A study of the deaths during a 1980 heat wave in Texas revealed death rates that were highest in males, the elderly, Blacks and those engaged in heavy labor, the latter two factors perhaps reflecting socioeconomic status. The data suggest that persistent high temperatures were related to death to a greater degree than the temperature peaks reached. Higher heat death rates in earlier years are believed to be attributable to the limited availability of air conditioning in those years. (Am J Public Health 1983; 73:805-807.)

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During the period January 9 through March 6, 1961, a field evaluation was conducted at a Republic of Korea Army prison farm near Seoul, Korea, to determine the efficacy and safety of l%malathion dust used to control body hce {Pedwuivs humanvs humanus L.). One ounce of dust applied cither semimonthly by hand or monthly by power duster gave virtually 100% control, while monthly applications of tlie same dosage of 1% lindane powder gave poor control. Lice from tlie test subjects were resistant to DDT but susceptible to lindane and matatliion as determined by laboratory tests. Physical examination and weekly red blood cell cholinesterasc determinations revealed no adverse effects from inalatlnon dust used on 200 test subjects. The discrepancy between laboratory and tield results as they apply to lindane is discussed. Chlorinated hydrocarbons have been used extensively to control body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus L.) since World War II when 10% DDT dust was used to control a typlms epidemic in Naples, Italy (Simmons & Upholt 1951). DDT is still effective in some parts of the world but in many areas DDT-resistant strains of body lice are prevalent. DDT was found to be completely ineffective in controlling louse infestations of Korean military personnel during tlie Korean War (Hurlbut et al. 1952). Investigation at Koje Island, Korea, revealed that the lice collected from North Korean and Chinese prisoners and South Korean soldiers were resistant to 10% DDT and methoxyclilor, but highly susceptible to lindane, dieidrin, aldrin, chiordane, toxaphene and pyretlirins