Document mqV7nqDYORL83YnEebEJwOEpJ

<' 1 *5 <A. 'Vc. _ S;Ot) P44 ca4a r0clt**y_, '4(oCt Op >x) c4a Hfo O -3 t--* Is! PH O SH* *-*% 0 O^ *03 M^p. %~;1*-T5* Jsv-# /V v W^vs * i* o . < t',^( ` ,V i * % , r^-**-*, * * 4V*-" '*>-*.* - ;&*&"( Hoveafcer 9* TO? Dr. facias Mirkowokl Grottgers K*7 m.J., arsaw Poland Dear Doctor Mlrkosrakit X take this means of con-, firming the arrangement made through representatives of Ethyl Export Corporation to have you look after the medical end of the affairs of Ethyl Export Corporation in Poland* X am sending you herewith a memorandum which expresses the general medical policy of the Corporation, and under separate cover in care of the Vacuum Oil Company, 1 m sending you a hook In which there is a compilation of the various studies that have been made on this subject# Shore are throe points which X wish specifically to call to your attention* The dangers of lead poisoning in connection with the operation of mixing Ethyl Fluid with gasoline have been overcome In large measure through the use of proper mixing equipment* If this mixing equipment is employed In accordance with the instructions given and the regulations set forth in our booklet on the subject, no cases of poisoning should occur* In Fact there should be no significant lead exposure in this occupation* The important thing, therefore, from the medical point of view, is to see that the mixing equip ment is in good order, and that it is used properly# Any evidences of lead absorption on the part of the mixing personnel will indicate that the regulations arc not being properly followed* On the other hand it is my hope and expectation that members of our medical staff will make it a point to examine the mixing plants and to sec that they are maintained With due care* The seoond point has to do with the possibility of probable poison! ng^io connectlco with the handling of gasoline# As you will see from tho studies made, the danger of lead poisoning in con nection with the gasoline is negligible. On the other hand, from time to time, various persons have feared that they would be poisoned and consequently various KJT 0 013 4 7 i Pr* Mlrkowskl 2t * illnesses have been confused with lead Intoxication* Cases of this type should be given careful and unbiased Investigation in order that a diagnosis may be made and In order that these fears should be reduced and eventually eliminated* The third matter which Justifies your careful attention is in connection with the cleaning of tanks which have been used fen? the blending and storage of leaded gasoline* These tanks eventually develop deposits and sludge at the bottom* and the sludge contains significant quantities of decomposition products of tetraethyl lead* It is necessary that the precautions which m have advised be followed to the letter by the men who enter such tanks for the purpose of cleaning them* The danger here is not hypothetical or imaginary* but is real* It is necessary, therefore* that the oil companies see to it that proper precautions are taken when these tanks are to be cleaned* It la especially necessary that the men be protected against the Inhalation of dusts and vapors from the sludge and from the sides of the tank* In our opinion this protection can only be provided adequately by the use of air-line masks which provide a copious supply of fresh air In i&e face piece at allttimes* The recomr-tendat i ona for car and cleanliness are also necessary but the chief precautionary measure Is associated with the use of proper masks* I trust you will writ to me from time to time* lotting m know of any : difficulties which you may have* or of any new developments which sees of importance* It is difficult to maintain adequate contact with this problem In all parts of the world* and 1 can only rely upon the care and decisions of the medical consultants of the Corporation in this regard* ^ Please accept ay thanks for having undertaken this work* and my best wishes* Cordially yours* RAKjls cc Mr* Bevan - Woert"jft*KoWoe*1II*b* HE- C0 ; 34/ November % 1937 Vacuum oil Company Warsaw Poland Gontlemenj Mr, Fossett of Ethyl Export Corporation has told ra of your istndnesi* in negotiating with Dr* 3'aclaw Mirkowski In th natter of th medical supervision of various Ethyl Gasoline mixing plants in Poland., Because of the language difficulties* 1 m writing to you rather than directly to Dr, Mirkowskl asking for your further kindness in transmitting to Dr, Mirkowskl my approval of his appointment for this work, and my pleasure at his willingness to undertalc it, I am sending herewith a letter addressed to Dr, Mirkowskl which I would like you to forward to him and at hla wish* to translate for him, I a sending also a memorandum in th letter which outlines the general policies of the Medical Department of Ethyl Export Corporation# and which X trust will be of us to him in becoming acquainted in some measure with th problems with which we are confronted* I am also sending him in your care* under separate cover* a book which is a compilation of most of th important medical and sclentifio Information on this subject* and which X trust will be of us to bln in his work, Permit mo to thank you In advance for your kindness in communicating with Dr, Mirkowskl* and 1 should be very grateful to you if you would let him know that 1 would like him to write me from time to time and that he can writ to me In French or in German* for although I can not writ in either of these languages# I can read them and if I find the going difficult* X have the facilities for obtaining translations here at my office* Very truly yours# RAKile cc Mr, Bevan N17445.01 Holbert A'* koSoe #' "S* $* -------------- --------------- ---- KB 00134'? 3