Document d7mLymo3X6MyyoyxbqBzX970

L IA 2180 2 LEAD INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION 0 Croybor Building, 420 UxMgton Avenue New York, N. Y. September 28, 1982* To Members of the Lead Industries Aesoclatlaat : o 1 During September, 1932. fifty-nine eases of lead poisoning of unusual origin vers reported 07 the Baltimore Health Department. The cuthreat of lead poisoning mas entirely derived from tho practice of the poorer colored element In using discarded hatter/ oaalngs for fuel. The breaking up and burning of these botes generated lead dust and fuses which were breathed by colored children and others} result ing In lead poisoning. Some of the children had advanced cases, shoving the char acteristic lead lines, stippling of the blood and X-ray symptom*. It appears that the depression had so affected the colored section of the population In Baltimore that they used desperate Deans to keep warn last Winter, The City is now planning to supply free kindling and wood and has enlisted the cooperation of the Police De partment to Instruct all battery dealers not to permit old battery casings to get In the hands of any one who la likely to burn then. The City has also rcopined the publie dump to the use if the battery dealers. Heretofore, the obnoxious character of the bat tery casings had cade It necessary for the dealers to pay 25/ per truckload In using a private duap. Although the Baltimore authorities have the situation well In hand and no further trouble is to be expected there, many other cities In the United States undoubtedly duplicate the Baltimore con ditions which led to the outbreak. It Is therefore suggested that, wlwnovcr possible. you advlso storage battery scrap dealers about the Baltloore circumstances, .'educating then either to destroy their old battery boxes, or to dump then where they cannot be reclaimed for fuel by persons apt to use them for that purpose. It is hoped that through the widespread eooperatlon of our members we oan avoid a duplication of the Baltloore lead poisoning episode In ether cities which would only result In additional alarm ing jxibllcity to the Injury of the lead Industries. Respectfully yours} (