Document 10361GDxJVd9B40XeEbLdZ6aZ

FILE NAME: Metropolitan Life (ML) DATE: 1944 June 19 DOC#: ML219 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo to Dr. Wheatley RE High Dust Concentrations at Johnson's Company Mines MEMORANDUM 73: Dr. Wheatley FROM: Miss Reilly CATE: June 1?, 1 9 U Attached are copies of the 'surveys made by Mr. Fehnel of the Johnson's Company mines and mills in 1930 and of the new mill In .'larch 1931* The dust con centrations found were much higher than the allowable concentration of five million particles per cubic foot as established by the U.S. Public Heelth Service for dust in asbestos mills. Although there was an improvement in the new mill, the concentration: in the crusher department and the screening department were still too high. Among six men physically examined two showed first degree asbestosls but none of the men appeared to have tuberculosis. The sanitary conditions in the plant were rather poor and it was noticed that there was an unusual degree of carelessness among the employees in spitting on the floor. Housing conditions in Thetford Mines were also poor. Since the war the mills and wines have been operating ZU hours a day. The increased worlc causing a correspon ding increase in the production of dust, and the lack of rest may produce a decreased resistance among the employees which may influence the incidence of tuberculosis. If it is advisable Mr. Fehnel can arrange to go to Thetford Mines to make a recheck survey of the Johnson's Company properties. If possible, it might Af7152 .C2^r?. be well to include a survey of living conditions of employees. m J 3 <ppqduc0