Document 7RyRX5qEpbm1xkGKa7kRK5Z5E

(Suggested letter) Dor Congressman (or Senator): The Sonet* labor and Public Welfare Committee it now considering several legislative proposals dealing with the problem of eliminating the hazard of lead poisoning related to the products of our industry. Veen ago, the paint industry made products containing quantities of lead pigments and compounds which,if ingested, especially by children, could produce lead ooitoning with its attendant hazardous effects. These products have not been monofactvred or sold by our industry for use on interior surfaces for more than 30 years due to the advent of safer, mote economical, non-toxic pigments and ingredients. The problem stems from the fact that many layers of the older-type paints are found in substandard, poorly-maintained urban dwellings, which children have access to when the interior condition is such that pealing and flaking occurs. The matter is further compounded by the high incidence of a condition known as "pica", a compulsion to eat non-food materials such as dirt, wood, paint chips and plaster, which occurs frequently among the children inhabiting these dwellings. Modem interior points ate safe to use. Any paint product con taining more than 1% lead is clearly labeled to prevent its use on interior surfaces of dwell ings inhabited by children. There are exterior paint products containing load which are essential for the maintenance end nreservation of residential as well as commercial structures. These products are similarly 'abeled and to restrict their use would be a serious detriment to the maintenance of property in this country. Our industry has long supported and provided leadership for action designed to eliminate the threat of lead poisoning to children. Such legislation, to be effective should be directed toward the basic problem; namely, the removal of old paint containing more than 1% lead from exposed interior surfaces of dwellings, especially those inhabited by children. To direct legislation 0007-SWP-000005712 (Suggested Uttar) Poge 2.. toward the elimination of modam-day paints on axtarior surfaces completely ignoras the norura of tha probiam whila destroying o basic and essential product for property maintenance. Your understanding and support, if such legislation reaches the floor of Congress, is sincerely requested. If you have any questions on this subject, please feel free to write or call me or if mare convenient, Mr. Robert A. Roland, Executive Vice Resident, National Point, Varnish and Lacquer Association, Washington, D. C. Sincerely, 0007-SWP-000005713 SUGGESTED TELEGRAM Dear Senator or Congressman : Legislation before tha Sanoto Committee on labor and tabllc Welfare may toon roach tho floor of Congress for action. H. R. 19172, Uwhlid taint Elimination Act of 1970 and S. 3216, Load taint Poisoning frevention Act, or amondad versions thereof, are presently being considered. We support tha objectives of this legislation, however, we urge that it be restricted to the real causa of lead poisoning; namely, old paint containing moro than 1% load, generally found in poorly-maintained or substandmd housing. Modern interior points are safe and properly labeled. Exterior paints are properly labeled and not related to this problem. Restrictions on exterior paint products will seriously affect maintenance of dwellings and structures and in no way assist us in eliminating tha basic problem. Request your consideration and support for proposals recognizing this distinction. 0007 -SWP-000005714 N11430.01