In the process of development and handling of a film, the process of fixation is an indispensable one. Chemicals such as sodium thiosulfate, ammonium thiosulfate and sodium sulfite undergo chemical reaction with acid, giving rise to sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide is quite harmful to human health, playing an important role in air pollution. Consequently, sufficient precaution should be taken on the problem of sulfur dioxide in a dark room where a great number of X-ray films are developed over a long time. We have therefore measured the amount of sulfur dioxide released from the fixing solution. Especially in a small dark room with poor ventilation, the concentration of sulfur dioxide in the room rises. The sulfur dioxide may irritate the nasal cavity, throat, and bronchia, leading to the chronic course of inflammation. Consequently, it has been concluded that the ventilator of the dark room with a good capacity should be placed in an efficient position in order to avoid the potential hazard to workers.
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