Document 4a2GbDebMEM11X7o19DYVmRzQ

MANAGEMENT UTTER NO. _s^i DATE ISSUED 2/9/81 MEDICAL X-RAY REVIEW PROGRAM - ASBESTOS Asbestos has'historically been used as an insulating material, and for many years its potential health'hazards were unknown. It was used as the primary insulating material at the Seaford Plant until 1973. Since that time, non-asbestos insulating materials have been used on all new and replacement installations. Air sampling has confirmed that our asbes tos control procedures, implemented in 1973, have insured a level- of expo sure well within acceptable limits. Medical evidence indicates that a period of ten to fifteen years or more usually elapses after exposure be fore any asbestos-related abnormalities can be detected. For these rea sons, any cases of asbestos-related abnormalities detected now would be the result of exposure many years ago. We have recently expanded our medical program to review x-rays of employees over forty with ten years or more of Du Pont employment who have possibly had exposure to asbestos, primarily through handling of in sulation. In some cases, new x-rays may be required. The objective of this program is to determine if there are any lung abnormalities that may be re lated to asbestos exposure. As is our policy, employees will be Informed immediately of any abnormality observed. Based on developments in and outside the Company during the past ten years, medical knowledge and understanding of asbestos-related lung abnormalities such as thickening of the lung lining (pleural thicken ing), make early detection more feasible. Therefore, the current review program is being conducted in the light of this increased knowledge and understanding to identify and follow up on any abnormalities which nay have been undetected under past methods. Our Medical Section utilizes a consulting radiologist in this review program. An early positive reading on any x-ray does not necessar ily mean that an employee has, or will develop, asbestosis. No medical treatment is required for asbestos-related abnormalities where no disease is present. Employees with possible work-related cases will be referred to a pulmonary specialist at Company expense for further evaluation. The Du Pont Company has long been recognized as a leader in the field of industrial safety and health. We are confident that this medical program, continuing replacement of asbestos insulation and plans to stay alert to new technologies will assure maximum health protection for all em ployees. R. C. SAMES-MANAGER S.H.E.A. RCS/ejs Att. FCR MANAGEMENT USE IN ANSWERING EMPLOYEE QUESTIONS 0 post: X)X3 052*701 DUP 1010650