Louis Schwartz

Allergic dermatitis due to metallic cobalt

Abstract 1.1. Dermatitis occurring among employees in a plant that manufactures cemented carbides was investigated. 2.2. Sensitivity to cobalt was found to be the cause of the dermatitis. 3.3. Recommendations for prevention are given.

An Outbreak of Dermatitis from Airplane Engine Covers.

A recent outbreak of dermatitis among workers in a factory making airplane engine covers was investigated with a view of discovering the cause, and, if possible, effective means of prevention. Although the number of cases was small the outbreak is significant, since airplane engine covers are being used extensively to replace the usual antirust compounds with which engines are covered before they are shipped to the assembly plant, where these compounds must be removed and the engine cleaned before being tested and installed. As a labor-saving measure, therefore, wider use of these covers is to be expected. In this factory the covers are made of plioflim, a material that has been in use for many years with no record of resultant dermatitis. In fact, pliofilm has been recommended as a suitable material for sleeves and aprons to protect certain workers against industrial skin irrtants. The investigation was begun with an inspection of the factory from which the pliofim was obtained, to observe the actual process of manufacture and to obtain materials for testing purposes. It was found that for the past year a special type of pliofiln has been manufactured especially for airplane eDgine covers and that an unusual number of cases of dermatitis has occurred among persons engaged in this work.

Dermatitis caused by contact with copperweed (Oxytenia acerosa)

Abstract A severe case of a persistent dermatitis caused by copperweed in a sensitized person is reported. Patch tests with copperweed were positive.