Letters Received to H.H. Barker, February 11, 1935

IM 12-33 F-6 COUNTY OF ESSEX OFFICE OF CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER CITY HOSPITAL. NEWARK, N. J. February 11, 1935 Mr. H.H. Barker, Vice President, United States Radium Corporation, 535 Pearl Street, New York. Dear Mr. Barker, Replying to your letter of January 29th relative to the health hazards connected with the luminous dial industry, at this time my opinion would be somewhat, as follows: In the past "radium poisoning" (the harmful effects caused by absorption of small amounts of radium, mesothorium or ther radioactive substances) in the watch dial industry was due to the ingestion (swallowing) of radium salts or other radioactive material, causing a final deposit of small amounts of radioactive substances chiefly in the bones, a process similar in many respects to occupational lead poisoning. As soon as "radium poisoning" was definitely established and the dangers recognized, the industry developed a technic which abolished the pointing of brushes in the mouth and the danger of absorption by the gastrointestinal tract, and even the respiratory tract and skin. Radium poisoning has, therefore, practically ceased to exist as an occupational disease, the various modes of exposure being now well recognized, and consequently precautionary measures can be used. I see no reason, therefore, if the United States Radium Corporation desires to re-establish their work in the state of New Jersey, and will follow the recommendations specified by the United States Public Health Service, including the medical examination of employees, why they should not do so. There certainly is no more hazard connected with the application of luminous material to dials, using procautions which are now deemed necessary, than in the average industry. If these precautions are taken, health hazards are practically nil, and not comparable to the dangers to the health of employees that exists in any industry using lead. Yours truly S Harrison S. Martland Chief Medical Examiner