Document 85X70rB4XkdDy5kaeX2n87RQ5

October af, 1936 Dr* Keith Fairley 31' Collins treat Melbourne, Australia Dear Dr* Fairley* It has been some tlm since t have written to yon, and sins ray last letter a matter' has developed in this country which I think requires aorae discuss ion* From time to bits over a period of socae years, so have had cases of mild poisoning in connect!cm with til cleaning of -tanks used fair sailing and storlng loaded gasoline* -he first of these eases resulted in our issuing ins trustions for the avoidance of lead exposure in this occupation*- In general these ins truotlom have boon carried out fairly stall* but in specific instances Instructions have been neglected and nos cases of poisoning have developed* Recently the flagrant disregard of all instractions resulted In three fatal cases among seven acutely intoxicated workmen# Xfe gives me sea anxiety to recognise that the mechanism which m have previously used in putting our instructions into operation has fallen down# have previously depended upon the distributors of leaded gasoline to supply these regulation# in their own plants. It seems apparent that In the United States m can not depend upon the adequacy of this mechanic!#. I must* therefore* question In my own mind whether there may not be similar sllp**ups In other'countries* .In view of the difficulties hero* wo have undertaken to make a- thorough investigation of this whole problem* on the beats of- which we shall be prepared to recewend adequate procedures# : 'At present such recommend.tlpaa would be premature# However* It seems to ms It would be very wise if we were to take steps to remind all of the distributors of leaded gasoline of the necessity of following our regulations if they are to avoid serious difficulties# I should appreciate It very much if you would have a discussion with Mr# ihully in order to detsr* mine between yourselves what action can most feasibly be taken at this time to remind various distributors of this situation* Obviously wo do not wish to cause undue alarm* but it will be necessary tp bring to thori attention the fact that these I 2** * Dr, Keith Fairley (oont) dangora are real but that they can be combatted by the us of the precautions which have been suggested and under no circumstances should such precautions be omitted. There are a amber of questions in this entire problem that w do not fully understand* Wo should be able to answer these questions through the investigations which we are now carrying on* Fro time to time we 3haXX communicate with you further as our Informtlon develops# and X hope eventually to make such roeccuaenda tio ns as will solve this problem to our satis faction, Meanwhile we should take such measure of pre* caution as will assure m that this question will not be wholly neglected. I appreciate the letters which you have sent me from time to time and I hope you will continue to write me on all the matters which come to your attention. Cordially yours# l?AK $ la cc Mr. Lewis Hober^' A* Kehoe# w,D, K .0013430