PUBLIC RELATIONS + 1632 K STREET N.W.. WASHINGTON, D. C. 20006 + (202) 347-3800
WASHINGTON, D. C. » NEW YORK + CHICAGO + LOS ANGELES + PITTSBURGH * TORONTO * BRUSSELS * GENEVA * LONDON

BURSON-MARSTELLER

November 16, 1970

Professor Joshua Lederberg
Department of Genetics
Stanford University

Palo Alto, California

Dear Dr. Lederberg:

As you can see from the attached correspondence, The Washington Post
has suggested that I write you directly concerning the possibility of
reprinting one of your columns reviewing scientific aspects of the
detergent phosphate controversy.

Public confusion on this complex subject still abounds, and developments
since the appearance of your column suggest that the public disappoint-
ment of which you spoke may be imminent. Chicago has adopted an
ordinance phasing out detergent phosphates (Mayor Daley having said,
privately, that this was preferable to having his name associated with a
bond issue). New York City may do so. State and local governments
elsewhere may follow suit.

In the wake of this confusion, consumers are being confronted with the
contending claims of detergent formulators as to the efficacy of their
phosphate-free products. Many are worthless (one, announced in a full-
page New York Times' advertisement, is 45 per cent table salt); a number
are also caustic enough to warrant cautionary labelling. Then there is
the separate problem of nitrilotriacetic acid, which you mentioned in your
column and which will now be the subject of hearings before both the
Senate Public Works Committee and the Senate Subcommittee on Air and
Water Pollution.
Dr. Lederberg
November 16, 1970
Page Two

It was my thought that wider distribution of scientific commentary such
as your column, Dr. Abelson's editorial, etc. , might help bring this
controversy back into rational focus. Future issues of the same "flyer"
will focus on the carbon theory, eutrophication, and available sewage
treatment technology.

In addition to my enclosures to The Washington Post, I am also includ-
ing as a matter of interest a scientific review of this overall problem
prepared by the Inorganic Research Laboratory of FMC Corporation.

Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Sincerely,

IS Sk —

K. T. Simendinger

Enclosures