unless it found that silicosis was tho proximate cause of the tuberculosis -which caused his death, and that "Proof that silicosis predisposes to tuberculosis and that the decedent might not have had tuberculosis if he had not contracted silicosis, is not sufficient of itself to establish that the silicosis was the proximato cause cf tho tuberculosis." The court holds that there was no error in the instruction. Appellants insisting that tho quoted scntcnco was tantamount to an instruction tw find for appellees. Since most of tho medical testimony went no further than to ostablish that silicosis predisposes to tuberculosis, appellees were entitled to have the jury cautioned that such testimony "of itself," 'which phrase is equiv alent to "standing alone," was not sufficient to supply tho necessary link in the chain of causation. The preponderance cf testimony was to the effect that Cobum's silicosis tms in tho first, or, at most, the second of the three or four stages into which the authorities usually attempt to divide it, and was, of it- .;'-lf, not sufficient in intensity to seriously disable him, much loss, cause his As for the excluded testimony, its exclusion was not prejudicial to '< . olinnt, since he obtained tho full benefit cf tho testimony that the great rarity of persons who contracted silicosis subsequently developed tuberculosis, 'it;: respect to the medical testimony admitted ever the objection of appellant, :-uu relating to dust conditions at the plant, in cases of this magnitude, espe cially where the conditions giving rise to the claimed injuries and the nature "1 these injuries are obscure, the testimony, if the truth is to be ascertained, r.u.-.t lr- nijov/oci to take a wide range. This court cannot say that the testimony ' -a l'.ir.ud of v:ns incompetent, or its admission prejudicial to appellant's sub stantial rights. The proof for appellant docs not show acts or omissions on iMu-triol Hygiene Digest - 6 tlio part of the individual appellees which would render them, personally liable. There v;as much evidence indicating that at least good faith efforts hnd been made by the Company to comply vdth the Statutes requiring the installation of draft and suction apparatus to remove the dust. Judgment affirmed. Coburn v. North American Refractories Co.t et ol. Ky. Ct. of Appeals. Decided Juno 25, 1943. (CCH). 7 Partial Disability from Silicosis Not Ccmncnsr-blc. Total Disability Resulting After.One-Year Statutory Period Also Not Compensable. This is cn appeal by an employer and its insurance carrier from an award of the State Industrial Board in favor of claimant for total disability compensation covering the period from May 24, 1941 to December 25, of the same year. Claim ant, an iron chipper, employed by the appellant, filed a claim in June, 1938, for compensation in which he stated that he teiminated his employment on December 16, 1937. He was examined on July 26, 1938, and found to be partially disabled due to silicosis. The referee disallowed the claim on the ground that partial disability as a result of silicosis is not compensable and the Industrial Board subsequently affirmed the referee's decision. On claimant's application the caso was later reopened, and on October 10, 1941, claimant was found to bo total ly disabled. The referee made the award under review which was subsequently affirmed by the Industrial Board. It is undisputed that claimant ceased work on December 16, 1937 and in its decision the Industrial Board found that the last injurious exposure occurred on that date. The Board also found that claimant became disabled as a result of silicosis on or about December 16, 1937 and on or about July 26, 1938. The record contains no evidence whatsoever to support the finding of total disability as a result of silicosis on December 16,- 1937. Claim ant is not entitled to benofits for the reason that the alleged total disability did not result until approximately throe years and five months after the date of the last exposure. Claimant is in a very unfortunate situation. There can be no doubt that he is now permanently disabled as a result of silicosis. The record discloses that he has not been employed in any gainful occupation since he ceased to work for this employer. In view of the findings of the Board, however, this court is powerless to aid him. It may be that if given the opportunity he may bo able to submit proof as to the permanency of his disability within the statu tory period of one year from the date of the last exposure. Award reversed. Matter of Rankicwics. N.Y. Supreme Ct., App. Div., 3rd Dept. Decided at April Term, 1943 fcCH). 658 Silicosis From Breathing Limestone Dust Over Long Period of Time not a Compens able In.iury. Appellee, Phillips, filed his application for compensation against appellant, Kentucky Stone Company, with the Workmen's Compensation Board, claiming that he "suffered permanent impairment of his lungs and body by reasond breathing lime stone dust." The application was apparently based on the contraction of silico sis. The Board overruled the referee's ruling that there was a compensable in jury and dismissed the claim. The court trial held that the case should be re manded to the Board. This appeal follows. Appellee, while employed for 15 years in appellant's quarries, inhaled limestone dust and dust from emery wheels. On a day in 195S, he got very hot, and went up on top of the crusher where he breathed limestone dust and cooled off quickly, started choking up, caught cold and could hardly breathe. Ko was off from work for several days, sand lost over 50 pounds. Even if the court assumes that breathing of dust causes physical injury to the lungs of some people, ana that the breathing of the dust over a period ox' years by th appellee resulted in traumatic injury to him, thero yea remains the question whether such injury was accidental within the mooning of the statute. It seems incongruous to say that an injury caused by breathing dust over a period of years is an accidental injury. To hold such an injury accidental C-n:; * ?*: i Industrial Hygiene digest - ? would practically nullify the statute in this regard ana open the door to com pensation at occupational diseases, a result clearly not contemplated by the statute. The Board correctly denied compensation and dismissed the claim even though the evidence may be said to have established that the claimant was suffer ing v.ith a disease which was in fact attributable to his employment, since such disease was not compensable. Reversed with directions to set aside the order remanding the case to the Board and to enter judgment affirming the Board*s find ing. Kentucky Stone Co. v. Phillips ot al. Ky. Ct. of Appeals. Decided Juno 4, 1943. (CCH). ' ;f;9 Blacksmith Injured by Breathing Fumes Caused by Acids Used in Course of Enroloy- rv.r.v,__Inhalation of Vapors as Constituting Accidental Injury Within Act. Statutory Requirement of Written Notice Excusable by Commission. Respondent was employed by petitioner as a blacksmith helper. On the date of the alleged injury, ho was in the blacksmith shop using cyani2ed gas and acids. The mixture reached boiling point and strong fumes and flame came from and around the mixture. The fumes, flame and smoke shot up in his face.' Respondent alleged that by breathing them, he sustained his injury. The Workmen* s Com pensation Lav/ is not confined to cases of traumatic injury; inhalation of vapors, gas or dust may constitute an accidental injury. The medical testimony sustained the finding of the Commission that thero was an accidental injury and resulting disability. It was next argued that there was a failure to comply with the statute as to giving the statutory written notice. The statutory written notice may bo excused by the Commission. The Commission entered its finding that the petitioner was not prejudiced by a failure to give tho statutory vjritten notice and there is competent evidence to sustain such finding. Award sustained. The Eagle-Picher Mining a Smelting Company v. Loyd, et al. Okla. Supreme Ct. Decided June 1, 1943). (CCH). Book Reviews 6C0 National Fire Codes for the Prevention of Dust Explosions. National Fire Protec tion Assoc., 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 160 pp. (1943). $1.00. This is the latest contribution of the Committee on Dust Explosion Hazards of the National Fire Protection Association. The comitteo was formed in 1922 in cooper ation with the XJ. S. Department of Agriculture, and has functioned continuously to date. ' In 1926, the Committee became s sectional committee of the American Standards Association. The Codes include a section on fundamental principles for tho prevention of dust explosions and separate sections on the following ducts: aluminum bronze powder, coal, flour anu feeds, pulverized fuels, spices, starch, sugar and cocoa, sulfur, grain (elevators and storage), and wood. The use of inert gas for preventing explosions is also described. The records of duct explosions in tho United States up to September 1, 1942 are also presented. 601 Physiology in Aviation. C.L, Gcmmill. C.C. Thomas, Publisher, 220 E. Monroe St. hnuagi'icld, 111. 124 pp. (1943). 5 2.00. elcinntury treatment of physiology pr epored primarily for aviators, covering mechanics of respiration, oxygenation of tho blood, normally :.nd at high altituaec, acceleration effects, etc. For i mlustrial hygienists interested in the subject it would serve only ns ;n easily read introduction to the subject. There is no bibliography. ^ C- ' Industrie! Ilygiene Digest - 8 | Industrial Health Hazards end Their Effects 3 02 Zsiceniologic Aspects of Anthrax in Massachusetts. I.R. Tabershaw and G.E. Morris. New England J. tied., 225. 92-93 (January 21, 1943.) It appears to be impossible to destroy anthrax at its source. Sporadic cases of native origin will always occur. It is extremely difficult to disinfect hides and skins. The anthrax spore undoubtedly survives the first two or three pro cesses in tanning -- that is, washing, fleshing and liming -- but probably can not survive the entire process. No significant improvement in the method of killing anthrax spores has been evolved in the last twenty years; and even if it were possible to disinfect hides and skins, it is doubtful whether this would be warranted, especially at the present time. Therefore the method of control must be chiefly one of education and sanitary precaution until the hides have passed through the tanning process. The more severe cases and the most frequent deaths have occurred in truckmen and longshoremen, 7/ho are not aware of the possibilities of this infection, and who neglect to report for treatment early. The prompt diagnosis and treatment in tannery workers seem in large measure responsible for the lessened mortality and morbidity among them. Physicians treating any cutan eous infection in a tannery worker or truckman should bear in mind the possibilit; of anthrax and should culture material from the lesion. In order to keep this disease in check effectively, an educational program must be directed toward truckmen, tannery workers, longshoremen and all others who handle imported hides, from their arrival in this country to their conversion into finished leather. -- Authors* summary. 663 'Tripoli and Silicosis. C.P* McCord and S.E. Meek and G.C. Harrold. Ind. Med., 12, 373-377 (June, 1943). The mineral tripoli contains approximately 98$ free silica, and is usually in a finely divided state. Proliferative reactions may be produced by all varieties of true tripoli. However, cases of human silicosis from tripoli are rare. The authors have sought the causes of this behavior and have come to the following conclusions: (1) the high porosity of tripoli gives a large surface area per unit of mass; (2) this high specific surface favors adsorption phenomena, in cluding presence of hygroscopic films; (3) tripoli has an unusual degree of di polar electric attraction, causing many particles to cohere; and (4) an addition al artificial factor is that tripoli must be waterproofed before use as a foundry parting to prevent the hygroscopic films. The waterproofing compounds are physiologically inert as their melting points are well above body temperature and they arc not easily removed. The extent of physiologic inertness appears to de pend on the efficacy of the coating process. Not all particl.s below 5 microns arc coated. 664 The Dust Hazard in Tranolito Talc Mining. Including Roentgenological Findings in Talc V.orkcrs. V,'. Siegel, A.?.. Smith and L. Grecnburg. Am. J. Roentgenol., 49. 11-29 (February, 1943). This is a report on a study of atmospheric contamination in the mining and mill ing of tromciitc talc in Northern New York State. It is notable that although the free silica content ir. all cases was found to be less than one per cent, an incidence of 14.5 per cent of advanced fibrosis was found (32 out of 221 exposed). All cases occurred among men exposed to tremolito talc for 10 years or longer. The authors report that the pathology associated with this exposure suggests a C-0 A . i * industrial Hygiene Digest - 9 special biology, and in addition there is evidence that there is an increased susceptibility to tuberculosis. The fibrosis found was a ''fine diffuse type with a roentgeftographic appearance of granulation or nodulation on a hazy background. It tended to bo disabling in character and v;as frequently accompanied by dyspnea, cough end fatigue." The study includes a review of the literature on both exper imental studies and clinical reports on the effects of talc dust. There is a complete discussion of the mineralogy and mining and milling operations in the Northern New York mines. Twelve X-rays and eleven case histories are given to gether with a detailed discussion of roentgen findings. ;05 Minimum Standards for the Health of Workers in the Brick Manufacturing Industry, '.ucaticml Health Circular, Industrial Health Series, No. 3. State of Illinois, Dept, of Public Health. Pamphlet, 14 pp. No date. Part I of the circular is devoted to a discussion of Material and Processes and of Health Hazards. Exposure to silica is the greatest hazard found in brick making plants; therefore dust prevention is of paramount importance. Factors to be considered in determining a dust hazard are given. The necessity of fre quent air sampling by competent personnel is indicated. The minimum pexmissible dust content is stated, and measuros for controlling a dust hazard are consider ed. Other health hazards discussed, with health measures and precautions to be observed are: Dampness - temperature variations; weather exposure - extreme dry heat; extreme light glare; gases and fumes. Part II presents minimum standards for the health of workers in the Brick Manufacturing Industry, as suggested by the Division of Industrial Qrgiene of the State (Mass.) Department of Public Health. Subjects covered arc: Lighting; ventilation, temperature and humidity; sanitation; dust, fumes and gases; personal protective equipment; housekeeping; building equipment; notices and instruction; inspection; medical aid; physical examinations; reporting diseases. 666 Chemical Pneumonia in Workers Extracting 3ervllium Oxide. H.S. Van Ostrand, K. Hughes and M.G. Carmody. Cleveland Clinic Quarterly. 10, 10-18 (Jan., 1543). Three cases of chemical pneumonia occurring in a war industry manufacturing beryllium oxide are presented. The chemical formula or agents used in this pro cess have not been made known by the manufacturer. The 3 cases reported had identical symptoms and roentgen findings. The characteristic symptoms consisted of dyspnea, a relatively non-productive cough with occasionally blood-tinged ex pectoration, and a low grade fever. The roentgen changes in the chest which appeared about 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms revealed a diffuse haziness of both lungs, prominence of the peribronchial markings, soft irregular areas of infiltration, and discrete small nodules. These changes were dependent on the stage of the disease. The 3 patients recovered with a complete return of the lungs to normal on chest X-ray. Additional studies are being made to deter mine tho specific inhaled etiologic agent in this industrial disease attendant to the war effort. The loss of time from work in those 3 cases averaged 3-3/4 months. - Authors* summary. 667 gust Free Grinding. F. Schocffler. Nat. Safety News, 47, 18, 19, 84 (May,1943). description, with illustrations, is given of the modern grinding room equipment installed by tho Lodge and Shipley Machine Tool Company of Cincinnati to provide healthful, dust-froc surroundings for employees. Increased production with lower labor costs has resulted from the installation. i t'o ;r. :-':rds in Munitions Plants, C.E. Gault. Calif. Safety Nows, 27, 5 lv'ih). rt article describes the symptoms of TNT and tctryl poisoning. The most .t precautions to be observed to prevent poisoning arc listed briefly. co4; 9:; Industrial Hygiene Digest - 10 069 Hazards of the Printing Industry* Travelers Standard, 30_, 81-88 (May, 1942). Ihe dangers from lead poisoning in printing establishments are considered, with methods for their prevention. Cases, from v/hich type is set by hand, should be cleaned by vacuum equipment to prevent the dust from being inhaled by the v.orkcrs. Exhaust hoods should be placed over linotype and monotype machines to carry off the lead fumes that arc given off fron the melting pots. Personal cleanliness is highly important, end adequate toilet facilities should be pro vided. Vacuum systems should be installed wherever practicable* If floors must be swept, precautions should be taken to avoid raising dust. 070 Health Aspects of yielding. A.G, Craneh and B.L. Vosburgh. 31st National Safety Congress Transactions (1942). Health hazards in welding may be divided into "real" and "unreal." If precau tions arc taken to guard against the real hazards, the unreal will disappear entirely. The real hazards are usually easy to recognize and effective preven tive measures ore available. No reliable evidence has been presented to show that welding operators have any poorer health and accident records than other tradesmen working in the same environment, or that they show any characteristic typo of illness which could'bo associated with their work. That health hazards duo to welding exposures arc not great and can be well controlled is evident from the enormous increase in welding and its applications without a corresponding in crease in illness. 671 Spray Painting Creates Health Hazards. Illinois Labor Bull., 14-15 (March 31, 1943}. Spray painting adds new health hazards besides magnifying the dangers of brush anc dip painting. These hazards arc discussed and it is pointed out that solvents which show no immediate toxicity have a narcotic action which makes the worker more prone to accidents. Health safety limits for solvent vapors are usually at least a ten times lower concentration than the explosive limits (which range in whole per cents). The remainder of the article discusses control measures: (1) In general, if the sprayer must enter the spray area he must have in addition to exhaust ventilation an air-supplied respirator and additional protective cloth ing# (2) The booth must bo large, deep { to prevent excessive backlash) and fireproof. (3) Exhaust and spray disposal. An air velocity of 150 linear feet per minute into all openings is recommended, as well as a water wash system or collector plates. (4) Spraying practice. The spray must not be under unnecessary pressure and should be dirocted toward the exhaust. Vertical articles should be placed at an angle; (5) All drying methods should have good exhaust ventilation. (6) Dermatitis can be prevented by adequate clothing and the use of skin creams. (7) Fire protection. Most important hero are good housekeeping and safe storage of materials. 672 The Toxicity of Load Azide. L.T, Fairhall and others. U. S. Public Health Hcpts., 58, 607-617 (April 9, 1943). *n investigation cf lead azide as an industrial hazard has indicated that the storage and distribution of lead in the tissues following the ingestion of this compound arc in general similar to that of other lead salts. The acute toxic effect of this substance, however, is associated with the azoimide radical rather than with the lead. Further evidence confirming this was obtained from obser vations of the effect cf administering sodium azide intraporitoncally, subcutan eous!y, and orally in comparison with similar experiments with load azide. The minimum lethal dose of sodium azide following injection lies between 3D and 33 mg. per kg. of body weight, while up to IDO mg. per kg. of body weight of lead azido could be injected intrapcritoneally without causing death. This is equivalent in .'mount to 06 mg. of sodium azide. The effect of exposure tc hydrazoic acid OO-USO Industrial Hygiene Digest - 11 gas by inhalation was determined at various concentrations and it has been shown to be invariably fatal to rats in amounts beyond 1160 p.p.m. v:hen breathed for 1 hour. -.The results of this investigation indicate clearly that byarasoic acid should be considered a dangerous gas. -- Authors' summary. 073 Occupational Disease Considerations. 2.R. Hayhurst. Ohio State Bar Assoc, l-.upt., I_6, 87-93 (May 10, 1943). The author compares various definitions of occupational disease, including Sappington's, Goldberg's, his own and those established in the courts of New York and Illinois, and Ohio. The methods and sources of reports and complaints are next discussed. The sources include the examining physician, the plant physician, labor union officials, fellow employees, and industrial hygiene sur veys. The prinicpal occupational diseases in Ohio in 1931-40 and in 1942 are then tabulated. The hazards of industrially new substances arc discussed and some essentials in the handling of medicolegal cases are presented. The latter subject includes careful investigation of physical condition, personal and family history, examination of the work place. Finally the cost of establish ment of claims and the question of who shall pay that cost is discussed, con cluding with a suggestion that a State Occupational Disease Institute be founded, with the immediate function of investigating all occupational diseases reported under the law. This institute should also have the broader function of investi gating all new manufacturing procedures before they arc put into operation. The institution should be in a strictly impartial research center, should work in cooperation with state officials, and should be well supplied with funds and personnel. 674 The Iron Metabolism In Lead Poisoning. A, Tomaselli. Z. ges. exptl. Med., 109, 594-603 (1941), (German). In lead poisoning in dogs the blood iron and hematocrit values decreased mere cr loss rapidly in all cases. The serum iron decreased in the milder, more chronic poisonings, but increased in severe acute poisonings. The iron values cf the liver, bone marrow and lungs increased in lead poisoning. The movement cf the total iron in the organism is discussed on the basis of these and other findings. 675 Blood Changes in Experimental Lead Poisoning As Studied by the Fluorescent Micros cope. K.L. Pesch and E. Lcmke. Arch. Gcwcrbcpath. Gewcrbehyg., 10, 674-81 (1941) The stippled erythrocytes wero not exhibited by the fluorescence microscope in the blood of guinea pigs, rabbits or man in load poisoning. The basophilic granules of stippled erythrocytes arc apparently not nuclear remnants, because the nuclei of nucleated red blood cells (as in the blood of birds or in human red bone marrow) absorb definite fluorochrome light. In simple and clear manner stippled red blood cells were demonstrated by the Morin-Manson dye. The stain ing technique is presented. 676 Industrial Manganese Poisoning. L.T. Fairhall and P.A. Neal. Nat. Institute cf health Bull., No. 1S2. 24 pp. Federal Security Agency. U.S. Pub. Health Service. Chronic manganese poisoning has been known for over a hundred years, and some 353 cases cf nanganism have been reported since 1337. Its relative rarity ccnsidcring the manifold technical applications is explained by the following cir cumstances: (1) Relatively few people have the constitution for the dvei-T...-?nt of chronic manganism; (2) apparently not all compounds of manganese can art w-.q chronic poisoning; (3) the chronic condition can only arise where nurganc-:: : or its compounds arc inhaled or swallowed in sufficient amounts for a s-hTici^r-:.*/ long time. The maximum permissible concentration of manganese has not bc,,r. `.eacrrr.incd, but as a result of investigation and environmental studies, it has been tentatively placed at GO mg, per 10 cu. m. of air. A brief treatment is giver, of The Uses and Occurrence, The Physico-Chemical Properties, and The Analytical com - . Industrial Hygiene Digest - 12 Evaluation of manganese. Under Toxicology, industrial, experimental and chronic industrial manganese poisoning are discussed. Changes in the central nervous system with the development of the parkinsonian syndrome are the most important pathological changes due to manganese, but manganese pneumonia frequently occurs, also. Symptoms, differential diagnosis, pathology and treatment of chronic manganese poisoning arc considered. Tne importance of early diagnosis is stress ed as these cases recover spontaneously if placed in a dust free environment. For more advanced cases there seems to be no effective treatment. Periodic med ical inspection of workers and engineering control methods arc measures for the control of industrial manganese poisoning. A ten page bibliography is included in tho bulletin. 677 Dene Marrow and Peripheral Nervous System in_Chronic Manganese Poisoning. H. Voss. Arch. Gewerbepath. Gewerbehyg., 10, 55C-568 (1941). (Goman). In two eases of chronic manganese poisoning changes in tho bone marrow and in the peripheral nervous system were found. In one case the atypical course of the poisoning was manifested clinically as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with bulbar symptoms. Anatomical findings existed corresponding to the malfunction ing observed. In another case there wero certain pyramidal tract symptoms. Anatomical study showed mainly extensive degeneration of the right pyramidal tract and of both sciatic nerves with pronounced vessel changes in the affected areas. 678 Dangers From Carbon Monoxide in the Home. L.B. Berger and H.H. Schrenk. U. S. Bur. of Mines Inf. Circ., No. 7228 8 pp. Mimeographed. (April, 1943). The purpose of this publication, as stated by the authors, is to emphasize the dangers of carbon monoxide and to suggest safeguards against this hazard of every day life. The properties of carbon monoxide and its action on the body are discussed. Suggestions for the safe use of the various types of household heating appliances are given. Seme precautions against unsafe practices are listed. First aid measures are indicated. 679 Carbon Monoxide Asphyxia. A.G, Kammer and F.H, Carleton. Rocky Mt. Mod, J., 40, 234-240 (April, 1943). The authors present the essential facts about carbon monoxide asphyxia, includ ing cause, location, symptoms, pathologic changes and treatment. 630 The Carbohydrate Metabolism During Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. J. Varady. Uricn. Med. Uchs., 2, 121-2 (1942). (German). Studios on 15 patients revealed a hyperglycemia in severe carbon monoxide poison ing. Atcr administration cf 50 g. glucose, tho blood sugar curve remained high `for 30-60 minutes, and even after 2 hours it did not drep below the initial hyperglycemic value. The insulin secretion was not affected in carbon monoxide poisoning. G81 effects on Man of Severe Oxygon Lack. S.M. Horvath and others. Am.J.Physiol., 130. 639-63 (1943). Schizophrenic patients were subjected to severe anoxia over a period of several minutes either up to the point of unconsciousness or in seme cases extending in to unconsciousness. Anoxia of severe degree produces no beneficial effects on the mental condition of these patients. Anoxia severe enough to produce brief periods cf unconsciousness has no lasting harmful effects on the control nervous oyster., respiratory stimulation by anoxia is strong and sustained oven during unconsciousness. There is a rapid return to normal when either air or 14-,I- oxygen is supplied. A mixture of 4.2,'j oxygen v.lth nitrogen is equivalent physiological ly to in oltitudo of about 31,000 feet. It should be possible to descend wit!: an f-penod parachute from 31,000 foot altitude witliout oxygon equipment with no ill effect* from anoxia. ( p - * H o Industrial Hygiene Digest - 13 682 Diagnosis of Carbon Disulfide Poisoning* Rodcnaeker. Med. Klin., 58. 828-331, (August, 1942). The comparative rarity of carbon disulfide poisoning since industrial processes have suc^iedod in keeping the air concentrations within the danger limit, has rendered its diagnosis more difficult. Acute mental disturbance with delirium, may be caused by three months1 exposure to a concentration of 0.5 to 2 mg. per liter of air. The mental effect disappears .after 3 weeks' removal from exposure* Pathologically the result of poisoning is disturbance of the lipoid metabolism, which in turn affects the cells of the mid-brain. Another effect is carbon di sulfide neuritis, especially of the peroncus nerve, and affection not only of the medullary sheath of the nerves but also of the corresponding ganglion cells of the central nervous system. Complete recovery on removal from exposure is of diagnostic importance. A measure of the extent of carbon disulfide poisoning is the xanthogenate content of the blood, which can be determined by simple tests which are described. The xanthogenntc content is not related to the total carbon disulfide in the blood but shows a decided increase whenever mental disturbance is present. Figures ore presented in support of that view, 633 Leukemic Myelopathy Caused by Benzene Poisoning. N.T. Rosso. Minerva mod., 52. 600-2 (1941). (Italian). A few cases of hernstologicolly proven nyclopathic leukemia following benzene poisoning arc reported* 634 Fatalities in Trichicrethylene Degreasing. N.Y. State Ind. Bull., 22, 125 (March, 1943). Two fatalities of persons atployed at degreasing operations in which trichlorethy- Icne was the degreasing agent, have been reported to the New York Division of Industrial Hygiene. These fatalities have not been common, and complete de tails of the cases will be published later. The deaths occurred suddenly about 1 hour after the end of the 8-hour work period. The Division of Industrial ifygiene wishes to remind persons interested in these operations, that if tri- chlorethylcne degreasing is not properly controlled, serious consequences may result* 685 Poisoning by Chlorinated Naphthalene. E. Collier. Lancet No. 6229, ?2-74 (January 6, 1943.) Poisoning by chlorinated naphtlialcne may result in chloracno of tho face, partic ularly of the sides of the faco; 12 such cases arising among workers who were ex posed to the fumes or dust of chlorinated naphthalene are reported. It nay also produce acute yellow atrophy cr necrosis of the liver. In a typical case with systemic effects, the liver is usually the only organ showing damage. One fatal case is described fully. If cases of poisoning are to bo prevented, tho wax must not bo overheated, and the fumes and dust must be properly carried away by oihaust ventilation. Workers must be instructed in the importance of personal cleanliness, and must be medically examined every week for signs of acne or jaundice. -- Author's summary. 686 Chord cal Casualties. 11.2/. Haggard. Conn. State Mod. J,, _6, 864-871 (1942). The following topics are considered: nature of chemical agents, lung irritants (ammonia, phosgene, "nitrous fumes," ckhoropicrin, chlorine, sulfur cicxide), artificial respiration after irritant gases, lacrinators and sternutators (chlcroncctophcnonc (usually with seme chloropicrin) , bromobcnzyl cyanide, diphcnylchlcrcarsino, diahonylaninchloroarcine), systemic poisons (carbon mon oxide, hydrogen cyanide), incendiary agents (white phosphorus, thermit, mcvr.nosiu.i), vesicant agents (mustard, Lewisite) and- the problem of decontamination. Industrie! Hygiene Digest - 14 r07 Psychic Symptoms in. Poisoning by Modern Industrial Solvents. P.J. Kno.benhans, echweiz. Arch. g. Meurol. u. Psychiat,, 43., 232-271 (1941); 49., 123-104 (1942). There are six essential factors determining the neurotropic action of a solvent vapor: (1) fat solvent action, (2) chemical composition and metabolism in the body, (3) rate of absorption and excretion, (4) air concentration (volatility), i (5) time factor (acute or chronic symptoms) and (6) variability of individual \ reaction (susceptibility). Acute poisoning for most solvent vapors is charac i terized by symptoms of narcosis terminating in death or recovery. In case of the latter there usually appear symptoms of epileptiform seizures, emotional in stability, intellectual deterioration, loss of initiative, disturbances of sleep ii and amnesia. Chronic poisoning is usually characterized by a gradual appearance ! of excitability, emotionalism, epileptiform and schizophrenic symptoms; some i times there is apathy, exhaustion and drowsiness; often there is a disturbance of sloop rhythm, diminution of sexual potency, alcohol intolerance, and addiction. Toxic symptoms .are given for chronic and acuto poisoning with various aliphatic, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, also alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, special solvents and chemically related organic substances. 688 Industrial Dermatitis - 481 Cases. H.J. Davis. Ind. lied., 12., 381-583 (June, 1943). The author introduces a report giving the experience of the company with which he is associated to help substantiate the statement that dermatitis can be less oned by proper control, prevention ana treatment, VJith no now buildings, new machinery nor new methods for combating dermatitis they have been able to keep their period of time lost for a compensable dermatitis case at 8.3 days, whereas the average is 70 days. The average compensation paid is $100 for each case, their figure is $18.10; the average medical cost for each compensable case is $90, their figure is $23.75. Sterilization of oil and the institution of an original, comploto method of studying, recording and treating dermatitis caused a marked reduction in the number of cases. The factor of cleanliness of the worker is also of importance. The author considers the present an opportune time to study the many million new war woifcers from a dermatitis standpoint. The number of man hours that can be saved by proper protection, control, and treat ment is cf great importance. 689 Dermatitis Due to the Formaldehyde Besins - Prevention and Methods of Control. K.E. ttarkuson and others. Ind. Med., 12., 563-386 "(June, 1945).' A study was made of a severe dermatitis outbreak due to formaldehyde resins. It involved four plants employing 2,370 workers, 355 of whom had developed dermati tis. Information is limited to the most critical field, the toxic nature of phenol and urea formaldehyde. The use and composition of these resins is given. Mention is made of the frequent substitution of cresol for phenol, which may, in some degree, be responsible for the recent outbreak in phenol formaldehyde der matitis. The action of the rosins is explained and predisposing factors are discussed, briefly. Description of the skin rash, complications, body distribu tion, immunity, duration, medication, sensitiveness to formaldehyde fumes are subjects of short paragraphs. Preventive measures arc listed under two headings: I. Medical, which includes personal hygiene, protective clothing, protectivo creams and ointment, operative technique, and education; and II. Engineering. The principal control measures are: (i) enclosure of mixing operations; (2) ven tilation in grinding and sanding operations; (3) enclosure of operations which require the heating of the material containing the resin, ana the provision of exhaust systems; (4) m,!;rcyation of operations requiring the heating or drying of tku material; (o) mechanical installations, wherever possible; (6) regular periodic removal of dust accumulation. r^ *`.a -i Co',J. o mricl Hygiene Digest -15 7ir^itrotoluene (TUT):__ Its Effective Removal from the kin by a Special liquid TT'ti." W.D. Norwood. Ind. Med., 12, 206-208 (April, 1343), i7n~or the'present conditions of handling THT in munitions works, it tends to cA3r.ulc.te on the skin of exposed workers, because it cannot be removed by wash ing v.-ith ordinary toilet soaps and water. TUT loft on the skin is absorbed throughout the 24-hour period %nd adversely affects the health of workers. Pro fitin'.* by the previous work of others, and aided by soap manufacturers, we have developed cn effective remover for TNT. It is composed of liquid soap to which is added 5 to 10# of potassium sulphate and 5 to 10# of an appropriate wetting -.pent. I bolic-vc that the use of such a soap will materially reduce the inci- ;.:r.cc of toxic effects omens exposed TITT workers. Information relative to com panies from whom the special liquid soap may be secured may be obtained from the effico of Col. U. J. McConnell, Medical Corps, Office of the Chief of Ordnance, 333 North Michigan Avo., Chicago. The soap has also proved effective in re moving tctryl from the skin. A much more general use of V/ebster skin reagent is recommended. It is hoped that this article will stimulate others to work actively on this problem, as its effective solution is most important in main taining the good health of our munition workers. -- Author's summary. "Dural Poisoning" and VJound Infections in Workers in Airplane Factories. V. Anton. LIuench. Med. V/cchschr., 88, 886-8 (1941). (Goman)* Eczema caused by working vdth light-metal alloys (Duralumin, Electron) is rare. Superficial skin fistulas after injuries and surface suppurations which were slew to heal wore relatively frequently observed in those who worked vdth light metals. The treatment is described. Dermatitis in Industrial Occunations. G. Hopf. Gesundh.-Ing,, 65, 44-48 (1942), (Gorman). Various hannful materials are exhaustively described according to the typo of their reaction mechanism, the physical, chemical view-point of their penetration into the skin as well as their occurrence in different trades and the skin reac tions that they produce. The proper precautions for the prevention of industrial diseases arc discussed; in particular, the problem of cleansing the skin, and the protection of the skin by industrial protective ointments is detailed. 5kin Injuries Through Chemical War Materials. Jonquiercs. Pnrfumcrie modern. 34, 41-47 (1940). (French). Description of the.physical and chemical properties of dichlorodiothyl sulfide ;nd of its effects on the eyes and skin, nervous system, respiratory organs and aigestivo apparatus. After penetration of the homy layer of the skin, dichlcroiiethyl sulfide is localized in the nalphigian layer and is hydrolized vdth for mation of thiodiglyccl and hydrochloric acid. The products of hydrolysis form toxic complex compounds vdth the skin proteins and convert the amino acids into t'.xic substances as histamine, tyreminc and putrescine. Therapy and prophylaxis -f injuries from war materials must bo adapted to the properties of the war mater ials rnd to the chemistry of their effects. Emulsions of oxidizing oils in water ({.repared according to Gottefossl) which penetrate into the deeper cutaneous layers and there form harmless complex compounds vdth the poisons have proved oful. ill yivytir-n.of Skip.Hashes - Practical Solution cf the "Cuttinc-Oil" Problem. * xiriu Ir.d/M.:d.",~12, f.c-fib (April",1.343T . \ ;`Ue to dormatephytid infoctien v,cr^ cut down remarkably in several w cticut arms manufacturing plants by changing the "cutting-oil" used on the n very r.Aiith. Possibly use of the machine in some way changes the heavy 'cutting-oil" and encourages growth of the rash-causing organisms in the oil. In ; ustrial Hygiene Digest - 16 TOD First Studies of the Action of l,2-3cn?.opyrene on the Human Skin* G.B. Cottini :.nd G.5. Bazzoni. Gnzz. int. med. Chir., 49, 8-18 (1S40). (Italian). V.hcn noroal human skin was rubbed daily with a 1# solution of 1,2-benzopyrene, for periods up to 120 days, erythema, pigmentation, scale formation, wart forma tion, and infiltration wore successively observed. All these disappeared rather quickly after cessation of treatment. Whether the treatment can lead to neo plasms could not be stated. Histological examination of the attacked skin sites confirmed the macroscopically observed changes. A similar treatment was also carried out on luetic patients and those with ulcerative tumors. In the latter case, a certain favorable influence was observed after a short time of treatment in that the ulceration and pain abated, and the development of the non-ulccrated portion of the tumor was inhibited. The sensitivity of the skin depends on the age of the person; uncovered skin sites are more sensitive than covered portions. The skin of luetic persons bohaves like that of old persons. The human skin scorns to be more resistant to the carcinogenic action of benzopyrene than that of experimental animals. 696 Contact Dermatitis. H.L. Claassen. Ohio State Med. J., 39^ 40-41 (January,1943). The allergic contact type, eczematous foim of dermatitis is most common form of cutaneous sensitization encountered in industry. Those are all morphologically similar but differ otiologically. workers with a dry skin are usually sensitive to such conditions. The author lists conditions which might be confused with contact dermatitis and points out that clinical diagnosis is made possible only by a complete history. Correctly used patch tests are confirmatory. The indus trial physician should not only treat these lesions, but by the preenployment examination should help in the placement of sensitive workers and should instruct the workers as to precautions against the hazards of their jobs. Treatment of contact dermatitis is similar no matter what the etiological factor. 697 A Film of Protection. C.A. Weslager. Nat. Safety News, 47, 22, 46-48 {June, 1943). Since Pearl Harbor there has been an unprecedented increase in the use of brand ed protective creams by American workers. A protective cream gives physical protection by coating the skin; it has no medicinal function. Thr^e of the best known types of creams are discussed and their constituents and applications are given. The most widely used is the water-soluble type, which is not permeated by non-aqueous solutions. Those creams protect the skin, make cleansing of the skin easier and quicker and abolish the need for abrasive soaps. The second cream in wide use is the water-resisting type, which covers the skin and fills the pores with a bland fat. It prevents the entrance of water-mixed cutting oils and similar irritants. Acid-resisting creams protect the skin from acid bums by virtue of physical protection. They are generally used in conjunction with gloves to protect the wrists and forearms. If used without gloves, such creams should be tested. The use of creams has been demonstrated to be a factor in reducing skin troubles. They also give a feeling of security and arc vrillingly accepted by workers. Safety engineers must exercise visilance over the kinds of cream supplied to workers. Thc-y should either be well established by past performance or be made by reliable manufacturers. Four requirements for protec tive croons are listed. The caution is given that these creams should not be used against such highly toxic substances as chlorinated naphthalenes, diphenyls, THT, DrJT, dynamite, mercury, load compounds, and other chemicals known to cause systemic poisoning. G- ' Similimum Interpretation of Certain Toxicological Phenomena Found in Industry. Dreyfuse and others. J.Aa.Iuat.Homeopathy. 36,77-64 (1943), A summary of the toxicological action of oiercury, arsenic, benzene and carbon tetrachloride, in both chronic and acute poisoning. 14 references. 00:12 Industrial Hyriene Digest - 17 (i/j Conserving America's Industrie! Hands. C.A. Weslager. Occup. Haz., 5^ 16, 17, 4G-4o (April, 1943). In claims for compensation, hand and finger injuries lead all others, comprising 30>j of all claims. One in five compensable hand or finger injuries involves infection, according to reports from 4 state compensation comissions. Preven tive measures which can be used by safety executives and hygienists are consider ed, The wearing of wrist watches and hand ornaments should be prohibited. Gloves and hand pads arc indispensable in handling hot or heavy materials. Gloves made of asbestos, leather, canvas, metal mesh, and rubber all have their specific applications. Gloves should not bo v;orn to operate revolving machinery, where there is danger of the glove tangling in the machine parts. Obviously, all mov ing parts should be equipped with guards. Education in the proper use of tools will eliminate injuries resulting from using wrenches as hammers, screw drivers as chisels, etc. Tools should be kept in good repair, with handles free from splinters. All workers are susceptible to dermatoses, therefore, reputable hand soaps and cleaners, lotions, individual towels and industrial wash fountains are important in a safety program. Cleanliness of the worker, of his clothing and machine continue to be tho chief methods of control against many dermatoses causatives. The use of protective creams is compulsory in many plants, where the worker is furnished a supply free of charge. 700 Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis. A Joint Report of the U. S. Public Health Ser vice and the Committee on Industrial Ophthalmology of the Section of Ophthal mology of the A.M.A. J.aTm.A. , 121, 1153 (April 3, 19437! The incubation period of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis ranges from 5 to 10 days. Clinical symptoms arc listed and arc mainly those of a foreign body irritation.. Both eyes are usually involved, one 5 to 8 days after tho first. Corneal involve- ment occurs in the majority of the cases and the amount of visual damage varies. Treatment is non-specific, including cleansing with boric acid, 5 per cent sulfa.thiazole ointment, and X-rays for persistent corneal infiltrates. Preventive measures consist of complete isolation and scrupulous cleanliness of all objects and people (medical personnel) that come in contact with tho infected persons. Tho period of infectivity is as yet unknown. 701 Effect of Experimentally Altered Air Pressure in tho Middle Ear on Hearing Acuity in Man. W.E. Loch. Ami. Otol. Khin. Sc Laryng., 51, 995-1006 (December, 1942). Tho influence on the hearing of positive and negative pressure in the middle ear, created by Valsalva's procedure, was investigated in normal subjects by means of audiomctric examination for the frequencies of from 32 to 16,384 cycles per second. Both positive and negative pressure impairs the threshold for frequencies below 2900 by from 10 to 30 decibels, more in the lower froanencics. For the higher ftfoquoncics, slight positive pressure improves the thresholds, but nega tive pressure impairs the thresholds. When pressure differences were decreased, the sequence of return of hearing acuity occurs in the reverse order of its loss, i^ltopphcric Pollution in Dublin During the Year 1941. A.G.G. Leonard and others, i roc. Roy. Dublin Soc., 23, 10-17~(1942). The results of an atmospheric pollution survey at several locations in Dublin during 1241 are presented. Soluble soiids deposited during tho year varied from 4o to 74 tons per square mile, and insoluble solids, from 34 to 126 tons per square mile. The deposition docs not differ much from that of 1940 but is lower by h.-.lf then tho average of tho preceding 3 years, on account of shortage cf coal. Tho number of deaths from respiratory diseases is also the lowest recorded in tho y-ars of the investigation. A graphical method for correlation of wind a^iV/Ction and Velocity with suspended matter pollution is presented v/ith results. Ihc t. Louis smoke abatement ordinance is cited. Ca/ ^m Industrial Hygiene Digest - 18 70.: Trends in Occupational Disease* I. Gray. lad. Med., 12, 202-206 (^pril,1943). This article surveys the field of occupational disease. Cases attributed to occupational disease have become more frequent in New York, since laws were pass ed there, asking any disease which could be charged to occupation compensable. The occupational diseases arc listed and discussed briefly under the five head ings: (1) Dermatitis - the most frequent of occupational diseases; (2) Poisons lead, benzene, and its derivatives, petroleum and its derivatives, arsenical com pounds, ...creurial compounds, carbon monoxide, and other chemical gases and vapors arc mentioned, and the symptoms of the diseases that they cause described; (3) Abnormalities in air pressure - caisson disease of tunnel workers and "altitude sickness" of fliers are mentioned; (4) Infections - not common. Anthrax in wool sorters, undulant disease in milk handlers; (5) Dust - silicosis, asbestosis, complicated by tuberculosis in late stages. Methods of Detection and Determination 704 Microdetermination of Arsenic in Biological Material. J.A. Sultzaberger. Ind. Eng. Chem., (Anal. Ed,), 15., 408-410 (Tune 15, 1943). The authors have developed a method by which digestion of the sample with con centrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid is followed by distillation of the arsenic as trichloride into dilute nitric acid solution in a Fresenius flask. The characteristic molybdenum blue color is developed from the evaporated resi due and read in a photoelectric colorimeter. The range is 0 to 100 nicrograms of arsenic, and the accuracy is 0.2 microgran. 705 Determination of Benzene, Detection and Estimation of Benzene in the Presence of Toluene. Xylene, and other Substances. B.H, Dolin. Ind. & Eng. Chem., 15, 242-247 (April 15, 1943). This article describes a colorimetric procedure for the determination of benzene in the presence of other aromatic and aliphatic solvents. The procedure consists of nitration, extraction with ether, development of color with butanone and alkali in alcoholic solution, elimination of the interfering colors by acetic acid addition and color comparison. Nitration is performed with a mixture of equal volumes of fuming nitric and concentrated sulfuric acids. A detailed pro cedure is given in the article. The analysis requires about 30 minutes for a sample. The method is sensitive to 8.8 x 10-7 r^s% and can be used for small air sample* as well as solvent analysis. By decreasing the ether dilution the author believos that as small a concentration as 0.27 p.p.m. can be detected on a 10 ml. sample of air. TOe determination of Small /.mount of Benzene and Toluene in tho Air. M.K. Alekseeva, r-hia. Kcforat. Zhur. 4, 86 (1341). (Russian). The method of Schronk, Yant and Pierce is the mest effective of all methods studied for determining benzene and toluene. Up to 0.002 cc. of benzene and 0.01 cc of toluene can be detected in 10 cc. of air. Owing to the different condi tions for the nitration of benzene and toluene the method is also suitable for mixtures of b^nzune end tc-luenc. The results arc within about 10 per cent of the truth. ; -.-trial Hygiene Digest - 19 ; :-.^tenotric Determination of Benzene, Toluene, and Their Nitro Derivatives. ]r.L" Baor3tein. Ind. & Eng. Chcm., 15, 251-253 (April 15, 1943). article describes modifications to the colorimetric method for aromatics :ioing nitration and reaction with methyl ethyl ketone and potassium hydroxide. T:;c- author believes that the colored compounds resulting are probably quinoids formed by condensation of the aci-nitro and-cnol forms with the elimination of .v.-.tor. Spectral absorption curves of butanono-nitro compounds are given as well i3 certain modifications for the quantitative procedures used for the determin ation of benzene and toluene. The use of 70 instead of 50 per cent alkali in creases the rate and amount of color production. Mixtures of benzene and toluene r:r. bo analyzed by oxidation of dinitrotolucnc to what the author believes is dinitrobcnzoic acid which gives no color. A Simclo Device for Detecting Small Concentrations of Organic Halide Oases in the Atmosphere. G.W. Jones and K.E. Kennedy. U.S. Bur. Minos, Kept, of Invest., No. 3697. 10 pp. Mimeographed. (April, 1943). Obtainable on request from Div, of Information, U. S. Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C. A simple -tester for detecting low concentrations of halide gases in atmosphere is described. The tester, based upon the principle of the well-known halide lamp, employs absorbent charcoal- to adsorb and concentrate the halide-containing gases and thus greatly increases the sensitivity of the test. The tester is so constructed that tests may bo made (1) by aspirating the suspected atmosphere through it, (2) by suspending it in the atmosphere, or (3) by swinging it in the atmosphere to bo tested. Experiments were conducted on 25 different halide gases; results have proved that concentrations of less than 1 part per million of any of these gases in air can be detected by swinging the tester in tho atmos phere for 30 seconds or longor, depending on the particular halide gas involved. 7)9 Automatic Apparatus for Determination of Small Concentrations of Sulfur Dioxide in Air. M.D. Thomas and others. Ind. & Eng. Chen., Anal. Ed., 15, 287-290 (April 15, 1943). The application of tho automatic sulfur dioxido apparatus of Thomas to carbon disulfide, hydrogen sulfide, ethyl mercaptan, thiophenol and thiophene is des cribed. The apparatus has been modified by the substitution of a simple multiple port valve {stopcock type) for the poppet valvos of the previously described apparatus. A quartz tube furnace is used to convert sulfur compounds to sulfur dioxide and tho desired temperatures for conversion were determined by experiment. The method can also be used for chlorinated compounds which are converted to hydrochloric acid. No successful results could be obtain ed with. oxidation of nitrogen compounds to nitric acid. Some observations on the olfactory limits of sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and ethyl mercaptan are Given. 710 gh^.icfd Warfare. C.E. Beland. Can. Chem. Process Ind., 26, 272 (1942). i''ivo reagents for the detection of: (1) Chlorine and bromine, (2) phosgene, (3) hydrogen cyanide, (4) mustard gas and (5) lewisite are, respectively: (1) Daubigny or fluorescein reagent, (2) Harrison reagent, (3) cupric-benzidinc ncotate reagent (Solution I, cupric acetate, Solution II, saturated aqueous solu tion of benzidine acetate), (4) Schrotcr reagent and (5) Peronnct reagent. Tests jl)> (2) and (5) are specific; (3) is specific in the absence of chlorine, and (1) specific in the absence of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. -Jr-^cr of Particlcs in the Atmosphere of the City of Bu.-.nos nines. R.A.Izzo a A.i), Marcnzi. Pubs, contro invest, tisiol.(Buenos hire's], 5,, 303-313 1'9-11). (Published 1942). ~ n in::lysis of samples of organic and inorganic particles in the atmosphere of nos /arcs included tho determination of their number, their sine ar:u chemical taro. The samples were collected at 100 cm. above the ground, on clear and P- P ^ ^ 1 Ih\.iene Digest - 20 end placed on a plaque of quarts covered with a thin film of gelatin, ir ::.z first filtered through a copper screen which allowed only the passj.rough of particles smaller than 100 microns. The air current was maintain.femiy in all cases, and at a velocity .of 86 m. per second. In the center . city the particles of organic origin predominated; this fact was attri te rotor traffic, heating systems and factories. In tho outlying districts icaa traffic and poor pavements, the particles of mineral origin predominated Control Methods L atilation for Control of Solvent Exposures in Fabricating Rubber Military ' uipnont. T.R. Thomas and 3.D. Tebbens. Heat., Pip., & Air Cond., 15^, 122- i:-`c {March, 1943). Also under the heading Control of Solvent Exposures in the I-ubterIndustry. Ind. Med., 12, 255-259 (April, 1943). hygienic problems connected with the use of solvents in the fabrication of bur military equipment were studied. Effective control measures were observed art only where toxic solvents such as benzol, toluol and chlorinated hydrocar tons were used, but also where the less toxic solvents were used. Petroleum naphtha was the chief solvent encountered in the coating of fabrics with natural rubber, Synthetic rubber coating involved the use of toluene or toluene con taining petroleum products. Little benzol or chlorinated hydrocarbons were used. Enclosure and ventilation of the drier is tho obvious control measure in this ease. Benzol, carbon tetrachloride, toluol and carbon bisulfide are among the solvents used in cementing sections of military balloons. Small sections arc joined on benches and the larger sub-assemblies joined on the floor to make the whole balloon. The balloon is then inflated and cementing operations are carried out inside. Ventilation of the table operations and those inside the balloon is necessary. Lateral and downdraft ventilated tables are described. Ventilation inside the balloon is easily obtained by running the inflating blow er and letting air escape through a port. The floor operations are carried out in large open areas .-ind do not require mechanical exhaust. Ethylene dichlor- idc, ketones and petroleum naphthas arc used in the fabrication of self-scaling fuel tank3. Air samples taken in tho summer during low production periods ere not indicative of concentrations that may be encountered. Two untried ven tilation arrangements are described. Ipctric Air Cleaning Controls Oil Mist From Machine Tools. E.H.R. Regg. iii.nt. ,* Pip,, & Air Cond., 15, 242 (May,`l943TI Oil smoke and mist caused by high operating speeds of modern machine tools, such automatic thread grinders and gear grinders result in a nuisance and accident i. .a;-.rd of major magnitude. An effective solution is described consisting in . licating a local exhaust system connected to an electric air cleaner which is ro efficient in removal of saoke as well as oil mist that complete recirculation .s practiced. (Editor* s Note: The Foundation's technical staff have studied i'*milar installations enu have found tr-ern highly effective.) tigntion of Bust Suppression ir. the Pittsburgh Semi. D.K. Davis and ur.or. A.:. Inst, mininr; Mot. Eajrs,, Contrib. L'c. 125. 13 cp. (1942). .ter on coal-cutting machines reduced dust 20?/>. Addition of wetting educed dust as much as 77>L zhiulsion-forming oil was most effective / c Xt Industrial Hygiene Digest - Cl 715 Disinfection with Moving Hot Air. H. Kliewe. Ztschr. f. Hyg. u* Infektionskr., 123, 727-733 (May, 1942). (German). "Cultures of five species of non-sporing and two of sporogenous bacteria were dried on-filtcr-paper, and these were placed in linen bags which were distribut ed among packages of clothing in a hot air sterilizer. Cultivation of these test objects after the maintenance of different temperatures for various periods show ed that in order to be sure of destroying non-sporing bacteria it is advisable to use a temperature of 100-110C. for Ik hours; the temperature necessary for destroying spores (130C. sufficed for those tested} is such as would damage fabrics. Hot air sterilization is therefore unsuitable for clothing if total disinfection is required, but the usual object is to destroy the agents of infec tious diseases, which are non-sporing bacteria and viruses. As might be expected disontinuous heating for short periods on successive days was no more effective than continuous heating for the semo total period. 71b Heat and Ventilation in Air Raid Shelters. W.J, MeGuinnoss. Heat., Pip., & Air Cond.,~l5, 193-196 (April, 1943). This article gives the requirements for heating and ventilating air raid shelters. The various types of bombproof and splinterproof shelters are shown. The bomb proof typo is too expensive to construct, henco the most common type is the splinterproof. Shelter size is fixed by number of occupants. No more than 50 people should be placed in the seme room* Space and volume requirements for overground and underground shelters are given in a table. Heat requirements are low because of the number of occupants, however, heat losses in England are different from ours because of climatic conditions. On this basis an underground shelter is preferable for American climatic conditions because of the lower ground temperatures which aid in heat loss maintenance. Ventilation require ments arc given and the various types of systems employed are illustrated. Mechanical systems with filtration are recommended. 717 Wartime Operations Emphasize Industrial Hygiene Problems of Asbestos Industry. Illinois Labor Bull., 3, 10, 11, 22 (February 28, 1943). The control of asbestosis must be an engineering control because there are no medical means to dotoct the disease until much haim has been done. Engineering control consists of two important principles^ (1) Adequate exhaust, (2) Good housekeeping. By experiment it has been estimated that if the air contains loss than 5,000,000 particles of asbestos per cubic foot there is small chance of the workers developing asbestosis. The article lists the procedures in the manufac ture of rigid and of textile asbestos products and shows that further protective measures arc still needed in most plants* Industrial Medical Practice 71? Industrial Health - Its War and Postwar Significance. C.Q. Sappington. Ind. Med., 12, 361-364 (June, 1943). The paper considers war and post war problems of industrial health, which are classified into those of medical administration, those of public health in indus try and in the community and those relating "to industrial hygiene and sanitation in the plant. Brief but rather comprehensive discussions of the following prob lems are presented: Venereal disease control; Nutrition; Immunization; Fropiacenent and periodic examinations; Wor.cn in Industry; Domatoses; Absenteeism; C04207 Industrial Ifc'siene Digest - 22 Fatigue; Tuberculosis; Rehabilitation; Health Education; Processes and materials. Postwar prifelems may be anticipated by postwar planning. There will be some new problems eftd some old ones which v/ill reach greater proportions. The author paraphrases the old adage by saying "In time of war prepare for peace." 710 How the Small Plant Can Conduct a Health Program. M.H. Kronenberg. Illinois U. J~ 8^5, 247-251 (April, 1943). This article is intended to help the owner of small industrial plants which now have little or no proper medical protection for their employees. It contains specific recommendations from the Division of Industrial Hygiene of the Illinois Department of Public Health, which acts as a clearing house of information for the industrialist. Suggestions include group health programs (with several plants cooperating), part-time services of a competent doctor and nurse. Any competent health program for industrial safety must bo preceded by an adequately furnished first aid room in the plant. Other considerations in the program are (1) Medical examinations, (2) Knowledge of environmental conditions in the fac tory and (3) The nature and adequate control of all toxic materials used in the plants. The value of a competent nurse is stressed. Her duties are outlined. Adequate records of sickness and accidents should be kept. Above all managers of small plants whose medical services are limited to the care of emergencies only are urged to take a greater interest in developing health programs for their plants. 720 Industrial Medical Facilities in Pennsylvania - Results of a County by County Survey. J, Shilen. Ind, Med., 12, 379-381 (June, 1943). A total of 3,086 plants, in 24 counties, v.lth 806,456 employees has been survey ed, and data are given concerning the following points: number of physicians . employed, nursing service, preemployment and periodic examinations, inspection for hazards, cases handled by the medical department, sick benefit and insurance plans, health talks, interest in industrial hygiene surveys, venereal disease control, dispensaries, and cafeterias. Only 7.9# of the plants, but 46.4# of the employees are covered by a medical industrial health program. Tho author concludes that tho facts set forth in the survey prove conclusively the necessity for inaugurating a program of industrial health in all industries. He advises that the medical profession, together with the State Department of Health through its Bureau of Industrial Hygiene assume the leadership in organizing such a program. 721 The Growth of Industrial Medicine as a Force in Public Health. H.F. Poyner. Texas State J. Med., 38^, 563-565 (January, 1943). A brief history of the growth of industrial medicine is given. Compensation laws have mad* necessary the existence of the safoty engineer and the industrial physician, and other protective measures now in common use. Employers have gradually realized that it is profitable to keep a trained employee in good health for as long as possible, and consequently industrial health now often has a purpose similar to that of public health, i.o., to detect diseases in the early stages and then to turn tho employee over to treatment by his family physi cian. Texas compensation laws arc now interpreted so that a pre-existing con dition of any type, if aggravated by employment, is compensable. This has caused mere careful and frequent examinations, but has the disadvantage that many people arc refused employment because of the insurance burden they might become to the employer. Dr. Poyner recommends that the law bo changed so that tho employer is no longer penalized for hiring these people. LftA'VMedical Scrvice. Anonymous. Hat.Safety News, 47, 154,161 (Mar.,1943). - brief {.cneml discussion of medical and nursing service for plants of various sizes is ;resented. Industrial Hygiene Digest - 23 723 Public Health and Industry. N. Millmaa. Ind. Med., 12, 378-379 (June, 1943). Public hea||fc doctors are interested in industrial health for several reasons: (1) The injp&'trial population is so largo ana forms such an integral part of the commuaftsy; (2) The industrial population is so tied in'with the war effort. Tho effcct'tff sick absenteeism on production is important; (3) Because the indus trial population is grouped it lends itself to public health methods of preven tion. The tremendous loss duo to absenteeism caused by general illness is em phasized, together with the need for a program of prevention. Plants surveyed by the National Association of Manufacturers in which an adequate health program is followed show substantial reductions in accident frequency, occupational dis ease, labor turnover, absenteeism and compensation insurance. Duties of the in dustrial physician and nodical department are outlined. The use of the resources of modern medicine and public health offers a challenge to industry. 724 The Urgent Need for Better Local Industrial Health Organization. C.M. Peterson. Illinois M. J., 83, 234-236 (April, 1943). Competent industrial medical service pays good dividends. Such service should include a competent physician, nurses, industrial hygiene service and a health program. Employers, employees and the medical profession each has a direct res ponsibility in industrial health organization. The author is establishing in dustrial health committees in state and county medical societies. These com mittees determine names of available physicians, hold conferences, advise and consult with executives and labor organizations as to necessary health measures. Following preliminary organization the industrial health committee will (1) In vestigate local causes of lost timo in industry, (2) Coordinate community indus trial health facilities, (5) Educate the public in regard to the value of an in dustrial health program, (4) Educate the medical profession. It is hoped that these measures will aid in solving industrial health problems through sound com munity organization. 725 Industrial Housekeeping. Washrooms and Lockers. Drinking Water. Anonymous. Nat. Safety News. 47, 168-170, 178-182 (March, 1943). These three important items in industrial safety are discussed briefly. Dust removal and vacuum cleaning are given special attention in the first section. The fourth subject under the head of "Sanitary Equipment and Supplies," is that on "Occupational Dcimatitis," which is a condensation of one of the papers by Dr. Schwartz, abstracted in an earlier issue of this Digest. 72b Burns. J.J. Brownlee. New Zealand Med. J., 61, 192-197 (October, 1942). The author first describes thd different degrees of burns. Tho factors involved in the pathology and physiology of burns are considered briefly. The treatment of burns i*.;<relln3d. Early treatmont - morphia for pain, and application of painless dttoeings. Dressings arc described - especially those impregnated with sulfonamide* For plasma loss, in severe shock due to bums, the transfusion of plasma or scrum by the drip method is necessary. The saline bath for surgical cleansing is advocated and outlined for later treament. The results of such treatment cs compared vith treatment with other methods, including tannic acid, and continuous irrigation vith sodium hypochlorite, are compared, and the method advocated by this article seems more advantageous. 727 Thermal Burns, b-D. Gordon and R.A. Gordon. Canad. 48, 302-309 (April, 1943). The authors stress that local treatment of tho burnc-d area must bo modified by tho physiological condition of tho patient. They then discuss the detection and treatment of primary and secondary shock and the decrease in plasma proteins and chloride. The authors do not start general treatment until an hematocrit o o i z n5 Industrial Slygiene Digest - 24 reading is known, and then recommend 200 cc. to 400 cc. of twice concentrated human ser\,,to relieve hemoconcentration. This is more successful than the usual sali^jjfe l serum or plasma. The concentrated plasma is followed by oral or intravonouirglucoso solution. The authors also deny a burn toxemia, saying it never appears if adequate fluid is given early enough. Various local treatments v;crc used, consisting mainly of tannic acid for first aid, and sulfonamide, tulle gras, and saline for medical treatment. Saline bath3 were found useful to cleanse extensive burns. Complications are also discussed, including pneumonia, jaundice, renal failure, granulocytopenia, and infections. 72*2 Treatment of Burns. J.S, Houck. N.Y. State J. Med., 45, 226-228 (Fob. ,1,1543). The article is a discussion of the routine treatment in Rochester, N.Y., of a largo number of burns received at the seme time. Fire houses arc the casualty units and first aid only is administered there. This consists merely of dress ing minor bums and giving adequate morphine to severe bums. At the hospital all severe burns must be treated with strict asepsis, and shock and infection must bo combated. Morphine should be used, and inhalation anesthesia avoided. Plasma should be given as soon as possible (no laboratory tests nocessary) to all severe bums to combat initial shock, later use of plasma and fluids de pends on clinical judgment. Clothes should be removed with sterile instru ments and debridement done gently v/ith soap and water. Tannic acid and silver nitrate arc used except on the hands, face and genitalia. The patient is placed in a tent kept at 90^F. and treated until a thin light brown, eschar forms. Oxy gen inhalation should be used for all lung involvement's, large or small, later treatment is routine, including removal of the eschar in seven to ten days end grafting of third degree burns. 729 Treatment of Phosphorus Burns: (With a Note on Acute Phosphorus Poisoning.) I.M. Rabinowitch. Canad. M. A. J., 291-296 (April, 1943). The author first reviews the types, occurrence, chemical and physical properties, and the pathology of phosphorus. The article deals only with the active, poison ous, white phosphorus, which is soluble in organic solvents and which combines with the oxygen of the air v.ith the production of light. Phosphorus flames can be put out with water, but reignite on drying; therefore bums must be kept moist until all the phosphorus is removed. Phosphorus burns are very severe, worse than those caused by sulfuric acid, and the phosphoric acids released, tend to imbed in tho tissues causing suppuration. First aid treatment of phosphorus burns consist of immediate removal of burned clothing, removal of all visible phosphorus particles, and soaking of the affected area in warm water. At the first aid station tho burned area is washed with warm baking soda, then with a 1 per cent solution of copper sulfate, which changes any phosphorus into black copper phosphide, which is then removed with forceps. Finally, tho area is wash ed v/ith an&septic solution and a dressing applied. The medical treatment of the bums fcr similar to the first aid treatment unless the phosphorus is mixed v.ltl: an organic solvent, oil, or with rubber. In these cases a special solvent containing copper oloate and trichlorethylene is used which dissolves both the phosphorus and the organic substance. Directions for making this preparation are given. Details of medical treatment arc outlined, and the procedure used de pends on the type of inactivating agents available. Those agents in order of preference are: (a) sodium carbonate or bicarbonate; (b) alkaline powder mixture (directions given); (c) copper sulfate; and (d) oil-soluble copper preparation (directions given). Use is made throughout of examining the burn in the dark for the presence of luminous particles. After the skin has been thoroughly cleaned and alkoiiniscd, subsequent treatment is the same as for chemical burns in general. Tho article also contains "A Note on Acute Phosphorus Poisoning." -no lethal dose, signs, symptoms, pathology, and post-mortem appearances arc des cribed. Treatment consists of prompt gastric lavage with warn potassium Industrial Hygiene Digest - 25 permanganate solution until the color of the returning liquid is unchanged* Diuresis iA#acouraged and acidosis combatted. Copper sulfate should not be 'used us afl^getic, and under no circum.sto.nces should oil or fatty materials, as milk, be d&inictcrcd to alleviate the gastric irritation, as these aid in the .bsorption'of phosphorus, :;:c I lyo:-.; orua Rums. The Lancet Ho. 625 6 , 312 (March 6, 1943). "Once the phosphorus has been completely removed, a phosphorus burn may be treated liku any other burn. But until it is certain that no phosphorus remains is the tissues it is unwise to uso oily or greasy applications, which may dis solve phosphorus and thus aid its absorption. Recently Dr. Obermer proposed the us. of amyl salicylate for the dressing of such burns; end it should perhaps be pointed out that amyl salicylate is a solvent and therefore ought not to be applied until one is certain that all phosphorus has been removed. The advan tages which have been claimed for amyl salicylate in burns arc- that it relieves pain, promotes granulation, and lessens exudate; and its use has been advised for largo mustard-gas burns which pour out fluid. Whether it is suitable for phosphorus bums at any stage is doubtful, for the secretary of the burns sub committee of the Medical Research Council infonns us that experimental phosphor us burns treated with amyl salicylate healed more slowly than those treated by other methods." 731 Ssncriffiental Chemotherapy of Burns and Shock. III. Effects of Systemic Therapy on Barly Mortality. S.M. Rosenthal, jc'ub. Health Rents., 58 , 513-522 (March 26, 19457; Employing a standardized procedure for the production of bums fatal to mice within 48 hours, the effects of systemic therapy havo been studied. Ho benefit v:as observed from epinephrine, posterior pituitary extract, adrenal cortical ex tract, or desoxycorticostcronc acetate injected subcutaneously following the bums. Sodium chloride by mouth or intraperitonoally caused a significant roduction in the mortality. Intravenous administration was less effective. Iso tonic sodium chloride by mouth was superior to hypertonic solutions. Potassium chloride caused an acceleration in the tine of death, and when administered with sodium chloride it antagonized the effects of the latter. Calcium gluconate orally was without action. Isotonic glucose solutions orally showed slight therapeutic action. The administration of hypertonic glucose or water by mouth caused the animals to die faster than the controls. Sodium acetate, succinate, bicarbonate, and lactate were as effective as sodium chloride. Mouse serum intravenously was slightly less active than equivalent volumes of 0.9 per cent codium chloride orally. Little effect was observed from the intravenous admin istration of a hypertonic solution of human serum albumin. - Author's summary, 732 Shock, Bxhg&artlon and Restoration in War, G. Crilc and others. Cleveland Clinic quarterly, 10, 3-9 (January, 1943) Thr; paper is largely a theoretical discussion of shock, based on the idea of the boc:y as a bipolar mechanism. It has been demonstrated by numerous animal exper iments that the brain is electrically positive as compared with the rest of the bouy and that the same oxciting or depressing factors that caused a change in the potential gradient also caused destructive changes in the cells of the brain, the -ive.' and the adrenal cortex, and changes in the temperature and electrical pro- of the came cells. The author therefore suggests that the potential ' " -i' nt between the brain and other organs is an accurate indication of the de- !* / r;t' -hock. Depression or failure of organs is likened to polarization. The consider these conceptions to bo in harmony with modern methods of pro- v.r.iion ami troc.tcii.nt of shock. lenseno toluene 706 ar;-.''.rao halide gas 700 Air reid shelters heat <1 "ventilation 716 Air pressure effect on hearing 701 , . ~ 1 r >/l J arsenic in biological material 704 Anthrax 662 Asbestos industry wartime problems 717 Atmospheric pollution in Dublin 702 Benzene determination poisoning 705-707 633 Benzopyrene effect on skin 695 Bervll-ium respiratory hazards 666 Book reviews 660-6a Brick manufacturing health hazards 665 Burns treatment 726 727-728 Carbon disulfido poisoning 682 Carbon monoxide a;h*c hazards 678 poisoning 679 metabolism 630 ChJ.orinr.tcd naphthalene poisoning 635 ' .title v" views cutting oil fro:-; rosins prevention 692-696 638 694 69 697-699 INDEX (July, 1943) Dichlordiothyl sulfide 693 Disinfection by hot air 715 Dural poisoning 691 Dust atmospheric determination 711 control grinding 667 coal mining 714 Industrial health organization 724 war and postwar 718 Industrial housekeeping 725 Industrial medical services County survey (Penna. 1720 Industrial medicine end public health 721 Keratoconjunctivitis 700 Lead azide toxicity 672 Lead poisoning blood changes 674-675 Manganese poisoning 676-677 Medical service 719-722 Oil nist removal from air 713 Occupational disca:se 673 trends 703 Oxygen deficiency 681 Phosphorus burns 729- 730 Poisons various 693 Printing industry hazards 669 Public health and industry 723 Shock from burns chemotherapy 731 in war 733 Solvents hazards 6S7 Sorav minting health hazards 671 Sulfur dioxide dctcimination 709 Talc mining hazards 664 Toluene determination 707 Trichlorethylene degreasing 684 Trinitrotoluene poisoning 668 removal from skin 690 Tripoli and silicosis 663 Ventilation solvent exposures 712 War gases 686-710 Welding health aspects 670 CO 4