Evening journal., 1913-01-22
GUARDING GUARDING
AGAINST LEAD
POISONING
American Association for La
Dor Legislation Legislation Warns Va rs
Workers of Danger
HOW TO GUARD
AGAINST INFECTION

Wilmington has hundreds of men
who are compelled to handle lead day
after day or to work where lead fumes
poison the air. All such workers will
be interested in the following bulletin
issued by the American Association
for Labor Legislation. It not only
points out the dangers of lead poison
ing, but also the precautions that
should be taken to guard against it:
So much lead poisoning has been
found to exist among painters and
lead workers in New York factories
that the Department of Labor (of that
State) has begun vigorous campaign
against plumbism, a disease which re-
cent investigation by the federal gov
eminent shows to be from to 10
times as frequent in American as in
European factories where the manu-
facture and use of lead is under strict
governmental control. The department
is endeavoring to enlist the cooper
alton of employers and workers in
lead at the same time that definite
legal regulation of the industry is be-
ing proposed by the American Assoc
citation for Labor Legislation as a
necessary supplement TO voluntary
action. This regulation comes in the
form of the associations uniform bill,
now being introduced in every state
in which a legislature is at present
sitting. calls for sufficient washing
facilities, instructions to workmen by
foreman and others. mechanical meth
DDS Of dust prevention and removal
and the prohibition of eating in work
rooms. This promises to be a big
national campaign for the prevention
of lead poisoning.
The New York law already requires
physicians and hospitals to report lead
poisoning and the department has
Just distributed to every painters un.
ion and to all employers and hospitals
reporting cases of lead poisoning z
$4,000 English edition of a card of 'In-
formation for Workmen." to be fol
lowed later by editions in other Ian
guages, stating that lead poisoning car
be prevented that hoods and othei
mechanical means are necessary L
take away lead dust and fumes. bu
that the workers themselves need I,
take extraordinary precautions. These
instructions to lead workers continue
How Men Are Poisoned BY Lead.
Cd Lead is poison to the body.
enters the body mainly through tn
nose and mouth. 1t may be inhale'
as dust or fumes. IL may be swal
lowed with food or saliva ESPECIALLY
tobacco or gum is put into the moutl
with soiled fingers). Or il may b
absorbed through the skin,
t2) When lead gets into the body, 4
leads among other things to indiges
ton and Lead; to disease c
the heart blood vessels and kidneys
or to paralysis Of the hands, know
as wrist drop
go Lead acts upon the body slowl
and insidiously. Without knowing you
danger you may be getting some lea
i.cison into your body every day.
you are working with lead in any Oh
OF its many forms, you must there
fore use great care so as to protec
yourself against it.
40 On the very first sign of nc
feeling well, see a doctor or go to
dispensary. Do not wait until you ar
100 sick to work. The earlier you e
to doctor. the easier it will be
cure you if you arc being poisoned b
lead. Be sure to tell the doctor a
about your occupation and its danger
How TO Prevent Lead Poisoning.
~ Always wash before eatin
and if you work in a factary, befol
leaving the factory. Remove all di
from under you finger nails with
brush.
(2) Never eat in the room in whic
you work.
go Never chew tobacco or gu
while working. If you do the lea
dust on your fingers and in the a
is sure to be swallowed
CD Use Overalls when you wor
Do not wear your working clothes
the street or at home. They ms
contain lead and poison you and OF
ers.
(5l Respirators ale very uset
and should always be used wh'
working among lead aust or tumes
Co Keep the workroom clean. |
all YOU can to keep down dust J
not get lead on your hands and cloth
any more than you can possibly mel
ca Always eat good breakia
before going to work. Drink plen
of milk. Have at least one good NOV
ment Of the bowels every day. co
stipation is a suggestive symptom
lead poisoning Avoid the use OF
toxicants in any form. Their u
vvoakens the hodv and makes IL hard
for your body TO overcome the pols
OF lead.
(S) Keep clean. Wash with wal
water. soap and nail brush. Take
least one full hot bath a week.