OCCUPATIONAL MELANOSIS FROM PITCH

Abstract

In a paper presented at the meeting of the American Dermatological Association in 1938 we¹reported on our observations and investigations concerning the photosensitizing properties of pitch and its components. The present paper is a report on melanosis and dermatitis occurring in industries whose workers are exposed to pitch and tar. Histologic studies are recorded. Because of the paucity of reports on this subject in English and American publications, a review of pertinent literature is included. This investigation was initiated at factory A in Wisconsin because there a troublesome and persistent dermatitis and melanosis had become an economic problem to the employer and were upsetting the morale of the employees. A similar factory in New York and others engaged in related industries in Pennsylvania were subsequently investigated by one of us (L. S.). More than 500 men were examined, and more than half of these had melanosis or premelanotic