Document zoQB8Odo6Br2Lk0v5jeVnKD1a

292 Madison Avenue New York, N. Y. 10017 Telephone: (212) 679-6020 T: The Editor few Vork Times COEY Mar-h 2. 1970 Scare headlines and misleading ota-.emer.is may arouse -r.varranted concern among the public tut they will io little tc solve the "echnicaily complex problem of reducing air pollution. I am referring to the February 26 a.-* icle headlined "Per11 Detected in Leaden Skies - - Study Warn- r eventration of Me*ai Hears Crisis." Despite the suggestion In the headlines and the story itself, there is no connection betwe-n the "leaden skies", .descriptive only of color, and ground-level measurements of ieai in the ambient air. More importantly, however, the a--.i--e, based on measure ments reported by Dr. T. Chow taken in San Diego, California, vas mis leading in comparison of figures. The story related Dr. Chow's report of finding as high as eight micrograms per cubic of air during vsekly periods in downtown San Diego as compared to the proposed air laallty guide of ten micrograms per cubic meter averaged over thirty lays, But the Times story omitted the very signifi-ant - and key phrase that I have emphasized - - "averaged over thirty davs." It is also of importance that the American Industria- Hygiene Association in proposing this f.igore in 19^9 stated specifically that; "There are no instances or cases of toxicity reported as the result of lead in the ambient air." In reernmnending "he 'talue of ten micrograms per cubic meter averaged over 30 lays- the AIHA1 ; iommunity Air Quality Guide noted that this was lew enough to be `designed for long-term health protection." Also, the Guide said: "Authori`ies are agreed that the oossibility of acute exposure to large amounts of lead in the outdoor air is not real..." Set in this perspective, it becomes clear that even if the *eport of eight micrograms per cubic meter is correct for unusual onditions. such as peak traffic periods during atmospheric inversions, his does net constitute a 'crisis" situation, as reported in the Times story. PNrc00001219 N10190 To The Editor New York Times -2- March 2, 1970 Both the Federal government and the State of California take continuing measurements of lead in the ambient air (which may get there from a number of sources, including dusts from soils containing lead). Measurements since 1955 have shown annual averages of well under 2 micrograms per cubic meter for the city of San Diego through 1967, and pre liminary data suggests this average has not changed significantly one way or another since. The lead Industry, as well as a number of health agencies, including the U. S. Public Health Service, has continuing research on the question of lead in the atmosphere and the control and reduction of air pollution. However, there is a distinction between emissions and pol lutants. This was pointed up by Bureau Of Mines research which tested leaded and non-leaded gasolines of comparable quality. Although the emissions Of tie tww fuels were similar, the Bureau found ttot the un leaded gasoline emissions were such that "the pollution effect was Increased by as much as 25 percent," compared with leaded gasolines. This in itself is a warning to those who believe removing lead from gasoline will solve the automotive pollution problem. We bring these facts to your attention because it 1s essential that decisions and actions to improve the quality of our air be made on the basis of sound and solid technical knowledge and on needed priorities. Sincerely, JUCrbl cc: David Bird John Noble Wilford J. L. Kimberley Executive Vice President PNYC00001220