Document zdBx9XBVGZvqynK2BRq9Lwq26

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT ISHER BODY DIVISION GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION PIQUETTE AND ST. ANTOINE - DETROIT 2. MICHIGAN February 14, 1950 Dr. Robert A. Kehoe University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Doctor: You have been kind enough to provide me vjith certain pamphlets setting forth the results of your researches on lead poisoning* I thought that you might like to see our 1949 experience with lead in this Division, and X am therefore attaching a copy of the report which I have routinely transmitted to all our Medical Directors, etc. As you know the Fisher Division does nearly all the automobile body manufacturing which is done in General Motors. You will note that few of the cases of poisoning had the benefit of regular periodical blood lead estimations prior to the time of illness, although our program calls for them at intervals of approximately three months. I believe if those exposed to lead receive physical examinations each month together with a blood lead estimation every third month, and proper hygiene on the job, together with transfer when examination findings indicated, we would not have lead poisoning. AFL:ep enc. (2) N13946 Sincerely yours A. F. Lecklider, M. D Medical Director MEDICAL DEPARTMENT ISHER BODY DIVISION GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION PIQUETTE AND ST. ANTOINE DETROIT 2, MICHIGAN January 23, 1950 TO: Medical Directors FROM: Dr. A. F. Lecklider RE: 19h9 Lead Experience - Fisher Body Division The lead experience of the Fisher Body Division for 19U9 is reflected in the following figures: Reported cases of lead poisoning ------------~ ---------- --- - ------------ 20 Time Losing cases of lead poisoning ------------------ 17 Average number of days lost by lead poisoning cases - -- -- -.-12 Periodic occupational examinations in lead exposures - - - - ----- 6258 Blood Lead estimations made - - - ------------ --------- 1567 Blood lead in excess of .08 per 100 mg.- --- --------- - - - --------- 390 Percentage in excess of .08 per 100 mg.---------------------------- ----------- --- 25# Results: of blood lead esvimations by Gccu.pu'oii.cn 1 Solder Discers Above Below Total .08 -.08 -- 209 220 Percentage above .08 -- b&.7% k29 Filers Above Below Total .08 -- 101 .08 -- 312 Percentage above .08 -- Zk.% "TO Metal Finishers Above Below Total .08 -- 56 .08 -- 25U Percentage above .08 -- 18.156 ITS Torch Solderers N13946.01 Above Below Total .08 -.08 -- 17 269 Percentage above .08 -- 5.9% K* 0012 A f1 Tinners Above Below Total .08 -- 1 .08 -- 65 Percentage above .08 -- 1,5$ Miscellaneous occupations Above Below Total .08 -- 6 .08 -- 57 Percentage above .08 -- 9$% Miscellaneous occupations includes supervision and sweepers. Z: pertinent facts relating to cases of Lead Poisoning Average length of employment on job at which exposed to lead -- LiJ months. Distribution -- lead poisoning cases occurred in 9 out of 16 plants processing solder. Occupation -- Solder discing -- 18. Solder filing -- 2. Symptomology -- Colic. Occurred in 85$ of the cases. - Lead Line, present in somewhat less than 50$ of the cases. - Constipation. Noted in 50$. - Pallor. Present in 50$ - Extensor Weakness. . None Blood Changes - Haemoglobin. Within normal limits in the 7 cases in which it was estimated.- - White Blood Counts. Ranged from 7*000 to 9*950 in 7 cases. - Red Blood Counts. Ranged from 3,U60*000 to 5*380*000. - Poikilocytosis. Present in all bloods examined. - Anisocytosis. Present in all bloods examined. - Blood lead content was above .08 in 19 out of 20 cases of poisoning at the approximate time of illness. - Increased stippling. Occurred in all but one case in which a blood smear was made. Routine Blood Examinations. Only 2 clinical cases of poisoning occurred in which blood lead estimations had been made regularly prior to the'onset of the illness. Kfc 0012208 3. BLOOD LEAD LEVELS JAN* FEB. MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC* Case #1 #2 .09 cm) .00 .09 .0? .08 (m) .11 05 #3 #h #5 #6 #7 #9 #10 #11 TOT) #12 .13 (ill) (ill) .15 (ill) (ill) .25 .07 .05 .12 aii> (ill) .3k .52 .1*6 (m) .36 .25 <S' .11 .10 (ill) #13 #iU - m #16 (ill) .10 (HI) .11 (ill) .11* (ill) .15 #17 (ill) #18 (ill) .09 (ill) #19 .12 #20 .13 .11 (in) o 53 t=" 0012209 Comment on 19^9 Experience All plants doing body assembly have a definite lead hazard which requires careful medical control. Length of exposure to lead was not a governing factor. Our lead hazard is confined to exposure to fine lead dust, chiefly by solder discers and filers. Fumes from solder as used in our manufacturing processes, were apparently not a source of poisoning. Blood lead estimations may be relied on to indicate the degree of absorption of lead. Low blood lead content eliminates likelihood of impending poisoning. Blood lead estimations at 3-U month intervals are important as a control measure and should be made, along with regular monthly physical examinations, in all cases of lead exposure. There is no doubt that clinical cases of lead poisoning have been averted by prompt transfer of employes having high blood lead to other occupations. Stippling was a constant phenomena in cases of acute poisoning. The lead line, when found, is pathognomonic but may be absent in cases of poisoning due to mouth conditions. Changes in red cell morphology were found in all cases examined. A. F. Lecklider Med. Dir. N13946.02 H E 00122iu