Document 6RMKNLwzrVR5bbJxbp6zBxbXR

FILE NAME: Oil Industry and American Petroleum Institute (API) DATE: 1948 Nov DOC#: API059 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Meeting Minutes, Letters to & from Dr. Woody & Other Relevant Documents HIHU T E s SUBCOMMITTEE OIT CRCIHOGEHICIT Hovenber 11, 19*+8 A semi-annual meeting of the Subcommitee on Carcinogenicity was con vened at 11:00 A.M. Thursday. Hovember 11, 19^8, in Private Dining Boom #1 of the Stevens Hotel, Chicago* MEMBERS PBESEST L.E. Curtis T.M. Frank A.E. Hoag J.F. Holt W.R. Levis M.H. Hevquist C.A. Swan Mclver Woody VISITORS L.C. Beard, Jr A.E. Dooley H.G.M. Fischer H.R. Warrick H.H. Zuidema - - V.C. Baird W.W. Brooks F.F. Boys H e f f e r Davis B.B. Reeves E.W. Adams R.C. Cole W.J. Gothard GUESTS Dr. Robert A. Kehoe - University of Cincinnati Dr. Rancis F. Heyroth - " " * Dr. A. Wesley Horton - " " " Dr. W.D. Seyfried - Humble Oil & Refining Company Dr. S.S. Shaffer - " "M " * Dr. H.V. Stevenson - Shell Petroleum Company, Ltd., London Dr. W.J. Sweeney - Standard Oil Development Company MEMBERS ABsKWT Total in Attendance - 28 T.J. Kelly R.S. Bonsib A.J. Koewing, Jr. H.P. Lankelma 911230 B i n E u l M ' 01602 The new members and guests, L.F. Curtis, C.A. Swan, E.A. Kehoe, Francis F. Heyroth, A.W. Horton, W.D. Seyfried, S.S. Shaffer, H.V. Stevenson, W.J. Sweeney were introduced. Dr. Kehoe reported on the status of the experimental studies at the Kettering laboratory and pointed out the desirability of: 1 - Facilities adequate to select materials needed to be tested. 2 - Means whereby sauries could be studied as to their relative potencies. 3 - Systematic data on the incidence of malignancy in petroleum workers exposed to these materials. As to the progress of the building program at Cincinnati, he said that the new wing originally scheduled for completion in May 1J&8 would surely be ready for occupancy by March 19^9 and would include a special animal house on the roof, which has been designed for mice and other small animals which are used in cancer studies. He reminded us that this additional space and the equipment to be installed therein was made possible by the recent A.P.I. grant for capital expense and he assured us that this space, or its equivalent elsewhere in the building, would be reserved for our work. Dr. A. Wesley Horton, who has just been appointed as Assistant Professor of Industrial Hygiene, was introduced by Dr. Heyroth, who explained that his entire time would be devoted to our problem. In making this appointment, they have selected an organic chemist with practical experience in polycyclic compounds, a knowledge of physical chemistry and an understanding of our indus tried problems and technical processes. ' Dr. Kehoe said that their new Professor of Preventive Medicine, who is one of the three outstanding epidemiologists in the country, will be able to devote half his time to the A.?.I. project during the coming year. Dr. Heyroth then reported on the results o f tests of the eight A.P.X. samples. His report and charts will be reproduced and distributed to members of the Committee. Dr. Holt recommended that a wider range of samples be studied, especially those in the higher boiling ranges (above 700 F) and that faxes be investigated also. He cited an article in the N.Y. Times of November 7. 19^8 and said that Standard Oil (H.J.) will cooperate fully with the U.S. Public Health Service in its activities in this field. Jersey has found that, if the heavy oil is diluted with 7l white mineral oil, the activity is reduced to about one-fourth its original potency. Dr. Newquist referred to recent statements in the literature which say that any skin tumor should be considered as potentially malignant. Dr. Frank thought it would be desirable to study the effects of these oils following repeated applications and washings, thus simulating the actual exposure of employees. -2-v 911230 B in E u lM 01603 Dr. Hoag read a report prepared "by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on "Statistics on Cancer Among Workers in the Oil Industry". .He also suggested that some ways "be found to challenge incorrect newspaper articles; for example, a recent statement referring to paraffin wax as being carcinogenic. Dr. Beard read a letter from Col. Auld of the Institute of Petroleum (England) and suggested that Col. Auld he invited to attend a future meeting of the Medical Advisory Committee and describe the work being done in England. Dr. Stevenson explained that any Information given Col. Auld on the problem in the United States would be considered confidential; that the Institute of Petroleum was similar to the A.P.I. Mr. Warrick stressed the desirability of finding out more about the formation of carcinogens and urged that the technical advisers meet soon with Dr. Horton to discuss these matters. Mr. Zuldema anted that a comparison between catalytic cracked and thermal cracked material be made. Dr. Eehoe and Dr. Heyroth, in discussing future work, advocated: 1 - Careful consideration in selecting sanples for future testing, taking into account the sburee, the nature of the crude, the temperature conditions, etc. This should be considered by Dr. Horton and the technical advisers. 2 - The collection of epidemiological data by an expert in that field. While laboratory methods can determine, the relative carcinogenicity of various materials, the final answer will depend on human experience. 3 - Study of the reproducibility of results and the effects of dilution. The following' report to the Medical Advisory Committee was approved: On behalf of the Subcommittee on Carcinogenicity, I present to the Medical Advisory Committee for transmittal to the Safety Committee of the Board of Directors and for adoption by the Executive Committee of the Board o f Directors, the following report and recommendations: 1 - That the selection of Dr. A. Wesley Horton for Dr. Eehoe18 staff is acceptable to us. ^ - 2 - That the selection of the epidemiologist for Dr. Eehoe*s staff is acceptable to us. 3 - That an additional $25*000. will be necessary to continue the program at the University o f Cincinnati during 19*+9 to be followed by another $25,000. for the first six months of 1950. 911230 BinEulM 01604 -3- ** - That the fundamental chemical and physical studies that are indicated to Investigate the operational technical aspects of this problem may require considerably more money than anticipated; and it is recommended that the technical advisers group consider the problem again and present their recommen dations to the Subcommittee on Carcinogenicity. 5 - That the carcinogenic program which the American Petroleum Institute is sponsoring at the University of Cincinnati should include: (a) Biological testing program to determine the carcino genicity of various samples. (b) Biological or other experimental studies for the purpose of developing quicker techniques for determining the carcinogenicity of these materials. (c) Experimentation directed toward defining protective procedures that might be used to protect individuals who may come in contact with these oils. (d) Epidemiological studies of this problem in the Industry. (e) (Deleted by the Medical Advisory Committee). (f) Investigation of solid and semi-solid natural petroleum constituents such as red wax. A.E. Dooley SECHETABT McIVEB WOODT, M.D. CHAIHMAH 911230 BinEulM 01605 Statistics on Cancer Among Workers In the Oil Industry (Prepared "by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company at the request of Dr. Hoag and Mr. Beard) We have reviewed the mortality studies available to us and have canvassed the literature on the subject o f cancer among workers in the oil industry. So far as general mortality from cancer is concerned, the evidence indicates that the death rate for oil workers is probably no higher than the average. Gafafer's report on the occurrence of cancer among employees of an oil refinery published in Public Health Reports for August 23, J940, to which Mr. Beard refers in his letter of May 26th, shows that the crude death rate for the oil workers was no higher than average. We have calculated the ex pected number of deaths among these oil workers ages 15 to 69, on the basis of death rates from cancer by ages prevailing among white males of the general population in the years 1933-3938. The calculated number of deaths expected for the six year period was 52.6, whereas there were actually only 4-6 deaths. Some Information is given on cancers by site in the original article. Employees of the oil refining company show relatively more cancer of the digestive system than occurred among the adult male population, while the proportion of cancers of the genito-urinary system is somewhat less. We wrote to Dr. Gafafer to see if he had additional information for a more recent period, but he advised us that the 19*#) report is his latest. Some years ago we looked into the Group insurance experience in this matter. Zn the combined experience of six of the leading companies issuing Group insurance in the United States and Canada from 1927-1932 , the mortality from all forms of cancer among all insured workers in the mineral oil industry regardless of the exact occupation, was 36 per 100,000 years of life exposed as against 62 per 100,000 among all of the general occupation group in which those in the oil industry have been classed. Detailed data by cause of death are not given in recent Intercompany Group reports. Ordinary Department mortality experience is limited so far as cancer among oil workers is concerned. However, while we cannot calculate the ratio of actual to expected deaths from cancer among them, the facts presented in the Joint Occupation Study, 1928,* indicate that in a group of oil and gas field foremen and miscellaneous operatives represented by 51*000 life years of exposure, the cancer mortality was average or below average. Our Industrial Department experience is quite limited, and the results are out of line with other studies. The number of deaths is so few, however, that the results are not significant. In the period 1937-1939 the standardized relative index for cancer among oil refinery workers, calculated in the manner outlined in our paper, "Occupational Mortality Experience of Insured Wage Earners," was 120, based on 15 cancer deaths; the standardized relative index for the years 1922-1924 was 130, based on 13 deaths. There is a considerable literature on the occurrence of skin cancers among workers in the oil industry. The best yeports of which we have a record are listed on the accompanying sheet. Particular attention is called to the work by Schwartz, Tulipan and Peck. Published by the Actuarial Society of America and the Association of Life Insurance Medical Directors. 911230 B in Eu lM 0 1 6 0 6 SELECTED REFEBEHCES Haagensen, Cushman D. Occupational neoplastic disease. Vol. X7, April 1931, p. 6^1. The American Journal of Cancer, Heller, Imre Occupational cancers. p. 169. The Journal of Industrial Hygiene, Hay 1930, Henry, S.A. Occupational in industry. p. 389. cutaneous cancer British Medical attributable to Bulletin, Vol. certain chemicals Ho. 5-6 19^7. Hueper, W.C. Occupational tumors and allied diseases. Publisher. 19^2. p. 896. Charles C. Thomas, Phillips, Charles The relationship between skin cancer and occupation in Texas! a re-slew of 1569 verified lesions occurring in 1190 patients. Texas State Journal of Medicine. January, 19^1, p. 613* Schwartz, L., Tulipan, Louis, and Peck, S.M. Occupational diseases of the skin. Chapter XVL - Dermatoses caused by petroleum, p. 232. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia 19^7 U.S. Public Health Service Disabling morbidity, and mortality from cancer among the male employees of an oil refining company with reference to age, . site, and duration, 1933-38, inclusive, by William M. Gafafer. Public Health Reports, August 23, 19t*0, p. 1517. 911230 BinEuiM 01607 EXCERPTS FROM COLONEL S. J. U. AUED'S LETTER OF AUGUST 6, 1?U8 " The subject of the relationship of petroleum to industrial carcinoma and indeed to cancer in general has developed rapidly during the last year or so and appears to be taking on an importance which may seriously affect the nature and provision of mineral oil products and therefore warrants our close attention from those aspects as well, as from the serious pathological outlook which is concerned* " During the early part of the war the matter was rela tively quiescent, but came to the front again in respect of the alleged carcinogenicity of textile oils because of further work by Twort and the official adoption of the Twort "safety4 formula based on a specific re- fractivity relationship* Special oils were set aside by the Petroleum Board in order to permit this formula to be met, but at the same time, and possibly due to the traversing of the Twort work from different sources, a movement was made to apply a test in vivo which related carcinogenic activity to change in refractive IETex of oils injected into the living animal* ' " Towards the end of 19U3 the matter suddenly came into still greater prominence, via the Ministry of Labour, both in connection with the provision of mule spinning lubricants and the use in increasing quantities of petroleum extracts as replacements for products of different types which were in short supply, particularly rubber extenders and drying oil substitutes* " As a result, the Petroleum Board, through its Tech nical Advisers, embarked on biological work in the pathological Department of the University of Birmingham for the express purpose of developing the 'whole subject on a reliable basis of observation* Around the same time discussions were started between the various Ministries and Government Departments concerned, representatives of the Spinners* Operatives (the trades unions), the Master Spinners, and the Petroleum Industry. At these meetings the representatives of the Oil Industry were Mr* J* A* Oriel of the Shell Company and myself. One of the matters thereby brought into consideration and now coming to a head, was the suggested adoption of technical white oils as textile lubricants. " At a recent meeting the significance of this move ment was closely canvassed and the Petroleum Representatives pointed out that whilst the research work subsidized by the Oil Industry had in successive reports indicated the biological inactivity of so-called tech nical white oils, it was necessary to express a warning that their adoption should not be regarded as the final step in either the investigation or the practical consideration of the occupational carcinoma concerned* Indeed, recommendation of the adoption of near vhite oils, wherever workers were subject to direct contact with petroleum products, might be misleading and dangerous because of the assumption that nothing else needed to be done* 911230 BinEulM 01608 Page No.2 "Moreover, the question of supplies, costs, etc, might render the situa tion impracticable It might be far more important to develop the use tinder such conditions of solvent-treated oils of low biological activity combined with special attention to the avoidance of oil dispersion and to personal cleanliness " With the demergence of the Petroleum Beard arrange ments have been made for the research work, such as that at Birmingham, to be continued under the supervision of the Institute of Petroleum with funds bequeathed by the petroleum Board and likely to be added to as required by the individual Oil Companies in the future. In accepting this responsi bility the Institute of Petroleum appointed a special Research Group which has been placed under my Chairmanship and includes representatives of the major companies and certain University workers " Within the last month, quite separately, the Medical Research Council - a body of the highest standing and working directly under the Privy Council on grants allocated by the Treasury, has decided to investigate fully the question of the carcinogenicity of Petroleum Products. In this connection Sir Edward Mellanty, the Chairman of the Medical Research Council, has approached me as representing the Institute of Petroleum for the purpose of effecting contact and establishing co-operation with the Petroleum Industry in general and the 1 P. Research Group in particular From our conversations it appears that such collaboration will be arranged. " I am informed that the Medical Research Council's interest in the subject has not developed from the textile considerations known to you but largely from observations made by the Medical Officers of the Government Factory Department indicative of dangerous and fairly wide spread symptoms arising from the use of certain mould oils in Scotland and from work carried out on automatic tool operatives in the Midlands because of similar or allied occurrences presumably arising from contact of workers with cutting oils. " The organization proposed by the Medical Research Council will be of a high standard and will bring in all the specialists in allied spheres of work in the United Kingdom It is intended that the investigations shall be laid out as a succession of long-term projects It is thought probable, however, that the ad hoc research work on which the Institute of Petroleum Research Group is prepared to embark may well fit as a particular phase of the bigger investigation * The Petroleum Industry here has noted with great interest the growing concern of the A.P.I. in the cancer problem in relation ship to all. It seems, therefore, of great moment that steps should be taken to correlate the work in the two countries not only to assist in the prosecution of the pathological investigation but from the broader important practical outlook of the petroleum Industry in its relationship to health" 911230 BinEulM 01609 MEMORANDUM November 22, 1948 Subject I PAPER READ BT DR. V* C. HUEPER ON THE SUBJECT OP OCCUPATIONAL CANCER BEFORE THE APHA Dear Doctor Woody: A paper entitled Prevention and Control of Industrial Cancer was read by Dr. W. C. Hueper, Chief, Environmental Cancer Section. Cancer Control Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Hd., before the Industrial Hygiene Section and Subcommittee on Medical Care of the American Public Health Association; The occasion was the ?6th A meeting of the . APHA and an audience estimated by the writer at 200 - 300 people were in attendance at Talbot Hall, Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts at 2t30 P.M., November 11, 1948. In his preliminary remarks. Dr. Hueper indicated that research on the etiology of cancer indicated a strong link between environment and cancer incidence* Recent evidence has pointed out a definite correlation be tween cancer incidence and exposures to ultra-violet radiation, asbestos, benzol, certain organic amines, paraffin oils, as well as heavy petroleum distillates and degradation products such as tars, cokes, and pitches. He then discussed an idealized approach to the control of the problem which would Involve the following points: 1) Evaluate the carcinogenicity of suspected coopounds and materials through animal experimentation. 2) Investigate vital statistics records for cases of cancer trace the employment history of these individuals. In certain instances it might be necessary to employ Social Security records to follow the employment of the individual. 3) In case that the foregoing provides evidence pointing to an un usual incidence of cancer in a certain Industry, the plant rec ords of that industry will be Investigated to determine what activities and exposures within that industry produce the higher incidences of cancer. k) Medical diagnostic procedures must be improved as a great many cases are being missed at the present time. Considerable work of th}8 type is being done in private laboratories and the 911230 B in Eu lM 01610 Doctor Woody Hovember 22, 19Ad Public Health Serrlce Is setting up such a laboratory at George town University* Washington, D. C. 5) Initiate preventive aeasures as soon as possible since the Identification of the offending agent Is not necessary Industrially* the approach would be as follows: _ a) Through technical control ala at the complete elimination of the exposure, or* b) Minimize the exposure by seeking Improved Industrial ap paratus such as leak-proof equipment* closed systems* etc. c) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves* boots* impervious clothing* etc. d) Provide adequate sanitary facilities This would requlrs an expansion of locker facilities In most sxlstlng plants e) Instruct the workers In the proper use of the protective measures provided and tell them why their cooperation Is required. f ) Tor certain operations In Industry the exposure may be minimized by the use of teams* trained to perform their duties with a minimum of exposure* and provided with special safeguards 6) Medical control programs must be set up* not only for current diagnosis and treatment* but aimed at following the worker through out a latent period which may extend for 15-20 years 7) A governmental factory inspection system would be set up to in sure that the foregoing requirements are met * * 8) Protection for workers In interstate comma res would be secured by sotting up standards for containers and suitable warning labels 9) Beglstratlon and licensing by a government agency would be re quired for those factories handling known carcinogens . 10) Amending of present State occupational disease laws to provide suitable compensation for occupational cancer and to insure the industrial control of exposures Industrial Hygienist a 911230 BinEutM 01611 November 23$ 19^8 Dr. Melver Woody Esso Standard Oil Company 15 West 5lst Street New York, New York Dear Dr. Woody: D u r i n g a v i s i t y e s t e r d a y to the I l l i n o i s State Division of Industrial Hygiene, Mr. Kenneth Morse, Director, told me that his Division would soon start an environmental cancer study in the state and begin work around Alton, Illinois. He indicated that this study would include the oil industry. Ahe study is to be d o n e at the r e q u e s t o f U.S. Public Health Service and in cooperation with that agency. Representatives of the U.S.P.H.S. conferred with Mr. Morse about two w e e k s ago to make p l a n s f o r this study. Yours very truly, Allan .12 D o o l e y 911230 B in Eu lM 0 1 6 1 2 November 22 19^8 Subject! PAPER BEAD BT DR. W. C. HUEPER OB THE SUBJECT OP OCCUPATIONAL CANCER BEFORE THE APEA Dear Doctor Woody: A paper entitled Prevention and Control of Industrial Cancer was read by Dr. W. C. Hueper, Chief. Environmental Cancer Section. Cancer Control Branch National Cancer Institute Bethesda Md., before the Industrial Hygiene Section and Subcommittee on Medical Care of the American Public Health Association; The occasion was the 76th Annual meeting of the . APHA and an audience estimated by the writer at 200 - J00 people were in attendance at Talbot Ball Mechanics Building Boston Massachusetts at 2130 P.M., November 11, 19*8. In his preliminary remarks, Dr. Hueper indicated that research on the etiology of cancer indicated a strong link between environment and cancer incidence* Recent evidence has pointed out a definite correlation be tween cancer incidence and exposures to ultra-violet radiation, asbestos, benzol, certain organic amines, paraffin oils, as well as heavy petroleum distillates and degradation products such as tars, cokes, and pitches. He then discussed an idealized approach to the control of the problem which would involve the following points: 1) Evaluate the carcinogenicity of suspected compounds and materials through animal experimentation. 2) Investigate vital statistics records for cases of cancer and trace the employment history of these individuals. In certain instances it might be necessary to employ Social Security records to follow the employment of the individual. 3) In case that the foregoing provides evidence pointing to an un usual Incidence of cancer in a certain industry, the plant rec ords of that industry will be investigated to determine what activities and exposures within that industry produce the higher incidences of cancer. . U) Medical diagnostic procedures must be improved as a great many cases are being missed at the present time. Considerable work of th}s type is being done in private laboratories and the 911230 BinEulM 01610 Doctor Woody -2- lovember 22 19k8 Public Health Serrlce is setting up such a laboratory at Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. 5) Initiate preventive measures as soon as possible since the Identification of the offending agent is not necessary. Industrially the approach would be as followst a) Through technical control aim at the complete elimination of the exposure* or b) Minimize the exposure by seeking Improved industrial ap paratus such as leak-proof equipment closed systems etc. c) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves boots impervious clothing etc. d) Provide adequate sanitary facilities. This would require an expansion of locker facilities in most existing plants. e) Instruct the workers in the proper use of the protective measures provided and tell them why their cooperation is required. f ) Tor certain operatiens in industry the exposure may be minimized by the use of teams trained to perform their duties with a minimum of exposure and provided with special safeguards. 6) Medical control programe must be set up not only for current diagnosis and treatment but aimed at following the worker through out a latent period which may extend for 15-20 years. 7) A governmental factory inspection system would be set up to in sure that the foregoing requirements are met. s 8) Protection for workers in interstate comma rce would be secured by setting up standards for containers and suitable warning labels. 9) Heglstratlon and licensing by a government agency would be re quired for those factories handling known carcinogens. 10) Amending of present State occupational disease lavs to provide suitable compensation for occupational cancer and to insure the industrial control of exposures. Industrial Hygienist 911230 B in Eu lM 01611 November 23 19^8 Dr. Melver Woody Esso Standard Oil Company 1J? W e s t Lst Street New York, New York Dear Dr. Woody: D u r i n g a v i s i t y e s t e r d a y to the I l l i n o i s State Division of Industrial Hygiene, Mr. Kenneth Morse, Director, told me that his Division would soon start an environmental cancer study in the state and begin work around Alton, Illinois. He indicated that this study would Include the oil industry. Ahe study is to be don e at the r e q u e s t of U.S. Public Health Service and in cooperation with that agency. Representatives of the U.S.P.H.S. conferred with Mr. Morse about two w e e k s ago to mak e p l a n s fo r this study. Yours very truly Allan .12 D o o l e y 911230 B in Eu lM 01612