Document 3QnomX1NaVRvv8XGeX0XrNe50

L IA 2180 2 LEAD INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION 0 Graybar BulWloj, 420 UxMgton Avanva hUw York, H. Y. September 28, 1982* To Member* cf the Lead Industrie* Association! . o During September, 1932. fifty-nine cases of lead poisoning of unusual origin vere reported by the Baltimore Health Department. The outbreak of lead poisoning mas entirely derived from tho practice of the poorer colored elenent In using discarded battery oaalngs for fuel. The breaking up and burning of these botes generated lead dust and fuses which were breathed by colored children and others} result ing In lead poisoning. Some of the children had advanced cases, shoving the char acteristic lead lines, stippling of the blood and X-ray symptom. It appears that the depression had so affeeted the colored section of the population In Baltlnore that they used desperate Deans to keep wars last Winter, The City is now planning to supply free kindling and wood and has enlisted the cooperation of the Police De partment to instruct all battery dealers not to permit old battery casings to get in the hands of any one who la likely to burn then. The City has also rcopined the public dunp to the see it the battery dealers. Heretofore, the obnoxious character of the bat tery eaeings had cade it necessary for the dealers to pay 25/ per truckload in using a private dunp. Although the Baltlnore authorities have the situation well in hand and no further trouble is to be expected there, oany other cities in the United States undoubtedly duplicate the Baltlnore con ditions which led to the outbreak. It is therefore suggested that, wtwnovcr possible, you advlso storage battery scrap dealers about the Baltloore clreuostances, ,-e;uestlng then either to destroy their old battery boxes, or to dunp then where they cannot be reclaimed for fuel by persons apt to use them for that purpose. It is hoped that through the widespread eooperatlon of our members we oan avoid a duplication of the Baltlnore lead poisoning episode in ether cities which would onlj result in additional alarm ing jxiblicity to the Injury of the lead industries. Respectfully yours} i