Document 2X7rp41nbvOOa1xVXM19YKka

2 '6 N. H>gtt Sirtet Post OfNc Bo* 118 Columbuj, Ohio 43266*0118 Telephone 1614} 466-3643 RICHARD F. CELESTE Governor May 20, 1987 Mr. W.R. Bowman Plant Manager Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp. Case Road Newark, Ohio 43055 Dear Mr. Bowman: On Thursday, May 14, 1987, representatives from the Ohio Department of Health, Division of Epidemiology met with representatives of Owens Corning Fiberglas Corporation at the Newark, Ohio plant. The meeting concerned the Investigation of a possible cluster of employees with hypersensitivity pneumonitis In the Owens Corning Newark plant. Discussion participants from the Owens Corning Fiberglas facility Included: William F. Vahle, Manufacturing Manager; Thomas A. Mullady, Safety Supervisor; J. Kenneth Conover, Staff Industrial Hygienist; and Jeffrey R. Dudley, Chemical Complex Supervisor. Discussion participants from the Ohio Departmr '* of Health, Division of Epidemiology included: Peter J. Molberg, M.h., EIS Officer; Deborah L. Gray, Supervisor, Environmental Unit; and Karen A. Jefferson, Epidemiology Investigator. Dr. Molberg presented the chronology of events which lead to the initiation of the investigation by the Ohio Department of Health. In summary, the Department of Health was initially contacted by an employee of the Owens Corning plant for information pertaining to hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The requested information was sent to the employee. Approximately three (3) weeks later, the Ohio Department of Health, Division of Epidemiology received a formal request to investigate the prevalence of hypersensitivity pneumcnltis and other adverse health outcomes, among those who work in the wool forming department. A brief telephone survey of six (6) workers who allegedly have a problem revealed five (5) who indicate current and ongoing symptoms related to the respiratory system. We therefore feel that there may, indeed, be a current health problem affecting workers at the plant. It is the responsibility of the Ohio Department of Health, Division of Epidemiology to investigate complaints such as these. Your cooperation in this matter will be appreciated. will be to get an idea of the scope of the problem. Specifically, we need: Our initial action if there is one. W.R. Bowman Page two May 20, 1987 1. A map of the Newark facility and a tour of the facility. Me especially need to see the wool forming area. 2. A complete listing of all Owens Corning Newark plant employees. Including age, sex, race, telephone number, and area of the plant In which the employee normally works. 3. Access to medical records. Enclosed you will find a copy of the section of the Ohio Revised Code which pertains to this matter. 4. Cooperation of the safety, medical, and administrative personnel of the plant. We feel confident that with your help, a timely, scientifically sound and unbiased investigation can be accomplished. Furthermore, we feel that it Is in the interest of all involved parties to fully Investigate the situation and to settle all questions as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation In this matter. Respectfully, Epidemiology Investigator II Environmental Unit Division of Epidemiology Ohio Department of Health P.0. Box 118 Columbus, Ohio 43266-0118 (614) 466-1060 Environmental Unit Division of Epidemiology Ohio Department of Health P.0. Box 118 Columbus, Ohio 43266-0118 (614) 462-6447 YPeter J. Molberg, M.D. EIS Officer fl Division of Epidemiology Ohio Department of Health P.0. Box 118 Columbus, Ohio 43266-0118 (614) 466-7898 Enclosure cc: T. Halpln - Ohio Department of Health R. Greiner - Newark City Health Department N. Marquard - Industrial Commission of Ohio DL G: KAJ / kj / owen > RICHARD F CELESTE Governor PURSUANT TO SECTION 3701-3-08 OF THE OHIO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, I, REVIEWER'S NAME , ACTING AS THE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, STATE OF OHIO, AM REQUESTING ACCESS TO THE MEDICAL RECORD OF ___ _ _ ,, PATIENT'S NAME ______ ______ _ REVIEWER'S SITNATURE SECTION 3701-3-08 (A) ANY PEkSON, HOSPITAL, DISPENSARY, CLINIC, AGENCY OR OTHER INSTITUTION OR FACILITY PROVIDING CARE OR TREATMENT TO AN INDIVIDUAL SUFFERING FROM A COMMUNICABLE DISEASE WHICH IS REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED UNDER CHAPTER 3701 OF THE REVISED CODE AND THE RULES ADOPTED THEREUNDER BY THE OHIO PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL, OR A DISEASE THAT THE DIRECTOR REOUIRES SPECIAL INQUIRY BE MADE UNDER SECTIONS 3701.13 AND 3701.14 OF THE REVISED CODE, SHALL, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH OR HIS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE, PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE PATIENT'S MEDICAL RECORD BY THE DIRECTOR OR HIS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE DURING AN INVESTIGATION OF SUCH DISEASE. (B) ALL INFORMATION THAT IS FURNISHED TO OR PROCURED BY THE DIRECTOR OR HIS AUTHORIZED AGENT UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY TO CARRY OUT THE DIRECTOR'S MANDATED DUTY TO CONTROL AND SUPPRESS DISEASE, ESPECIALLY WHEN CONTAGIOUS, INFECTIOUS, EPIDEMIC, OR ENDEMIC, AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 3701.14 OF THE REVISED CODE AND SHALL NOT BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. HOWEVER, SUCH INFORMATION rAY BE DISCLOSED IN STATISTICAL FORM, WITHOUT INFORMATION WHICH REVEALS THE IDENTITY OF ANY PERSON. ohiocode 3