Document G5oEYJgaB5NGJzVDm8p42OBZq

August 9, 1951 Mr. Manfred Bovditch Director of Health and Safety Lead Industries Association 420 Lexington Avenue New York City 17 Dear Manfred: On the subject of lead poisoning in children ve are making some progress in Cincinnati, somewhat as a matter of necessity. The pressure has grown because of the occurrence of about fourteen cases (five deaths, I believe) in two of the Cincinnati hospitals (Children's and Cincinnati General) since the first of the year 1951. Because of the concern aroused by thi3 situation, we shall be able, I believe, to set up a concerted cooperative program of study and follow-up. At least I hope this will be the outcome. Ve have had a conference with the joint 3taff of the pediatrics departments of the two hospitals, the concern of the Health Commissioner has been aroused to such an extent that he has written a brief warning article in the press, and a feature article (which fortunately I saw before it went to press) by one of the local news writers will appear in the Cincinnati Enquirer. I have proposed another meeting with the interested group for the purpose of initiating a concerted program of investigation. This, I trust, will be called soon. I want a nurse from the Health Department of the city to be detailed on a part-time basis, to home investigation and following up of all alleged or suspected cases, after being briefed on the job to be done. I also want, to alert,the local pediatricians to the situation and to offer aid and advice to them for diagnosis, following up and prevention. In addition I want some kind of analytical survey through the medium of the hospitals and practicing physicians, on the basis of an agreed upon, plan of procedure. If the L.I.A. would like to make some contribution toward the expense of the analytical work for this purpose, so that the burden of its cost would not be borne by our other sponsors of work on the general lead problems - I think I may say In all frankness that these sponsors have served the lead industries faithfully and well without expense to them - it would be helpful. I do not urge or even suggest that you sliould initiate any action in this direction* I merely mention it as a means by which your organisation could have a share 'i 03536 Mr. Manfred Bovdltch - (2) - August 9, 1951 in the job. Sincerely yours, RAK ef Robert "A.'&ehoe , M. E>T J / 0o7 J------ > r-, 0j /