Document g2gXpynLmZ1Vz79V2XJO59Rj9

The Automobile Industry in Los Angeles is faced not with one but with a variety of problems, none of which can be ignored and few of which seem readily solvable. The problems referred to, of course, all stem from the general smog problem of the area and come about by the general accusations of investigators, and others> that it is the automobile which is responsible for (I) precioitating the fog from an otherwise favorable meterological situation and (2) contributing or furnishing the essential elements which cause (a) the real eye irritation associated with the smog and (b) the non-demonstrated but none the less at present non answerable deleterious effect on general health and well being of inhabi- . taunts of the area and (c) plant damage or "retarded"plant growth or quality ; Since it is not the automobile per se that is indicted but rather the fuel it uses or the products of combustion of the fuel alone or in combins-tion with other material-factors, the broad problem is one for the Automobile Industry Bnd the Petroleum Industry. Future reference to the problem will refer to this joint responsibility. It goes without saying that cooperative investigation and pooling o' resources and effort is essential in any serious investigation of the prbblem. ; As has been pointed out before, air pollution is a problem that industry will have to live with from here on and it may be obliged to devote substantial time and resources in doing its share to "control1' air pollution. Eefore adequate control, it is necessary to have the basic fundamental knowledge on which'to base control measures. It seems vise, therefore, to face the problem squarely and make such long time commit- mente as are necessary to obtain the basic data as well as any information of immediate value in defense of unwarranted or unsubstantiated accusations .Removing the cause of anything, of course, eliminates the problem and so it may be in this case. The investigation of modifying or eliminating exhaust gases would be such a corrective measure and, no doubt, ~ 2~ vork is already underway on this important aspect of the problem. As regards contribution to the development of smog itself. It is not at all clear just hoy either the gasoline vapor or product* of combustion contribute to the formation or persistance of smog, other than in the general sense of furnishing necessary condensation nuclei (per se,o-i> by reactions involving ozone, oxygen, oxides of nitrogen, particulate or other matter), .'Further basic research is needed to further develop facts. . The findings should contribute'materially in appraising the physiological eye irritation problem or other alleged' health problems. Therefore, any investigation of the, latter problem should be coordinated vitb findings a F to the causes of smog* ., Since the eye irritation problem;is one. vhich is acute in the area and, r.erhaps, to a degree peculiar to the area, a thorough in- vestirpti on of basic "factors, and physiological mechanism causing lacr'ination is indicated end perhaps offers more likelihood of early solution than ; other ^aspects >of the :nverdll problem. .'laboratory: exoerlraenta vork on :V : animals, ana humans is feasible. Since there is already some evidence thru the eye irritants may be transients, some on the spot subjective testing should be contemplated. Close liaison and cooperation vith others, presently investigating this aspect should be maintained. That any positive results, forthcoming from such investigation may well be of importance in appraising other possible physiological deleterious effects has been suggested. The physiological effects of products of combustion should be thoroughly investigated. This involves separation and identification cf products formed under various OTjerating conditions from various fuels and oils. Since the industry is.best prepared to furnish the products and a physiological laboratory is best prepared to appraise their toxicity, it is recommended that such a cooperative scheme be inaugurated. This should be tied in vtth air analysis designed to accumulate and identify the products in urban air. This should in turn be tied in vith cancer investication. The objection that such a program dealing with."soup and therefore involving many variables should not exclude it. Rather chin preliminaty screening should be considered as a means of defining the breadth of the problem and pointing a way to arrive at specific materials of importance for later study in a purer state. The gathering of epidemiologi cal information both in the Los Angeles area and in a suitable control area will be necessary to form a base line of present status and indicate sub sequent changes. To the extent possible, past records on older inhabitants should be investigated. . .. , 'The lead, problem. A survey of the lead in air in the Los Angeles area correlated vith CO and possibly other materials.- should be a part of the program. The size distribution of the particulate mattes should' be' compared vith laboratory data, on this aspect of the problem, lead excretion of persons variously exposed might help appraise the "exposure" to exhaust and vould also be of use in lead studies -of this laboratory. : . ' .llPlaht damagel.:':i^All the above, findings which. apply should he .coordinated vith person? investigating the plant damage aspect of the pollution. - ;. :r ' -. It is impossible to arrive -at anything like a complete or adequate program for the industries involved without an up to date appre,isal of the vork already done, the work being done and contemplated.by others. I do not believe it will be necessary to sell the industries on the need for a program, rather it i s ;necessary to sell them on the long time approach to a; problem they would greatly like to have answers to tomorrow - providing we are convinced of the necessity of the long time.approach. The problem is bigger than Los Angeles and should, be thovight of as a step and a program designed ultimately to answer some of the orobleme of London. Donora and the Meuse Valley, it ,,t v. *. J oe cooD^retiv in nature and any commitment made now should be flexible to include investigations into new'fields as they develop. 3- 22-1955 Lester B. Roberts AA i-: Cr