Dangerous Furs

Dr. R. Prosser White, dermatologist to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in England, has completed a careful study of the way in which eruptions on the skin are caused by poorly 'dyed furs. In the fur business it is necessary to dye fitch to represent sable, goat for bear, muskrat for seal, nutria for beaver, rabbit for seal, beaver, otter, mole, chinchilla or sable, and house cat for skunk or sable. The substance of importance in the process of dying is paraphenylendiamin, which is also the basis of most dyes for human hair that are now on the market. When oxidized this becomes quinone, which is a direct irritant. In the presence of moisture, as from perspiration, the quinone invariably produces irritation of the skin. The only method of prevention that Dr. White could suggest was extreme care in the dying and finishing processes, with particular attention to repeated rinsing to remove excess dye and traces of quinone.