Document jB2wpOR8j3mM9keRn3qdM70QO

April 19, 1946 Honorable James E. Mui'iaj , Uhaiiman, duclatioa md Labor Committee , United ? ta le s .'.eaate, Vasningtcn., D. C . Dear Senator Murray: Your letter- ox'|March IS, 1946 addressed to G. C. Harrold, former secretarj of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, and the queationaire relating to legislative proposals for improving the n a t i o n 's health, were brought to the attention of the Board of Directors of the Association at its recent meeting on April 9, 1946. At this time our discussion resulted in agreement that It would not be possible fob us to reply with any degree of usefulness to a number of the specifib questions. On the other hand, it seemed wholly desirable to t^ke cognizance of the sincere interest of this organi zation in the general aims and purposes of such legislation. Accordingly, as the retiring president of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, I wish to give expression to our point of view. fihe American Industrial Hygiene Association, both as an organization and as a body of interested professional people, is deeply concerned with all matters that have to dc with the nealth of our incus trial population, Ihe aims of the organization and its membership involve careful study pf environmental conditions in industrial establishments and the reactions of individuals thereto. Ve are very m u c h concerned with the further development of the scientific investigation which is necessary for the understanding end control of environmental con ditions, and with the training of professional personnel, both medically and technically, who will have the professional responsi bility for judgment and practice in this important field of community health. : Experience of recent years, including the var years, has demonstrated the need for Intensive and extensive efforts in safeguarding the lives, the health, and capabilities of industrial personnel. This is a field of professional activity which from the point of view of prevention, is relatively hew. Ihere is a tremendous need for greatly expanded research activities. Almost every factor which Influences the / 1 r- Honorable James H. Murray - (2 ) - April 19/ 1946 the industrial environment is in need of more thorough investigation. In addition tb the need for investigation, there is the very great need of trained personnel vho are familiar with vhat is known and who at the same tjime ax-e aware of the shortcomings of our prsent informa tion. Unfortunately there are almost no means available in this country at thb present time for the well-rounded technical and medical training that is required to produce capable and well-informed practi tioners in tails field. The industrial hygienist with engineering training h 3 had to adapt his engineering knowledge and skill to the requirements o: p r e v e n ti ve medicine Likewise the physician w t h or thodox training in medical work has had to adapt his medical knov- ledge to a si tuation which is quite different from the private prac- tice of medic ine in which he has been trained. Tne result is v.'nat both groups in .his have had to learn their w&y about by experience, n either having had the benefit of the professional training that would ha ve acquainted them with the difficulties and the require- ments of thei r professional work in advance of their entrance upon it As a consequence of these facts, there is great need fox* the cievelop- meat of exten sive facilities for research in this field and for the comprehensive training of men to be industrial physicians on one hand and engineers of industrial hygiene on the other. These needs, as we see them, are the greatest that confront us, and ve shall be found willing and anxious to give vigorous support to any program of legislation that will tend to implement or facilitate progress in these directions. Obviously here ve are thinking not of momentary improvements or panaceas but a fundamental program of inves tigation and professional training that will move steadily toward the solution of the hygienic problems, both occupationally and generally, of this great group of our population. Meanwhile the Association will continue to assist in the achievement of the purposes indicated above through the means now open to it, that of publishing the results of the investigations of its members and disseminating information in its annual scientific sessions. Sincerely yours. FAX ef C . C .: M r . Frank Patty Mr. Allen D. Brandt F.obert A. Kehoe, M. D.