The opinion that chromium, in addition to local, can have constitutional effect is supported by other authorities. Leymann describes a case of severe industrial chrome poisoning accompanied by nephritis in a worker who had inhaled and swallowed much chromate dust in cleaning out a vessel. Regulations for the manufacture of bichromates (see Part III) have no doubt improved the condition, but reports still show that perforation of the septum generally takes place.
It must be borne in mind that practically all chromium compounds are not alike poisonous. Chrome ironstone is non-poisonous, and the potassium and sodium salts are by far the most poisonous, while the neutral chromate salts and chromic oxide are only slightly so. Pander found that bichromates were 100 times as poisonous as the soluble chromium oxide compounds, and Kunkel is of opinion that poisonous effect shown by the oxides is attributable to traces of oxidation into chromic acid.
Lewin, on the other hand, declares in a cautionary notice for chrome workers generally that all chromium compounds are poisonous, and therefore all the dyes made from them.[2]
In the manufacture of bichromates, chance of injury to health arises partly from the dust, and partly from the steam, generated in pouring water over the molten mass. The steam carries particles of chromium compounds with it into the air. In evaporating the chromate solutions, preparation of the bichromate, breaking the crystals, drying and packing, the workers come into contact with the substance and the liquors. Chrome ulceration is, therefore, most frequently found among those employed in the crystal room and less among the furnace hands.
From 3·30 to 6·30 mg. of bichromate dust have been found in 1 c.m. of air at breathing level in the room where chromate was crushed, and 1·57 mg. where it was packed. Further, presence of chromium in the steam escaping from the hot chrome liquors has been proved.[3]
Poisoning from use of chrome colours is partly attributable to lead, as, for example, in making yellow coloured tape measures, yellow stamps, and from the use of coloured thread. Gazaneuve[4] found 10 per cent. of lead chromate in such thread, in wool 18 per cent., and in the dust of rooms where such yarn was worked up 44 per cent.
Use of chrome colours and mordants is accompanied by illness which certainly is referable to the poisonous nature of the chrome. In France use of chromic and phosphoric acid in etching zinc plates has caused severe ulceration.
Bichromate poisoning has been described among photographers in Edinburgh in the process of carbon printing, in which a bichromate developer is used.[5]
There is much evidence as to occurrence of skin eruptions and development of pustular eczema of the hands and forearms of workers in chrome tanneries.[6] In a large leather factory where 300 workers were constantly employed in chrome tanning nineteen cases of chrome ulceration were noted within a year. Injury to health was noted in a chrome tannery in the district of Treves, where the two bath process was used, from steam developed in dissolving the chromate in hot water.
Finally, I have found several records in 1907 and 1908 of perforation of the septum in Bohemian glass workers.