Document pEodz31obJw5QXV1O9bJYMrj

' . 5/2/60 Statement released today "by Public Health Service concerning Tetramethyl lead. (As telephoned to us from "Petroleum Week") In response to request, the Public Health Service today issued the following statement: "Early in January the Public Health Service was requested by representative! of the petroleum industry research field to express an opinion on proposed changes in the lead content of motor gasoline. The changes contemplated involved the use of Tetramethyl lead as a replacement in whole or in part for Tetraethyl lead, following research that demonstrated an advantage to be gained in automotive engine performance "Although the Public Health Service does not have any legal authority to regulate the use of such substitutions (?) in gasoline, the Service's opinions were sought by industry, because both Tetramethyl lead and Tetraethyl lead are known to be potentially toxic (substances). In subsequent discussions, the industry source made available to the Public Health Service complete data on the research that they have done oh the subject. "In response to the industry's request, the Public Health Service advised as follows: 'We believe that the decision to use TML as a substitute for TEL is one which should be made by the companies concerned. After due consideration of the hazards which may result to the general public and to the workers engaged in the manufacture of TML and its blending and also those engaged in the wholesale and retail marketing of these gasolines, we also believe that representatives of the companies should discuss this matter with the state health authorities in the states concerned; 'If the decision is made to use TML as a gasoline additive, we would suggest that the companies conduct studies that would demonstrate its acceptability from the public health viewpoint. Should it develop that TML cannot be manufactured and used in gasoline without undue risk to the workers or to the public, the Public Health Service would recommend that its use be discontinued. 'In the manufacture and blending of TML, it is also suggested that the same hygienic standards applicable to TEL be used. 'Should the companies concerned proceed with the substitution of TML for TEL, we suggest that liaison be established between the companies and the Public Health Service with the understanding that the PHS will be accessible to all clinical, environmental and other pertinent data relating to any studies taken. We also suggest that the companies present to the Public Health Service, one year after initiating the substitution, a report on the impact of TML on the contamination of the atmosphere in a major metropolitan center, as well as clinical and environmental data demonstrating the safety of controls in the manufacture, the use and handling of TML, and all gasoline containing this compound.' . "In addition, the Public Health Service reviewed the following details proposed by industry in the event the industry proceeded with the use of TML as a gasoline additive and stated that they appeared reasonable under present circumstances: .0002727 Public Health Service Statement-- 2 5/2/60 "1. The maximum concentration TML in gasoline should he limited at this time to 2,06 ml per American gallon. This is equivalent in lead content to gasolines containing 3 ml TEL per gallon. 2. The warning sign on pumps and other containers should be changed to read "lead alkyl" rather than "lead tetraethyl," Otherwise, the sign should be identical to that in present use. A sign with this terminology could then be used on gasoline pumps or containers containing either TEL or TML. "3. In the -- of gasoline containing a mixture of TEL and TML, the maximum concentration of lead should not be in excess of the equivalent of h ml of TEL per gallon and that the TML fraction be no greater than 2,06 ml per gallon." mm fh ebeve tatem eut v u d icta te d to "Peettrroolelu as Weeak" t y * Mr. good o f th e Pislic Icfo rm atio a Qrcup o f th e Pu b lic Se a lth a o rtic i s Vw h ityjto o . TM* e tate sw at 1 s o t giv e s out fcy the fa b lio ftW frh Se rvie * u l u s re que ste d, tout th e y o ffe re d i t to "Pe tro law Seek" tw e u u o f th e la tte r ' in q u irie *. 0002728