Document Z4Jg7p2y1bOLMB6ZBNpLDLz4p

May 9, 1960 U. H i d o ^ &!D bhcli Developwnt Company ilKtryv'iile California bear Charlie: .it the request of representatives of both Shell and Ethyl in New York, I am sending herewith one copy of each of two reports that bear on the use of tetraaethyl lead as a substitute in whole or in part for tetraethyl load in gasoline. Thu brief report on the irjaodiafce toxicity of TSSL and certain other lean alkyls suiaaarik.es the result of some observations mad la this laboratory years ago., W are reexamining the facts in this regard unci are extending the toxicologic work to answer the more important questions on which procedures of industrial hygiene must depend eveniuiiy. Therefore, wo have no intention of reporting the early work in detail. The present work indicates some differences in the- behavior of the several compounds, but in the main points to their general similarities. In os much as the late of those materials in tho internal combustion engine is the* same, the problem of lead lu tl* air remains unchanged, *ad the primary problem within th petroleum industry resides in the extent of the potential hazard visited upon tho handlers of gasoline. That is, there is no special problem of public health, but rather a question concerning the order of magnitude of the occupational hazard. We have undertaken to answer the question so presented through the investigation described in the other report. Z believe this question has been answered satisfactorily for present purposes. The final answer, of course, can be given only on the basis of prolonged experience, but by reason of the negative results thus far, and on the background of previous experience with TEL, this final answer, in my opinion, can reasonably be predicted* 05 If questions come to your mind after you examine those reports, please 05 do not hesitate to raise them. 1 may or may not be able to answer them, CD but I'll be interested in them. X suspect that there may be a number of questions from abroad, and the more critical they are, the better we shall be able to guide our work to obtain the answers. Sincerely yours, sooo j x ttAK:ss Robert A. Kehoe, M. D.