Document 0qwa0RRmpx68MB33YMGg5op1x

Monsanto MONSANTO PtASTTCS & ASSINS CO. 730 Wordstar Strast Indian Orchard. Masaaehusatca 0I15I Phonat (413) 788-9811 Mr. Wesley Staub Regional Program Consultant, NIOSH J. F. Kennedy Federal Building Government Center Boston, Mass. 02203 Dear Mr. Stauo: Recently the Monsanto Springfield Medical Department started a special health study program for employees in the plant who might have had an exposure to an asbestos additive raw material used in the manufacture of a phenolic molding compound from 1941 to 1959. A_l T active employees in the plant who worked in that department during the usage period were identified and notified of their inclusion in the program. Existing 2-ray films on those identified employees were collected and forwarded to Dr. George W. Wright, a recognised expert in the field of asbestos related illness. He has reviewed the X-rays of those persons in the plant who worked in that area during the usage period and has reported his initial findings. Of the 213 employees in the plant whose X-rays were studied, 23 .showed some signs which may be indicative of effects associated with asbestos exposure, and 131 were found to be free of such asbestos effects. Films of 64 employees were judged by the consultant to be technically inadequate for this evaluation and new X-rays will be required. Although it has not been confirmed that any of these cases were work connected, the following measures are being taken for employee protection: 1. The 23 involved employees are being ismiediataly contacted and informed of the X-ray results and further action which will be taken for their protection. 2. We are in the process of contacting all other concerned employees in the study to inform them that either they are free of any such signs or that they will require repeat X-rays. 3. The initial health study is being broadened to include former employees. The study is beimg extended further in conjunction mi eh the recommendations of Dr. Wright and Monsantofs Department of Medicine and Environmental Health. i unit at .`4onjinta Camsany 6113 22177 page 2 Mr. Wesley Scaufa Regional Program Consultant, NIOSH January 25, 1979 Monsanto Springfield has given the QSHA Springfield Area Director and the Director of the Division of Occupational Hygiene in Boston and Union officials this information. The health program will continue and further information will he communicated as it'becomes available. Very truly yours. W. E. Nessall, M.D. Springfield Plant Physician hbl 6113 22178