Solvent hazard in canvas-rubber shoe factories

1. This investigation has removed definitely our apprehension that gasoline and naphtha, which are potential hazards in the three convas-rubber shoe factories, might be a real danger. The highest concentration of gasoline vapor found was only 460 p.p.m, which is lower than the maximum allowable concentration-500 p.p.m2. The statistical analysis of the blood pressure by age group did not show any significant difference between the exposed and unexposed groups of workers, indicating no appreciable effects of the gasoline and naphtha vapors3. The symptoms found among the workers were also analyzed and were found to be not due to the solvent. There were, however, some individuals who showed more susceptibility or sensitiveness to gasoline vapor; and these individuals should be transferred to other departments of the factories free from such vapor4. The psychrometric findings showed that there is need of rearrangement of electric fans in one factory to promote air circulation, and opening of more windows in the two others to correct deficient temperature. Regarding Kata value (cooling power of air) and wind velocity in the different sections of the factories, the following standards are recommended: wind velocity of 50-100 feet per minute where there is no gasoline vapor; not less than 200 feet per minute where gasoline vapor is present; and Kata cooling power of not less than five where the temperature is more than 85 degrees F5. For preventive measures, it is recommended that exhaoust ventilation systems be provided in the vicinity of the canvas-rubber shoe making tables and in the rubber cement mixers. The factories should also be inspected at least twice a year to determine the concentration of solvent vapor in the different working areas. (Conclusions and recommendations)

Bagassosis and silicosis in the Philippines

A review of the clinical case records and x-ray films of workers in sugar cane and mining industries was presentedBagassosis and silicosis are occupational diseases of the lungs in which fibrosis is a prominent x-ray finding. They are often confused with bilateral miliary tuberculosis. Bagassosis is contracted by inhalation of dust particles from dry fermented sugar cane bagasse while silicosis is produced by the inhalation of dust containing free silicaThe incidence of silicosis in the particular mining company under study was 0.44 of the total number of workers with exposure to silica dust. (Summary)

Absorption and exerction of mercury in man

An observation on 15 individuals with exposure to mercury was made to see if there was any correlation between mercury levels in blood and urine. The data in this study have been subjected to statistical tests to support scientifically the validity of the results. (Summary)The Spearman coefficient of P = 0.015 and a correlation coefficient of 0.580 indicate a good correlation between the blood and urine levels on a group basis, although individually, there is no close correlation in any individual case. (Conclusion)