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Inorganic substances - 5,778 entries found

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  • Inorganic substances

1973

CIS 74-727 Hasan F.M., Kazemi H.
Progress report - U.S. Beryllium Case Registry, 1972.
The Beryllium Case Registry has been in existence at the Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, USA) for 20 years and has data on 832 cases of beryllium disease (211 acute and 577 chronic) which have led to publications on the clinical, radiographic, pathological and lung function abnormalities in beryllium disease. In the past 4 years, 41 new cases have been reported to the Registry; 24 of the patients had had significant exposure to beryllium since 1950, at a time when new guidelines for beryllium exposure were put into effect. Thus beryllium disease continues to be an industrial hazard, particularly in the aerospace and nuclear industries. The services offered by the Registry are described.
American Review of Respiratory Disease, Nov. 1973, Vol.108, No.5, p.1252-1253. 5 ref.

CIS 74-851 Pelled B., Shechter Y., Alroy G., Lichtig C., Turbati D., Ben David A.
Deleterious effects of oxygen at ambient and hyperbaric pressure in the treatment of nitrogen dioxide-poisoned mice.
Nitrogen dioxide-poisoning was experimentally produced in mice in order to evaluate the possible effects of oxygen and hyperbaric oxygen therapy under various schedules of treatment. Using mortality rates and pathological changes in the lungs as parameters, it was concluded that oxygen therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy even more so, are not only of no benefit, but are distinctly deleterious in the treatment of nitrogen dioxide-poisoning.
American Review of Respiratory Disease, Nov. 1973, Vol.108, No.5, p.1152-1157. Illus. 44 réf.

CIS 74-723 Vostal J.J., Clarkson T.W.
Mercury as an environmental hazard.
The more important of the complex set of factors which determine the hazard are evaluated in this paper: the chemical form of mercury and the chemical changes which can take place in the environment; the release of mercury into the environment by human activities; the concentration of mercury compounds in air, water and food, and the eating habits of the population; the dose-response relationship; the role of the route of entry into the organism; the presence of constituents which can modify the effects of mercury (e.g. selenium); the ability to detect reversible damage amenable to treatment.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1973, Vol.15, No.8, p.649-656. Illus. 61 ref.

CIS 74-722 Lovejoy H.B., Berry J., Bell Z.G.
Mercury exposure evaluations and their correlation with urine mercury excretions - 5. Occurrence of mercurialentis among mercury chlor-alkali workers.
Although there are reports that exposure to mercury vapour can produce mercurialentis (an irreversible condition involving impregnation of the lens with mercury) in humans and monkeys, full eye examinations of 68 workers for this condition at 2 chlor-alkali plants using mercury cell processes were all negative. Only one employee at a plant where the urinary mercury level had occasionally reached 1.0 mg/l had other ocular findings suggestive of early clinical mercurialism. Nevertheless, it is recommended that routine periodic ophthalmological examination be performed as part of the medical surveillance programme for workers exposed to mercury.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1973, Vol.15, No.8, p.647-648. 10 ref.

CIS 74-540 Standard for the installation and operation of oxygen-fuel gas systems for welding and cutting.
This standard is applicable to all distribution systems and all gases when used with oxygen for welding, cutting, heating and heat treatment operations; certain specified systems are excluded, however. Chapters are devoted to: cylinders and containers; manifolding of cylinders; service piping systems; protective equipment, hose and regulators; acetylene generators; calcium carbide storage; safe use of welding or cutting gases at public exhibitions and demonstrations.
NFPA No. 51-1973, National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, USA, 1973. 32 p. Illus. Price: US-$1.25.

CIS 74-314 Standard for carbon dioxide extinguishing systems.
This standard lays down minimum requirements for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of CO2 fire extinguishing systems. Chapters are devoted to: general information and requirements; total flooding systems; local application systems; hand hose line systems; standpipe systems and mobile supply. Appendix A explains and illustrates the development of some of the principles on which the standard is based. Appendix B gives typical examples of how fire hazards may be protected with fixed CO2 extinguishing systems.
NFPA No. 12-1973, National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, USA, 1973. 90 p. Illus. Price: US-$2.25.

CIS 74-313 Standard for the processing and finishing of aluminium.
This standard outlines the measures that are required to reduce the possibility of fires or explosions in industries where aluminium and its alloys are subjected to operations in which fine metallic dust or powder is liberated. Chapters are devoted to: aluminium processing (dust collection, ducts, wet and dry type dust collectors, disposal of sludge, solvent cleaning); fire protection practices (housekeeping, electrical equipment, ignition sources); process handling and storage of aluminium powder and paste; fire protection. An appendix provides information on work clothing; fire extinguishing equipment; explosibility parameters; and nonsparking materials.
NFPA No. 65-1973, National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, USA, 1973. 14 p. 8 ref. Price: US-$1.00.

CIS 74-497 Lukáš E.
Factors affecting the onset and course of experimental neurotoxic effects due to carbon disulfide in rats
K otázce některých faktorů, které ovlivňuji vznik a rozvoj experimentální sirouhlíkové neuropatie u krys [in Czech]
2 groups of rats (54 controls and 108 SPF rats) fed differently (inadequate Larsen diet and optimum diet, respectively) were exposed to carbon disulfide in concentrations of 1.2 and 2.4 mg of CS2 per litre of inhaled air, for 6 h a day, 5 days a week during 6 months. SPF rats, which were in good health and received the optimum diet, showed the first symptoms of neuropathy 1 month later than the control rats and their conduction velocity decreased to a lesser extent, as was demonstrated by electromyography. The conclusion is drawn that the course of toxic neuropathy is conditioned by the subject's state of health and general mode of life.
Československá neurologie a neurochirurgie, May 1973, Vol.36, No.3, p.169-173. Illus. 27 ref.

CIS 74-493 Klucik I., Kemka R.
Antimony excretion among workers in an antimony plant
Excrétion d'antimoine chez des ouvriers d'une usine d'antimoine. [in French]
French translation of: Vylučovánie antimónu u robotnikov antimónovej hute. Prácovní lékařství, Praha, Czechoslovakia, 1960, Vol.12, No.3, p.133-138. Illus. 13 ref. Data concerning the excretion of antimony in the urine and faecal matter of 4 workers who had worked for many years in an antimony plant. Excretion was studied in an initial series of observations made over 8 days and then, after 1 month, in a second series of observations over 11 days. The total antimony excretion in the urine and faecal matter during the first series of observations was respectively 14.355, 10.741, 6.542 and 8.286 µg. In the second series of observations, this excretion was respectively 22.251, 19.093, 8.788 and 8.590 µg. At the end of the study, there was still strong urinary antimony excretion, which seems to indicate that considerable quantities of antimony had accumulated in the workers' organism.
Translation INRS 4 B-73, Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 9 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France, 1973. 15 p. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 74-490 Criteria for a recommended standard: Occupational exposure to chromic acid.
Recommendations are made for the prevention of occupational diseases caused by exposure to chromic acid. The time-weighted average (TWA) exposure (8 hours) should not exceed 0.05 mg of CrO3 per m3; the ceiling concentration is fixed at 0.1 mg/m3. Other requirements relate to medical supervision, labelling, personal protection, information of employees, work practices, monitoring and keeping of records. The criteria upon which the recommendations are based are discussed at some length under the following headings: biological effects of exposure; environmental data; development of the standard. Procedures for the sampling and analysis of chromic acid in air are described in detail and useful additional information is given in appendices.
HSM 73-11021, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402, USA, 1973. 83 p. Illus. 55 ref. Price: US-$1.10.

CIS 74-488 Criteria for a recommended standard: Occupational exposure to inorganic arsenic.
Recommendations are made for the prevention of occupational diseases caused by exposure to elemental arsenic and its inorganic compounds other than arsine and lead arsenate. The time-weighted average (TWA) exposure should not exceed 0.05 mg As/m3 over a 40-hour week. Other requirements relate to medical supervision, labelling, personal protection, information of employees, work practices, sanitation, monitoring and keeping of records. The criteria upon which the recommendations are based are discussed at some length under the following headings: biological effects of exposure; environmental data and biological evaluation; development of the standard. Procedures for the sampling and analysis of arsenic in air and its determination in urine are described in detail and useful additional information is given in appendices.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402, USA, 1973. 105 p. Illus. 87 ref. Price: US-$1.25.

CIS 74-487 Criteria for a recommended standard: Occupational exposure to inorganic mercury.
Recommendations are made for the prevention of occupational diseases due to elemental mercury, to its inorganic compounds and to its organic compounds other than ethyl and methyl mercury compounds. The time-weighted average (TWA) exposure (8 hours) should not exceed 0.05 mg Hg/m3. Other requirements relate to medical supervision, labelling, personal protection, information of employees, work practices, sanitation, monitoring and keeping of records. The criteria upon which the recommendations are based are discussed at some length under the following headings: biological effects of exposure; environmental data; development of the standard; work practices and sanitation; compatibility with emission standards. Procedures for the sampling and analysis of mercury in air are described in detail and useful additional information is given in appendices.
HSM 73-11024, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402, USA, 1973. 127 p. Illus. 153 ref. Price: US-$1.50.

CIS 74-485 Štepánková K., Juránek J.
Semi-quantitative monitoring of hydrogen sulfide in air
Semikvantitavní stanovení sirovodíku v ovzduší [in Czech]
Description of a simple method for the semi-quantitative field determination of H2S concentrations between 10-9 and 10-6 g/l. The method is based on the use of detector tubes with a filling of silica gel impregnated with silver nitrate and potassium cyanide. For higher concentrations (10-6 g/l), the length of the coloured section of the silica gel column is measured. Lower concentrations (10-9 g/l) are estimated on the basis of the volume of gas which has to flow through the tube before a colour change can be detected.
Chemický průmysl, Jan. 1973, Vol.23, No.1, p.36-38. Illus. 2 ref.

CIS 74-483 Klimková-Deutschová E., Jandová D., Salcmanová Z., Schwartzová K., Titman O., Levý J.
The problem of chronic action of carbon monoxide on the nervous system
K otázce chronického vlivu kysličníku uhelnatého na nervový systém [in Czech]
Results of research carried out on 157 persons occupationally exposed to CO, classified into 6 groups: 1 group of 67 persons with acute poisoning, and 5 groups chronically exposed to weak doses for varying periods of time. The differences between patients with acute poisoning and those with chronic poisoning was only qualitative. The incidence of headache, fatigue, dizziness and emotional disorders was significantly higher in patients with acute poisoning than in those with chronic poisoning. Chronic poisoning was characterised by breathlessness, anorexia, insomnia, extrapyramidal and pyramidal disorders. Neruological and electroencephalographic examinations are recommended for the diagnosis of chronic poisoning.
Československá neurologie a neurochirurgie, Jan. 1973, Vol.36, No.1, p.1-12. Illus. 36 ref.

CIS 74-482 Stýblová V., Holanová V.
The electroencephalogram of workers exposed to carbon disulfide
Nativní elektroencefalogram u pracovníků v riziku sirouhlíku [in Czech]
187 electroencephalograms of workers employed in the production of viscose fibres were compared with the EEGs of control workers and persons with vascular diseases of the brain. A high percentage of abnormal EEGs (36.8%) was recorded in persons exposed to CS2, whereas different percentages were found within the group depending on whether workers not requiring a transfer (22.5@lP) or workers suffering from temporary or permanent disability for work (58.7%) were considered.
Pracovní lékařství, Mar. 1973, Vol.25, No.3, p.90-96.

CIS 74-481 Jindřichová J.
Manganese excretion in the faeces of submerged-arc welders
Mangan ve stolicí u svářečů pod tavidlem [in Czech]
Clinical tests carried out on 14 submerged-arc welders (average age 45; mean duration of exposure 11.4 years; manganese concentration in air lower than Czechoslovakian TLV of 2 mg/m3) did not show any clear case of manganese poisoning. The rate of faecal manganese excretion (3.5 mg Mn/100 g of faecal matter) was much lower in the welders than in workers employed in the production of electrodes and much higher than in the controls (1.6 mg/100 g). The significance of determining the manganese content of faeces for the evaluation of exposure time is discussed and the data collected are compared with other authors' findings.
Pracovní lékařství, Mar. 1973, Vol.25, No.3, p.86-90. 14 ref.

CIS 74-480 Barbořík M.
The effects of manganese compounds on the health of welders using acid electrodes - Urinary and faecal excretion of manganese and accumulation in the system
Působení manganových sloučenin na zdraví svářečů při svařování kyselými elektrodami - Vylučování manganu močí a stolicí a jeho ukládání v organismu [in Czech]
Clinical tests carried out on 50 welders working with acid electrodes in large factory halls where the manganese concentration did not exceed the Czechoslovakian TLV of 2 mg/m3 did not reveal any symptoms of manganese poisoning. The daily excretion of manganese in the faeces was 4.6 mg, as compared with 2.4 mg in a control group and 12.3 mg in manganese ore grinders; urinary excretion was negligible. The administration of penicillamine did not significantly influence the urinary and faecal manganese levels. It is concluded that chronic manganese poisoning should only occur in welders in specially unfavourable hygienic conditions (confined spaces), which alone justify checks of manganese excretion.
Pracovní lékařství, Mar. 1973, Vol.25, No.3, p.82-86. 20 ref.

CIS 74-479 Bell Z.G., Wood M.W., Kuryla L.A.
Mercury exposure evaluations and their correlation with urine mercury excretions - 1. A method to determine mercury time-weighted average (TWA) exposures.
Description of a prototype personnel monitoring apparatus designed to define more accurately the TWA exposure, in an effort to resolve and clarify the correlation between mercury exposure and urine mercury excretion. The basic principle involved consists of amalgamating mercury vapour with metallic silver wool, the mercury being recovered from the silver amalgam by thermal decomposition. The apparatus has been evaluated in the laboratory and tested in the field. Tables containing laboratory and field test results are given.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Apr. 1973, Vol.15, No.4, p.340-342. Illus. 5 ref.

CIS 74-473 Lovejoy H.B., Bell Z.G., Vizena T.R.
Mercury exposure evaluations and their correlation with urine mercury excretions - 4. Elimination of mercury by sweating.
Describes an investigation to establish the magnitude of mercury losses through sweating. Results show that elimination of mercury by sweating constitutes a significant route for the removal of mercury from the body. Forced sweating may be regarded as a valid treatment for the rapid removal of absorbed mercury in patients with elevated mercury urine levels. Failure to consider sweating as a possible significant route for the elimination of mercury from the body might account partially for the difficulties in establishing a relationship between mercury exposures and urine mercury levels.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, July 1973, Vol.15, No.7, p.590-591. 3 ref.

CIS 74-468 Bell Z.G., Wood M.W., Kuryla L.A.
Mercury exposure evaluations and their correlation with urine mercury excretions-2. Time-weighted average (TWA) exposures for mercury-chlorine cell employees.
This report describes the application of equipment and procedures used to etablish the TWA mercury exposure of workers in 4 job classifications at one mercury-cell facility. Substantial fluctuations in mercury exposures were obtained from the different job assignments, as well as from day to day within the same job assignment. The wide variation in mercury concentration within the cell room and probable mercury vapours evolving from contaminated clothing make the use of personnel monitoring advisable if a better understanding of the correlation between urinary mercury levels and TWA exposures is to be obtained.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, May 1973, Vol.15, No.5, p.420-422. Illus. 2 ref.

CIS 74-463 Haas T., Woitowitz H.J., Schaller K.H.
Occupational mercury poisoning and pregnancy
Berufliche Quecksilbervergiftung und Schwangerschaft [in German]
Report on the case of a woman with chronic occupational mercury poisoning who gave birth to a stillborn child after she had left the occupation in which she was exposed to mercury vapour. A premature live birth followed a second, 8-month, pregnancy. Both the mother and her now 12-year-old son still have urinary mercury levels above normal. The permeability of the placenta to inorganic mercury is discussed.
Arbeitsmedizin - Sozialmedizin - Präventivmedizin, May 1973, Vol.8, No.5, p.123-124. 14 ref.

CIS 74-462 Fodor G.G., Prajsnar D., Schlipköter H.W.
Endogenous production of CO due to the absorption of halogenated hydrocarbons of the methane series
Endogene CO-Bildung durch inkorporierte Halogenwasserstoffe der Methanreihe [in German]
On the basis of experiments carried out on rats, it is stated that the absorption of dichloromethane leads to the endogenous production of carbon monoxide. After an exposure of only 3 h to a concentration lower than the TLV, a significant increase in carboxyhaemoglobinaemia was found. This endogenous production of carbon monoxide was also determined with diiodomethane, dibromomethane and tribromomethane.
Staub, June 1973, Vol.33, No.6, p.258-259. 5 ref.

CIS 74-458 Taylor A., Marks V.
Measurement of urinary mercury excretion by atomic absorption in health and disease.
Because of more sensitive analytical techniques, values for urinary mercury reported in the literature are no longer applicable. Therefore, investigations were carried out to determine more accurately the amount of mercury excreted by seemingly healthy persons exposed to mercury in a variety of occupations, as well as by non-exposed subjects. This could provide a basis for comparison with persons showing signs of poisoning. Excretion of mercury was measured by a cold-vapour atomic absorption technique. It is suggested that a urinary mercury excretion level greater than 20 µg/g creatinine or 40 µg mercury/24 h should be considered as evidence of recent or remote exposure to mercury.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, July 1973, Vol.30, No.3, p.293-296. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 74-456 El-Gazzer R., El-Sadik Y.M., Hussein M.
Changes in zinc and serum proteins due to carbon disulphide exposure.
Serum zinc and proteins were studied in 82 workers in the Egyptian rayon industry, of whom 40 were at the time exposed to carbon disulfide and 9 had been exposed in the past for a year or more; 33 workers without exposure were used as controls. CS2 caused depletion of serum zinc by an increase in the rate of zinc excretion and an increase in all serum protein fractions. All these effects are temporary and improve on cessation of exposure.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, July 1973, Vol.30, No.3, p.284-288. Illus. 25 ref.

CIS 74-454 Bell Z.G., Lovejoy H.B., Vizena T.R.
Mercury exposure evaluations and their correlation with urine mercury excretions - 3. Time-weighted average (TWA) mercury exposures and urine mercury levels.
Air/urine mercury concentrations were investigated for 4 job classifications of individuals engaged in the manufacture of chlorine in a mercury cell facility. The air/urine ratio (mg/m3 and mg/l) approximated 1, significantly different from the 1:2.5 ratio reported elsewhere for groups of workers. Spot urine samples were variable and not necessarily indicative of the weekly TWA exposure. The 16-h composite urine sample does correlate well with measured TWA exposures. The effect of sweating on urinary mercury levels and its possible influence on the air/urine ratio require further investigation.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, June 1973, Vol.15, No.6, p.501-508. Illus. 6 ref.

CIS 74-448 Lauwerys R.R., Buchet J.P.
Occupational exposure to mercury vapors and biological action.
Slight biological changes were detected in workers exposed to an average atmospheric mercury vapour concentration below the current TLV (0.050 mg/m3). There is no evidence to suggest that these abnormalities have any health significance. It is therefore proposed that it is necessary to initiate corrective industrial hygiene measures only if the urinary excretion level of workers chronically exposed to inorganic mercury exceeds 50 µg/l. On the basis of the results of the present investigation, this concentration corresponds to an exposure around the current TLV.
Archives of Environmental Health, Aug. 1973, Vol.27, No.2, p.65-68. 24 ref.

CIS 74-447 Lead - Code of practice for health precautions.
This code covers primarily the smelting, refining and lead accumulator industries. It aims to contol lead dust and fumes in the working environment by implementation of the best current practices and by achieving a threshold limit value of lead in air not greater than 0.2 mg/m3 (to be reduced shortly to 0.15 mg/m3). Sections are devoted to: control of dust and fumes; maintenance work; housekeeping; inspection of control measures and monitoring of production equipment; respiratory protective equipment; personal hygiene for lead process workers; health education and related training of employees; communication and joint consultation; legal requirements relating to employment in lead processes. A section on control of dust and fumes in the lead smelting and refining industry is annexed.
Department of Employment, H.M. Factory Inspectorate, London. H.M. Stationery Office, P.O. Box 569, London S.E.1., United Kingdom, Aug. 1973. 49 p. Gratis.

CIS 74-344 Schwarzbach E.
Story of a harmless, empty sulfuric acid tank which flew into the air
Story von einem harmlosen, leeren Schwefelsäuretank, der in die Luft flog [in German]
Because a drainage hole had been placed too high, a concentrated sulfuric acid tank which had been emptied still contained, after cleansing with water, a residue of diluted acid which remained stagnant at its bottom. At the dome of the tank, 2 gas drainage outlets had a tendency to suck back, so that hydrogen formed by the attack of the diluted acid on the tank steel accumulated at the top. One week after washing out with water, 2 welders started repairs on the platform which topped the tank. A welding spark was sucked in by a gas drainage outlet and ignited the air/hydrogen mixture in the top of the tank. The explosion which followed threw the tank in the air. Considerations on preventive measures which should have been taken.
Sicher ist Sicher, June 1973, Vol.24, No.6, p.292-293. Illus.

CIS 74-501 Hernberg S., Nurminen M., Tolonen M.
Excess mortality from coronary heart disease in viscose rayon workers exposed to carbon disulfide.
Results of cohort studies covering 343 viscose rayon workers who had been exposed to CS2 for at least 5 years, and 343 matched controls. All the relevant coronary risk factors had been checked in 1967, except for blood pressure, which was slightly higher in the exposed group. A 5.5-year follow-up study showed that 16 men of the exposed cohort had died from coronary heart disease, against 3 in the control group. Other causes of death were evenly distributed. The difference between the risk ratios was statistically significant. Similar results were obtained by comparing the coronary mortality of the exposed cohort with mortality rates in Finland. It is possible to arrive at accurate predictions of death or survival in 88.7% of the exposed group when taking into account not only exposure, but also age, smoking habits, diastolic blood pressure and serum cholesterol level.
Work - Environment - Health, 1973, Vol.10, No.2, p.93-99. Illus. 21 ref.

CIS 74-441 Standards for chromic acid concentration in air for use with the Chromium Plating Regulations 1931 and 1973.
After referring to the requirements of the Chromium Plating Regulations regarding testing for chromic acid in air, control of vapour or spray at plating baths, and the Factories Act 1961 regarding reporting of cases of chrome ulceration, this note gives guidance on procedures to check the efficiency of control standards at plating baths. Short sections cover: threshold limit values (0.1 mg/m3 for chromic acid); maintenance of control standards; and medical supervision of employees. Appendices include: test method for the detection of chromic acid mist in air and notes on the availability of apparatus and reagents used in the test method.
Technical Data Note No.40, Department of Employment, H.M. Factory Inspectorate, London. H.M. Stationery Office, P.O. Box 569, London S.E.1, United Kingdom, 1973. 3p. Illus. Gratis.

CIS 74-438 Ol'hovskaja A.G.
Changes in the activity of some blood enzymes in tyre-cord plant workers
Izmenenie aktivnosti nekotoryh fermentov krovi u rabotajuščih v proizvodstve kordnogo volokna [in Russian]
The production of tyre-cord fibres gives rise to carbon disulfide (CS2) concentrations which are particularly high in the spinning departments. A number of CS2-exposed workers displayed symptoms of vegetative-vascular dysfunction or an asthenovegetative syndrome. During the first years of exposure, the activities of the erythrocyte and serum cholinesterases and of the blood ceruloplasmin were enhanced, whereas after 11 to 15 years of exposure these activities were reduced.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, June 1973, No.6, p.21-23. 6 ref.

CIS 74-436 Sorenson J.R.J., Melby E.G., Nord P.J., Petering H.G.
Interferences in the determination of metallic elements in human hair - An evaluation of zinc, copper, lead and cadmium, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
A study to evaluate the sources of interference in the determination of the concentrations of metals in human hair. Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and a standard reference hair sample, the authors established that the determination of concentrations of copper, zinc, lead and cadmium is free of interference when nitric acid is used as the sole digesting agent. They also demonstrated that chemical ionisation, light scattering and molecular absorption interferences are absent when commercially available equipment is used.
Archives of Environmental Health, July 1973, Vol.27, No.1, p.36-39. 11 ref.

CIS 74-435 Alarie Y., Busey W.M., Krumm A.A., Ulrich C.E.
Long-term continuous exposure to sulfuric acid mist in cynomolgus monkeys and guinea pigs.
In evaluating the effects of sulfuric acid mist as a pulmonary irritant, 3 variables must be taken into account: concentration, particle size and duration of exposure. Groups of cynomolgus monkeys and guinea pigs were exposed to sulfuric acid mist of varying concentrations and particle size. Exposures were for 78 weeks in monkeys and 52 weeks in guinea pigs. Detailed results of the study are given.
Archives of Environmental Health, July 1973, Vol.27, No.1, p.16-24. Illus. 30 ref.

CIS 74-595 Annual Report 1972 of HM Chief Inspector of Factories.
This report contains chapters devoted to: industrial hazards (explosion and fire, safeguarding of machinery and plant, major hazards, development in electricity); lead; the construction industry; safety and health activities; environmental hygiene; accident experience. Appendices contain, in tabular form: breakdowns of fatal accidents in factory processes and construction processes; reported accidents (by type and site of injury); horizontal injection moulding machine accidents; abrasive wheel bursts and breakages; power press accidents and injuries sustained; transport accidents in construction; tower crane accidents; collapse of scaffolds on construction sites, etc. During 1972, fatal accidents showed a further reduction continuing the trend of the previous 2 years; their number (468) as compared with 525 in 1971 was the lowest this century. The report points out that although the fall in absolute numbers is due partly to a reduction in the number of people at risk, the accident rates per 100,000 persons employed in factories have also fallen: there were 3.9 (fatal accidents) and 580 (serious injuries) in 1972, as compared with 4.3 and 590 in 1971.
Cmnd.5398, Department of Employment, London. H.M. Stationery Office, P.O.Box 569, London S.E.1., United Kingdom, Sep. 1973. 133 p. Illus. Price: Ł1.00.

CIS 74-551 Speizer F.E., Ferris B.G., Burgess W., DiBerardinis L.J.
Exposure to automobile exhaust - 1. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and disease - 2. Pulmonary function measurements - 3. An environmental assessment.
This article in 3 parts describes how the prevalence of chronic non-specific respiratory disease was assessed in a population of 268 policemen exposed to a spectrum of levels of automobile exhaust. Pulmonary function tests were performed and hair lead concentration measured. Data are presented in tabular form to show that the men represent comparable groups and that smoking and to a lesser extent traffic exposure are associated factors in the development of respiratory disease. Annual medical assessment and seasonal environmental assessments are planned to permit prospective evaluation of the effects of chronic exposure to automobile exhaust.
Archives of Environmental Health, June 1973, Vol.26, No.6, p.313-329. 31 ref.

CIS 74-431 Djurić D., Poštić-Grujin A., Graovac-Leposavić L., Delić V.
Disulfiram as an indicator of human susceptibility to carbon disulfide - Excretion of diethyldithiocarbamate sodium in the urine of workers exposed to CS2 after oral administration of disulfiram.
The authors assume that CS2 and disulfiram (Antabuse) are metabolised by the same enzyme systems. They hope to establish, therefore, that the urinary excretion of diethyldithiocarbamate (disulfiram metabolite) after oral administration of disulfiram runs parallel to the individual's capacity to detoxicate sulfur compounds. If the hypothesis is correct, the simple disulfiram test would be useful in predicting individual susceptibility to CS2 poisoning. Applied to preplacement job examination, it would be possible to select only resistant workers. Further investigations are necessary.
Archives of Environmental Health, June 1973, Vol.26, No.6, p.287-289. 5 ref.

CIS 74-430 Jaques A., Witschi H.R.
Beryllium effects on aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase in rat lung.
Rats were injected intertracheally with a neutralised solution of beryllium sulfate. The activity of pulmonary aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) was measured l, 2, 7, 14 and 28 days after beryllium injection. The total AHH activity per lung was slightly lowered and the changes detectable only in the first 2 days after beryllium exposure. Beryllium did not prevent the induction of pulmonary AHH by methylcholanthrene. RNA synthesis in the beryllium-exposed rat lung was higher than in controls. The results do not support the hypothesis that beryllium could act as a pulmonary cocarcinogen by interfering with the metabolism of carcinogenic polycyclic hydrocarbons in the lung.
Archives of Environmental Health, Oct. 1973, Vol.27, No.4, p.243-247. Illus. 22 ref.

CIS 74-357 Roy-Chowdhury A.K., Mooney T.F., Reeves A.L.
Trace metals in asbestos carcinogenesis.
The identity of the carcinogenic agent already known to be inherent in, or associated with, asbestos fibres is not known with certainty at present. 3 prevalent hypotheses claim carcinogenesis results from: (1) the morphology; (2) the trace organic compound content; (3) the trace metal content of the fibres. This article describes investigations undertaken to shed more light on the third hypothesis. Experiments are in progress to reduce the trace metal content of asbestos fibre, and to test the material so obtained for its carcinogenic properties.
Archives of Environmental Health, May 1973, Vol.26, No.5, p.253-255. 14 ref.

CIS 74-428 Wood R.W., Weiss A.B., Weiss B.
Hand tremor induced by industrial exposure to inorganic mercury.
A report of a study conducted on 2 women occupationally exposed to mercury vapour while calibrating glass pipettes. Subjects were instructed to maintain a force on a finger-trough attached to a strain gauge. Performance progressively improved after the cessation of exposure; the improvement was associated with a reduction in the plasma level of mercury.
Archives of Environmental Health, May 1973, Vol.26, No.5, p.249-252. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 74-427 Jones C.C.
Nickel carbonyl poisoning - Report of a fatal case.
The hazards of nickel carbonyl exposure are discussed and a fatal case of nickel carbonyl poisoning is described. Early diagnosis of overexposure by monitoring the concentration of nickel in the urine of workmen is recommended, together with the appropriate prophylactic therapy. The current most effective treatment of an established case is reviewed.
Archives of Environmental Health, May 1973, Vol.26, No.5, p.245-248. 13 ref.

CIS 74-426 Gross P., Harley R.A., DeTreville R.T.P.
Pulmonary reaction to metallic aluminium powders - An experimental study.
Investigations were carried out to determine the degree of fibrogenicity of aluminium dust. The pulmonary responses in different species of animals to aluminium powders were compared. The experimental results indicate that very fine aluminium powders are non-fibrogenic when inhaled, and that the development of pulmonary fibrosis in rats following intratracheal injection is dependent both on the artifact of intratracheal injection and on the high critical dosage required. These findings parallel clinical experience in the USA, but leave unexplained the occurrence of pulmonary fibrosis in England in workers exposed to aluminium dust.
Archives of Environmental Health, May 1973, Vol.26, No.5, p.227-236. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 74-517 Michels S.
Study of the biological effects of vanadium for the restriction of its concentration in environmental air
Zur biologischen Wirkung von Vanadin im Hinblick auf eine Immissionsbegrenzung [in German]
Review of the sources and industrial applications of vanadium. Bibliographic survey of the effects of vanadium in animals and man. An account of concentrations measured in environmental air and existing and proposed threshold limit values. The maximum atmospheric concentration proposed in Germany (0.001 mg/m3) is considered justified as regards hygiene and engineering.
Staub, July 1973, Vol.33, No.7, p.276-279. 29 ref.

CIS 74-425 Hodge H.C., Stannard J.N., Hursh J.B.
Uranium - Plutonium - Transplutonic elements.
This book is intended primarily as a textbook for toxicologists, with emphasis on the control of hazardous elements in industry and the environment. Chapters are devoted to: history of uranium poisoning; physical and chemical properties of uranium; animal experiments; data on man; protection criteria; environmental monitoring and personnel protection in uranium processing; uranium mining hazards; biomedical aspects of plutonium; chemical and physical properties of plutonium; distribution, excretion and effects of plutonium as a bone-seeker; plutonium in soft tissues with emphasis on the respiratory tract maximum permissible body burdens and concentrations of plutonium; bioassay of plutonium; industrial hygiene, health physics and related aspects; plutonium in the environment; history of the transplutonic elements; metabolism and biological effects of the transplutonium elements; maximum permissible concentrations and maximum permissible body burdens; bioassay of transplutonium elements; medical uses: americium-241 and californium-252. Extensive alphabetical author and subject indexes are provided.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, Heffter-Heubner New Series, Vol.36, Springer-Verlag, Heidelberger Platz 3, 1 Berlin 33, Germany (Fed.Rep.), 1973. 995 p. Illus. Approx. 2,600 ref. Price: US-$153.40.

CIS 74-296
Minister of State for Social Affairs, Paris, France.
Decree No.73-215 of 23 February 1973 to revise and supplement the schedule of occupational diseases annexed to Decree No.46-2959 of 31 December 1946
Décret n° 73-215 du 23 février 1973 revisant et compléant les tableaux de maladies professionnelles annexés au décret n°46-2959 du 31 décembre 1946. [in French]
This decree, which came into force on 2 Mar. 1973, adds to the statutory list of occupational diseases the following new tables (Nos.59 to 63): occupational poisoning due to hexane; occupational poisoning due to pentachlorophenol or sodium pentachlorophenolate; diseases due to cadmium and its compounds; diseases due to organic isocyanates; diseases due to proteolytic enzymes. Table No.34 is amended. [The text of this decree is also reproduced in Travail et sécurité, Paris, Mar. 1973, No.3, p.223-227, with comments, followed by the text of the administrative circular of 7 Mar. 1973 on this subject].
Journal officiel de la République française, 2 Mar. 1973, No.52, p.2321-2322.

CIS 74-271 Perret C.
Physiopathology and treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning
Physiopathologie et traitement de l'intoxication au monoxyde de carbone. [in French]
CO poisoning interferes with the tissue oxygen supply by decreasing available haemoglobin, altering the oxygen dissociation curve and inhibiting cell respiration after fixation upon myoglobin and the cytochromes. In severe poisoning, cell anoxia develops and induces lactic acidosis. The effects of simple oxygen therapy, carbogen and hyperbaric oxygen are discussed. Several clinical examples demonstrate the advantages of hyperbaric oxygen, which rapidly removes cell anoxia and ensures sufficient oxygenation. In a series of 36 patients, the overall mortality was 5.5%. The 2 deaths which occurred were the result of bronchial aspiration of gastric fluid.
Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift - Journal suisse de médecine, 18 Aug. 1973, Vol.103, No.33, p.1161-1166. 13 ref.

CIS 74-176 Bagon D.A., Crosby M.T., Hardy H.L., Simmons J.H.
A personal sampling technique for simultaneous determination of hydrogen sulfide and carbon disulfide in air.
A personal sampling device is described which may be used to determine the mean personal exposure of workers to hydrogen sulfide and carbon disulfide in high fire risk areas in viscose rayon and cellulose film factories. The device consists of a 2-chamber respirator cartridge connected to a respirometer and face piece. Hydrogen sulfide is collected in the first chamber containing cotton wool impregnated with cadmium acetate and a humectant, while the second chamber, containing molecular sieve (type 5A) material, collects the carbon disulfide. The hydrogen sulfide is subsequently liberated by acid in an analytical train and estimated by methylene blue formation. The carbon disulfide is subsequently released by heating in a stream of nitrogen and estimated by colour formation in an ethylene diamine-copper acetate reagent.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Aug. 1973, Vol.16, No.2, p.133-139. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 74-174 Sidor R., Peterson N.H., Burgess W.A.
A carbon monoxide-oxygen sampler for evaluation of fire fighter exposures.
The primary respiratory hazards to fire fighters are high carbon monoxide concentrations and oxygen deficiency. A self-contained personal sampler was developed to monitor fire fighters' exposures to both hazards in actual fires. A hot-wire combustible gas detector was modified to be specific for CO measurements in the range of 0.02 to 10%, and a membrane sensor was used to measure oxygen in the range of 0 to 21%. The data are recorded on a small cassette tape recorder; the output signals of the CO and oxygen circuits are fed alternatively, by means of a timing microswitch assembly, to a voltage-to-frequency converting circuit, and the frequency signals recorded on tape. Tests conducted on various fire gases indicate mean errors of 14.0% and 3.2% in the carbon monoxide and oxygen measurements, respectively. The various advantages presented by this sampler are listed.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, June 1973, Vol.34, No.6, p.264-274. Illus. 29 ref.

CIS 74-173 Titanium.
Main physical properties, uses, hazards to health, control measures, personal protective equipment and first aid. No TLV value has been established for the metallic dust; for titanium dioxide (an inert dust), the TLV is 10 mg/m3 (total dust with less than 1% α-quartz). The inhalation hazard is very slight. Titanium powder is highly pyrophoric; molten titanium burns in air and in pure carbon dioxide and pure nitrogen atmospheres. Titanium and its alloys can react violently with oxidisers. Titanium powders should be stored in water; adequate ventilation and lubrication should be provided during machining. Titanium dust collection ducts should not be connected to other ventilation systems.
Hygienic guide series, American Industrial Hygiene Association. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Akron, USA, June 1973, Vol.34, No.6, p.275-277. 13 ref.

CIS 74-171 Clary J.J., Stokinger H.E.
The mechanism of delayed biologic response following beryllium exposure.
The effects of altered adrenal function on the beryllium distribution picture in experimental animals are presented as evidence in support of the hypothesis that the onset of chronic beryllium disease is related to adrenal function. This could account for the triggering off of the disease, only many years after the last exposure to beryllium, when adrenal function has decreased with age, or the appearance of the disease in times of stress when adrenal function is altered.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Mar. 1973, Vol.15, No.3, p.255-259. Illus. 14 ref.

CIS 74-164 Steward R.D., Newton P.E., Hosko M.J., Peterson J.E.
Effect of carbon monoxide on time perception.
27 healthy, adult, male and female volunteers were exposed to CO at concentrations of <2, 50, 100, 200 and 500 ppm for periods up to 5 h for the purpose of determining the effect of this gas on time perception. These exposures, which resulted in a range of carboxyhaemoglobin saturations as great as 20%, caused no detrimental effect on man's time-sense.
Archives of Environmental Health, Sep. 1973, Vol.27, No.3, p.155-160. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 74-163 Hazucha M., Silverman F., Parent C., Field S., Bates D.V.
Pulmonary function in man after short-term exposure to ozone.
Normal subjects, smokers and non-smokers, were exposed to 0.37 or 0.75 ppm ozone for 2 h in an environmental chamber. 2 h of intermittent exercise in such atmospheres of ozone produced major changes in lung function. At higher concentrations of ozone, slightly greater effects were noted in smokers than in non-smokers, but at lower concentrations this difference was not evident. It is concluded that a concentration of 0.37 ppm ozone for a period of 2 h is unacceptably high if impairment of pulmonary function is to be avoided in a normal, active population.
Archives of Environmental Health, Sep. 1973, Vol.27, No.3, p.183-188. Illus. 19 ref.

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