A conflict between industrialization and worker health developed in the painting industry during the early 1900’s with the introduction of the spray machine gun. This technological innovation allowed for the application of paint at greater speed and lower cost than hand painting and increased the rate at which painters were exposed to lead and other toxins contained in paint. Between World War I and 1931 the painters’ trade union clashed with employers, paint manufacturers, and legislatures over the impact of the spray gun on the health of workers and the need to enact legislation to regulate its use. While painters made gains on local, state and national levels during the 1920’s to prevent the use of the spray machine, their efforts ultimately failed.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: History, Environmental Health Hazards
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.