Document 0qg13LwLrgq9dL5KXp0nOMn1J

DEPARTMENT OP COMMERCE Civil Aeronautics Administration Washington 25 February IS, 1943 Surgeon General TJ, S. Public pealth Service Washington, D. 0. Dear Sir; This Service has been requested to indicate its decision as to the acceptability of the proposal to Increase the tetraethyl lead content of aviation gasoline from 3.0 cc to 4.6 cc for commercial aircraft. The concern of the Medical Service, of course, is restricted to considera.tion of the possible increase in toxicological hazard with the increase in tetraethyl lead. A survey of literature has failed to reveal any reports giving experimental data relating hazard to Increases in the lead .' content within this range. bhlle theoretical considerations would not indicate that such an increase would significantly increase hazard provided there was strict adherence to wellestablished safe practice in handling the gasoline, this Ser vice is desirous of obtaining; an authoritative statement on this subject. It Is requested that the Public iie ax on service aavxse tne Me die ax Service of Safety Regulation of any directly pertinent data and express the views of the Public Health Service as to the possible increase in hazard which might result from Increasing; the concent* tion of tetraethyl lead within the range specified. It is understood that the IT. S. Department of the Air Force and the TJ. S. Navy have had a considerable background of experience in using aviation gasoline containing 4.5 cc of the tetraethyl lead. Inquiries are being directed to the industrial hygiene departments of these armed services to determine whether there is anjr statistical evidence available on the toxicological effect of the aviation gasoline used by the armed forces. Very truly yours, /V W. R, Stovall, M. D. Director,' Aviation. Medical Service RE 0009284