Document 63drRrJx5r2YmLbg82MenvO4

September 2p, 19L0 .Hr. Hr 0. Dee a .Cthyl Gasoline Corporation Baltimore Trust Building Baltimore, Maryland Dear Mr. Dees: In Dr. Schradln's absence I took the liberty of opening your letter to him since I felt reasonably certain that it dealt with a case or cases about which you have been keeping us informed. I am replying at once since it seems advisable to have you pass on to Dr. Rubin such information as I can give. Incidentally you might tell him that if he wishes to write me at any time, I shall be very glad to help him out as much as I can. The men who were actually ill can be expected to continue with some degree of weakness and malaise for a period of weeks or months, dependent in large measure upon the actual extent of their lead absorption. We have followed these cases in the past and our present tendency is to feel that they do not actually recover normal health until their lead excretion has reached substantially normal levels. The illness, therefore, is not just the result of a hang over from the original intoxication but is actually, we believe, a continuation of the intoxication. On the other hand, the men are very much better off if they do not receive too much attention, and if they themselves do not pay too much attention to their illness. In our experience the sooner they are able to get back on a full diet and return to thoir work, even though their work may have to be reduced in quantity, the better off they are likely to be. I had some forty such cases on my hands in Dayton in 192ij.. Most of them had had moderately severe exposure and there was a considerable uniformity in the degree of their exposure. I found that when I assured them that they would be entirely well and without any permanent illness, and kept them going on about their work, no subsequent difficulties ensued. In a few instances, however, in which the men seemed rather more ill and, therefore, were kept under arequent and, in fact, almost continuous supervision, their illness persisted for longer periods of time. I am convinced that ii & was due much more to the K f 0021138 2 differences in temperament on the part of the men than to any considerable differences in the severity of their intoxication. These men should not bo pushed into hard work and nothing should be done to alienate them from medical supervision. Howevex* they should be given work which they can do as soon as possible, and should be restored to their normal life and activity just as soon as it can be done. Above all, any anxiety which they may have concerning their eventual health should bo assuaged by reassurance and by not paying too much attention to the details of their complaints. I should think that six weeks or two months from this time ought to see them entirely symptom free. I would appreciate it if you would pass this information on to Dr. Rubine. Very truly yours, RAKsis Robert A. Kehoe, M.D. KE" 0021139