Document RNGjoy9b62zreereKVRaz9BB

April 1 a-.-* Dr. S. L. Rankin Medical Advisor, Petroleum Chemicals Division E. I. Da Pont de Hemours, and Co., Inc. Wilmington 98, Delaware Dear Stewart: I enclose herewith the analytical results on the samples of rust and scale sent to us by Mr- Davis, as referred to in his letter of March 6 and your3 of -March lo. The results, as you will see, are expressed in terms of that proportion of the organic lead which could be distilled off with steam, and the lead which was inorganic in character. The percentages in both instances relate back to the original weight of sample subjected to analysis. I might say that we do not always carry out the analyses in this manner, but rather we separate all of the different, forms of organic lead from each other and from inorganic 'ey extraction and then determine the lead content of the extracts and the residue. I asked that the analyses be done in this case after steam distillation, since the results of this procedure would convey clearly the magnitude of the hazard due to potentially volatile lead In the scale. Moreover, we have so many data on samples of scale that I felt certain that I could predict the outcome of the analyses. As I had good reason to anticipate, the results demonstrate the presence of only negligible quan tities of tetraethyl lead and of organic lead compounds that are converted to tetraethyl lead under the conditions of steam distillation. ' We found years ago that the organic lead content of scale fromthe 3ides (and top) of tanks used for the storage (or trans portation) of leaded gasoline was of minute proportions, and that respiratory exposure to dust, when the rust and scale is' dislodged by mechanical means in the dry state, is the only hazard of any significance, in connection with the cleaning or repair of such tanks. It was for this reason that we advised that, the sides of tanks should he kept vet, during scaling procedures, or, alternatively, if the scale was to be removed in the dry state,' that full respiratory protection must be provided during such operations for all persons within the tank and until it should have been freed of dust. Adequate dust respirators would do here, but we have believed it wise, generally, to use the air-line mask, so as not to confuse the issue as to the type of respiratory protection that is required In the conduct of tank cleaning generally. 0009702 Dr. S. L. Ranlcin - (2) - April 1, 1955 You will note that the lead contentof the two samples was subject to appreciable variation. This might be due to several causes, such as the possibility that some paint may have been used on the inside surface of the tanks at some time in the past, or that the rate of rust formation varied, as it often does, in various parts of the surface of the tank, whereas the rate of decomposition of the tetraethyl lead in the gasoline at the surface of the tank is probably fairly constant. In any case, the concen tration of lead in the scale was small in both instances. This concentration, however, is not unimportant, if the finely divided scale is suspended in the atmosphere of the tank in which men are working, by mechanical means. There is no hazard at all from this source so long as the material is wet. ' I send a bill to cover the cost of these analyses, since I take it that you. will wish to handle the matter separately. In the matter of the other questions raised in your letter (l , waited to reply to your entire letter at one time), I shall;reply as veil as I can, after making certain assumptions as to the'origin cf the contamination of the materials referred to. 1. I presume that the Stoddard or Paint Solvents in question were contaminated with tetraethyl lead, rather than inorganic lead, and that this occurred through the use of containers or transport equipaent for leaded gasoline, I presume also that your reference to-the concentration relates to parts per million by volume. Neither of these presumptions makes any great difference, quanti tatively, hut it seems best to indicate my line of thought. Actually the concentration involved here, expressed as one would express it in the case of gasoline, is equivalent to 0.0027 ml of* TEL per gallon. This is below the limits of chemical precision (for the commercial determination of TEL content), and it is of no hygienic importance. . -. 2. The contamination of the diesel fuel to the extent Indicated In your second question, i.e. 0.02 ml per gallon, is likewise, of no significance. Under these circumstances you are at the lower limit of the detection of lead In the fuel (by standard methods), and from the aspect of contact in handling,inhalation of vapor, or quantity of lead in the combustion products, there is no detectable hazard. :This, for example, In terms of volume, i3 1 part in 184,250. .... These matters reach their importance, principally,in relation to gasoline shipped in cars used for the transport of leaded gaso line, or to gasoline in contaminated pipe lines. I have taken the position that such gasoline should he regarded as non-leaded gasoline, for all the purposes for which gasoline is used ordinarily, when tie lead content does not exceed 0.05 ml per gallon, this being about the limit of accuracy for the determina tion of TEL in gasoline. One has to have some specification, and He 0098703 Dr. S. L. Rankin - (3) - April 1, 1953 this would seem, from every practical and hygienic viewpoint, a satisfactory one. Every effort within reason should be made to prevent the contamination of other commercial products with tetraethyl lead, and we must lean over backwards in the matter of food materials and beverages, but I see no reason for being concerned about the actual hazard associated with contamination ; of the order of magnitude to which you refer here. I trust that these remarks cover the situation. If not, do not hesitate to call on me further. Sincerely yours, RAK of Enc. Robert A. Kehoe',' R .337 K r 0003704 KETTERING LABORATORY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE EDEN AND BETKESDA AVES. CINCINNATI 19, OHIO April 1, 1955 To: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co., Inc. Vilnington 98 Delaware Attention: Dr* S. L. Rankin Medical Advisor Petroleum Chem.icals Division F o r : Reimbursement of the Kettering Laboratory for analysis of samples A-C& and A-57 (rust and scale) for the determination of inorganic lead 2 analyses at $10.00 each $ 20.00 HE 0009705 3absltfci*<&* E*<pi2"4t Hufe kS Sbtti 5**19^5 t*y P* U II Zm-vtsg' fttipr*toi> f opar&feloxt* Or*ai *!*X# Dpftrt*&t Ch*icna# Division, B I I. PiSife <* fBfemeur *md la* illmlmgt&n f t r ^ l# *** X*** A-Sk htmlf&iB ihm&er fc<ww @ i m * t a && Xnorgtanta L * $ 3 - 08 0303X* Uf$ Analysis HvMtom*$fc*a SiafeiXXt &** Xnor&ftstia t*a $$&300$ 0ai$ f .0009706 $aprfes 3-~31v?5