Document RjL9nLdGZvNJLm70VvM300eo8

J o h n E. K i e o h e h EXECUTIVEASSISTANT TO SENIORVICE PRESIDENT Co nt ine nt a l Oil Co mpany Box 2107 Ho u s t o n l , Te x a s March 6, 1959 Dr. R. A. Kehoe The Kettering Laboratory College of Medicine Ede n Avenue Cincinnati 19 Ohio Dear D r . Kehoe : Your letter of March 2 in reply to mine of February 27 is greatly appreciated. In event that we elect to proceed further with our investigation concerning the experimenta tion and possible manufacture of lead tetra ethyl, we shall get in touch with you. We veiy much would like to have your services to the extent that you can offer them to guide us in the hygienic aspects of this problem. In event that our plans develop, you can expect us to get in touch with you which should probably be no later than mid-Summer. Thank you again for your prompt reply and offer of your services. Yours very^truly, ? JEKrGW K ' vw x v I V March 2, 1959 *-p?4! - v 4?-vvV..s Mr. John E. Sircher Executive Assistant Continental Oil Company Box 2197 Houston 1, Texas Dear Mr.'Kircher: -s-a;.VS',k- I hasten to reply to your letter of February 27 because of its importance to me. Let me answer your specific question by saying that I shall be available to consult with you on the hygienic aspects of your Company's activities in relation to the manufacture* and the introduction into use, of tetraethyl lead. There are certain .conditions under which must proceed however, and you are entitled to knew the facts in this regard. - , -.'. i - - - i *?jrAiS^C I have lived in very close relationship to the problem of industrial . and public health'that arise in connection with tetraethyl load for . more than thirty years. My concern, primarily, is a professional one, as a physician and investigator, which is directed toward the establish^^=w.^s.i>--v>--`raent and maintenance of safe conditions for the manufacture and use of tetraethyl lead. There are many problems even now in this, and it is -c*.,.w j s .*, only by rigid adherence to the principles that have been worked out ia-u >*.,;,*.*** research and practice that they can be done, I hold myself responsible, for providing the best advice 1 can to the people who become involved the various phases of this problem. On the other hand, I have had a confidential relationship to Ethyl > Corporation, with respect to "know how*' in its technical and commercial , ,.. operations, and I suspect that you realize that the competition in 1:he*5 production and distribution of antiknock compounds containing tetraetUyl^^r'.***,^. lead is very keen. As Medical Director of Ethyl Corporation since 1925/, I am familiar with the entire series of developments, technically and commerically, and as a Medical Consultant in certain matters since my retirement from the medical directorship in December of 1958, I still v, ^ ,1-^ occupy a confidential relationship to Ethyl Corporation. Since the hygienic aspects of the operations are bound up in the equipment, method,.v* ology and "know how" of the industry, I must exercise great cars in .:. >***>.v , distinguishing between proper advice in hygienic matters, and procedural-; techniques that relate to "know how". This I shall be able to do, I chink, but there may be some rough spots ahead, and it is only because of my :> . concern lest the precautionary measures get out of hand and create a real- threat to the people involved, as well as bringing about a recurrence of- - the previous difficulties, that 1 am willing to take on additional re sponsibilities. In short, having fathered this child, from the point of ;, . t T. Mr. John E. Kircher -(2)- March 2, 1959 view of it3 hygienic problems, many years ago, and having guided it in the ways of safety for so long, 1 find I cannot avoid a certain sense of responsibility for its present conduct along the lines of industrial and public safety, regardless of the corporations and persons concerned. '' .... w...*. * ** I shall be prepared to consult with you or your designated people on a confidential basis within certain limits which I shall be glad to - clarify in advance, provided this does not: involve me in expenditures *v of time and effort which my present duties will not permit. I shall be willing to advise you c-n matters of principle in any case, and if I , - ^,*^*0**^ cannot servo you in person I shall probably be able to direct you toward some ether satisfactory source of advice and guidance. --i--:.*.---,:. Very truly yours, RAX:ss Rcsbert A. Xehoe, li. D. Jo h n E.Kircheh EXECUTIVEASSISTANT iXIOHVICE PRESIDENT Co nt ine nt a l Oil Co mpany Box 2107 Ho u s t o n I , Te x a s February 27, 1959 Dr. R. A. Kehoe The Kettering Laboratory College of Medicine Eden Avenue Cincinnati 19, Ohio Dear Dr. Kehoe: You have been referred to us as an outstanding authority on the health aspects of lead tetraethyl. It is possible that in the hear future we may wish to conduct some experi mentations on certain techniques of manufacture and use of lead tetraethyl. If this program should materialize we would very much need the assistance of an outstanding expert on the health and safety aspects of the handling of lead tetra ethyl. If we should go ahead with our proposed program, would you be available to consult with us concerning the handling of this product? Although this is a very tentative program, we do recognize the grave health responsi bilities and would like to have an expression from you as to your availability to help us. JEK-GW N6097.02