Document 6R14pX6zeVXJO6wqnkbpnawxg

PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT ii!LS3teS?2^?55Kl3 kr 1 wi/'jtwaz/ Asbestos Textile Institute Hygiene Gor.uai I.to a neotin;; Juno 10, 1,953 In attendance: J. VI. T/cber,D. H. Heines, T. G. Gchridt, R. Sa^ it. n----------------1 J. D. IXjCU. Kt Kt-y, Gao. rebel, II. LI. Jackson Guests: Ur.' H. Dr - Smith 7.f. Hetherington, '11 * r> * *r* . ---- w j Lf- Dr. 0. A. Gander, Dr. E; n nn't p : *D forri c.*- --- ) *-* -- -- V V- i. J b. myers, Dr. K. r.\ In a brief review the background, objectives and problems of the Air Hygiene Committee were reviewed for the guests. Gome of the- 1. Yfnat dusts or fibres are significant in the production .of fibrosis? 2. How can the dust or fibre be measured in the work environment? o Kow can clinical experience be correlated to exposure? a V/hat nodical standards are available for the uniform evaluation of disease occurence and extent? The resolution of these questions would lead to tho answer of th fifth problem. Kor; can the effectiveness of engineering control be evaluated? The Saranac research on experimental asbeptosis clearly shows the long fibres (10 microns and longer) to be the fibrotic producing agent. The dust per se (particles 10 microns and less In diameter) is relatively innocuous. On this basis; the Industrial Hygiene surveys that have been made in the past, and in which only dust particles were measured, are practically, without value. Gur com mittee presently has under consideration the problem of determining a ve.lid method of sampling and analysis for the long fibres. The attention of the Doctors vasr called, in particular, to the areas of standards for uniform diagnosis of the disease and the accumulation of clinical experience, for correlation with exp os'are data. Following this review, the Doctors and the Hygiene Committee deliber ated separately and reconvened in the afternoon. The following points were agreed upon in the Doctors* discussion: 1. Complete pre-employment and periodic annual examinations are essential. a. Kogardcd as undesirable for-unemployment in exposure areas are individuals-who are asthmatics, mouth breathers, who have respiratory clifficulties, chest deformities, cardiac disease or are overweight. b. X-rays should be of Id x 17 inch, size, taken cn equip ment of a rating of at least 100 milliampheres. Single PA and lateral pictures should be taken. PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT ,13,0 2. >*. Hi c. Timed vital capacity (lung function) tests should be .i ncluded in the examinations. iiaximum breathing capacity measurements should be made if possible. d Couple te pre-employment history should be obtained with particular'attention paid to possible types of dust exposure. The designations for X-ray classifications agreed upon were, negative or borderline, early, moderate, advanced. It was the consensus that there are usually no significant X-ray changes in less than five years of asbestos exposure. For a valid diagnosis of disease it was agreed that (a) a series of X-rays, (b) complete employment history,.(c) identification and evaluation of exposure was essential. Further, that the presence of asbestos bodies are not an indication of the disease, but only of the body defense mechanism. The Doctors offered several recommendations for the farther consideration of the problems, a. A write-up of their deliberations be made ar.d scut to all member company doctors for criticism, review and concurrence. b. The Doctors meet with the .Air hygiene Committee a the next meeting to further check X-ra}' diagnosis. Each doctor will bring films exemplifying each of the Tour classifications. c. Jvach doctor will bring to the next meeting data on the work force., of each plant, Indicating the diagnosis and X-ray classification and'length of type of exposure for each individual, The Air Hygiene Committee heartily endorsed this program, and the September meeting will be constituted accordingly. 'It was agreed that invite.tion should bo made to all doctors of member and associate member companies. Dr. IC,, Vi. Smith agreed to pre pare the reviev; of the discussion for forwarding to the medical personnel. 5. The Doctors pointed to the value of the Saranac research and indicated several areas where further investigation was needed. These will be further discussed at future meetings and specific proposals- presented. The Air Hygiene Committee wishes to express its appreciation of the significant contributions made^ by each of the doctors and welcome the opportunity to meet'with them again. In its deliberations, the Air Hygiene Committee reviewed extensively the problems involved in determining a valici sampling technique. T. G,,. Schmidt reported on his correspondence with. Industrial Hygiene vourdut.ion. Question was raised car. to the. diameter of the fibres of hygienic s gnificanco. bh.Lle the G a ratine roscarcn indicated iibro^lcngth, no observation was made as to the diameter of the : *.. "'V. . ---- fifrjiM&i&.&i,* *:*ru*n*-* yi tiTl r<ii 1'i.brcs producing fibroses. None; of the doctors orcscnt v/cre cv.-j.rc tained in the lung, the following action was agreed upon 1, The ratter will be reviev/ed with the Technical C emit tee to de termina whether there is data iron that source that Trill indicate typical diameter size ranges. 2. Each plant vrill be requested to obtain air hygiene samples from given locations using standard techniques. o,, .All samples will be analysed by specified laboratory to insure uniformity of interpretation and results. Analysis . of this group of samples should provide a reasonable basis for determining typical fibre diameter size ranges encounter ed in textile manufacturing. Details cf the samp! inc* ----------o c. nd shipping ins tructi o ns will . r- sicns with the Icchni cal Com- the Analys:7A--~----i**jr ,,\_o.wr> 0p.1r.i'^-- ate>ry 1 or the evaluati CP. of the efficiency of the four or five available ins trunents in y the abov! It ght uc wil- i.scussi. cn. ox osuits of the ; urv analysis 0 ;.LO o C oate industrial hygiene cedes s the threshold limiitt for r op at five million particles per cubic foot. It was re es to ed for cur selves satisfactory instrumentation and methods. For a period of time, undoubtedly, * we will be su. bject t. o t. wo sti and^ ards_ , tIhaLt. r. e. qu_ ; by the states, and our s-fl impose! standard based and clinical evidence. The state of Hew Jersey is at present re vising its code on threshold limit values and there is indication that a 3-ir.it based on fibre contamination will be inc!/uded. Copies of the Saranac reports ana opinions nar been presented to :na state officials. John YJeber discussed nnd presented drawings of his design for dust control at the twisters. Although.no hygiene survey samples have beer, taken at this point since the new hood was installed, visual observation indicated that there is excellent control. The hood is designed to facilitate operation of the twister and it does not interfere with the tie.ing of breaks. Operators have depressed com plete satisfaction with the arrangement. Copies of the drawing r.av be obtained from J. b. VJeber, American Asbestos Textile Corporation. J. LI. Jackson Chairman r\