Document pBEbjOrVK9zm7rz6jBNgngLYB

Kovember 2k, 1937 Dr. Keith Fairley 31 Collins Street Melbourne, 0*1* Aus trai la Dear Doctor Fairley- Thanks for your letter of October 1st with its Information, I am glad to hear that things are still going satisfactorily. With regard to the use of benzol as the solvent for the dye, I believe it will be found that benzol Is the most satisfactory solvent. I shall inquire into this, however, and inform you what, if anything, can be substituted for benzol. This type of exposure to benzol, as you have already mentioned in your letter, can be limited to a point of insignificance through proper handling of the dye solution. Therefore I do not fear any undue exposure from this source. Our instructions with regard to benzol were based primarily on our knowledge that benzol and mixtures of benzol and petroleum are handled in some refineries without any special precautions. We have noted in some instances that benzol blends have been handled in enclosed places in barrel filling and can filling operations, and that in many instances less than the proper precautions have been taken. For this reason we have not wanted to have men employed in mixing Ethyl Fluid with gasoline without some Inquiry into their benzol exposure. Where one can be certain that the exposure is negligible as it is,or as it should be, In connection with the handling of dye solutions, we do not regard it as of particular conse quence. I am quite sure you will understand that I should prefer to nee- other solvents used when and if benzol can be avoided* '" Thanks very much for bringing this to my attention, and I repeat I will give you any further information which I am able to obtain. Gordially yours, RAKils Robert A. Kehoe,