Document BDovNLXogL238MkXYBErr78w

COPY from: Dr, J.Kelman Drummond, 26, Norfolk Road, Durban. Secretary for Health, P.O.Box 386, PRETORIA. 13th July, I960 Dear Sir, I am the medical representative in this country of a British concern, The Associated Ethyl Company Limited of 20 Berkeley Square, London, W.l. They produce the anti-knock compound, Tetraethyl lead, which is present, or is blended into, petrols in this country. They have now approached me concerning a new anti-knock compound, Tetramethyl lead, which is at present in limited use in the United States. It may be assumed that in due course gasoline containing Tetramethyl lead will be introduced into areas outside the USA. Since problems of toxicity do not differ substantially from those presented by Tetraethyl lead, the same safety recommendations will be applied in respect of manufacture and distribution as apply to Tetraethyl lead at the present time. I enclose such information as is available at the present time concerning this product. The Associated Ethyl Co. in accordance with their past practice, feel that it would be desirable to inform the approporiate health authorities in South Africa of the possibility that gasoline containing Tetramethyl lead may be introduced into this country, and to acquaint them with the nature of the hygienic question and its present status in the U.S.A. I am therefore, sir, providing this information to you, and would be grateful to hear what procedural action, if any, would be required in South Africa prior to the introduction of this material into gasoline. Trusting that I shall hear from you soon regarding this information. I remain, Yours faithfully, ]S9639 J. KELMAN DRUMMOND