Document 37rNExXyLYJM20qgJoj6wnDVO

A EDWARD si. CORNISH PRESIDENT Na t io n a l Le a d Co mp a n y HI BROADWAY Ne w Yo r .k March 29, 1923. \. / Dr. David L. Edsall School of Public Health Harvard University Boston, 17, Massachusetts Dear Dr. Edsallx I have reoeived your letter of the 27th, en closing the reports upon the investigation of lead poison ing, September 1, 1921, to March 1, 1923. r I quite agree that it is already being dem onstrated that scientific investigation of lead poisoning, even though commenced for the sole purpose of acquiring knowledge, is likely to result in great advantage to every one whose business brings him into contact with lead. The statement that lead absorbed through the lungs is more in jurious and dangerous than lead absorbed through the stom ach is very interesting. ft'e seem to have established the fact by experience, that if we keep lead out of the mouth and nose of our employees we will be free from lead poison ing -- even though their hands are continually in contact with lead (both dry and wet) during' working hours. We have long realized the necessity of enforcing the rule'of wearing respirators in dusty places, a"we3?l ^aa-wj hands and face carefully before eating. ,- v-' r',(- v.. i, We have been influential in pjcocurriUig^ sandpaper which will not be unduly expensive and can be used wet. We hope that it will be adopted by painters gen erally at an early date. Your finding that lead is rel atively more dangerous when absorbed through the lungs will assist us in inducing painters to adopt wet sandpapering. I think that our Dr. Thompson will visit you in a few days. We look upon him as the best equipped of all in our service to understand and appreciate the scientif ic work you are doing, and to make suggestions to us of the many ways we can make your work valuable -- not only to manu facturers of lead products, but also to the poneurnsrs there of. N41572 Sincerely yours.