Document zzKod5npm4ny74e53LeErZv8R

ia .as SMUSSKUMiGUUHCM^MMKlaK&MBi 11 ,.v=^> FOUNDATION FACTS . ..... .. i. ... . AtV. .v../ ^ .. P ,I ,*J *A?\>f .. . * . . VV-*\* . / *' / way. TF-KT Till* news-latter I* liwued monthly to member comtvinle* Anil trade 3**ivliuinn* nffllluteil with Air Ifyclene Kouniiation. Its nurtiow it to rrnnrt Foundation new* and anttvitum. Air Hydene Foundation I* a partnership of Industry and telenre oresnlr.ed to protect tho health of the li million workmen in heavy industry. tst. CoHBtmiea./Tr.terastad la Sick Absenteeism to cost May 27 An "instruction" meeting of companies participating in the Foundation's rurvtv/ of "Side Absenteeism in Industry, * and companies desiring more information the survey, vrt.ll bo held at Mellon lastituto, ?itt;b'UT,h, on Hzv 27 at 10 A.M. y.-.r,tern D-.ylight Time. Notices of the meeting hare been rushed to all companies affiliated with the Foundation. Ths purpose of tho meeting is to explain how to keep tabs on workdays lost through illness, end to answer questions companies may hare respecting the work. Such, subjects e.3 forms for recording absences, amount of clerical ?/ork inrolred, expense, confidential character of the material, benefits of such an "inventory" to manager.i-.nt, etc., will bo explained by the following specialists: Dr. A.J. Ian2a, Chairman, Foundation* s Medical Committee Dr. R.R. Sayer3, Representing Public Health Serricc and Association of Industrial Physicians and Surgeons Dr. C.D. Selby, Medical Consultant, General Motors Corporation Dr. W.M. Gafafer, Senior Statistician, Public Health Service Mr. R.J. Vane, Statistician, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Dr. Lanza vrtll outline tho subject. Dr. Sayers will explain the collabor ation of tho Public Health Service. Dr. Gafafer and Mr. Vano vrt.ll explain ths tech nical details, tho "do's" and "don*ts." Dr. Selby Trill speak from tho experience of a company engaged in such a surrey. The above authorities on tho subject of sick absenteeism net at Mellcn Institute on May 3 and planned details of tho survey as well as the program for the May 37th meeting. All companies interested in this vital work should bo represented at tho "instruction" meeting. Foundation* s V.'ork Summarized In Mellon Institute Report Enclosed with this monthly Digest is a copy of Mellon Institute's Annual roport, Just released. Plc-asa sea the special section, starting on page 29 6 devoted to the work of tho Foundation during the Institute'3 fiscal yoax. Jamas J, Denny, 55, noted Canadian metallurgist who vrarkod with Dr. tf. D. Robson in experiments with aluminum dust as a possible silicosis preventive, died at ?-.r-nto on April 30, according to the Associated Press. Numbers of the Foundation staff havo articles in tho current issues of the KATItflAL SAFETY NPTiYS and SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT Pennioa for prevention save dollars worth of euro.... *# >OUNCttC 44<>0 lfTH ASCNWC OliiS PltTlOUMOM. PA. Hay, 1940 Air Hygiene Foundation* 4400 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa DIGEST OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE Li terature --News--Deveio pment s Hews Iteas 350 Legislation Helatinn to Compensation for Partial Disability from Silicosis. T. C. Waters, member of the Foundation's Legal Committee (Mullikin, Stockbridge and Waters, Baltimore, Md.) giro3 the following summary regarding states which do not grant compensation for partial disability from silicosis: 1. Arkansas. This law does not become effective until approved by refer endum to bo held November 5, 1940. No compensation payable for disability from 3ilicosis or asbestosi3 of less than 23-l/3fa of total disability. (Enacted 1939). 2. Idaho. No compensation for partial disability from silicosis. (Snactad 1939). 3. Maryland. No compensation for partial disability from silicosis or asbostosis. (Enacted 1939). 4. Massachusetts. No compensation for partial incapacity due to,silicosis or other occupational pulmonary dust disease. (Laws of 1939), 5. Michigan. No compensation for partial disability duo to silicosis or other dust diseasa. (Act of 1937). 6. New York. No compensation for partial disability due to silicosis or other dust disease. (Act of 1940). 7. Ohio. Compensation payable only on account of silicosis in the event of temporary total disability, permanent total disability or death. (Act of 1939). 8* Pennsylvania. No compensation for partial disability duo to 3liicosis, anthraco-3ilicosis or asbestosis. (Enacted 1939). 351 American Industrial Hygiene Association, First Annual Meeting, Eotal Pennsylvania, New York City, June 4-5, 1940. This gtv'p moots jointly vrith the- Amurj cun Association ot Industrial Physicians and Surgeons who held their 25th anrm.M mooting this year. Pertinent material presented will be abstracted in future issues of this Digest. 352 Ovor-Hcnting and Over-Exertion Results in Death of Boiler Fireman. Occupational Hazards, 2., 36 (April, 1940). Coapansaticn wn3 sought for tho death of a boiler fireman. Tho employee who had hoart trouble, hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure died suddenly, shortly after ho finished shoveling fuel into the furnace. It was shewn that a groat deal of heat waa thrown off from tho open furnaces, and that undor the con ditions tho Job of keeping the furnaces going was quite exhausting. The Court said that tho doath of the fireman vtzs compcnsablo as resulting from an "acci dent"; that the facts and circumstances surrounding the death load to tho con clusion that tho death was hastened by tho over-boating and over-exortion arising directly from performing dutias in connection v/ith his employment. To say that tho doccn3od, in hi3 condition, might have died suddenly at home or in any other place is merely ontoring tho field of speculation. Ozbclt vs. Wcbor-iCing Manu facturing Co., ot al. (Louisiana), 193 C. L5Q3 (Jon., 1940). ' -Digp'st of Industrial Hygicno -2. v 353 Satiloyee^ 'cferrllncnce and Violation of Company Rule Doesn* t Prevent Avnrd. Occu pational hazards, 37 (April, 1940K A packing house employee sufforing an attack of indigestion went to an adjoining pickling room to got a drink of water. In that room he noticed a barrel contain ing a substance which looked liko, and which he thought to be baking soda. The barrel was painted rod to denote danger, and labeled "sodium nitrate.'* The em ployee dissolved soma of the substance in wator, drank it, and become fatally HI. Tha Company resisted a claim for compensation on the ground that the death did not arise in the course of employment; that tha death was caused by on act of self-medication in violation of a company rule requiring ailing employees to re port to tha company hospital. The Court granted an award, to the widow and children of the doccascd employee. It said, "Acts essenticl to life, comfort, and convenience of employees while at work are incidental to hi3 service, and injuries sustained in thoir performance 'arise out of tha employment* and are com pensable. " Tho violation''of the rule governing employees did not remove the employ- _ ee from the course of his employment." There was no question but that tho employ ee in this case wn3 negligent, but-the Court said -that negligence of an employee is not a factor in a workmen* s compensation case. Security Mutual Casualty Co. vs. Wakefield (tT.S. Cir. Ct. of App., 5th Cir.) (Texas), ICS Fed. (2nd) 273 (Jen., 1940), 354 High Court Specks on Impartial Physicians. Labor Standards, TT.S. Dept, of Labor, 26 (March, 1940). Workmen's compensation administrators are often confronted with conflicting med ical testimony as to the nature and extent of disability and its relation to trama or employment exposure. In such cases the usual procedure is the selec tion of an impartial physician to examine the claimant and pass an opinion upon tha disputed facts. Because this 'opinion is often accepted by the administrators as final and conclusive, the role of "impartial examiner" is highly important. The question arises whether a physician who is professionally employed more cr loss frequently by insurance carriers can be tensed "impartial" from the view point cf the workmen* s compensation claimant. This question was recently pre sented to the Supreme Judicial Court of Massqchusetts by a compensation claimant in that Stato. It is thought to be the first case of this kind passed upon by a high court. In on opinion handed down this month the court h:ld that "it cannot bo ruled as a nattor of law that a physician is not impartial because nerely he has testified in numerous cases on behalf of insurance companies." The court indicated, however, that a different question would arise if the physician had been "habitually employed or consulted by thi3 employee or this insurer in res pect to othor than/njury hero involved." v/hile thus ruling on the precise question of law, the Massachusetts opinion, howevor, contains this coxment: "T7e egreo with tha argument of the employee that it is the duty of the board to exor cise all possible core to appoint as impartial physicians under the act only such as are really impartial, and that every effort, should be made to avoid the appear ance as well as tho fact of favoritism or sympathetic inclination towards one party as against the othor." 355 Blood Clot a Comuensabla Injury in Georgia. U.S. Dept, of Labor, Monthly Labor Review, 50, 671 (March, 1940). The Georgia Court of Appeals recently upheld a decision of a lower court which allowed compensation to an employco for a blood clot caused by jarring in the operation of-a gas shovel. Tho employee operated a gr.s shovel weighing 17 or IS tons, 'and was obliged to sit in a cramped position. The constant jarring and . Jolting roaultcd in the formation of blood clots in both lcg3, causing severe pain and disabling him for work. Tho industrial board rulod that tho employee's condition rosultod from an occupational disonso and thoroforo was not compensable 02397 Digeht'of Industrial Hygiene - 3. under the State workmen* 3 compensation act. The lower court reversed this find ing. ' The Court of Appeals, in affirming the docision of the lower court, was of tho opinion that the industrial-hoard erred in finding that the blood clot, technically called phlebitis, was an occupational disease. Any injury, the court said, resulting from a sudden jarring, ouch as the shovel enusod, was an injury compensnblo under tho worbsen's compensation act. (Lumbermen's Mutual Casualty Co* ot al. v. Layfield, 5 S.S. (2d) 610.) 356 Hncgiploygont Benofits Ho Bar to Workmen* s Compensation. U.S. Dept, of Labor, Monthly Labor Review. 50, 670 (March, 1940). An caployco receiving unemployment benofits under the unemployment compensation act is not disqualified from recovering compensation for the seme period under the workmen*s compensation act, according to the Supreme Court of Michigan. This was hold in two racent decisions. The court ruled that in both instances tho awards wore statutory, and, although there was no doubt as to some inconsistency in the provisions, they were bound by tho wording of tho acts. Tha employee, in the first caco, buffered from an injury which necessitated the amputation of part -of a finger and prevented him from continuing in tho semo lino of work. He waa, however, given a job as a sweeper, and was so employed when he was laid off. The socond case concerned an employee who had sustained a hernia end, for a short period, was paid compensation for total disability. He thereafter returned to work and was working full tine whon laid off. The employee, in each case, ob tained unemployment benefits, and iatar applied for and received an award of workman's' ccnpehsation for the' bane period. Both men were employed by tha Ford Motor Co., which claimed a deduction of this award during the period the employee was paid unemployment benefits. In upholding the award of workmen1 s conpensa- tion, the court pointed out that there was nothing in ths unemployment-compensa tion act which precluded tho employees from recovering under the workmen's compen sation act, and vice versa. Tho legislature, it was said, intended to create two independent organisations to administer two kinds of compensation, payable from different funds, and until the enactment of tho unemployment-compensation act thoro would hare been no disputo as to the employees' right to compensation. It was also observed that members of the Michigan Unemployment Compensation Corns!s- sion and tho agency administering the workmen's compensation act are public offi cers, and that they may not refuse compensation to persons entitled to it under the act. In this connection, tho court doclnred that if a deduction of the award was permitted tha court v.-ould be granting relief beyond the tomes of the work men's compensation act, and, for these reasons, concluded that tho remedy to pro vide for deductions or for denial of compensation under either act is with the legislature. (Henry v. Fori Motor Co., 235 N.7?. 244; Bartels v. Ford Motor Co., 289 N.ff. 322.) 357 General Session on Toxicology. American Ceramic Society, Toronto, Canada, April 7-13, 1940. Pathc.logical Influcnco of Dusts in the Ceramic Industry. Dudley Irwin. -- An explanation of the function of the lung and how tho presence of dust interferes with its normal function. Toxicity of various kinds of dusts, tho ways of deter mining tho amount and toxicity of dusts encountered in industry, and methods that mny bo applied to prevent tho devolopmont of silicosis aro discussed. Rolntivo Toxicity of Load una Some of Its Common Compounds. Lawrence T. Fairhall. An investigation was made of the relative toxicity of lead and various lead com pounds, commonly encountered (including lead arsonato, lead carbonate, lead chro mate, litharge, red load, lead peroxide, lend phosphate, load silicato, lead sulfato and load sulfido) fallowing tho administration of these substances by mouth, by lntrsporitonual injection, and by inhalation. . Symptoms of lead poisoning, ouch ns muscular incoordination and anemia v/ero sought; blood changes with res pect to tho red colls, particularly basophilic stippling, polychromasia, and 0 239$ DIg<*jt;of Industrial Eygiena - 4. , fcorphologic changes wcro noted; and blood calcium determinations were made. Body wight changes and aortality figures were collocted. The lead was adainistored in known amounts by ingestion* injection, and inhalation, nd its distribution in such tissuos as tho liver, kidney, bones, lungs, end carcass was doteminod oftor such exposure. The toxic offcot of lead compounds was more evident on inhalation than when administered cither by mouth or by intraperitoneal injoction and emphasizes tho importaaeo of this typo of exposure in dusty trades employing lead. Tho order of toxicity as shown by feeding experiments did not vary much for c number of tha compounds studied. Lead carbonate, lead monoxide, and lead sulfato, howevor, wero shows to be more toxic by mouth than metallic lend or tho remaining load compounds. Lead carbonate and lead monoxide were more tox ic following inhalation than the other compounds studied. Health of 3rlck and Tile Plant Workers in North Carolina. M.F. Trice. -- This paper reviews seme of tho data obtained in an investigation of the North Carolina brick and tile industry to evaluate tho siliceous dust exposure of the workers in terms cf hazards to health, particularly with respect to silicosis. The dis tribution of the 48 plants i3 shown by map and classified as to raw material em ployed, l.e., alluvial clay or shale. Plant equipment and operating practices ar8 reviewed in a general discussion of tho industry. Tha extent of the dust exposure of the workers by occupational classification i3 appraised in terms of millions of particles of dust per cubic foot of air, which i3 baaed on particle- ' count analyses of 183 samples of air-borne dust collected in 28 plants. An eval uation of the health status of tho workers is based on medical data obtained in tha clinical and x-ray examination, of 1550 employees in an equal numbor of plants, most cf which wcro tho same es those in which dust samples were obtained. There is presented an analysis of the more important medical data. Tha investigation disclosed that nono of tho employees had silicosis, a fact which apparently is explained by a low quartz content of tha atmospheric dust, an absence of excessive concentrations of dust, and a high labor turnover. Engineering Control of Dust with Special Reference to Respirators. A.D. Brandt. A brief discussion, of tho a.re common asthuds of reducing or controlling the roepiratory hazard due to dust. Specific methods named are (1) control of dust at point of generation; (2) isolation of dusty processes; (3) process changes; and (4) reduction of dust in inspired air by moans of respiratory protective devices. * Tho general methods are (1) general ventilation, (2) good housekeeping, end (3) a rigid inspection of all control devices. Tie remainder of tho paper is devoted to a detailed discussion of respirators, their propor use, construction, main tenance, and Bureau of Hines approval. 358 List of Respiratory Protective Devices Approved by tho 3urssu of lfinc3 E. H. Sckrank, U.3. Bur. of Hines, Inf. Circ. No. 7030 (Fifth Supplement) (April 18, 1940). Seo No. 792, Novsabor 1939 (Digest of Industrial Hygiene) for previous approvals. SCHEDULE 14D--GAS MASKS. Type A.--Acid Gas Masks. 4. Davis Hydrocyanic Acid Gas Mask. Approval HI-1424, issued to Davis Emergency Equipment Co., Inc., Do crab or 11, 1939. 5. Willson Chlorino Gas Husk. Approval HI-1426, issued to Willson Products, Inc., March 8, 1940. Type C.--Ammonia Gas Masks. 9. Willson Ammonia Gas Mask. Approval EM-1425, issued to Willson Products, Inc., December 20, 1939. SCHEDULE 21 --MECHAwICAL-EILTER RESPIRATORS. Typo A.--Pnemoooniosis-Producing or Nuisance Dusts. 22. M.S.A. Alkali Dust Respirator. A\ provr.l 2LI-2136, issued to Mine Safety Applinncoc Co., Dcccnbor 1, 1939. 23.. American Optical Co., R9100 Rospirator. Approval BI-2137, issued to American Optical Co., March 6,*1940, 02399 "ptgos-t.of Industrial Rygiono - 3. ( SCHEDULE 21 --MECIIAIIICAL-FILTE' RESPIRATORS CONT'D. , Lead Lust. 7. Anoricnn Optical Co., R10C0T Respirator. Approval SC-2133, issued to American Optical Co., March 16, 1940. Typo J3.--Funos 2. &T.S.A. Comfo Respirator. Approval HM-2139, issued to Mine Safety Appliancaa Co., March 27, 1940. Notices of Now Books 359 Donaatolf.-ffic Allergy by M.3. Sulzberger, M.D., 540 pp. $8.50. Charles C. Thorns, boitiiaore, Md. Thi3 bool: i3 a compilation of lectures given by the author aad is "intended to bo only a prinor, an 'Introduction* to Dormatologic Allergy.** The titles cf tha Chapters ore as follows: I. On Definitions and Classifications. II. On the Skin as a Protective Organ; tho Skin as the Recorder and as the Possible Origin ator-of Allergic Changes. IH. On Some Fundamental Phenomena of Allergy end Their Significance a3 the Common, Basic Factors in Certain Diseases cad Reactions Due Either to Non-living Allergens or to tho Agents of Infectious Disoases. IV. On the Investigation of Individual Cases Presumed to be 5ascd oa Allergy. 7. On Common Allergic Skin Reactions and Skin Diseases: Their Classification end Some of Their Distinctive Characteristics. 71. On Eczematous Contact-Type Dermatitis {Dermatitis Ecsematosa or Eczema); Significance, Differential Diagaosis and Etiologic Investigation. VII. Oa Urticarial Responses to Skin Tests. On Urticarial Skin Diseases, Including Atopic Dermatitis. TUI. On Sane Manifest tatiens of Allergy in Infectious Diseases. EC. On Allergy to Tuborculin and on Tuberculoderms--Including tho Sarcoid Group.- X. On Allergy to Fungi (Dentato- mycotes) aad to tha Fungous Extracts (Trichophytin); on Dermatcmycoses. XI. Oa Allergy as tho Basi3 of the Manifestations of Cutaneous Syphilis--(Including Specific, Acquired "Chazcro Immunity"). XII. On Allergy and Allergic Skjn Re actions in Miscellaneous Infections; end in Other Exposures tc Living Agents end Their Products (Parasitic Infestations, Insect Bites, etc.; Foreign Sera, etc.).. XIII. On Allergy to Drugs cad on Drug Eruptions. XI7. Oa tho Future of Allergy. .There are several appendices, one of which is a tabular presentation of criteria for determining the industrial character of a dermatitis. Papers on yiir. Dust and General Indn^tri"1 Hygiene 360 Analysis cf Occupational Disease Claims Filed During Year 1939. Ohio led. Comm. Monitor, 13, 55 (April, 1340). A preliminary summary shows a marked increase over the preceding year from 1,358 to 1,713, This seems to be duo largely to an unusual, nvaber of claims for skin disease* Many of those are largely preventable. Lead poisoning claims slightly increased but showed loss than 1937. Prepatellar bursitis and tenosynovitis in creased as did claims for poisonings other than lead, such as benzol, arsenic, mercury, manganese, anilin, sulfur dioxide and volatile petroleum products. There wero 160 claims for silicosis, of which 40 woro complicated by tuberculosis. The foundry industry had 53.I# of the claims and the cerealc industry 37.9$. In every caao where ensoa of silicosis developed it was found that high dust counts developed. During the past year tho occupational disease law was omended to include all occupational diseases. Tho definition givoa is: "A disease peculiar to q particular industrial process, trado or occupation and to which an employee is not ordinarily subjected or oxposed outside of or away from his employment," 024 00 : Dj.Qoh-t .ot Industrial Hygiene - 6. 361 Analysis of Silicosis Claims. Obic Ind. Coma. Monitor, 13, 56 (April, 1940). Since the amenuaent adding silicosis to the list ot compensable occupational diseases become effective July 31, 1937, a total of 32 7 claims based upon sili cosis have bcon filed' with tho Industrial Commission of Ohio. Approval was given to 131 claims, 190 ware disallowed and 66 nra still pending. Up tc March 29, 1940, tho ensos ollov;cd Y.*erc distributed as follov;c: Foundries 67, of which 16 were in 3tcel foundries, 35 in iron foundries and 16 in non-ferrous foundries. Thin is 51.2 per cent of tho claims filed. In tho commies industry there were 52 cases, or 39.7 per cent of the total. They were distributed as follows: Building brick and tile 1, enamels 2, firebrick 1, floor and wall tile 11, glass house refractories 6, insulating brick 3, insulators 4, silica brick 1, silica sand and aiatomncoous earth 2, stonewear products 2 and tableware 17. In cut stone work there wore 8, or 6.1 per cent, 5 being in monument work, 1 in quarries and 1 in building. Polishing, buffing end grinding accounted for 3, or 2.3 por cent of tho total and coal mining 1, or .7 per cent. During the month of March, 5 dalm3 were allowed and 9 disallowed. 362 limitations of Compensation Insurance. L.T. Parker. Pit and Quarry, 2_, 49 (April, 1940). 1 *" .The original intent of workmen* 3 state compensation laws was to assure employees 'of reasonable compensation for disabilities, and to onable employers to secure protection against expensive damage suits by employees; in other words, to elim inate the necessity of suing for damages. Generally speaking, of course, en em ployer who providos state compensation insurance cannot be sued by an injured employco for damages. - Nevertheless thousands of employors who pay premiums for state industrial and compensation insurance are often astonished when awards for -damages amounting to thousands of dollars are made to injured employees. The . laws of Pennsylvania and many other states do not provide compensation for illness: : arising from occupational disease, unless it results from violence. In this con nection, a higher court has rendered a leading decision in the caso of Billo v. -Allegheny, 195 Atl. 110. The facts of thi3 case oro that a worker was employ ed in a grinding department using emery 'wheels for a period of five years, when he became ill and incapacitated. No exhaust-funs were supplied to draw off the dust. After a time the employee offered testimony to prove that he had contract ed silicosi3. Since tho laws of the state do not provido for compensation to 'employees who contract occupational diseasos, the employee sued for damages, alleging negligenco of the employer in failing to supply: (1) adequate exhaust fans to carry off the dust, and (2) sufficient vontilatioa--all which were re quired by state laws. The lower court held the employer- liablo in the amount of $6,000. On appeal, the higher court declared: It is ?/ell settled that an employee has a common-law right of action against his employer for injuries caused by diseaso contracted by tho enployeo in the course of his employment and duo to tho negligent conduct of the employer in violation of a statutory duty. Under certain circumstances an injured employee nay be unable to collect in surance benefits from the state and may sue the employer for damages. For illustration, in the loading case of Hamilton v. J. Lo Roy Company, 261 N.U. 506, it yl3 disclosed that c Mr. Hamilton acted as manager of a plant Y.'hile it was in operation, but during off-seasons ho performed various kinds of labor around tho plant. One day Hamilton was seriously injured while ongagod in tak ing an inventory of stock located in the warehouse of the factory. The ov/ner of the pl*.int quite naturally expected that Hrmilton should bo paid compensation in surance for tho injury and that he could not suo for damages. Howovor, tho In dustrial Commission refused to approve Hamilton's compensation claim on tho grounds that he was not nn employee protoctcd by the compensation insurance laws bocauso at oortoin periods ho acted as a rcpiusentativc or manager of tho plant. As a result, Hamilton brought s:iit against the company for damago3. The law3 of certain states provido that employers who post noticos, supplied by tho 02401 jDlgost of Industrial Helena - 7 '.coraission, 3tatisg that they carry insurance, shall not be sued by injured em- . ployeos, or their dependents for damages. If the employer forgets to post these noticos in conspicuous places, or the industrial commission noglocts to send tho notices, the employee may sua for damages. Another portion of tha lavr pro- rides that all employers who hare paid insurance premiums may be sued by employ ees who are injured because tho employer failed to comply with "lawful require ments for the protection of the lires and safety of employees.'* In a leading caso (91 O.S. 203) it was held that if an employer fails to place a guard on a mechanical apparatus, the employee may sue instead of accepting compensation. 363 Proceedings of the Sixth National Conference on Labor Legislation. U.S. Dept, of Labor, Div. of Labor Standards Bulletin Ko. 35, 109 pp. (1940). In those Proceedings, the Report of the Committee on Prevention and Compensation of Industrial Injuries and Diseases is of most interest here. Tho Connittee re commends: that compulsory compensation for all industrial injuries; that insur- . ance should be in an exclusive State Fund; that "injury11 should be defined to include occupational disease and coverage should be "blanket" instead of by -schedule; that medical and hospital servlco should be unlimited; and that power should be vosted in labor departments or industrial commissions to establish minimum standards of safety and health by the promulgation of industrial health and safety ccde3. The Connittee approvod a resolution petitioning that Senate Bill 1620 (Y/agncr national Health Billjincluda provisions nr.icing it possible for State labor departments to obtain funds for the furtherance end promotion and .control of industrial hygiene, and that labor departments have an equal 0ppCx' * -ity-with departments of health to secure 3uch funds. These are only highlights of the Roport. Copies may bs obtained from the Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. .......... 364 Guarding tha Health of Garment Workers. L. Price. Lab. Inform. Bull., T, 6-7 (January, 1940). ~ In 1913, the International Ladies' Garment Workers Union established its Union Health Center in Hew York to promote the health of its members and their families. Prospective members must pass a physical examination. Those with physical de fects or who are over 50 are taken in as "non-beneficiary" members. No one with acuta or contagious disease is accepted. Up to 1920 an average of 2000 examin ations had been given; in 1939 tha estimated number is 95,000. Several cf the locals of the union have sick benefit associations with premiums ranging from $1*00 to $6.80 per year. Some provide care for tuberculous members and one offers hospital insurance. All members pay $1,00 a year, entitling their bene ficiaries to $150 death benefit. 365 Disabling Morbidity Among Industrial Workers, Final O.uarter of 1939 and the Entire Year. W.H. Gafafer. U.S. Public Health Reports, 55^ 650-652 (April 12, 1940). These statistics ore based on periodic reports on sickness and non-industrial injurios lasting more than ono week among 170,000 male members of industrial sick benefit organizations. The frequency (annual number of cases lasting 8 days or longor) of 88.8 par 1000 men was slightly larger than the corresponding frequency (82.2) for 1938. Influenza and grippe appeur to be primarily responsible. The 1939 frequency for pnouaonia i3 30j larger than that of 1938 but only slightly in excess of tho figure for 1934-38. That of 1939 is the highest recorded for tho ten year period 1920-39, while tliat in 1933 is tho lowest. 3C6 Pnoumocnniosls from Mineral Colors. J. Hagen. Arch. f. Gewerbcpath., 9^, 621-633 Tl939). (German). Four mon-had boon engaged for from 15 to 28 yoar3 in crushing mineral colors. Ho author found silicosis of 3light to raodium degree and one sevoro case. Analysis of tho mineral colors 3howcd up to 15 quartz, but mostly 1.5 to 2.5. 02403. i . Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 8. 367 Use of Respirator Masks Ends Sickness Absences. H. M. Scherr. Factory Man. k Main. , 93, 49 (April, 1940). An examination of sick-list data revealed that 8055 of the absences for illness in this plant were in tho cloth-cutting department. Constant nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, frequent coughing, and various other respiratory complaints v/oro common among the workers in this department. Fluoroscopio ex amination 3howod a type of pneumoconiosis caused by tho inhalation of wool and cotton lint given off from tha fabric in cutting. The uso of respirators has completely eliminated sicknesa abscncos in tho cutting department. 368 Favorable Health Showing. Tho Management Review, p. 129 (April, 1940). Health conditions among tho 18,000 men and women employees of tho maim offices of tho Metropolitan Life Insurance Company arc so favorable that tha mortality in this group is only about one-half that of tho gcnoral population in tho corresponding age classes, according to the statisticians of the company. While not directly attributing this ortremdy low mortality to cay specific 'cause, tho statisticians nevertheless explain shat for a period of more than 25 years the insurance company has made periodic medical examinations available to employees. They point out that this favorable health showing is of special in terest in view of tho "modern movement in favor of periodic health examinations." In 1938 there wore only 68 deaths among the group of 13,000 enploycos, and this figure i3 tho equivalent of a crude doath rate of 6.1 deaths per 1,000 for males and 2.5 for females, or a-combined rate of approximately 4 per 1,000. These `rates are only "about 60 per cent of the "expected," according to the "modem Ordinary insurance experience." Majrirg allowance for the difference in the specific sex and age composition of tho employee group and of tho general pepu- lotion, it was found that in practically every instance mortality from specific . #disoaso3 among tho employee group was more favorable than for the general popu lation. Tha employco tuberculosis death rate, with allowance still made for difference in sox and age composition, is less than 30 per cent of the rate for the general population. 369 Silicusl3--Racket nr Responsibility? Ceramic Ind. 34, 41-42, 63 {April, 1940). A general discussion of the subject of silicosis--etiology, pathology and pre vention. It is generally felt that the dust hazard in the pottery industry is not sorious as many of the processes are carried out in the wot state. In order to olimiaato the incidence of silicosis entirely, adequate exhaust systems should be used, etc. In porcelain enameling whore ware i3 sprayed, it is important that proper exhaust bo provided and that the overspray enamel not bo permitted to accumulate on the sides of the spray booth, for the enamel is highly siliceous. In the glass industry, nixing, grinding and handling the sand are hazardous but proper protection has practically eliminated silicosis. Although several surveys hnvo shown that cement dust is not a cause of either tuberculosis, pneu monia or silicosis, care should bo taken to avoid breathing tho dust. Careful physical end poriodic examinations and care in the selection of personnel are advocated. n 370 Roontv.cn Examination of the Structure of Pneunoconiotic Lungs. H. Gartner. Arch. f. Gcwcrbcpath., 9, 634-659 11939). (German). The principle of this method is the deflection of x-rays by crystals and is em ployed for recognizing different dusts. Tha author examinod 15 pnounoconiotic lungs and tho 6 rock dusts which causod the damage. After destruction of the lung tissue by nitric acid or hydrogon peroxido, the remaining dust vms treated again, drlod, and one part ashed. X-ray examination by this method permitted the naturo of tho dust to bo determined, oven if it was mixed. OZ4o3 r Digest of Industrial Hycieno - 9. , .* 1 371' Prevention of Coal Dust Explosions by Sock Dustlnt:. Mine Safety Board Decision 32. U.S. iiureau of Minos, Information Circular Wo. 7109, 3 pp. (March, 1940). To prevent the propagation ol* nine explosions, the Bureau of Mines reconracnds: (1) That all coal and lignite mines, except anthracite nines shall he rock dust- od. (2) That rock du3t shall be distributed upon top, botton, and sides of all underground openings of every description, to within at least 40 foot of all working faces and the areas not rock dusted shall be kept wet. (3) That rock dust shall be maintained in such quantity that the incombustible material in representative samples of dust collected shall not be less than 65 per cent. Where methane gas is present in the ventilating current, the minimum percentage of incombustible matter in the mine dust shall be increased 1 per cent for each 0.1 per cent of methano. (4) That when the rock dust in any area becomes caked so that it cannot be dispersed readily as a cloud in the air, that part of the mine shall be redusted immediately. (3) That the dust to be used shall not con tain more than 5 per cent of combustible matter nor more then 25 per cent of quarts or froo silica; all of the dust shall pass through a sieve having 20 mashes per linear inch and GO per cent or core shall pass through a sieve having 200.meshes por linear inch; tho dust shall not absorb moisture from the air to such an extent as to cake and destroy its effectiveness as a dry dust. (6) That rock dust barriers shall not bo regarded as a substitute for generalised rock dusting. The kind of rock dust to be used should havo the approval of the State Mine Inspection Service. Pure limestone or pure dolomite produces the best rock dust. If the aino personnel is repeatedly exposed to breathing high concentrations of tho dust, the percentage of free and combined silica should be aa low as possible, proferably less than 5 per cent. Persons engaged in the application of rock dust should wear approved dust respirators as listed in Bur eau of-Mines Information Circular 7030 or revisions thereof. 372 Constant Dust Feeding; Device for Laboratory Use. C.E. Williams and V?.P. Battista. J. Ind. Hyg. & Toxicol., 22, 152-153 (April, 1940). A plan is presented for an inexpensive apparatus having a capacity of three . pounds per minute for introducing dust into an air stream at constant rates. The machine was designed with a capacity sufficient for loading air streams up to 15-20 gr. of dust per cubic foot in a maximum air volume of approximately 1000 c.f.n. By using adaptors at tho hopper outlot practically all dry dusts common 'to industry nay be fed except those vfhich contain largo chips or blocks. 373 How to Design Exhaust Hoods for Quartz-Fusing Operations. E.C. Riley and J.M. DallaVallc. Hoaxing and Ventilating, 3J7, 23 (April, 1940). Becauso of tho high temperature and fumes to which they are exposed, quartz-fus ing operators must bo protected by exhaust bood3. Effective removal of fumes was obtained with average air speeds of 100 f.p.m. at the face of the hood when large volumes were handled. Hbwavor, tc produce greater cooling effect for the oper ator, it is recommended that large air vcluacs be used at relatively low velocity (100-200 ft. per min.). *Tho hood should bo largo enough to permit the fusing to be dono insida and the burner should bo directed into tho hood. 374 Tho Effect of Lint on Air Filter Performance. P.B. Rowley S.C. Jordon. Heating, Piping and Air Coad., 12, 61.67 (January. 1940). In devising methods for rating efficiencies of commercial air filters for air con ditioning, a series of studies have been made. This one employs lint. A deter mination of size distribution of lint taken from commercial filters was nude and an artificial lint tlxu3 prepared. Ton par cent of lint In dust decreases the life of e filter more than Q0, indicating the importance of including it in artificial dust for tost purposes. 02404 **'*. * 'Digoat of Industrial Hygiene - 10. 375 im?.t1 3 the Best V/ay to Itenove Dust? Ceramic Ind., 54, 65-66 , 68 , 70 , 72 , 74, 76, 78 (April, 19-10). Dust control rather than dust elimination is the only practicable approach in certain manufacturing operations where the production of finely divided particles is c.n inherent pare of the process. Of tho available methods, exhaust ventila tion is probably tho most v/idcly applied. The principal types of industrial dust collectors arc: (1) Gravity or settling chambers -- effective only in re moving relatively coarse particles, 100 to 200 microns in diameter. Used pri marily to reduce dust load ahead of more effective equipment. (2) Centrifugal or cyclone chambers -- may be used for particles as small as thirty microns, although tangential cyclones will remove 5 micron particles. (3) Baffle type collector -- primarily for removal of coarse particles, it may be used at higher temperatures t*ia2 tk03 feasible with cloth filtors. (4) Ban typo centrifugal collector -- source of air movement togothor with dust removal action by centri fugal forces. (5) Vet or washer typo collector -- dust precipitation by action of water spray and impingement on wotted surfaces. (6) Electrical precipitator-- due to high initial end maintenance cost, limited to higher temperaturo install ations and 7/horc material collected, is of considerable value. (7) Cloth type filtor -- accomplishes high recovery of finely divided dry dusts at economical .cost. Either type (tube or bag, and cloth screen) are efficient for particles of 0,5 micron. Plant atmosphere can bo controlled by placing it under pressure with filtered air frem outside the factory. In the pottery industry fettling of dinnerware, shaping of`insulators, and sprayed glaze are sources of dust hazard. The free silica content of pottery bodies varies around 35$, therefore careful precautions must be token'to avoid dusty conditions. 'The vacuum cleaner is of great value here. In tho glass industry the only danger lies in tho handling of raw materials. Numerous methods of conxrol ore in operation for this hazard. In on ensaol shop the silicosis dangor is slight except, perhaps, in sandblasting operations. Dust control in spraying and brushing are desirable, however, frem the standpoint of cleanlinos3 and savings involved in reclaiming enamel. 376 Determination of Cloth Area for Industrie! Air Filters. C.2. Williams, T. Hatch and L. Greensurg. Hoaxing, Piping and Air Cond.., 12, 259-263 (April, 1940). An attempt is made to reduce the problem of determining tho cloth area of indus trial cloth filters to its fundamental terms. Filtering velocity is shown to have little importance per so as a criterion of filter operation and in its place emphasis is placed upon the maximum allowable filter resistance, a practical limit which is fixed at 3 in. water gage. This represents a comprcniso between initial filter cost and power and maintenance cost. It is well below the danger point with respect to safe filter operation for all dusts except those of extreme ly finu particle size,, such as lamp black. For practical operation, the maximum allowable resistance must not be reached until the end of the required period of operation botween cleaning periods. Thus, tho basic filter specifications are (1) maximum allowable resistance end (2) minimum operating time. It is suggested that these should be specified by tho purchaser of cloth filtors and that the re quired filtering velocity bo determined from tho values thus fixed. The filter resistance is shown to be dependent upon several factors of which velocity of filtration i3 only one. Others of equal or greater importance are the particle also of tho dust, the porosity cf the deposit on tho filter, and tho loading of dust. A resistance equation is presented in which thoco several factors are com bined in their proper form. Tho resistance coefficients for several industrial dusts,, based upon laboratory studios, are also given. They are shown not to vary significantly among tho several materials studied but to depend primarily upon tho particle sizo of tho dust. Y.'ithin the range of sizes occurring in industrial exhaust systems the coefficient was found to vary many fold. 0 2.4 05" Digest of Industrial Hygiene - li. 377 Are You 3uyinr: on Zhhnust System? Port III. Filters, Washers, and Prcciaitntors. i\ F. Krnvsith. Heating end Ventilating, October, 1939. "Gravitational Filters; This typo of filter while theoretically capable of clean ing the air of impurities down to 5 to 10 microns in dismetor, nevertheless would hare to bo so huge that its cost and space requirements would make it prohibi tive..... Where a plant is isolated from any residential or businoss districts, this type of filter, a slow speed planing mill exhauster and a high stack, nay constitute an officioat and economical setup. Its greater use, however, is as c classifier in conjunction with a cloth or other type filter, by removing all heavier particles the life of tho final cleaner is materially lengthened........ "Cyclones: Tho cyclone unlike the gravitational filter increases in efficiency with a deersaso in size of, at least, tho diameter. Requiring but a fraction of the space of the gravity filter and capable of cleaning efficiencies which at times challenge those of the cloth filter*, tho cyclone is probably tho nest wide ly used dust collector........ Cyclones find their greatest use whero tho dust or notarial i3 non-ebrnsivo in action. 7ihoro the dust is abrasivo, cyclones nay be ~ used in conjunction with the final' cleanor as a lev/ efficiency classifier, keep ing tho diameter largo and the inlet velocity relatively low. "Cloth Filters: This type of filter has enjoyed the grentast popularity whero high efficiencies are necessary for reclamation of valuable material, whero re circulation is desired as a neons of reducing heating losses, or in residential neighborhoods where it is unlawful to dischargo visible solids into the atnos- . pherc. Vshilc the cost of such a unit is considerably higher, than a cyclone to handle the same volume, its efficiency is unquestioned, its life extremely long, and its maintenance quito simple as long as the proper care i3 given. With thi3 -typo of filter it is essential that precleaning be providod to prevent tearing of the bags by high velocity largo particles slipping around the baffle plates or going directly through worn bafflos. Predefining also reduces the dust load ing of the air going into the filter so that the intervals between rapping per iods nay be materially increased without sacrificing exhaust efficiencies at the hoods........ - "Air Washers: There are many different typos of air washers, scrubbers, and purifiers on tho market, each of which undoubtedly has features making it pre ferable to different plant engineers. While some utilize the inertia of tho entering dust laden air to get rid cf tho larger particles as by a rapid change in tho direction of air flow, others havo a regular cyclone built into the wusher as a primary separator, its efficiency enhanced by the constantly wetted walls, which at the same tine increase the lifo of tho unit..... While it is tho writer's opinion that the efficiency of the air washer is definitely lower than that of the cloth filter, when tho cloth filter is properly applied and maintain ed--it is the lack of proper application and maintenance in so many cloth filter installations that tends to make the air washer the more practical unit, vrhen separating coarse material, tho efficiency cf the air washor may approach perfec tion........ Points against the washer are the need cf an individual pump and drive (usually the case), the coat of water when supplied from city mains, or tho nocessity for sludge tanks, supports, wear resistant ..uapsf etc., when rocircu- lating water........ '^metrical Precipitation: T.'hile olcctrical precipitation presents probably the most officioat type of separation, its initial cost is considerably higher than the washer or cloth filter duo to tho costly electrical equipment necessary........ As long as tho cost remains high, its uso will undoubtedly be restricted to the reclamation of valuable material or extrrmoly dangorous cnc3, espocially whero rccirculution is desired, but as tho prico is reduced this filter will be more .and noro .widely used." 024 oe Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 12. ,\ 370 Dust -- Foe of Management. Snnloyoe r.r.d Machine. Brick and Clay Record, 96, 24-28 (April, 1040). The Mortlccl Annlo on Dust. --A brief discussion of the medical aspects of siliccais. Ilay You Can IXitornina the Amount of Dust in Your Plant- -- A short outline of the subject of ousts, dust sampling and counting with discussions of the various typos of devices for the purpose. 7tTnt Some Clay Plants Have Done to Rid Themselves of Dust. -- Although the free silica content of clay is relatively snail, the presence of certain quantities have been an incentive for confining clay du3t and preventing its escape into tbo workroom. The dry pan, although one of the major dust producing units in the plant, can ho effectively hooded and the dust which it generates can bo com pletely confined. A properly designed enclosure will carry a minimum of fines from the process, and will not disturb batch rati03 where various ingredients are pulverised together. Sxhaust air and dust hoods are required on convoying equipment only at points of material transfer. Bucket elevators must be venti lated, and the cosings enclosing them must be tight. Confinement of dust from screening equipment requires more study than any other dust producing apparatus in tho usual clay plant. Necessary volumes of air exhausted hero will vary with tha type of ondosuro provided and with the size of the screen. Grinding wheels which arc used for sizing finished preducts should be equipped with adequate ex haust systems, in order to prevent contamination of the plant atmosphere and tho subsequent detrimental effectsto men and machines. Although the prime reason for installing dust collecting systems in heavy clay products and refractories is to insure-the enplcyeos a healthy working atmosphere, it has been shown that a by product -is -the lower- machinery maintenance costs and possible salvage of valuable materials. `379 Pneumonia in Industry. H.A. Lindberg. lad. Med., 9^, 203-205 (April, 1940). Iron and steel workers are constantly exposed to intermittent extremes of tenperaturo, unsheltered work, and humid and drafty conditions. The average frequency of pneumonia in occupations involving exposure to inclement weather was 13.6 cases per 1000 men. The case race among men subjected solely to hazards involv ing wido ranges of temperature was 12.5 per 1000. These rates nay be contrasted with the frequency of 3.9 .cases annually per 1000 factory men exposed to nc in dustrial condition which might bo regarded as particularly hazardous from a pneu monia standpoint. Iron and steel workers 7/ho havo recovered from pneumonia show a higher rate of heart defect than cases in a 7ole group of the same plant. The oxcoss in cases of pneumonia in iron and stool over men in other industries is about 605 per year and excess deaths about 171 per year. To eliminate lowered resistance duo to exposure, chilling, dampness, and tciiporcture extremes, the worker should be constantly reminded of his general health. Seventy-five per cent of all pneumococcic pneumonias aro preceded by an upper respiratory infec tion; thoroforo control of pneumonia nust start here, /ifter prevention, early diagnosis is the next important step. There -are now available tvo powerful therapeutic agents -- anti-pnomzococcic serum and sulfapyridinc which are cost effective when used early in the course of the disease. In Illinois, by an in tensive campaign, pnemaonia mortality in sorum treated cases ms reduced 37.67S last year. 380 Industrial Workers of 1960. C.P. McCord. Ind. Med. _9, 173-178 (April, 1940). The increase of persons over 50 years of ago is proceeding apace -- in a few yoars- it will be twice tho present number. Mow thoy ara 1/5 of the total; at the present rata of increase, they will be 1/3 by I960. This fact has deep signifi cance for industry both with respect to changed demand for certain products and with the change in age grour-3 of available industrial workers. Tho author holds an optimistic viow for tho future--that quality rathor. than quantity will bo tho trcnd' 0 24 fl7 ' Digest of Industrial Hygiene -13. '381 Integration of Industrie! Hyricne with Industrial Medicine. H.G. Dyktor. Ind. Mod., 2* I'd^-idG (April, 1940). The official industrial hygiene unit and the plant medical department have a field in common where they may profitably cooperate. The foracr may make special tests, examinations --ind studies which the latter is not equipped or qualified to do; provide detailed and specific information on toxic substances and harmful conditions; provido comparable statistics on other plants in the seme industry; furnish industrial health statistics duly interpreted; correlate work of indus trial hygiene in nany plants to obtain uniformity; stinul&to the plant medical department to concentrate on preventive measures; ana to stimulate the plant medical unit to interest itself in the worker's life outside tho plant. The plant medical unit can assist by: displaying a sincere do3ire to inprovo the health of workers; supporting the official industrial hygiene unit in its educa tional campaign to make both employers and employees "health conscious"; supply ing the industrial hygiene unit with records of absenteeism for analytical exam ination; advising the industrial hygiene unit of its own experience in preventive "and control ncusurcs; supporting the unit in obtaining recommended improvements as soon as they have been decided upon; and cooperating in tho largor concept of industrial hygiene (non-occupational diseases, housing, etc.). 382 Pro-Bmolovment Examinations (North Carolina). M.F. Trice. Ind. Med., 2 138-193 (April, 1940). " Physical, examinations of ?rarkers and prospective employees who may be exposed to the hazards of asbestosis or silicosis aro compulsory under provisions of the North Carolina V/orkacn'.s. Compensation Act. To secure uniformity of findings, thi3 work was assumed by the Industrial Commission and is carried out by the Division of Industrial Hygiene with the State Board of Health as joint sponsor. Occupational, family, and past medical histories arc taken. Physical examin ation, serological tests, x-ray of chest with fluoroscopy, tuberculin tcst3, and, sputum specimens included in 3cao cases are carried out by means of a mobilo laboratory, Persons unfit for employment in dusty trades are rejected and when pulmonary tuberculosis is found or suspected, the worker is referred to a sana torium. Those having a positive serology are informed of the fact and advised . to seo their physicians. In cases of death from doubtful cause, autopsies may bo ordered by the Industrial Comission -- if this is denied, all right to com pensation ceases. 383 Industrial Medical Education. J.Am.Mad.Assoc,, 114 , 583-585 (February 17, 1940). Of 52 nodical schools, tho average time devoted to instruction cf industrial hygiene is about 5 hours. The time allotted in 24 schools is 3 hours, or less; in only sovea is 10 hours or more scheduled. Twelve schools offer elective courses in industrial hygiene. Sixty per cent of recent graduates eacruntored industrial medical problems early in their private practice. However, only 9 schctIs offor definite graduate lovel courses in industrial hygiene. Other methods of approach to this problem oro continuation courses, special society mootings, symposia on industrial health, county medical society programs, and tho Congress on Industrial Health of thd American Medical Association. 384 Visibility and Ease cf Seoinm. M. Luckicsh and F.E. Moss. Ind. lied., Ind. Jtyg. Sec., 2> 33-3`J (April, 1940). Although tho divrco of fatigue induced by a given, visual task is not now meusurablo in absolute terms, it may be regarded as axiomatic that fatigue is reduced when tho conditions for seeing are improved. Frequency of blinking is a most convenient and sensitive criterion of the oace of seeing that has been dcvoloped. Base of seeing as determined by the rate uf blinking increases c3 the visibility of tho visual task incroaso3. 02408 .Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 14. 385 Bade Prir.cinlos of Industrial Sanitation. J.M. DallaValle and R.R. Jones. J, An. Pub. Health Assoc.. 50, 3S9-3S4 (April, 1940). Industrial hygieno may be considered as being organized into the following divi sions: Sanitation, Environmental Principles; Ventilation Requirements; Engineer ing Control Principles; Records and Posting of Notices. Under oach of these points the authors have given details of procedures and principles. Industrial hygieno is to be considored as sanitary or public health engineering with special emphasis on tho Industrial environment. It should not bo restricted to control of occupational diseases. It also offers tho opportunity to extend the treatment of vonercal diseases as well os the determination and control of malnutrition, tuberculosis and other diseases. The industrial hygienist can simplify the task of the public health administrator, who ordinarily must Trait for cases to cone to the attention of tho family physician or clinic. Such an opportunity to reach large sections of tho population cannot be disregarded. 386 Operator Fatlguo i3 MiiUnlzed by Modern Machine Tools. Stoel, 106, 50-52, 83 (April 22, 1940). A discussion of specific improvements which not only lessen tho fatiguo of oper ators but increase thoir efficiency by removing mental and physical hazards. To be efficient men must be masters of'their sachlnos. Modem machine tools oro a3 safe as any piece of machinery possibly can be. 387 -Syphilis Case Finding in Industry. A.2. Russell. J.Aa.iled.Assoc., 114, 1321- . 1324 (April 6, 1940).. . ... Host of tho principles of the control programs in tuberculosis can be applied to the control of syphilis. The interest of industry in the health of workers has proved that it pays dividends in more than one way. Thore arc over 15 million people in the mining, motel end manufacturing trades in the United States. A syphilis program which will include this group and their families would roach about half the people of this country. The annual attack rate of syphilis per hundred thousand of population in the United States in 1935 was 796 compared with 47 in Great Britaih (clinics only), 20 in Denmark and 7 in Sweden. 388 Industrial Cooperation in Syphilis Control In New Jersey. John Hall. J. Soc. Hyg., _26, 56-61 (February, 1940). An account of tho procedures used in a definite program of syphilis control in industry. Experiments in publicity and serological test programs are discussed. An attempt to have the sexology conducted by private laboratories was not very successful. Tho results of a questionnaire sent to industries already making tests of their employees showed rates ranging from 1.7# to 4.0#, Among a group of Negro oyster shuckers 100 out of 500 wore found to be syphilitic* la a group of over 3000 Negro itinerant farm workors 30# woro found tu be positive. Progress in this program, especially its educational features, should result in a reduc tion of this disease. 389 Industrial Anti-Syphilis Programs at Uork. J. Soc. Hyg., 26, 82-88 (Pebruary, 1940). A condensod report from four plants to illustrate industry's attempt to solve the problem of venereal disease among 'its workers. Included aro a large depart ment storo, a foundry, and tractor and packing companies. Y/hcn jobs are assured and tu3ta aro ennfidontial, employees seem ready to cooperate. The program of tho small foundry succeeded not only in interesting its employees but their families os well. 02409 r *4 /Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 15. 350 A- Syr-hllls Control Prcorm in Industry. C.A. ?/ilnbach. I.Soc.Hyg., 2JS, -19-55 (February, 19-10). After* two years of operation, the anti-syphilis program in Cincinnati has tested 04f0Cr> f.-'iT'K'srs. The results arc entirely confidential. Many industrialists hare been induced to join the program end ne worker has been discharged because of positive findings. In one series of 5000 tests, 2.6# were positive. An out line of the program is given. 351 Inellonco of Syr.hilis in Industrial Plants. H. Selmann. New 7ork State Dept, of Labor. Industrial bulletin. 19, 45 (March," 1940). The syphilitic worker is a grave liability to industry. Among the reasons cited nr.>: (1) Delay in healing of trauantic wounds, resulting in extra largo compen sation tills and less of tine; (2) tho development of central nervous system syphilis with its associated mental symptoms resulting in lack of proper judgment end skill in the worker; (3) the chance for spread of tha disease by extragenital contnct is great in seme lines of work where many workers must handle tho material being processed; (4) tho syphilitic cannot, with safety, work with substances which are liver toxins, such as carbon tetrachloride and certain chlorinated hydro carbons. A compilation of data on tha incidence of syphilis in workers, collected by various authors, shows wide variation as recorded in the different inventigations. Significant factors in tho variations appear to be: age, sex, coJor, nationality, social status, and method of case finding. In an anilin dye plant no positive Wassermons wore found in 61 tested. In a rotogravure plant me pusiti70 (0.9#) '.fas discovered in 110 examinations. In a felt hatplant 1-43 persons were tasted with two positive cases (1.3#). `Out of 385 tests in the fur industry there were four positives (1.0#). Out of a total of 699 ta3tc thero were seven positive results, an incidence of 1.0#. There wore two 'logroos, both with negative serologies. 0nl7 10.2# of thoso tested were women-- all wurc nogativc. 39C Effects of Syphilis on Health and Earning Power. A. Lillywhite. J.Soc.Hyg., 26, &i-72 (February, 1240). A presentation of the results of a study made of a group of relief applicants in Georgia. Tho ability to work of syphilitics and non-syphilitics was compared. A handicap of tho former was apparent in all ago groups: 51.9# of the infected could do hard work, 62# of the non-infected wore able. A greater incidence of nua-3yphilitic diseaso was found among tho syphilitic group. Syphilis contri butes to the burden on the ooimsunity as it incapacitates many who must be given public relief. 393 Familial Occurrence of Nvstararos of Miners. J. Ohm. Arch, f. Ophthal., 141, 20-31 (1939). (German)-. Tho author studied 128 families with 303 persons. He concludes that nystagmus seen in families shows striking similarities in one or more of tho attributes, but nine some dissimilarity. The relatives of the sene generation are more alike than those of different generations. 394 C'lnr-emtlvo Investigations on the Reaction of the Lens and Cornea to Infra-Red A. Dnkfccr. Arch. l*. Opnthsl., 141, 170-173 (1939). (German). Giaoumakurs' catcrnct does not. arise from direst absorption of infra-red rays by tho i.-ns but by absorption of heat rays by tho iri3, which heats the lens, causln.--; it t..- becc-mo clouded. This is the author's contention which he attempts tc ir-Vc on tho bhsi3 of experiments. Injury t-t Hunlth by Radiation in Arc Y/oldin/r. LoCompte. Arbcitsschutr., pp, 9-10 TiUo) X try L'iV. '-tigntion into disturbances of tho genitalia of arc welders Lubor. An extremely high portion of ultra violot rays with by the a vary Minisshort 02.4X0. . Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 16. wavo length were found but no radiation of shorter wave length. As vary sensi tive instruments were used in the investigation, the author believes that there is no radiation noxious to the genital organs. of Lsporteneo because it represents tho attitude of organised medicine towards this field. The article hn3 c v.ida scope, covering the general subject of in dustrial health, the population groups involved, tho unequal character and dis tribution of industrial medical sorvices, effects of occupation on health, indus trial accidents, occupational diseasos, ordinary illness in industry, the physi cian in industry, industrial hygiene, physical supervision, therapy, functions of the medical service in industry, industrial health activities in organized nedicino, industrial health in the government, and industrial medical education. * It is bcliaved that the principal causes of lost tine to industry are the dis eases and complaints found in general practice but the industrial physician usually only diagnoses and treat3 minor injuries end ailments. His opportunity in the larger field of general health protection is being grasped more fully. The inadequacy of training in industrial medicine is revealed by tho fact that tho average amount of time devoted to industrial hygiene in medical schools i3 barely in excess of five hours. This can hardly be remedied as long as the opportunities in the field of industrial health are so few. little advantage has been taken of tho advanced training centers in heavily industrialized com munities, showing that there is evidently small demand for this field of practice. ......... Papers on Industrial Poisons, Cancer, Dermatitis, etc. 397 Ascorbic Acid in the Treatment of Chronic Lead Poisoning. A.il. Dannenberg, A.H. Widoiman enu P.S. Friecman. J.Aa.iled.Assoc., 114. 1439-1440 (April 13, 1940). "Ektrcmely largo doses of ascorbic acid were without effect in the treatment of lead intoxication in a child aged 27 months." 393 Lead Poisoning in Roofers. n.J. Magnuson and B.O. F.aulston. J.Am.Hed.Assoc., 114. 1523-1330 (April 20, 1940). All of the patients involved here gave a history of holding galvanized roofing nails in thoir mouths while working. Analysis of the coating of the nails show ed that they contained 3> lead. Tho explanation for this sudden outbreak is attributed to a change in typo of nails used. Although galvanized nails had been advocated for tho past tea years, it has only been 3ince early in 1939 that Fedoral Housing Administration specifications stimulated their use. 3y study of tho oolubility of lead-in sali7a, it was found that significant amounts of the element wore dissolved. Although the men had not been told to put tho nails in thoir mouths, thoy contended that they could not work fast enough to earn an adequate wage unless thoy used this method. Tho authors feel that the spectrographic determination of lead in tho whole blood is of definite diagnostic value. 299 Determination of Small Amounts of Cadmium in Air. S.S. Gurvits. Zavodskaya Lab., 0, 424-427 (1939). (P.ussian). The lack of sonsitivity of colorimetric methods for determining cadmium in air is duo to tho colloid stabilizers, which decreases tho intensity of tho colora tion by 65- 70#. To avoid this orror the cadmium was determined colorimotricolly with a solonium photocell in a' 20# sodiia sulfide solution without a stablizer. Tim reagent is sensitivo for 0.03-0.04 mg. of cadmium in 25 cc. solution. For the range 0.004-0.36 mg. of cadmium, tho error was from -1.4 to *9#. Small amounts of cadmium up to 0.3 mg. can thus bo determined la tho presence of 15-20 timor. os much zinc with an error up to 3,6#. '`Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 17. | 400 Lead-Bearing Steels; Control of Possible Health Hazards During Fabrication. JAY. Hailey and .D. Martin. ttctal Frog., of, 412-418 (April, 1940). Ecporincat-al work on leaded steel's shows that no lend is given off by the solid steel, even though heated. The 0.25 lead is dispersod throughout the metal in small partidc3 and since lead is insoluble in iron it cannot migrate to the sur face. If the steel is turned to scalo or melted, the lead in the metal so alter ed becomes availablo and a certain proportion of it passos into the air. The proportion of lend released under various conditions has been determined, so that simple engineering calculations trill show whether z hasard eta develop under any particular circumstances. Tho amount of lead given off at any but the highest temperatures is so small that no calculations aro necessary. This investigation indicates that thero is no health hazard in handling, machining, heat treating or in ordinary forging of lead-bearing steels. The most rapid rate of load release is caused by oxygen cutting end arc trailing, and in most cases calculations will show that an exhaust system is needed, or that the work should be- done cut of doors. In practically all cases tho amount of air to be moved for'satisfactory exhausting i3 snail, and inexpensive equipment will be effective. 401 Basophilic Aggregation Test (For Lead Absorption and Load P isoning). Ohio Dept, of Health, Adult Kyg. Div., 7 pp. (i940). A 3bort booklet Giving in concise fora the technique and interpretation of re sults of the basophilic aggregation test. 402 'Automatic Detection and Estimation of Dangerous Concentrations of .tenon!a and Sulfur Dimxidc in .-Mr. B.A. Zaitsev. Zavodskaya Lab. ,J3, 673-633 (1939). (Russian). The detection and automatic estimation of dangerous amcunts of ammonia and sulfur dioxide by.various methods i3 described. A tentative method was developed in which the'air'and the"'absorbing liquid are passed through a special coil end then through a gas separator from which the liquid is sepurated and its changing pH measured with an- automatic photoelectric colorimeter ocuippod with c-ptical or sound-signal devices. Tho absorbing fluids were 0.0005 N sulfuric acid for ammonia and 0.0005 H hydrogen perioxide for sulfur dioxide, with 4 mg./ liter of broaphenol blue indicator for both. Tho sensitivity of the apparatus can be varied by changing tho ratio of air velocity to the velocity of tho absorbing liquid. Diagrams of the apparatus -arc included. 403 Cclorlmotric Deteiminstlcn cf Mercury in .Ur by T^eans c-f Dlthizono. N.3. Kuzyatlna. Z;tvodskaya Lab., 3, 174-177 (1239). (Russian). Two absorption tubes containing 5 mg. of 0.1H potassium permanganate and 5 cc. of 10JS sulfuric acid arc used for passing tho air tlirough at th3 rate of 60-30 litor3 per hour. After the absorption, an aliquot part of the potassium perman ganate solution is taken, tho permanganate is reduced to manganese by the addi tion of a slight excess of chromic acid at rocm temperature and the mercury con tent of tho solution determined by shaking with 0.05-0,1 cc. portions of a solu tion of 1.2 mg. dithizoao in 100 cc. of chloroform and comparing the resulting colsr with that of standards in a colorimeter. Details are given. 404 Determination of lead in Air by Moens of Dithizone. V.JI. Prikhnya. Zavodskaya Lab., 283-hQ 6 (l939). (Russian). Modified PtOmer tubes containing nitric acid as an absorbing agent were used for tho determination of lead in air. Two tubes in parallel and one control tube were used. At an air spool of 10 l.p.a. the control tube was found tc, contain no lead. 405 Fort.abla Avr.rutu:; far Bs.act Analysis of Mine Cur.es. Motor Exhaust, Etc. A. Schmidt. Ulucknuf, 73, 193-205 (1939). A description of a portable apparatus employing tho manowctric method of analysis, Giving high accuracy with lurgo measuring range. A table for pressuro corrections duo to changes in temperature during the analysis is givon. 01412. I'jSigos't of Industrial Hygiene - 18. 406 * PvTotennlc Acid Method for Determination of Carbon Monoxide in the Blood. H. Kotaatu. J. Oriental Had,, 20, 775-783 (English Abstr., 191) (1929). Tlia 10# orror usually attributed to the Sayers method (cf. Chen. Abstr. 20 , 60) con be reduced to ly5, if the standard ia aado ap of blood of the semo species. Carbon monoxide is first washed through potassiun hyaorzide solution, exactly the some concentration of pyrogallol as tannic acid is used in both, the aaaplo blood is diluted 1:20, and the standards are aado up in 5$ stops. 407 Methods for the Detection of Toxic Gases in Industry. Carbon Monoxide. Leaflet Ik:. 7. Great 3ritain, Dept, of Scientific & Industrial Hesearch. S.H. Stationery Office, London, 1940...........^ . Tuis is mother of a series on tho detection of toxic gases in industry. A stan dard cethod has been developed for carbon munexido which consists in drawing sam ples of air through a known area of tost paper, treated v.lth palladium chloride, at a slow and constant rate, by means of a S liter aspirator. This mstfcod en ables interfering gases to be removed by allowing tho sample to pass first through a tube of activated charcoal. Sampling is continued until a stain is obtained on tho test paper which compares with the standard color chart (suppliod with tho leaflet); tho concentration proseat i3 then dotornined by comparing tho time required to reach the necessary color with'thc time given on the chart. In this way concentrations of 1 part ia 500 can be detected in less than 2 minutes, and of 1 part in 10,000 in half-sn-hour. Pull instructions for preparing tho tost paporc and for carrying out tho test are contained ia the leaflet. 408 Estimation of Carboa"bi'.;vulfi>lQ.'" X"C'cstigliciiiT"AanJ chin, appiicata, 29, 196-193 (1239), (Italian). It has been shown that carbon disulfide vail fora a precipitate with piperazino, With the composition C4K10N2CS2. The reaction is quantitative only in tho pre sence of a larger excess of piperazine. The reaction takes place best with 95# ethyl alcohol cs solvent. Tho precipitate is dried at 105c. Determinations can bo mado within 0,1-0.2#. For the determination of vaporous carbon disulfide, the air can ba bubbled through a concentrated alcoholic solution of piperazine. 409 Starch-Iodide ?nthod of Ozone Analysis. C.2. Thorp. Ind. h Eng. Chen., Anal. Ed., 12, 2C9 (April 15, 1940). . The uso of a buffer solution was found to greatly increase the sensitivity of the potassiun iodide reaction 7,11bout introducing an error such as is caused by the addition of free acid. This solution consists of 5 grams of aluminum chloride hexahydrato and 1 gram of ammonium chloride, made up tu 1 liter. Five cc. of . this solution arc added to each 100 cc. of potassium iodide test solution before tho test is run. Tho solution should not bo acidified during tho titration. ' This will gi7e a minimum, sensitivity of 0.00062 mg. of ozone per cc. of potassium iodide. Comaercial ozonizers produce as high as 75# impurities in the form of oxides of hydrogen end nitrogen. Potassium iodide will liberate free iocina ia tho presence of these gasas also. An absorption bottle containing chromic acid and a tubo containing potassium permanganate should bo provided to make sura that only pure ozono roachos tho tost bottlo. *10 Detoxication of Lead. E. Hesso. Klin. Wochschr., 19^, 104 (1940). Abstr. from Squibb Abstr. Dull*, 13, 496 (April 24, 1940). tfhon rabbits were adnini3tered sodium, 8-hydroxy-5-quinoliacsulfonate, their tclcrunco for basic lead ccrbenuto was doubled. When liver extract (campoion) is given simultaneously, tho toxicity of the lead compound is reduced to onosevrnth of its normal vrluo. These two substances will also render rabbits load fast, i.o., they will tolorato tho basic load carbonate as long as tho antidotos aro givon simultaneously. 0Z413 nv--t zr i ~i rrmj 4 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 19. I 411 flnaovrd of Ifltrous Tunes from Mine Air. H.C. Dod. Chen. Sag. Mining Rev., 31, 494-495 (1939). (Australian). The renavel of HOg by ammonia with tlio formation of tho nitrate and ammonium nitrato is accomplished by "bullets" of chemical used with the explosive. 412 Health Asaocts of Oxyacctvlenc Processes. A.G. Craaoh. Stool, 106, 73 (April 22, 1940). Carbon nonoxido is encountered so rarely in oxyacotyleno processes as not to be a health hazard. Zinc, cadmium and load fumes are a definite hazard, as ore the fluxes containing fluorides. Ventilation is the best safeguard for thesa problems, especially for working in confined spaces. j *413 Mociruiian of Development of Lead Anemia. IV. The Fhyaiochonical Mature of tho Splenic and Liver Substances which Decrease Srychrocytos. S. Kin.* J. Mod. Coll. Keijc, 9J 101-107 (1939). (Japanese). After injection with lead acctata, the sploon and liver scam to contain soma spocific chemical substances which are abla to decrease the numbor of erythro cytes. The author attempted to determine the physiochemical nature of these sub stances which were obtained from the splenic and hepatic veins after injoction of tho lead. Tho anemic action of tho splenic substance disappearod after heat ing for an hour at 10QO. The substanco was soluble in water, but did not dis solve in ether end alcohol; it was adsorbed easily by -"^^1 charcoal or kaolin. Its action was also retained after ulta-violet radiation for throe hours. 414 Rato ef ZUr.lnntior. of Carbon ?onoxidc from the Blood of Survivors. L. Braito- nuefccr. Bcitr. z. gur. Med., _4, 93-133 (1933). (German). A study of tho sequelae of carbon monoxide poisoning in eight light cases with out unconsciousness and with quick recovery, seven serious cases with prolonged unconsciousness but recovery, six cases with unconsciousness lasting until death ensued. Unconsciousness develops when nearly the hemoglobin is bound to the carbon monoxide. The gas is eliminated in from 10 to 24 hours and this period . . has no xolutiwn to the soricusnass of tha symptoms. If the poisoning occurs quickly, consciousness will be recovered at tho level of 50$ carboxynemogiobin. .It persists longer if the poisoning came about slowly. In these casos it may last until death occurs, which may not take place for several days, although the carbon monoxide is entiroly eliminated and there are no secondary disouses. The duration of exposure seems more important than the percentage of carbon nonoxido in the bleed. These investigations show that the results of experiments may only bo applied to man very cautiously, as carbon monoxide never disappears from human blood as quickly as is described in animals. 415 Skin Rinards in .bnorican Industry. Part III. L. Schwarts. U.S. Public Health Bulletin Ho. 249, 99 pp., 23 illustrations (1939) . Tills booklet by the well-known authority on this subject contains a discussion of the skin haixirds to be found in the following industries: citrus fruit; cigar; acid; pulp and paper; organic solvents; chronic acid and chromates; iron and stool; paints, varnishes and lacquers; glass; photographing, photoengraving, lithographing, printing, typewriting and hectographing; and oxplosivo manufacture. There is a bibliography but no indox. Copies ere obtainable from tho Superin tendent of Documents, Washington, D.Ci, for 35 cents. 41G j^t Mite Domtitls. L.F. Wobcr. J. Am.I'cd.Assoc., 114, 1442 (April 13, 1940). iiitoa -'.au-dermatitis from scratching in several .department store wurkors led to tho discover/ that it was duo tw a rat mite (Lipcnysau3 bacoti). Whenever rats nro driven frwu a building and bites appear on pooplo living or working thoro, tlio presonce of rat mites should bo investigated. 02414 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 20. 417 Industrial Dermatitis from Gloves. V.'.D. Norwood end E.E. Evans. J.An.Mad. Assoc., 114, 1S23-152S (April 20, 1040). Studies of an eczoiatciil type of industrial dermatitis of tha hands appearing in worfcaen wearing leather gloves was shown to be causod by two factors: (1) tho traumatizing effect of the glovos, and (2) allergic sensitization of the hands duo to tho presence of dematophytosis elsewhere (usually on tho feot). Tho authors believe that 3iace dematophytosis of the feet is almost universal among industrial workers, "glove phytids" will bo recognized with great frequency, A mothod of treatment was usod ?/hich gave good results. 418 Domatitis frra Orthodichlorobcnzene. X.G. Downing. J.An.2fod.Assoc., 112, 1457 (1939). * This is a report of the sensitivity of a glazier to a solution in which window sashes had been dipped. It was proven by observing tha reaction whan the sub stance wa3 dropped cn the era. In a similar manner it was demonstrated that the guilty ingredient was orthodichlorobenzcne, which has become industrially impor tant as a solvent and wood prosorvativo. 419 Onychia Duo to Handling Su^ar. C.L. Cummer. Arch. Derm. & Syphil. (Soc. Trans.) 41, 142-145 (January." 1940). A woman working in a bakery, handling Jems and jellies, had practically all her fingernails affected. Seme nails were stripped off, others wore split and lifted from tho bed. Granular tissue could' bo broken 'away when the nail plate wa3 lifted. No mycelium or sporos wore found cn microscopic study. When the woman stopped her work end after treatment with x-rnya end boric acid ointment and solutions,' the crmditisn cleared up. ' Thero is a photograph of tho damaged nails. 420 Factors Influencing Carclnngcnisis v.ith Methylcholanthrene. III. The Effect of Solvents. 11.B. Shimkin and H.5. Andervcnt. U.c. Public Health Reports, 55, 537-545 (March 29, 1940). Solvents exert a definite effect upon the latent period and incidence of eareinogenisis with nothyleholsnthrcne injected subcutaneously in the dissolved state into inbred strains of nice. The latent poriod is very short when tricaprylin is used, end over twice as long when butyl phalate is tho solvent. Significant differences in tho production of tumors are observed with solvents of heterogen eous naturo. Tricaprylin seems to bo tho most consistent and rapidly acting solvent for methylcholanthreno of those tosted but has tha disadvantage of pre sent high cost. 421 Gangrene of a Foot Following; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. J.A. V/ilson and ?/.C. Carey. Ind. Med., 9,, 197-193 (April, 194(3). Description of a case of carbon monoxide poisoning in a nan 72 years of age 7/ith tho somewhat unusual sequel of gangrene of an extremity. 422 Chronic Arsine Puis-tning Anon? Workers Employed in the Cyanide Extraction of Cold: A Resort of 14 Cases. J.M.R. Bulmor, h'.Z. Rothwell, S.S. Poluck and D.W. Stewart. J. Ind. ilyg. & Toxicol., 22, 111-124 (April, 1940). A miner variation in procedure and gradual decrease in natural ventilation due to tho onsot of cold weather resulted in theso cases of chronic arsine poisoning. Blood findings, ursenic determinations of pubic hair and urine, blood chemistry, symptoms and physical findings, including electrocardiographic interpretations aro presented and discussed. Workers 'with on unaccountable decrease in red blood colls and. hemoglobin should be oxsminod carefully and removed from work. Marked stippling of the rod blood calls in tho absence of a lead exposure should also bo regarded with suspicion. In the treatment of theso easos wholo blood trans fusion and iron therapy wore of real value especially in men presenting marked blood impoverishment. _ Digest of laJustrinl Hygiene -21. I 4?15 Effects of f.-ulfur Dioxide in Plants and Animals. C. Settcrstrcn. Ind. & Eng. Ciien., 33, 473-47'.' (April, 1940). Apparatus v/aa designed 'md constructed for the purpose of conducting a series of experimenta testing tho effects or. plants unci animals of exposure to low concen trations of sulfur dioxide* The present paper is concerned particularly with the industrial and engineering aspects of tho work. Precise control of tho gas conccntr-.tinns and at least partial control of other important factors such as temperature and humidity ware achieved. Records kept over a period of two years of tho sulfur dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere showed an averago of 0.034 p.y.n. ncl a maximum of 0.75 p.p.a. Factorial experiments were of use in intcr' preting tho results of quantitative data and in obtaining the maximum amount of information fren a given expenditure of time and energy. This followed e logical end systematic contrasting of pairs (or groups) of plants, the members of each pair laving been given identical treatment oxcept in respect to tho factor under investigation. Tho experimental data ttoto subjected to statistical study by the aothod of the analysis of variance. Alfalfa was selected as the principal test plant because it is sensitive to sulfur dioxide and is of considerable economic importance in several of the largo agricultural areas which are subjoctcd to sul fur dioxide. Under none of the conditions studied (exposure to 0.10-0.20 p.p.m. of sulfur dioxide up to 25 days) was there docrcr.so of yield of alfalfa, under m*>st of the conditions it had ns significant effect on yield, and under some of the conditions it brought about significant yield increases. The data indicates that deficiencies ir. sulfur content of nutriont supply 7/are made up by absorption of sulfur dioxide frea the air. Alfalfa grown with a deficient supply of water 3ecacu to respond mere readily to the stimulating effoct of the sulfur dioxide. In general, resistance 3ulfur dioxide decreased with increase in relativo humidity theunh differences of at least 20$ apxjesred necessary to cause detect able degrees in susceptibility in the range above 40 per cent. Young plants were much core resistant to injury then older plants. Middle-aged leaves vraro the most susceptible. In tho animal studies guinea pigs, mice, grasshoppers and cockroaches wero used as experimental material. No significant mortality or signs of distress occurred among healthy animals at concentrations of 33 p.p.m. or below. A longer exposure to the gas was necessary to cause mortality whoa the sulfur dioxide treatments were given in intermittent dosos. Signs in living ex posed vertebrate animals at the higher concentrations included lethargy, rhinitis, lachrynation, coughing, conjunctivitis, moderate dyspnea, distention of the ab domen, weakness, end paralysis of the hind quarters. The results clearly in dicate that concentrations of sulfur dioxide such ns prevail in city atmospheres have no direct effect on health. Tho possibility of indirect effect cannot be evaluated from tho data given in this papor. 424 Toxicity of Ammonia, Chlorine, Hydrogen Cyanide, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Sulfur Dioxide to Fun.*?!, Green Plants, and Animals. A Preliminary Rouerc. Carl fottarstron, Boyce Thompson Instituxe for Plant Research, Inc., Yonkers, N. Y. This papor constitutes a preliminary report of the results of a rather comprehen sive study of the toxicity of several industrial gases t: c number of organisms. Concentrations tested varied free 1.0 to 1000 p.p.m. in dose intorval3 of four. Organisms were exposed for periods ranging from cnc minute to 16 hours. Organ isms tostod included eight plant fungi; two r.nimai pathogens; rye end radish seed3*, tomato, buckwheat, and tobacco plants; flies, nice, and rats. Data ore prosented showing susceptibility of occh nno of the organisms to each of the gases over tho range of concentrations and exposuro periods. Studios of tho effects of each '>f the gases on pH rf soil, agar, end oxpressod plant juices arc 8umnnri2od. Rolativo toxicity of tho gases to the organisms and rolatiYo suscep tibility of the organisms to the gv.sos ora njtod. 0 Z416 Digest of Industrial Hygiene - 22. 425 Benzene Poisoniw?. X. Cray, I. Greenfield und II. Lcderer. J.Am.Wed.Assoc., 114, 1525-1520 (April 5, 1340). Chronic poisoning results from tho inhalation of benzene in industries whoro it is" unod ns a solvent nnd evaporates into the air of the workroom. Ecmopoiotic (blood.forming) insufficiency, varying from mild anemia to complete aplasia which is incompatible with life, nay result from such an exposure. This is an _ account of a fatal case of chronic benzene poisoning in a pressmen who had boon exposed to thn vapors from colored inks. Blood studies showed a very low white -coll count -- dropping from 2,300 to 500 shortly after admission to the hospital. ....... A diminution of tho granular typos of v/hitc colls was accompanied by a narked in crease in tho lymphocytes. Frua the prognostic point of view, repeated bleed studios seen of greeter value than urinary sulfate determinations after the ex posure to benzene has ceased. VJhitc cell counts below 1000 giro a very grave ___ L-prognosis. This patient also revealed tho phenomenon of autohemngglutinsticn. 426 _ Functioning and Reacting Ability of the Bleed Forming Organs in Chronic Benzene 'Inhalation: Experimental Investigations. il. Scbmittaann, H. Linnig and F. Camerer. Arch. f. Gcwcrbepath., 719-737 (1929), (German). Exposure to small concentrations of benzene in air seems to result in a decrease - ' in-leucacytcs with a relative lymphocytosis but no symptoms. In workmen exposed thusly, minor infections produce a loucocytosis, especially of the monocytes - - which nay be 90# of all loucocytcc. Normal experimental animals respond to --" -irritating-injections by leucocvtic reactions z- a decrease .of granulocytes followed by a risn. Thero is also a leucocyte rise caused by an incrcaso of lymphocytes, e leucocytic reaction of the spleen and bone marrow. In animals which had previously inhaled benzene, there was an cndothoial reaction: tho granulocytes end lymphccytes fall only a little after equalization of tho first rise. In tho spleen thoro was marked phagocytosis of tho proliferated oadothelium 427 Further Studies on the Absorption, Mobilization, end Excretion of Lead. S. L. Tompcctt. Brie. J. Exp. Path., 23, 512-515 (December, 1939). Animal experimentation shows that inclusion uf hydrochloric acid in a load-con taining diet increases absorption from the alimentary tract. Ammonium, chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium carbonate fed with both high and low calcium diet increased tho blood mobilization of lead. After lead ingestion ceased, a large part is excreted within 14 days on low calcium diet, and a substantial amount evon on high calcium diet. 423 Tho Metabolism of Nucleopretein3 in. Lead Poisoning. G. Michctte and F. Uolfino. Pass. nod. ind., 10, 562-532 (1939). (Italian). Original research on ten cases of lead poisoning chow's a pronc.unced tendency to uric acidemia becoming more acute as tho poisoning tends towards chrcnicity. No relation was seen botween tho degree of uric acidemia and kidney function, and no such connection is likely to exist in cases of rccont lead poisoning. 429 Vitamin C Treatment of Chronic Benzene Poisoning Amt.n.c Photocnaravers. J. Eagcn. Arch. f. Ooworbepath., 9^ G93-704 (1929). (German).* ^ " ' Four photocnGravcr3 had--slight changes in the blood picture. While still work ing, they were treated with vitamin C and the blood findings improved. The authz-r recoLjncnds that in the supervision of workers ascorbic acid in urine be deter mined as well, as making blood examinatiens and that whore tho concentration in the uriao is low that vitamin C be given buth pruphylactically and therapeuticol ly, '`.long with other remedies. 430 Cadmium and Its Cor.iu -unde. Ohio Dept, uf Health, Adult Hyg. Div., 6 (1940). A siw-rt booklet giving in concise form general information, industrial use, selected abstracts and a list of rcforancoc on this element nr.d its Cumuounds. 02417 Air filter 374, 376,377 Armenia determination 402 ;. afreets 424 Apparatus dust feeding 372 Arsine .. chro'nlc poisoning 422 * `'Ascorbic, acid' - ---397 - Benzene poisoning ~~ 'general " 425,426 treatnent 429 Book revlCT.'s .. 359 Cadmium determination 399 general 430 Carben disulfide determination 408 Carbon monoxide detornination 406,407 general 414 gangrene 421 Carcinogen!sis 420 Chlorine effects 424 Conference, Labor Legislation 563 Dermatitis gloves 417 orthodichlorobcnzcne 418 mt-r.itc 416 Dusts lint 374 ninernl coloi's 366 prose (Hay,'1940) Dust control 375, 377, 378 Examinations prc-or.pluynent 382 Fatigue 336 Oases, nine determination 405 Oases, nitrous 411 Hydrogen cyanide effects 424 Hydrogen sulfide . offosts 424 Industrial hygiene, general 381 Industrial medicine education 383 general 381, 396 Industrial sanitation 385 Pneumoconiosis 366 x-ray 370 Pneumonia 379 Radiant enemy infra-red 395 Respiratory protection approved devises 353 general 567 Rock dudting 371 Sick benefit association 364 Silicosis general 369 Skin hazards 415 Statistics morbidity and mortality 365,363 population 380 Lead determination 404 detoxication 410 Lead poisoning general 353,400,413,428 has* egg, test 401. treatment 397 Mercury determination 404 Nystagmus, minors 393 Onychia 419 Ozone determination 409 Stools, load bearing 400 Sulfur dioxide detorminatron 402 effects 423, 424 Syphilis 387,383,389,390,391 392 Vision 384 Wolding 412 Workmen*s compensation 350,352,353,354,355, 356,360,361,362 02418 Bulletin ......................A special meeting of those members of Air Hygiene Foundation, ' interested in tho Foundation's survey of "Sick Absenteeism in Industry," .will bo held at Holloa Institute, Pittsburgh, on Monday, May 27, at 10 A.M., (Eastern Dcyli/rht Time.) This is cn "instruction" meeting for companies desiring t.o participate, or desiring more information about the survey, described in Medical Bulletin No. 4 which was sent to members recently. . The specialists directing tho work will give completo details on the mechanics whereby participating companies can chock up on their losses through sick absenteeism. Questions which companies may wish to ask will bo answered fully. Forms for recording absences will bo explained, .etc. .Tho speakers ore: Dri A.J. Lanza, Chairman, Foundation* 3 Medical Committee Dr. R.R. Sayers, Representing Public Health Service and Association of Industrial Physicians and Surgeons Dr. C.D. Selby, Medical Consultant, General Motors Corporation = _ -Dr. W.M. Gafafor,Senior Statistician, Public Eealth Service _ Mr. R.J. Tone, Statistician, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Dr. Lanza frill outline the subject. Dr. Sayers '.Till explain the collaboration of the Public Health Servico. Dr. Gnfufer end Mr. Vono will explain the technical dotails, the'do's and don* ts." Dr. Selby will speak from tho experience of a company engaged in such a survey, amount of cler ical work, expense, etc. Thi3 survey is a kind of planned "inventory" which the Foundation offers its member companies as an opportunity for them to reduce their losses through sick absenteeism. If your company is interested please re turn tho enclosed foxm indicating whothor you will be represented. May 8, 1940 Air Hygiene Foundation 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa. 0J1419 Tho will bo represented l nano ox' .conpiiny, association, etc.) br~ (ncno and title of representative) at the "instruction'* meeting on "Sick Absontocisa in Industry" which will be held by Air Hygiene Foundation at Holloa Institute, Pittsburgh, on Monday, May 27, 1940, at 10 A.!. Eastern Daylight Time. Signature: Title: oa4iO