Document mBjVNBmaME75jMoLBowoJgBq0

December 13, 1932 Mr. A. E. Mitfenacht Ethyl Gasoline Corporation Chrysler Building New York City New York Dear Mr. idittnachts I have considered the contents of your letter of December $ t h in regard to the issuance of another circular covering specifically the cleaning of Ethyl tank cars. I do not see any particular point in the issuance of a special bulletin but I feel that we should be wil!5.ng to comply with the wishes of the Bureau of Explosive's in any such matter. I quite agree with you in believing that the possibilities of danger are provided against in the regulations covering the cleaning of ordinary tank cars* However the use of welding equipment inside any such tank car is attended by a certain danger. Our previous ex perience leads me to believe that small amounts of lead may be found deposited in the scale on the inside of the tank car, even after the most satisfactory cleaning* If this Is the case* the us of a torch on such a surface will produce volatile lead compounds which will be similar to those produced by cutting up metal plates which have painted surfaces* It Is true that the amount of lead should not be and probably will not be great* Neverthe less I should conceive of it as desirable to wear an air mask during such a welding operation in order to avoid the inhalation of lead vapors. If there is anything further which you wish m8 to do in t M s connection, please let me know* Very truly yours, RAKjis 0000548