Document npNNvLD21g1p6kDpN776nmM5m

BY AIR MAIL Shell International Petroleum Company Limited ST HELEN'S COURT, GREAT ST HELEN'S, LONDON, EC3 Telephone: Avenue 4321 TELEX:LONDON 28205, 28804 TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS: SHELL LONDON ALL CODES USED YOUR REF OUR REF RKS/JK/A.4 Medical Division LETTER NO d at e 15th March 1961. Professor R; A. Kehoe, Director of | Kettering Research Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Cincinatti, OHIO. P.3.A, Dear We have recently had enquiries from some of our associated Companies in underdeveloped countries, concerning the hazards of cleaning tanks that have contained leaded gasoline. All areas have full instructions and the handbook issued by the Associated Ethyl Company on how this should be- carried out. They have also been told that this is a dangerous proceeding, but that, provided the instructions are carried out absolutely, there should be no danger to personnel. ; However, they have come back stating that the Unions are demanding/' that men doing this kind of work should be given milk. I appreciate that it has been said in medical text-books in the past that milk has a beneficial action on the excretion of lead and in the prevention of T.E.L. and lead poisoning. I know many of tnese employees may be under nourished and therefore milk would be good for them. But I would be very grateful if I could have a statement from you to the effect that milk does or does not assist in the prevention of lead poisoning. Obviously the Unions will also bring up similar questions with regard to the use of lead paints, and perhaps you could include this in your reply. I am sorry to worry you on this point, but I have been asked to obtain the opinion of the best modern authorities on this ooint, and therefore I would be grateful for your assistance. In our own Company in this country we do not give lead workers milk because we have been given to understand that, provided the proper precautions as to protective clothing, etc. are carried out, and provided there is adequate ventilation in workshops, there should be no danger of lead poisoning. In fsct, we have had no cases of this sort for many years. Kindest regards. lours sincerely. . 11 I/ -i co y o: a ra/tuer /Car rr. -'/ . chi :: vrr. l:i:;. thou.. :h \k- C.i-1.0