Document 0Zd6yjgq3z1p7O0vdZQLqmVx

FILE NAME: DuPont (DUP) DATE: 1966 Nov 8 DOC#: DUP134 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo to All Plant Physicians from C.A. D'Alonzo, M.D. RE Asbestos & Increasing Incidence of Asbestosis & Mesothelioma [Better Copy] .MPLOYEE RELATIONS DEPARTMENT MEDICAL DIVISION WILMINGTON, DELAWARE J November 8, 1966 TO: ALL PLANT PHYSICIANS FROM: C. A. D'ALONZO, M.D. Dr. Zahn and I believe that the following may be of interest to you: 1. ASBESTOS - During the past year, a report was sent to you outlining the alleged increasing incidence and concern over asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other related carcinomas in people iTith relatively minor exposure to asbestos. We are enclosing two more obviously controversial articles on this subject, presenting both sides of the question, for your consideration. In an effort to define our problem in this area and to develop the necessary preventive measures, where indicated, we are asking you to provide us with the following information and to return it to us as soon as possible. A. How many full-time insulators do you have on your plant? . B. How many employees do part-time insulating? (a) What proportion of the time? C. List the (three) most prevalent type of insulating material used. D. Are they doing any spraying of insulating materials y at your location? 2- E. Give the number of each of the following your plant has experienced, if any: - ^ (a) Asbestosis i- (b) Mesothelioma . (c) Carcinomas among insulators . F. List briefly any preventive measures or safety equipment required in your location when: (a) sawing insulating materials (b) removing obsolete insulation (c) spraying insulating materials 2. PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST - With the increasing incidence of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, etc., it is imperative that we obtain as much information as possible on our employees' pulmonary status to: * A. guide us in providing the necessary preventive measures. ` B. accumulate data for possible legal action in the future. In connection with this point, a pilot study is underway at Chambers Work, using equipment and tests recommended by Dr. Tomashefski, a specialist in pulmonary function..screehipg. tests at the Ohio State University Medical Center, to determine our best plan of action. In the future, definite recommendations will be forthcoming concerning equipment, tests, and programs. It is suggested that you refrain from purchasing any ex pensive equipment or Initiating any definitive program until such recommendations are received, so to insure a uniform company-wide policy. 000523  s 3. "SYMMETREL" - By now, I am hopeful that the Pharmaceutical Division of our I. & B. Department, has sent each of yoci a packet of information regarding "Symmetrel" , Du Pont*s new anti-influenza drug. I wish to stress to each of you that this drug is for the prevention of influenza, and not a cure. It appears to be effective primarily against the A 2 strain. ' ' ` '" We had a meeting today with their Marketing Division. You will each shortly receive a communication from Mr. Harry B. Roos, dealing with the central purchasing of this drug, and which will give your plant the wholesale rate. I am sure that the communication, which you will receive from Mr. Roos, will be self-explanatory and will arrive shortly. . ' A. AMERICAN BOARD OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE - For those of you who may be preparing for the American Board of Occupational Medicine, we wish to call your attention to the "First Western Insti tute on Occupational Medicine," from March 20-25, 1967, at the Uni versity of California, Berkeley, California. Dr. Tabershaw has discussed this course with us and it is made as practical and complete as possible with the view of preparing one for the Board Examinations. CAD'A/ag E n c . -2 000580