Document NGDKLxo2ovYaKZVKxnrOxkbaD

PROFESSOR R.A. KEHOES VISIT TOGERMANY(MARCH 1968) Report by Chief Medical Officer An informal luncheon was arranged by Dr. Wieland on 14.3.68 in Bonn, to provide an opportunity for German Government Health Authorities to meet Prof. Kehoe, to discuss with him aspects of lead as an environmental pollutant. The following were present at the luncheon:- Dr. Katin Dr. Gotteburg Herr Gothe Herr Pritzkow Prof. Hagen Frau Mauksch Prof. R.A. Kehoe Dr. Barry Dr. Wieland Chief of Chemical Division, Ministry of Health. Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health. Dr. Gotteburg's department, Ministry of Health. Ministry of Labour (a chemist) Medical Adviser to Ministry of Labour, Dsseldorf. Interpreter A.K. Chemie. Herr Gothe described work that had been done by the German authorities with respect to the lead content of vegetation at the sides of autobahns. Apart from this work, investigations relating to other aspects of the problem appear to have been very limited and no other useful information of the situation in _ Germany was available. Prof. Kehoe described some of the work that has been undertaken in the U.S.A. The conversation became somewhat fluid and difficult to follow, as it was conducted for the most part in German, with little opportunity provided for the interpreter to exercise her art. However, the general impression created was that no plan had been formulated for a series of investigatory work to be undertaken, although it is understood that a government committee is to be . formed to consider these matters. Dr. Katin and Dr. Gotteburg appeared to think alike in their disti'ust of the presence of lead in gasoline, but Herr Gothe and Herr Pritzkow appeared to be more open minded in their approach to the problem. Dr. Wieland took a considerable part in the conversation, apparently taking the view that information available from other countries indicated that no significant health hazard results from the presence of lead in gasoline. Prof. Hagen took little or no part in the conversation. Dr. Katin requested Prof. Kehoe to provide him with the relevant information available on the subject, which Prof. Kehoe agreed to do on his return to the U.S.A. . PSIB/dl. 8/4/68. 0 0 0 8 9