SKIN ERUPTIONS LAID TO POISON IN DYED FUR
Every winter physicians who specialize in diseases of the skin are asked to see cases of eruptions around the throat and wrists resulting from poisoning with incompletely or improperly dyed furs.
The principal symptoms are blotches and swelling with itching and burning, so severe in some cases that the person cannot sleep at night.
Rabbit Becomes Beaver.—The trouble is found in most instances to result from rabbit that is dyed to imitate beaver, although all sorts of furs may be involved.
In these cases the poisonous substance is usually a compound of paraphenylene-diamine, the same poisonous substance that causes irritation of the scalps of those who attempt to dye gray hair black.
Many foreign nations have introduced laws to prevent the use of this substance in hair dyes and to regulate the fur-dying industry. Similar laws have been passed in some of our states, but there is as yet no nation-wide regulation regarding the use of this substance.
Investigate Cases.—Not all persons are equally sensitive to this dye. Some may wear furs dyed in this manner without symptoms, but those who are sensitive develop severe reactions.
Several investigative committees are attempting to secure a record of all the cases of this type that occur.
If anyone knows of such an instance, the report may be sent to the Committee on Dye Poisoning of the American Medical Association, 535 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago.