TRADE DISEASES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7238, 26 October 1901, Page 2

TRADE DISEASES.

A melancholy interest attaches to the four papers on "diseases of occupations read at the British -.-edical meeting at Cheltenham (says the "Westminster Gazette"). According to Dr Legge, whose experience as an inspector of factories is probably unique, most of these diseases are due to poisoning by lead, phosphorus, arsenic, or mercury. In the course of his investigations he was much struck by the anomalies that tiro presented to the trained observer. Chromic acid dust does not seem to reach the hzngs. Neuritis is not prevalent among workers in arsenic. Fatty changes in the liver cells ure not noticeable in the dippers in lucifer match works. Experts tell us that not a bale of horse- hair from China is safe from anthrax, and yeb workers in hides and skins seem to be- protected by magic from this plague. The immunity of workers is attributed to healthier conditions of country life. The devitalisation oi the victims is generally dua to pJcc&olisin and to the evils of overcrowding. ', 'Dr William Murray noted that brass poisoning in its early stages resembled phthisis, so much so that he has got into the habit of askingi the consumptive patient if he is v worker in brass. Dr Darcy Ellis instructed his audience on tho dangers of glass-pplishing. Paralysis, blindness, and mental derangement are the penalties paid for using the lead mixture that is required for polishing glass. Better ventilation ot the shops will reduce the number of cases of lead poisoning. Dr W. I<\ Bearden dealt with " phossy jaw," that deadly disease of the match factory. The remedies ho proposed were three. First, total prohibition of yellow phosphorus, or a prohibitive duty on it so as to stimulate the use of the safety match. {Secondly, w& might make the match trade a State monopoly, and thus secure complete control, as has been done by the French Government. We wonder what the Diamond and juryant and May Companies would demand as compensation for disturbance ! Thirdly, machinery preventing close contact with the work, separation of the different processes, and saturation of the air with vapottr of turpentine, would all tend to diminish the dangers of this trade. The manufacturers will prate of injurious restrictions, but the chums of humanity are paramount. Strict- supervision is absolutely necessary.