Document 2R0DDMbZXxyqr5MYGJzL9QLEa

May 7, 1932 California Chemical Corporation Newark, California Attention: Mr. Paul A. Gross Dear Sir: I wish to thank you for your letter of May 3rd describing your procedure in the handling of drums shipped to you by the Ethyl Gasoline Corporation con taining Ethylene di-bromide* Your description of the condition of the man who was made ill, does not suggest that he was exposed to the vapors of Ethyl fluid. The symptoms which arise from the inhalation of considerable quantities of TotraEthyl lead are so striking and 30 persistent that there is usually-very-little difficulty in recognizing them. On the other hand, the presence of Ethylene di-bromide contributes an additional factor which may sometimes cloud the picture, since certain of the symptoms of the di-bromide inhalation In high concentration resemble the symptoms of the absorption of Tatra-ethyl lead vapor. For your own .information, I should mention the fact that the diagnosis in these instances must be made on the basis of symptoms and can not possibly be made by looking for the customary signs of lead I absorption. To this extent the examination of gums is entirely without avail* Following a short exposure to a high concentration, there are likely to be no evidences whatever of lead absorption of the usual type. Under these conditions a lead line is never seen, changes in the hbod cells are not found while the excreta may or may not contain significant increase in load. I mention th s merely to show that lead may not be excluded on the basis of the examinations which you described as having been made by Dr. Davis. What does occur in very instance is that the patient develops a very distressing Inability to sleep, he is in a state of greatly increased nervous excitement, he has no appetite and if he does eat, is very likely to become nauseated and reject his food. With this there Is a sharp drop in blood pressure, a slowing of the pulse and sub-normal temperature. If the individual Is vortunate enough to obtain some sleep, he usually wakens very greatly fatigued as a consequence of frightful dreams. The individual, furthermore, is very pale, feels very weak and in general shows all the evidences of a very acute depressive intoxication# I take it from what your letter has sa:d, that very few of these symptoms presented themselves. It seems quits certain therefore that your employee eithev- was not exposed to Totra-ethyl lead or he did not absorb sufficient amounts to produce any considerable intoxication. In the case of inhalation of excessive amounts of di bromide, one would expect .certain of the same symptoms with weakness, nausea, loss of appetite and muscular termors being especially prominent. There is a tendency for the development of an edema of the lungs following severe exposure. This de velops within forty-toight hours and in a-:? much us It did not occur in tho case you describe, or apparently did not -..ccur, it would seem to me one need not anticipate any grave danger. I 'would appreciate it very much if you would inform me further as to the outcome in this case. If there is any further development or if any unusual symptoms present themselves, I shpuld wish to know about them at once.' Very truly yours. KAfCjIh KE 0017041