The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-04-12
DANGERS FROM DUST

tant as the elimination of dust Is TO the
health of the workmeh, very little has
been done in the way of accomplishing
such an elimination. Only of recent
years have our employers realized their
responsibility for the physical condition
of their employees, as affected by the
processes at which they work; or real
lied the economic value to them of
maintaining employees in good health.
Dust has been left without special
consideration, since, from the popular
standpoint, dust is merely "dust, but
q careful examination of the effect of
dust in industries upon the health of
workmen, who are constantly exposed
to its presence, has proven it one of
the chief causes of physical disturb
ances.
Dust consists in small PARTICLES of
matter that float about in the air. No
air is entirely free from it; but in in
dustries where dusty processes are con
tinuously being carried on, the air is
overcharged with dust at all times. The
human body is so constructed as to re-
sist injurious substances to a remark
able degree; but when constant strain
is put upon it, its power of resistance
decreases to the point where injurious
effects rapidly develop. In any dust
creating process in an industry, a work
man in good health may withstand in
furious effects for considerable
feriod, but at last will yield to a slow
but constant undermining of health.
Dust creates i'll effects in different
ways according to its nature. Some
kinds of dust, such as that produced
in lead trades, are absorbed into the
system, through the skin or the lungs,
or by getting into the stomach with the
food. If this dust is of poisonous
nature, it may create serious disease in
such manner. Other kinds cannot be
absorbed, but are irritative to the mem
branes and tissues. Dust that is COM
posed of sharp bits OF matter may en-
ter the eyes and create Inflammation,
or into sores upon the skin, or cause in
fammation in the mucous membranes
of the nose and mouth. 1t takes con-
siderable time for dust of any sort to
penetrate deeply into the lungs and do
serious injury to them; but this, after
a time, also takes place. Statistics show
great numbers of deaths from pull
monary phthisis among the workers in
statistics reports 239 per cent. of the
deaths due to phthisis per thousand in
occupations without dust, against 5.42
per cent. due to fhthisis per thousand
in dusty trades.
An indirect injury from dust is from
explosions that are apt to occur in in
dustries where the air is loaded with
explosive dust, such as coal dust, or
dust from grain. This dust, coming
into contact with sparks, or open flames,
or heated metal, is likely to explode
and do great damage, and perhaps in
iure workmen in the vicinity of the
explosion. Many such accidents have
occurred, which prove the Importance of
eliminating great quantities of ex-
plosive dust from the atmosphere of
any building or enclosed area.
Careful methods of eliminating dust
from our industries would greatly i'm
prove the health of employees. The iso-
lation of the dusty processes in separate
buildings or rooms would prevent the
spreading of dust through whole build
ing. The placing of exhaust hoods over
the machinery and a careful exhaust
system would further eliminate this in
j
materials and the damp cleaning of
rusty room, in fact, the use of water
in general to keep dust from spreading
is one of the cheapest remedies, where
it is possible to use it, for much of
the difficulty. The use of vacuum clean
ers is one of the best ways of removing
dry dust. The proper construction of
a building also aids in such an climina-
ton. Polished surfaces, slanting sills,
slipped coverings for beams and other
such devices would prevent dust from
aeeumulating in neglected places.
An important factor in the protec-
tion of the workman from dust is the
sort of clothing he wears, and the
pr0eer cleansing of the skin. In some
industries where there are exception
ally dusty processes, the employers pro-
vide regular uniform for employees,
which is made of material woven very
tightly so as to prevent dust from pene-
trating it. Special shoes and gloves are
provided in many such places. Respra-
tors are also provided. Workmen object
to these latter appliances, because so
far no respirator has been invented
which is entirely comfortable for any
length of time.
One of the best ways, however, Of
preventing injury from dust is by habits
of personal cleanliness. In industries
where wash rooms are provided, with
warm water, soap anad towels, and
supervisor to see that the washing pro-
cess is thorough, much danger, from
dust is removed.
Medical examination at regular in
tervals is an essential measure for safe
guarding against diseases that are like
ly to arise from the constant exposure
to injurious dust. An examination that
shows physical injury to a workman
from certain process should result in
a workman 3 removal to another sort of
work, until the symptoms are destroyed
by proper treatment. An interchange
of positions where process is likely
to be injurious if worked at during long
periods by one employe is one of the
best means of preserving the health of
the workmen.
The Department of Labor and In
dustry is doing all IN its power to aid
and encourage all improvements in the
industries of our State which tend to-
wards the protection and preservation
of the health of the employees. This is
a subject of vital Importance to the
Commonwealth, and deserves the
thoughtful interest of every citizen. 1t
is hoped that in very short period of
time the State may boast itself Of the
best improved hygenic conditions
throughout it's industries.
Succeeds Father John Dolan