Volume 1

The standard physician : a new and practical encyclopaedia of medicine and hygiene especially prepared for the household / edited by Sir James Crichton-Browne [and others].

Date:
1908-1909
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The standard physician : a new and practical encyclopaedia of medicine and hygiene especially prepared for the household / edited by Sir James Crichton-Browne [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    410/430 (page 376)
    The first aim of factory hygiene should be directed toward overcoming the diseases caused by the inhalation of dust. No industry claims more victims, and causes more injury to health, than one in which the workers are exposed to the inhaling of dust. It must be ad- mitted that this is not an easy task ; yet the provisions made by the State and by the manufacturers in this regard are by no means perfected. Special endeavours should be made to provide large, airy workrooms, which must not be overcrowded ; to have the raw materials moistened ; to have work which creates dust performed in closed compartments ; to dismantle dusty places, removing the dust ; and finally, as a last resource, in cases where the removal or suction of dust is impossible, to make use of respirators (Fig. 116), damp sponges, and the like, which are tied to the nose and mouth, excluding dust mechanically. If health becomes impaired from doing dusty work, an early change of occupation should be made ; a later change is often impossible, if for no other reason than that of economy. 116. Device for protection against inhalation of dust. DWELLING-PLACES.—IMan’s comfort, his happiness, and the health of his family depend to a great extent upon the character of his dwelling- place. A dark, narrow, dirty, and noisy house is not conductive to con- tentment, and is often the reason why a man instead of finding his centre of attraction in his home and family, seeks it ouside of the home—in the drinking-house, or in a place of amusement. The living-place is, therefore, one of the things in life which is most unsuited for the practice of false economy. When choosing a dwelling-place, the following points should be borne in mind ; An elevated portion of the city is to be preferred, on account of being drier and airier. The upper storeys of a house are generally lighter, and more airy and quiet than the lower ones. The dwelling-])lace ought not to be too far distant from the place of employment, nor from the school, unless it is in easy and inexpensive connection with these by railway or other means of transit. The vicinity of badly-smelling or noisy factories should be avoided if possible. Regarding the light exposure, see the article on Lkuit. It is possible to take all these things into consideration, even in cases where the pecuniary aspect is an im})ortant factor. The dwelling-j^lace should have a well-lighted entrance, but not a steep