Document 2R31dR2LVnjmM9z9x49wox1Ya

Cal ifornia Chemical Corporat ion Xewar k .Ca l if o r nia May 5, 1932 Dr* Robert A. Kesoe, Medical Director, Ethyl Gasoline Corporation Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Sir: The Ethyl Gasoline Corporation recently forwarded to us two hundred empty drums of German origin to be used in transporting our ethylene dibromide East. Our procedure in handling these drums is as follows: The drums are placed on a platform - the first 10' of which is open while the last 101 is covered by a shed with walls on three sides. The steam is then turned in through the 2" opening of the drum and the drum is thoroughly steamed until there is no trace of odor. During this pepiod, if the 'worm is done in the morning, the prevailing wind apparently drifts the vapor over toward the covered part of the shed. The day this particular drum was being steamed, the operator said that he had been working about ten or fifteen minutes in the covered section when he began to!feel somewhat queer. The muscles of his legs tightened and he became quite dizzy. He got out in the air and after about two hours decided that he was well enough to go back to work, although he said he felt very nauseated. He did not want to see a doctor; in fact, I have just found out today he is a Christian Scientist. We examined the drum he had been steaming and found a stencil on it which read as follows: TAKE NOTICE . This drum contains ethyl fluid from filter bags at bulk storage. The man also said that he had seen two other drums similarly labeled, but w e !have not yet located these drums. The next afternoon he did not report for work and being called inithe evening said that he was feeling all right except very weak. About 11:30 that night his son-in-law insisted upon calling a doctor, as he was very weak and had fainted once. K 0017038 Dr. Robert A. Kesoe 5-3-32 He was very fortunate in getting Dr. Davis, who had practiced medicine in Trenton, New Jersey and was familiar with the ethyl gas situation. He examined the man's gams, had tests made of the urine for lead and found no traces. These tests are being recheeked at the Western Laboratories. I also understand that he took a test of the blood last night. His opinion is that the man showed none of the symptoms of lead poisoning and he himself was not at all alarmed. We are following this case very closely and should any change be noted we will promptly advise you. Would you please inform us as a matter of precaution any information you may have on handling cases suspected of lead poisoning. Very truly yours, CALIFORNIA CHEMICAL CORPORATION ?AG:AMF M r Mail cc: Mr. J. H. Schaefer Production Manager He 0017039