Document 3N8aKb2vwVo64EYX0gKzG0xL6

K. D. Gould - T/26 *ub]ot INTERROGATORIES RECEIVED IN ASBESTOS LITIGATION intra-company correspondence date February 17, 1981 from Jon l. Konzcn, M.D. * T/ll phono 8237 This Is in reply to your intracompany correspondence dated February 12, 1981, same subject. 4 Asbestos, containing Kaylo did contain free crystalline silica during the manufacturing-of the product. After the product had been auto claved, the free crystalline silica content of the finished Kaylo was extremely low. The primary exposure would have been to asbestos dust not free crystalline silica In the finished product. Depending on .the way the finished Kaylo product was cut or handled would determine the sire of the particles of silica in any dust produced. However, it,would be reasonable to believe that there would have been some respirable sited particles present. Again It must be emphasised that the silica exposure hazard would have been minimal. Owens-Corning Ffberglas did, in the late 0't and early 50'S, conduct research on esbestps containing Kaylo. This was published in approxi mately 1955 In, 1 believe, the Journal of the Archives of Environmental Health. ,The work was done at Saranac Late and copies of the study anc correspondence on the study were obtained from Saranac Lare in conjunction with other asbestos litigation. This information would have also dealt with silica dust exposure. However, ft must be remembered that the mein thrust of that investigation was to discover if there was an asbestos hazard. This study was not carried out in humans but in laboratory animals. We conduct industrial hygiene sampling in our facilities where silica is a potential health concern. However, we have never carried out any research studies, per se, on silica. If you have any qeustlons, please contact me. OlK:jgo 02 006 1278