often repeatedly, to extremely time consuming tests that they knew could provoke uncomfortable symptoms. Financial help was provided by a research grant from the Oxford RHA(T).

Chloracne was found in 52% of 226 workers in a 1979 cross-sectional survey at a plant where 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) had been manufactured from 1948 to 1969. Mean duration of residual chloracne was 26 years, and in 29 subjects, it had been present for 30 years. A significant increased prevalence of abnormal gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and higher mean GGT were found in those with chloracne, compared to those without. Although mean triglyceride values were higher in those with chloracne, the difference was not statistically significant. Neurological examination showed a statistically significant higher prevalence of abnormal sensory findings in those with chloracne. Increased prevalence of angina and reported myocardial infarction in those with chloracne was not significant when age-adjusted. Increased prevalence of reported sexual dysfunction and decreased libido in those with chloracne compared to those without was statistically significant after age adjustment. No differences were found between those with and without chloracne in serum cholesterol, total urinary porphyrins, or in reproductive outcome.

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Two outbreaks of hand dermatitis in light engineering works are reported. In both cases a number of workers shown to be allergic to soluble coolant oils were found to be allergic to ethylenediamine, which had either been incorporated into the oil or had been added to it later.