In the spring of 1945, Alfred P. Sloan, former CEO of General Motors, catalyzed a chain of events that would shape the landscape of cancer research for decades to come. His $4 million donation to a small research center in Manhattan set the stage for what would eventually evolve into the globally recognized cancer research powerhouse, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Sloan’s partner in this endeavor was none other than Charles Kettering, a renowned inventor and close friend. Together, they envisioned a revolution in medical research that mirrored the innovative spirit of the automobile industry in which they had thrived. Their ambition and drive were reminiscent of modern-day tech icons like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, whose pioneering efforts often overshadow the complexities lurking beneath the surface of progress.
The roots of Sloan and Kettering’s collaboration can be traced back to the 1920s, a time when the automobile was revolutionizing American society. While cars promised newfound freedom and mobility, they also faced a significant challenge: engine knock. Kettering, then leading research at General Motors, embarked on a quest to solve this engineering puzzle, eventually discovering tetraethyl lead (TEL) as the solution.
The advent of TEL marked a significant breakthrough in the automotive industry, eliminating engine knock and enhancing engine efficiency. However, the dark side of this innovation soon emerged. Lead, a highly toxic substance, posed severe health risks, a fact that experts from esteemed institutions like Harvard and Yale were quick to highlight. Despite these warnings, Kettering was undeterred, driven by the allure of profit and progress.
The rollout of leaded gasoline, branded as “Ethyl,” brought immediate success, boosting fuel sales and solidifying General Motors’ dominance. However, the hidden dangers of lead exposure soon came to light in a series of tragic incidents, including worker deaths and debilitating illnesses. Media scrutiny and public outrage followed, leading to a concerted effort by Sloan, Kettering, and their associates to downplay the risks and safeguard their lucrative enterprise.
For decades, the toxic legacy of leaded gasoline permeated ecosystems worldwide, exacting a heavy toll on human health. The harmful effects of lead exposure on neurological development, intelligence, and even crime rates became increasingly apparent, sparking a slow but steady movement to phase out leaded gasoline.
The repercussions of Sloan and Kettering’s innovation extended far beyond their lifetimes, leaving a legacy intertwined with cancer, a disease that now plagues generations worldwide. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center stands as a testament to their vision, offering cutting-edge patient care and scientific advancements rooted in their foundational principles.
As we confront rising cancer rates and the enduring impacts of industrial toxins on our health and environment, the story of Sloan and Kettering serves as a cautionary tale. Their pursuit of innovation and profit, while yielding remarkable success, also underscores the unseen costs that can accumulate over time, shaping our world in ways both profound and perilous.
Daniel Stone, author of “American Poison,” delves into this complex narrative, shedding light on the deadly legacy of leaded gasoline and the enduring struggle against its pervasive effects. Stone’s work encapsulates the intricate interplay between innovation, industry, and human health, urging us to confront the hidden consequences of progress that echo through the ages.
