Document 3eG2B8O6aMQmxJ85wOLJevJVO

;U , ~ ... Wra , . \ \ : " " s:' DEPARTMENT OFPUHBELAICLTHHEA, LETDHUSCEARVTIIOCEN. AND WELFARE FOOD AND DRUG a d m in is t r a t io n WASHINOTON. D C. 10204 ' August 29, 1975 ' 1v Dr. John Moore Chief, Animal Science and Technology Branch NIEHS P.0. Box 12233 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Dear Jack: A1 llarvey and Dr. Thompson called me yesterday morning about their efforts to supply us with a sample of their "tremolite" for the asbestos feeding studies. They have located an area, from which they have a small sample, which is pretty close to pure "tremolite". They estimated that upon grinding they would have a material that is 90%+ "tremolite". The question they posed was to what mesh pass through should they grind this material. Their initial survey of so-called food-grade talc showed in specification for mesh size_.pass, through.....They - recommended that our "tremolite" be so ground that 95% or more would pass through a 325 mesh screen. As a ballpark estimate, Thompson guessed that 4 to 5% would be greater than 45 microns in length; with an average length of about 20 microns. The material would be ground using a compressed air mill impingement process rather than ball-milling. The former process, they felt, would enhance breakage along the normal fracture plane, thus leading to the possibility of having more of the shorter particles. They noted that some food-grade talc and talcs for the drug industry are mostly less than 325 mesh in size. In addition, we felt that today as well as in the past, there was a greater possibility of greater ingestion of talc through pharmaceutical exposures than through food exposures. In addition, possibly more people could be exposed through the former usage than the latter usage. For these combination of reasons, they felt that grinding to pass through a 325 mesh screen was preferable. Of course, the final choice would be ours. I promised to see if I could develop anything more specific on the mesh size pass through characteristics of talc for food and drug usage. However, based on the information presented to me yesterday, I feel that for our particular purpose, a minus 325 mesh material would be preferable. Page 2 I had a misconception corrected about tremolite found in talc from Califor nia and several other commercial sources. This material, as mined, is not fibrous but is of a crystalline habit. Apparently tremolite of a fibrous habit is not of a common occurrence. We were shown a sample of "fibrous" tremolite when we were in Ampian's office last month. We also discussed the term - fiber. Apparently, among some groups, the term "fiber" takes on the immediate connotational aspect of "asbestos fiber". A1 Harvey and Dr. Thompson felt a term not having any immediate connotational meaning to the hearer should be used in the future. It seems we will now have to be semanticists as well as scientists; but for a good cause. Best regards. Sincerely yours, Raymond E. Shapiro, Ph.D. Epidemiology Unit, HFF-108 Bureau of Foods Memorandum for the Record of a Telephone Conversation Friday Morning, August 29, 1975 Between; Mr. Ray Krammes Whittaker, Clark and Daniels 1000 Cooledge Street South Plainfield, NJ 07080 Phone: 201/561-6100 and Dr. Raymond E. Shapiro Epidemiology Unit, HFF-108 I called Dr. Schaffner, earlier in the morning, to ascertain if he had any specifications for food grade talc. He suggested calling Mr. Fred F, Roesch, a vice-president in the above company. Whittaker, Clark and Daniels are big jobbers of minerals, colors and chemicals. Mr. Roesch was in conference when 1 called and I was referred to Mr. Krammes. Mr. Krammes told me that, the talc they sell for the polishing of rice is 98% through a 100 mesh screen. They call this talc "White Snow" and he thought it came either from South Korea or China; probably South Korea. I told Mr. Krammes that Dr. Fred Pooley, Cardiff Wales, had examined two talcs from Asia used commercially in the U.K., -one from South Korea and one from India. Since this company had not imported any talc from India, Mr. Krammes was quite sure now that "White Snow" came from South Korea, As for the U.P.S. talc used in the dusting of capsules and in the tableting of pills, Mr. Krammes told me that the product they sell for this use was called Alpine talc from Alpine, Alabama. This material Is ground so that 100% goes through a 325 mesh screen. I remarked to Mr. Krammes that with all the talc mines in this country, I was surprised they were importing talc for the polishing of rice. Mr Krammes then remarked that with the controversy of "asbestos" in talc, and possible health implications, many talc mines in this country had closed'and they were using an overseas source for this food purpose. I then thanked Mr. Krammes for this imformation and his assistance in this matter. The Ontario Research Foundation (ORF) supplied chemical and si2 e character istics data throughout the milling program, and the assistance of R. W. Glass, D, R. Hollingbery, B. J. Ferguson, and E. Brown, all of ORF, is gratefully acknowledged. Numerous analytical personnel assigned to Avondale Research Center and student assistants from the Department of Geology, University of . Maryland, provided most, of the data summarized in this report. Their assist ance is acknowledged in the sections of Che report to which they contributed. SAMPLES T r e m o lite Twelve hundred pounds of nonfibrous tremolite, containing approximately 25 percent serpentine plus minor amounts of talc and other minerals, was collected from veins at two levels in the Vanderbilt mine, Balmat, N.Y. This sample was milled by Vanderbilt to minus 325 mesh in a Wheeler mill.5 Because of slight variations in the mineralogy of the samples at the two levels in the mines, the sample was blended, using the NBS sample preparation facilities. Blending was performed in a 10-cu-ft V blender (fig. 1), but because of the limited capacity of the blender, approximately 960 pounds was blended, using a four-stage blending procedure. The blended tremolite was repackaged in 38 virgin cardboard drums, containing about 25 pounds each. Homogeneity of the samples was verified by fluorescent X-ray spectrography for samples collected from six randomly selected drums, which were being filled for shipment to NIEHS. No significant differences were detected by the various characteriza tion procedures. Chrysot ile Two chrysotile test materials were purchased in quantities of approxi mately 1,000 pounds each. The short-fiber chrysotile, identified as COF-25, was purchased from the Union Carbide Corporation, Niagara Falls, N.Y, This sample was obtained from the New Idria serpentinite mass located in the southern part of the Diablo Range in southwestern San Benito and western Fresno Counties of California. The ore body is unusual because of the virtual absence of long fibers and the high chrysotile content of the ore. To check for homogeneity, samples of CQF-25 were randomly selected from nine drums of the material shipped to NIEHS. No significant differences were detected in the nine lots by the various characterization procedures. A broader range fiber-length test material, identified as Plastibest-20, was obtained from the Johns-Manville Jeffrey mine, Asbestos, Quebec, Canada. Plastibest-20 is a particularly clean grade of chrysotile used by the plastics industry. To check for homogeneity, samples of Plastibest-20 were collected from 10 drums of the test material supplied to NIEHS. No measurable differ ences in composition were observed, using the various characterization pro cedures. ^Re ference to specific trade names or equipment does not imply endorsement by the Bureau of Mines. Memorandum for the Ucord X Tclephww Coo^eraati, Ia U V& v a j alternoe * , i Kerch U 7 i -Or. . t. ikapiro . Epidemiology Cele R/T-1 Q3 end Dr. A. Laoger Hoaot Stirai School of KedieLae Be* York, I w York Dr. Largar had Juet finished speaking with Harioa Burros concerning asbestos Id tele, ad wanted to inform me of the infermatila hm had given Ha. Borro*. Dr. Linger tad examined twenty branda of talcun powder which wox* purchased off-the-shelf. These mare, adirittedly, logic grab samples for each of the traoda. X-ray diffraction.etop-seaanlag analysis vaa uaed and the maabera below refjpraaat weight parcent. Tec of tha twenty Boaplos coatsload asbestos, ranging free two to Cvaoty parcent. Five contained aathophylUta and traaolita (X + X), 3 contained tramo lite (T) alone, and two contained anthophyllite (1) alone, The sbastaa containing celc u b povdera are: Cashoutre Bouquet ... *02 J^-T) Barter 4 Black Baby ta lc 151 Cot/ Air n: Rosemary u x (A+T) plus 302 quartz Z&T Seby SZ Fabragi Brut 52 Yardley Invisible 51 Yardlay black 3. 5Z English Leather n (A) Hanuec n Dr. Longer protd.aed to send a latter confirming the information given over tha telephone, with m m additional details. Diecuesing these results, Dr. Laager remarked that if the ''grab"' sanplea represent more than a ooa time occurrence simple x-ry diffraction analysis should pick up asbestos, at least at tha five percent level and above. I have written or. Leaser to obtain spies of these tales for our cbemisto. Sareh 2 1976 Or. Arthur H. hangar A M 4 K 1 & U Prafuaot of Mnaralngy Head, Physical Selene Sactio* Department of O w e n tty Medicine Mount Steal School of d*dietoe of the City Unlv*ralty of Saw Tor* Fifth Ay w i m end 100th Street aev Tort. T 10029 Dear Art Many thank* fo r your telephone c a ll y aaterd ay *fterm oon g iv in g u* your in f o r u t loo cm ta lc powder. would g re a tly a p p re c ia te your oending u a , I f ac a l l p c a a ib l , aetcplea of the c a lc use povdars need in you etu d y . If the lo t m ashers a re a v a ila b le , p leaaa and tnee as v eil. Boat regarai. Sincerely youra, Raymond . Shapiro, Ph.D. pidetxLology Unit, HTF-lOti E. M*refa 2, l*7 JL E. flbapiro Epl^cnrtoltT Cult. SJT-lOfi Tale. Tbe data ef Laager. vhXck I rarbally **re you yeatsrday aftarnooa. ** aoodar wbataar ttn valt>a for aaba*rt*a In cale ara * w rasale of t'aa 'rat'' aaaplla*,, at th else takac, or are ladlcatlr* of a noraawi^e eetrrraae*. 7 ballare you Mtatiaoaad that tapis r-ray diffrattivo aaalyal* fcas ax* aalytlcal reaaitlrity cf r or tao porcata. Tfearsfer. la liglit of thia ov data. 1 vr>ul! recosaaead for your easialdaratloa a are*? of all talcon ?o<Ur, oa-the-shall.. usta; thia technlqu*. Xayooac 2. Shapiro v Pa.!'. Epldftioloy Uail. fiJT-lOt University College, Cardiff Pwul Addrc: UhWcticj Colttg, P.O. Bo 7, C*rd)(f CFi 1XL. Teleplwrw: CUrdlfT 44J11 Tdfgnjn: Coleg CtrdifT Fro;._____ Dr F.D. P o o l e y Departm ent o f ^ E x p lo it& ^ O n FDP/JT 9th March 1976 Dr. R.E. Shapiro, Ph.D., Epidemiology Unit, HFF-108, Dept, of Health, Education & Welfare, Public Health Service, Food and Drug Administration, WASHINGTON D .C . Dear Dr. Shapiro, Thank you for your recent letters - it was nice to hear from you again. Regarding Italian talc as used in Dr. Wagner's experi ments, we have the following mineralogical data Talc - Chlorite - Carbonate - Quartz - 90 - 92% 6% 1.0 - 2 .0 % 1 - 1.5% The samples we have examined from this mine have not been found to contain any asbestos minerals. I am sorry I have no information on glass fibre or the preparation of short chrysotile fibres - quite a problem I should imagine. I would like again to ask you about the possibility of research support for a tech nique to identify and quantify asbestos in air, water and tissue samples. We have worked up what we think is a suitable technique and require some support to get it going. If it is of interest, I can send some data to you on the procedure to identify, quantify and estimate mass of minerals and fibre. F.D. POOLEY Hr. H- Riarmann, SFF-440 Dr. V. Eorwltr, EFT-101 Harch 18, 1976 Dr. R. E. Shapiro Epidemiology Doit, HIT-108 Talc and Asbestos Analyst* Techniques The attached letter fro Dr. Fred Pooley Indicate* the purity of the Italian talc used by Dr. J. C. Wagner in hi* inhalation studies. The result* were reported at a meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, laet September. Analytical methodology for asbestos is a pressing question for this Bureau. Dr. Pooley is an internationally recognized expert in this area. Is there any way we could support hi* research? If so, I'll write for further details. Raymond E. Shapiro, Ph.D. Epidemiology Unit, HTF-108 Attachment: Letter dated 9th March 1976 to Dr. R. E. Shapiro from Dr. F. D. Pooley, Cardiff, Wales. K*rch le , 1976 Dr. Jhrod I. fooUjr ept. of Miners! jLxploitsc ioa UUrsxsity College SM>crt SU*J C A iD irr C72 South WjU.es belted Eiagdo Deor ?rsd; AA117 ii.t tor eadtag mu the In?orsatien ou th. parity of the talc used by Chris V***r ia his lnhalstioc studies. 1 nave forwarded ytrar Inquiry ccmcetRlc^ research support to interested parti* within this Sureau, sfere proceeding laro specifics, what leral of rapport (dollars) do you seed? heat rs'ysrds. Siacsrely years. Sayturad Z. Shapiro. Ih.Ii. Epidsololoey Oait, 2TF- 102 Sureau of Food, Fill ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES LABORATORY M O U N T SINAI S C H O O L OF M E D IC IN E , 10 E A S T 102N Q S TR E E T . N E W Y O R K. N Y 1 0 0 2 0 r f' ;; y - j / ^ A U G 3 . fo.J V '| 2x0 n ^ ir v ^ Q ju ^ d s ? ^ fo u r th , lU (Qll ^ ^ oftrC* C ^ yty ^ 1-ntrez PubMed Search PubMed rJ for !r Page 1 o f' ; National o f MLeidbircainrye My NC [Sign In] [Regie. Go Clear Display ;Abstract J Show {2 J !Sort by j ][S e n d to 3 0 \ 1: Inhaled Pan. 1975 Scp;4 Pt 2:647-54. Animal experiments with talc, Wagner JC, Berry G, Cooke IJ, Hill RJ, Pooley FD, Skidmore JW. sdtweicaplWiIhnenitilehlmhagleiheovhrolihutayciiecoehmalrtluslhtnaeaaenoholyrelltapmeiyneontotaiearxiisnamncldolppatuocyhnrreaonsclcoe,hrtsuhuguosuidbainanmlenmdustaevgtuhictsetebeaiomuaatenoseoblmdfdotneaossedefcntoubeinieocaabournymountnfrnresrmdoisttaosermahsanteenaualeeindcnassrsndidel,tcntpsawrirhoacnaasirewrnidintoadtyeacagehdetesdnsorneeuraboninIsdeotmcttetttsshamaieisaceloaalldtueloiqaonltlasfsnotuasn.iwnio.twnesnoeGrsbindgxHtoiteamescirhpldlnootssecohaegtewutowsnrosq.oapeeseodnufese.dvltdartihaeeAhevrltnexorooeedf,lipunitanotfooteotedacheesrumsleleeaswctueind,ganddctiowisehigthnench,teaedirgotantiyssrcarratfsischlciaso-oulcoiropirntupsyvnnlicmocneeesl,ateosomrucronaf.ametreliniaaslTrnplxe,pttleerahapatwodieooarndesihs.siubneenoTcedortneesrmh.taraeoaaasIstn,s. PMIf): 1236243 |PubMed - indexed for MEDLINFj Display [Abstract - ] show [20 "30 iSort bV ~"331Send to Write ;o ic Help Desk NC8I j v ; 1 I MIH Department of Health & Hunan Services I-'rivacy Statement jFreedom of Infcrmation Act |Disclaimer http:--`www.ncbi.nlm.nib.gov/enlrex'qucry.fcgi?cnid=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopl=Abstra... 4/19/2005