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60 R a d i u m
Conclusions
i. At least two persons, one an employee at the time of the study
and one a former employee, who were examined during this study, presented
symptoms showing evidence of the effect of radiation upon the
skin of the fingersand hands.
2. Employees are exposed to radiation, as is evidenced by positive
effects upon dental films worn by employees in regular routine work.
3. Apparently certain blood changes had occurred in the workers;
notably, a tendency in the polymorphonuclear neutrophiles to remain
Slightly below the lower normal limit, and a diminution in the small
lymphocytes, while the large lymphocytes apparently ran somewhat
higher than normal. The total white cells had a tendency to decrease
in number, as also had the total red cells.
4. A low blood pressure, as compared with the usually accepted
normal, was noted in practically all the employees of the section.
Recommendations
On the basis of this study it is recommended—
1. That blood examinations and blood pressure readings be made
at regular intervals on all employees of the radium section.
2. That complete physical examination of all employees of the section
be made at regular intervals.
3. That all new employees of the section, before beginning work.
be given complete physical examinations, including examination of the
blood.
4. That in the handling of radium, all employees of the section
utilize to the greatest possible extent all practicable protective devices.
such as screens, lead-lined carrier boxes, and handling forceps.
5. That all rooms in which radium is handled be adequately and
thoroughly ventilated. The use of electric fans for this purpose appears
to be highly desirable.
6. That all employees of the section be warned to reduce to a minimum
the amount of unavoidable unprotected exposure to radiation, and
not to remain in the vicinity of radium longer than is necessary.
7. That in the packing and unpacking of radium in connection with
the receipt and dispatch of shipments, all boxes, wrapping paper, and
other equipment be assembled, arranged, and prepared so as to expedite
lhe work and thus reduce the amount of unavoidable exposure to radiation.
8. That all employees of the section be allowed to work only five
days a week, and that at least a two-day period intervene between the
two holidays of each week, these not to be considered annual or sick
leave.
9. That all employees of the section be required to take 30 days'
annual leave each year, preferably, whenever at ail practicable, in twoweek
periods at six-month intervals.