Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor

TRINITROTOLUOL MANUFACTURING: PRECAUTIONARY MEASURESSource: Monthly Review of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Vol. 3, No. 4 (OCTOBER, 1916),pp. 52-53Published by: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of LaborStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/41823150 .

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52 MONTHLY REVIEW OF THE BUEEAU OF LABOB STATISTICS.

TRINITROTOLUOL MANUFACTURING: PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES.1

TNT is the abbreviation for trinitrotoluol,2 a highly poisonous substance used in the manufacture of explosives. In its manufac- ture illness is due principally to escape of (1) nitrous fumes evolved mainly in the manufacture of nitric acid and during the dilution of the TNT waste acids, and (2) chlorine and compounds of chlorine given off at the commencement of working each charge when not thoroughly absorbed in the towers. The pamphlet under review suggests precautionary measures against poisoning and gives instruc- tions as to accidents, minor injuries, use of air helmets, use of oxygen cylinder, artificial breathing, the treatment of cases of gasing by nitrous fumes,3 instruction for first-aid attendants, and 11 rules suggesting how to avoid the effects of TNT poisoning.

Illness as a result of this poispn, it is stated, may result from (1) general effects on the constituents of the blood, and (2) local effects^ - dermatitis or eczema. Absorption of poison takes place by inhalation of vapor or dust, by contact with the skin and by the alimentary canal. Effective ventilation largely overcomes the first; through proper provision and maintenance of clothing, washing facilities and meal room accommodation the second may be con- trolled. The eating of potatoes, green vegetables and uncooked fruits and the drinking of orange or lemen juice are recommended as effective in minimizing the last named method of absorption.

Symptoms, it is declared, may develop quickly, especially where there has been exposure in a confined space, in which case the best treatment seems to be inhalation of oxygen, a; cylinder of which should be kept in readiness. In some workers an irritating rash on the arms is caused by trinitrotoluol, but evidence has accumulated to show that if washing facilities are suitable and are regularly used by the workers, the hands being thoroughly dried afterwards, occur- rence of eczema is rare.

Emphasis is laid upon the importance of reporting all injuries, however trivial, to the foreman, and that the workmen should also report (1) a persistent cough due to no known cause, (2) unaccus- tomed shortness of breath, (3) fatigue not explained by exertion, and (4) pains coming on suddenly in the feet and legs. Such symptoms should not be disregarded because they are trivial. In fact,

they are only trivial if attended to in time. They may indicate the slight beginnings of poisoning, the effects of which rapidly become serious if the poi- sonous influences are not counteracted. 1 Great Britain. Home Office. Factory Department. Trinitrotoluol Manufacturing.

Precautionary measures. [London] March, 1916. 22 pp. Illustrated. 2 A brief statement of symptoms of trinitrotoluol poisoning and preventive measures to

be adopted appeared in the Monthly Review for June, 1916, p. 84. «This subject was covered briefly in the Monthly Review for June, 1916, p. 87.

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MONTHLY REVIEW OP THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS. 53

In the case of minor injuries causing abrasion of the skin, however slight, the worker is not to touch, wash, or attempt to dress the wound ; he or she is to go to the nearest place where first-aid dressings are kept and have the wound attended to by the person in charge of the first-aid dressing box.

Remedies for acid burns must be applied very promptly. The utmost care is to be used in dealing with acid burns to the eyes. When any acid gets into the eyes they are to be attended to at once by the person in charge of the first-aid dressing box.

The danger from nitrous fumes is recognized, and the pamphlet contains certain specific instructions in this connection.

1. Workmen are warned against breathing brown acid fumes. 2. Always put on the air helmet before repairing leaks or entering or remain-

ing in a part of the room heavily charged with the fumes. 3. The fumes, if breathed, may cause shortness of breath some hours later

and lead to serious illness. 4. If these symptoms develop at home, send at once for a doctor and mean-

while keep in the open air as much as possible. 5. If they develop at the works, send at once for the doctor. 6. Keep the air helmet handy and in good repair, as you never9 know when

you may want it. There is an appendix setting forth the Home Office regulations

applying in factories where trinitrotoluol is manuf acturea.

FIFTH ANNUAL SAFETY CONGRESS OF THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

The fifth annual safety congress of the National Safety Council will be held in the Statler Hotel, Detroit, October 17 to 20, inclusive. The program will be presented in sectional meetings, with addresses and general discussion, relating to the chemical industry, foundries, iron and steel, mining, public utilities, steam railroads, health serv- ice, electric railways, paper and pulp, textiles, cement, employees' benefit associations, governmental; logging, lumbering and wood- working; and public safety. The program includes the following principal addresses:

CHEMICAL SECTIONAL MEETING (OCT. 18. MORNING).

Health problems in the chemical industry, by Dr. George M. Price, Joint Board of Sanitary Control, New York City.

The goggle problem in the chemical industry, by J. R. de la Torre Bueno, General Chemical Co., New York City.

Care of workmen employed in the manufacture of aniline and benzol products, by A. B. Mitchell, Benzol Products Co., Marcus Hook, Pa.

Fume poisoning from nitric and mixed acids, by L. A. De Blois, E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, Del.

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