Document zb9eaM1Dx623kXZqvObL0z543

October 29, 1?40 Mr. Leon T. Sewell Hughes, Little & Sewell Y/ainwright Building Bute and Duke Streets Norfolk, Virginia Dear Mr. Sewell: Y/e have gone over Dr. Martin's report and wou^^lik^to^^^ consent as follows vdth reference to the case of We have seen a number of cases of tetraethyl lead intoxication with encephalopathy, but hava not seen any that have suffered permanent damage. Eight or ten weeks may be required for recovery in severe cases, but no residual symptoms or evidences of damage have been seen in any of the men that wo studied. In fact we have data on a group of fourteen patients that were poisoned with tetraethyl lead in 1925, since which time they have continued at work in the manufacturing operation and have been under monthly medics! supervision since the time of their poisoning, as have all the other men in the plant. In this group there ws3 no evidence of subnormality or physical damage at any time since 1925* _Y:'e are therefore of the opinion that while recovery from tetraethyl lead poisoning may require two or three months, the recovery from acute illness is not associated with ar.y evidences of permanent damage or persistent symptoms. On the other hand, each case must be considered individually ond if persistent symptoms and physical findings like those seen during the acute illness ere found, they may be considered to be adequate evidence of residual damage. Unfortunately, in Jordon's case there are no persistent physical findings, there being only mental symptoms which are related to the original intoxication. Furthermore, there is present a hypertension and a noteworthy degree of anemia. Since acut-e lead intoxication is known to cause anemia, and in the absence of any other information, may be considered to have caused anemia in the case of Jordon, this should be treated and furthermore, Jordon should receive treat ment and care for his high blood pressure. All of our past experience leads us to believe that if a little more time is allowed and proper treatment is given, this man's symptoms will disappear, if they are related at all to hi3 previous lead Ur. Leon T. Sewell - (2) - October 29, 19^0 intoxication. On the other hand if they do not disappear, some other cause should be searched for. / There is no question about^HHB having had acute lead intoxication for which he should be compensated, but it would ,be improper to award him compensation for symptoms which may be due to other causes and which may be permanent in character. The important point here, therefore, i3 to decide whether or not these specific symptoms can be directly related to the intoxication and this we would be in a much better position to give an answer to after we had examined the patient ourselves. This we will be quite v/illing to do for you. We believe, however, it t^ould be better to make some arrangements for Jordon to have treatment for his anemia and hypertension and allow a little more time to elapse under treatment. If at the end of that time Dr. Martin is not satisfied with his progross, if you will let us know, we will make some arrange ment to 339 Jordon. Very truly yours, Y<k!: vr Willard Machle, M. D. Kf 0021013