The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-25
ARSENIC. DEAD FINGERS AND
 HYPOSULPHITE

Last November told here about the peculiar association of Raynauds affection ("dead fin gers') with mild chronic arsenic poisoning, and the value of photographers fixing agent-hy- posulphite of soda-as remedy for the ar senic poisoning and for the Raynauds affec- tion This is not to imply that hyposulphite is a remedy for all cases of Raynaud's affection. It would do no harm to try in any such case, but probably it will do good only when the trouble happens to be due to this particular cause .
 In modern life many of us are exposed, both in occupation and in home life, to possible chronic arsenic poisoning. Arsenic is present In the dyes or coorings in some wall paper. arti- fcal flowers and fabrics Arsenic is present in some sprays used to protect clothing against moths It is universally used in the insecticide sprays in greenhouses. Arsenic is much used in the preservation of hides, skins and furs. and handlers or wearers may be poisoned rom sucn course, occasionally.
 Familiar symptoms of mild chronic arsenic poisoning are obstinate recurring eczema, red eyelids and puffiness of the eyes, frequent coryza a waxy pallor, hoarseness. garlic odor of the sweat, and vague sensations of pins and needless" or other odd sensations in particular areas, perhaps even the symptom known as | dead fingers or Raynaud's disease: If inventory you find yourself possessed of or more of these symptoms just send me a lock of your hair and three dollar bill and I'll tell you what you had better do about it. I don't mind telling you in advance-a lot of people thank me in advance for something l have no intention of doing for em-you had better consult a physician. That makes three bucks you've saved by reading my column to-
 
 If the doctor thinks there is any ground at all to suspect your symptoms may be due to mild chronic arsenic poisoning, he can give you a test for it. You see, there is a certain normal quantity of arsenic excreted through the kid- neys every day. But if after the injection of half gram (about grains) of sodium ny. posuphite into ven the normal quantity of arsenic in the urine is considerably exceeded. that is proof of arsenic poisoning. One of the bery best methods of treating such chronic arsenic poisoning is series of just such injections of photographers hyoo | into the vein every few days, as this chemical greatly aids the eXcretion or elimination of the arsenic from the body. Then if the source is known and further exposure prevented, recov- cry Is complete.
 Raynaud's affection the advisability of consid- ering this possible cause. Sorry I can't tell em %he.nef Ma M o It s raai doctor % Anv one who pre fers to gamble, may, of course, take dose or two of hyposulphite of soda internally every day for a week or two, and see what it will do. It will do no harm, at any rate The dose to take internally, in half a glassful of water. is from one-half to level teaspoonful.
 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
 Breath Holding
 l. Our baby | months old quite often holds his breath till he turns biae in the face and goes limp and seemingly doesn't breath at all for several seconds aftcrward. It is a nerve wrack- ing experience for his mother and she humors him and does anything to keep him from cry ing and holding his breath. e. l.. R.)
 Answer-Mother should learn how to per form prone-pressure artificial respiration with the baby on large pillow and his head hang ing over the edge. By that she can keep him breathing no matter how long the spell lasts. Be sure the baby gets proper cod liver oil ra- tion and plenty of exposure to sunlight out doors Give him liberal amounts of carrots, banana and certified or other raw fresh milk.
 Permanent
 Please advise whether not electrical treat- ments to remove tonsils permanent in ef- feet surgical removal Miss J. c. BD
 Ahswer-Diathermy extrpation is as per- manent in effect as any other available method of removing tonsils. Indeed. many specialists resort to dathermy to clean up odds and ends of tonsil left in the throat after surgval tonsil- lectomy.
 Lime Is Quick Enough You suggested the use of quick lime for out hOuses I tried to buy quick lime i'm q drug- store and was told to go to the hardware store. The hardware people told me to go to paint man. No one seems to have quick lime for sale. (H. H. Nj.
 Answer-Ask for plain lime. unsaked lime. and they'll know what you want. Building supply dealers have 1t if the hardware store doesn't. There is some mystery about "quick" lime-it disposes of dead bodies and the like in yarns. but not in actuality However. ordin- ary lime Is a good deodorant and disinfectant if used regularly and freey--it is cheap enough. It may be used In It's dry powder form. or thin cream made by slaking quantity of it in water Better to slake only sufficient for few days ut one time.
 Fertilizer
 After [ had set out tomato plants ' learned tIlaf the spot had been t0ilct.-J. w. H.)
 Answer-No harn The produce of the land so fertilized is perfectly wholesome and safe to