Document n9B9QLaqX4k7a1zGmgBMa9DJR

Dr. Douglas Donald, 958 David Whithiy Building, Detroit, Mich. . June 26, 1922. My dear Dr. Donald: I do. not know the Michigan law relative to lead poisoning. In some states industrial diseases are not compensable. They are iri Massachusetts, and it would be readily possible to make the Briggs Comp^iy pay these men if they were' working here. If you can fiiiifout that lead poisoning is con&idered to be an industrial injury In Michigan you will, of course, be able to force the Company to do anything you please provided you are willing to testify that individual cases are,actually leaded. I have'no doubt that if the Company found you meant business, they would behave-rather than go to the mat in th matter. Sand-papering painted work is, I believe, the chief caxise of lead poisoning in the country at large. It is such a well- recognized cause of'trouble that there is no excuse for not taking precautions against it. Such workers should be examined for lead poisoning at least crioe a month -- this examination consisting mainly of a thorough history and a blood smear." At the. beginning of symptoms they should be removed from the work. Such work should be carried op under thoroughly good conditions of ventilation and, of course, men should not be permitted to eat in the same shop, though it has been shown that the .major part' of the dust causing poisoning under these circumstances is inhaled and not swallowed. ~ If you are still on the track.of these people and are still seeing cases in the fall, I know that Dr. Aub will be anxious to get in touch with you, and at that time I believe we might arrange to have you send, us some urines if you can do it. With best regards', I am Very sincerely yours. Ya k JA, .ci:j^ *> ?