Document 2QdyvJM6xmnR0w3MKYQG13BN

N24414 Cases of Tetraethyllead Poisoning in connection with Tank Cleaning in Athens, Greece CQ O CM O o X Room 1403 150, East 42nd Street New York 17, New York Dear George: I enclose herewith two copies of each of three reports of the analyses of the samples of blood contained in the package which was forwarded by you from Greece. The samples were contained in corked glass Ehrlenmayer flasks. Each had been treated with Heparin to prevent coagulation. I suppose that this had been introduced as a dried film in the bottom and side of the flasks, but I am not sure, nor does this matter now. I think it reasonably certain also that the samples had been obtained by the use of syringes and ordinary needles. The point is that under these circumstances some degree of contamination of the samples was to be expected, and I would not have been at all surprised if they had given abnormally high results. This is why I wanted you to send them to us, since high results in other hands could well have been a source of confusion. Fortunately any contamination which may have occurred was very slight, and the results are as they should be. It is necessary, however, or at least wise, to explain this to our Greek colleagues and, therefore, I have inserted the explanatory note which you can use as ou think best. Sincerely yours, RAK:ss Enclosures Robert A. Kehoe, M. D. '> * 0 0 2 0 8 1 8 BLOOD Analysis Number Weight Mg. Pb/100 Grams Mg. Pb/100 Grams 61A-3170 21.4 Grams 0.03 (Spectrographic) 0.04 (Dithizone) The concentration of lead in the blood (either of the two results, or the average value) is within normal limits, being very near - only slightly and insignificantly above - the mean (or average) normal value. Such a result might be obtained by the examination of the blood of any ordinary individual in the general population provided he had not sustained any fairly recent exposure to inorganic compounds of lead. Robert A. Kehoe, M s D. Reported: 5-12-61 KE 0020819 BLOOD Analysis Number "Weight Mg. Pb/100 Grams Mg. Pb/100 Grams blA-3171 22.6 Grams 0.03 (Spec trog;raphic} 0.03 (Dithizone) The concentration of lead in the blood is at the mean normal level. Signed: --- , \ C s- / . Robert A. Kehoe, M. D. Pieported : 5- 12-61 BLOOD Analysis Number Weight Mg. Pb/100 Grams Mg. Pb/100 Grams 61A-3172 18.9 Grams O.Ob (Spectrographic) 0.05 (Dithizone) The concentration of lead in the blood of this man is just at or perhaps slightly above the upper normal value. Such results are found from time to time in completely normal individuals who have had no abnormal or unusual exposure to inorganic compounds of lead. f' " Signed: .'^-*'^1 A' . Robert A. Kehoe, D. Reported: 5-12-61 0020821 its early degradation products in the human body is not taken up by the erythrocytes as are the inorganic compounds of lead. The lead content of the blood is not, therefore, an indication of the extent of the absorption of tetraethyllead. Indeed, the concentration of lead in the blood, as in these instances, may be well within normal limits at a time when the concentration of lead in the urine is near to or in excess of the level of 1 milligram per liter. The results reported here, therefore, provide no clue whatever, to the severity of the exposure of these men to tetraethyllead. moreover, these samples of blood could not be expected to yield any useful information on microscopic examination since there are no hematological abnormal1ties in association with tetraethyl lead poisoning. Signed: , Eobert A. tehee, D, May 12, 1861 0020822