Document 2RjmK9eODRvorLJB63e3MR79a

^3?83j GRACE CamlwictMwPraduct* Civilian W.R. Grocs & Co. 62 Whittmors Avmnis Cambridge, Man. 02140 1617) 876-1400 Mr. Dennis R. Strong Superintendent General Building Division State Farm Insurance Companies Corporate Headquarters One State Farm Plaza Bloomington, IL 61710-0001 March 20, 1987 ' Dear Mr. Strong: I am writing in response to your letter of December 9, 1986 and your follow-up letter of March 6, 1987. Our delay in responding has been occasioned by the time it took to conduct a bulk sample analysis of the material you provided to us. The bulk sample has now been completed, and our analysis indi cates that it contains 10 to 151 chrysotile asbestos, approximately 62X gypsum, and approximately 23% vermlculite. We would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you at your con venience to discuss the subject matter of your letters. In particu lar, we would like to have an opportunity to inspect the fireproofing material in your building and to arrange for air sampling at our expense. In your letter, you express some concern about the health and safety of your employees. All the tests which have been conducted over the years on the asbestos-containing fireproofing product manufactured by W. R. Grace & Co. have shown that it is safe and pre sents no hazard to occupants of buildings where it has been installed. We will be glad to review with you all of Grace's information on that subject matter. In general, our advice is that it is unnecessary and, indeed, inadvisable to remove cementitious fireproofing materials con taining a small amount of chrysotile asbestos, such as the product manufactured by Grace. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience so that we can arrange a time for a visit. Sincerely, r JSH/acd John S. Hamilton, Jr. Manager, Technical Services cc: R. A. Schlvinski - CPD/Chicago bcc: R. J. Bettacchi 0. M. Favorlto J. W. Hughes S. P. Reppert/GP&H J. I. Stone - CPD/Chlcago