Document JvBV1B8r5R1rnJJRw5R3pyOme

3 NATIONAL LEAD ZINC RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, INC June 22, 1970 ''3 5 A V E N U E , * . r v V v ' O ^ < . ~-J v * C ~ ` 7 r F L. ~ ~ p r . 5 5 3 , 2 - 5 3 7 3 ~ -t C 2 C E V? : .' 'W'. b- A C.5 C 6 S S N ^ ' L Z P O AE'-.V V C < Robert A. Kehoe, M.B. Professor Emeritus of Occuptional Medicine Eniversity of Cincinnati Dept, of Environmental Health Kettering Laboratory College of Medicine Eden & Bethesda Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio k5219 Dear Dr. Kehoe: LH-36 Lead Glazes for Dinnerware Thank you very much for your letter of May 21 regcrding the release of lead from ceramic ware. I am sure that the recent publicity in "Good Housekeeping" magazine has stimulated considerable interest in this problem in the Health Departments, not only in California by throughout the country. I quite agree that action should be taken in the way of regulating imported pottery which has shown, in the past, to occasionally leach enormous quantities of lead upon use. l/ J At this time, cur program at Rutgers is endeavor!ng7to relate the ASTM test for the extraction of lead from glazes to actual use conditions. I feel that work in this area is essential for the eventual establishment of a reasonable standard for the release from glazes. At this time, I do not feel that your assistance is needed since we are only collecting numbers, however, when the numbers are in, there will be a period of cogitation concerning the appropriate standard to be chosen for regulatory purposes. At present, as you know, the U.3. Potters Association is recommending a standard of 7 PPM using the ASTM extraction method. As far as I am concerned, this is a meaningless standard at this time. If the release of lead under use conditions is anything like 7 PPM, however, then I feel it is far too high. In view of the work under way, I would think that it would be appropriate for us to call upon you for your recommendations after our current work has ended and we are in the docisioiirTiekirg phase as to the appropriate standard. We are working closely with the FDA and will keep them closely informed of the progress of the current work. I am grateful for your offer to be of assistance and I am sure we will accept in the near future. sincerely, Jerome r Cole, Sc. D. Manager, nvironmental Health si r\