Document reNKmqaQkEGZNjmzX2gMOg9G0

From Hongkong To Batavia COPT. Medical Supervision of Employees Working with Tetraethyl Fluid Ho.1986 July 25, 1954 For general information we attach copy of New York*a No.362 of June 8, New York'a No.705 of June 1 to Shanghai, also Dr. A.W. Schoenleber's letter to Mr. G. S. Walden of May 8. The main object of sending you copies of this correspondence is to bring to your attention the question of the handling of tetraethyl lead or produets containing this chemical. We do not as yet mix tetraethyl lead in any part of the South China Department, therefore the more or less rigid precautions which must be taken in connection w ith the mixing of this fluid as outlined by Dr. Schoenieber will not be necessary. Neverthe less we believe that reasonable precautions should be taken by us where any of our employea are involved in the handling of products containing tetraethyl lead, viz., high octane aviation gasolines containing this fluid. This is especially true where any refilling is done and where the product is liable to come in contact with any part of the human body. Instructions should be given that extra care be taken as regards Bpilling or slopping any product containing tetraethyl lead. Tetraethyl lead even in a diluted form such as exists in the case of Ethyl gasolines, coming in contact with the skin is readily absorbed and may lead to mild cases of lead poisoning. Where any refilling of a product containing tetra ethyl lead takes place, it would be well if employees concerned with this filling were furnished with Loves, es the palm of the hand more than any other pert of the body absorbs lead more quiokly and to a greater extent. It would always be well to have kerosene nearby any filling operations and employees should wash their hands in kerosene after filling operations, and also wash any part of the skin with kerosene upon which Ethyl gasoline has come in contact Tetraethyl lead even in diluted form in Ethyl gasolines is ruinous to clothing of any kind. F. D. Traoy Assistant General Manager. HHP/ADS.