Document 3JEL9LymQyN9nbdgaB6gGKkd3

~<"\0 Q< " cP^ , October 26,. 1964 Dr. Irving J. Selikoff 750 Broadway Paterson, New Jersey *f. "v trrr ^ h ; ,' ' ' V.j - . ", * not COfjic rrtUfidWG filiS Dear Doctor Selikoff: Our client, the Asbestos Textile Institute, has requested us to communicate to you the grave concern which all member companies share over the possibly misleading Implications of recent articles carried in many local and national newspapers on your report and news conference concerning mesothelioma. The linking together of asbestos and mesothe lioma in a causa and effect relationship is clearly made in^the article which appeared in The New York Times of October 7, 1964. But in addition-uo aescrioing your comments on possible occupational hazards, tHat-article also ascribes to you and to Dr. Hammond statements and inferences that go beyond the confines of the studies v;hich you actually conducted: "The worrisome feature. Dr. Hammond and Dr. Selikoff said. Is the evidence that asbestos, once taken Into the body, stays there. Thus even a single heavy exposure could conceivably produce a can cer after a latent period of 20. years of more, they said. is* 1974 w Receipt No* Date T At Bids. Box Time Date ' Dr. Irving J Selikoff *---- Registered M Air Mail Spec. DeL L_i Postage nEnclosure v.. -2- October 26, 1964 ' "This Idea, for'which they said there . la some experimental aa well as .epidemio logical evidence could expand the risk from simply those occupationally exposed to Virtually anyone who might only occasionally encounter asbestos dust.1* Again, that article stated: 5 j "The specialists who gave the report V : expressed worry that the danger might not "be entirely restricted to a limited occu- ` T* patlon group, but that it might be more '*? general and possibly of considerable lo- T. portance* There Is no direct evidence to T substantiate this, they said, but some of -jj the available findings hint that thi3 may ~ be the case." ;' ' .1t-*;. It Is common knowledge that developments in the field of cancer and possible causative factors or possible - preventative-and curative measures are subjects of very great and vital public concern. It must be recognized, however, that only the most careful and dispassionate efforts . in presenting the results of limited research in this field to the public can avoid misinterpretation, oversimplification, and exaggeration- This is particularly true in discussing with members of the press such limited and tentative con clusions as those suggested by your studies. Unfounded Inferences and hint3 of danger, though sure of receiving wide distribution, contribute nothing to public understanding. Nor. do they aid intelligent action by anyone, whether at the individual 'or group level or in private or public agencies. The health and welfare of workers in the asbestos and related industries, no less than the general public, in part* of course rest3 upon wise, careful, and practical utilization of scientific knowledge. Innocent but unwise treatment of research data in public discussions or leaving It to laymen to appreciate the care fully phrased limitations and qualifications, can cause reactions that are not justified by the 3tate of scientific knowledge. IbT!j M' ST DB 000543$ Time Receipt No. Date Wall Sr. Sta. OrdioaiY M Bide. Box Registered Time M Air Mall Date Spec. Del. iU^itCU L)J Postage Enclosure y *li-E No. Dr. Irving J. Selilcoff -3- October 25, 1964 . The efforts by members of thi3 association in their own scientific work and medical programs and In cooperation* with studies by such groups as the Public Health Service amply demonstrate the willingness of this part of the asbestos Industry to act responsibly and in telligently in matters Involving the health and safety of its employees and the general public as well. These companies welcome all responsible efforts along these llnes^ The Asbestos Textile Institute urges no restraint upon Independent medical Inquiry or research - Indeed it .^ earnestly desires expansion of existing knowledge In this field. Nor does thi3 association seek in any way to dis courage the right to discuss the results of such efforts. .- But it does urge caution in the dlscu33ion of these activities to avoid providing the basis for possibly .> damaging and misleading news stories. The right to study .. i and to discuss these subjects Is clear, of course. But the gravity of the subject matter and the consequences implleitedly involved Impose upon any who exercise those rights "a1 very high degree of responsibility for their actions. . --1 " . Sincerely, i GDR/nirc CADWALADER, WICK2RSHAM & TAFT | BB 0005439 |