Arsenic is used in the manufacture of wall paper, artificial flowers, textile fabrics; by taxidermists and as a preservative for hides; it is also used in different preparations to kill insects and parasites.
Mercurial Poisoning
Mercury enters the body through the digestive and respiratory tracts and through the skin. The symptoms usually manifest in this kind of industrial poisoning are headache, gastric disturbances, stomatitis, metallic taste in the mouth and fetid breath; there is swelling and ulceration of the gums that cause the teeth to become loose, and there may be an excessive flow of saliva with a swelling of the submaxillary glands. In severe cases there may be tremors, paralysis, melancholy and loss of memory.
Mercury is used in the manufacture of incandescent lamps where they employ mercury pumps, in the manufacture of barometers and thermometers, in the felt and fur industries, in the manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations and chemical works, and in photography.
Methods used to prevent mercurial poisoning are almost identical with those used in lead poisoning. Special devices should be provided to keep the air in the breathing zone free from the fumes. This can best be accomplished by providing a proper system of mechanical ventilation. The workmen should wear rubber gloves to lessen the possibilities of the absorption through the skin. The workmen should also practice cleanliness and exercise care that mercury is not carried into the mouth by the hands which should be thoroughly washed before eating.
Phosphorus Poisoning
The industrial poison of next importance is phosphorus. This poisoning is confined almost entirely to the match industry. There are two kinds of phosphorus, the yellow or white, and the amorphous or red. The yellow is poisonous and is used in making the “strike anywhere” matches. This, however, is being replaced by the non-poisonous, or more harmless red phosphorus. The safety matches contain no phosphorus and are harmless.
Phosphorus poisoning produces gastric disturbances, bronchial catarrh and caries of the teeth with necrosis of the lower maxillary. Other bones of the body may also be affected by necrosis.
Brass, copper, zinc, and bronze workers are also affected by the dust and fumes from these poisons. Brass workers suffer with brass founders’ ague in which there are chills, vomiting, headache and general depression.