Document 6yQv7wg9XXLe37zM1JKdnoE6

Mr(V> i r % \ i . i; ; :r -X fr f. < rc i>" > % r /. > i\ I t te VI it fi i5 November 15, 1968. flr. U.U. Oughtred flr. F.P. Smith Mr, K, V. Undell flr. R.J. Merrill flr. J.A. Main Mr. M. J. Weasel Mr. R.S. Coleman flr. P. A. Meyer"-" . - Asbestos Corporation Limited - Bell Asbestos Mines Limited - Canadian Johns-Manville Co. Ltd. - Carey-Canadien Mines Limited - Flintkote Mines Limited - Lake Asbestos of Quebec Limited - National Asbestos Mines Limited - Nicolet Asbestos Mines Limited flr. I. Sabourin flr. Geo. Robinson - Councel - QAMA - Treasurer - QAMA . MEETING OF THE QUEBEC ASBESTOS MININC ASSOCIATION Oeer Sir: . Please find attached / copy(ies) of minutes of the Special fleeting of the Quebec Asbestos flining Association, held on Friday and Saturday, September 20th and 21st, 1968, at the Castle Harbour Beach and Golf Club, Bermuda, PAr/dc Enel, I * i CA5TLC HARBOUR BEACH AND COLT CLUB.8CRMU0A | i. I SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st. 1965 i { } >i i | .i i! & S i * n :. i m 4 -> ' In addition to the members and guests present at the masting of Friday, September 20th, Or* Wright attended the meeting as Chair man of the Scientific Committee of the Institute of Occupational and environmental Health* The President, Mr* WW* Oughtred turned the meeting ever tc the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Institute, who then called on Or. Wright to address the meeting. INSTITUTE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONfflENTAt HEALTH Comments by Chairman of Scientific Committee. In his general remarks, Dr. Wright pointed out that interest from the scientific world, had grown since the last Special fleeting in Grand Bahama. Ouring the next few months, for instance, four (4) full-scale meetings will be devoted to the bioiogicai effects of asbestos, with specific reference to mesothelioma. / 1,- A meeting called by Or. Paul Kotin week of September 23rd in North Caroline on the.Establishing of e National Registry of Mesothelioma Cases, and msking a full scale study of mesothelioma 2*- A meeting to be held in Great Britain in the Soring of 1969, devoted to the Biological Aspects of Mesothelioma* - */2 fcklit'iJl \v / c ( 2. 3.- A meeting to be held in South Africa, by invitation only, sponsored by the Department of Mines, dealing with various kinds of pneumoconiosis. 4,- A meeting to be held in Tckyo to discuss maximum allowable concentration to which a person can be exposed. Doctors Noro, Wright, and Pelnar to participate in discussion on health effect _ of asbestos. Reviewing tne work, of the Scientific Committee, the Chairman reported that Dr, McDonald wes slightly ahead of schedule in his epidemiological survey. A paper on oils and wax adsorbed in as bestos fibre which may cause cancer has been submitted for publi cation. During testing of international samples for oils and hydrocarbons it was found that such adsorption resulted from ths containers of fibre. It was not shown, however, that the oils were carcinogenic; nevertheless, samples metal containers. should he placed in In his report at the Dresden Meeting, Dr. McDonald first confirmed earlier results obtained at Saranac, etc. on the gas function of ths lung, the gradient of partial pressures between air and blood in the lung. Thus, a population could develop a greater resistan ce to fibres inhaled. Secondly, in connection with dust counts measurements, Dr. McDonald has developed a scale of exposures for various locations. Preliminary evidence would indicate that meso thelioma occurs in Canada according to density of population. The study of Dr. Vigliani is progressing; there is nothing.to report at this time. As to the project of Dr. Pernis, a progress report will be submitted later. Dr* Noro's research proposal on Exposure to Anthophyllits Asbestos is highly recommended, the final decision being left with the Executive Committee. * 777/3 cc r- <- " if*;' i i 3. The Scientific Committee has just completed a three (3) volume ` report* Volume 111 (three) contains published data which bear most strong ly upon tho four (4) specific questions or areas established by the Scientific Committee and explained by Dr* Wright`at the Spe cial Meeting in Grand Bahama of March 29, 1968*(See minutes page 5*) Volume 11 (two) begins with an introduction setting forth the problem and essentials for a solution. Each of the four major questions is presented es a section; in each case there is a list of research projects being done end also an analysis of the areas where information is needed* Volume 1 (one) is a digest oi volume 11 (two) emphasizing areas ui-tero additional work must be stimulated and supported. An attempt is also being made to estimate the potential annual cost of auch studies if and when recommended, Dresden Meeting - Delegation from Russia and iron countries at tended the ffle-eting. The most provocative paper was presented by Dr. Newhouse of Great Britain. Dr. Newhouse gave an alarming report on mesothelioma based on heavily, moderately and lightly exposed sections of people to asbestos fibre. An unexpectedly high degree of cancer was found in heavily exposed people. Thera would appear, however, to be a tolerable degree of asbestos exposu re; the crux is what is moderate and light exposures. In the case of earlier reported neighbourhood exposures she concluded that auch neighbourhood exposures must have been higher than in-plant exposures; dust could accumulate in houses of workers, if not pro perly cleaned and ventilated. Insulation Workers - Studies of Dr. Selikoff - Until recently there was very little information onlength of exposure but a great deal on severity. We now have some information from the shipyards in Great 8ritain and U.5.A. Concentrations of 40, 300, 3,000 fibres par c.c. have been encountered, where such should have been 2 and 12 fibres per c.c. It would appear that insulation workers must ..,/4 l( \ i ! t j ... .. . . s i ' c '/ // c 4. have been exposed to extraordinarily high concentrations of fibre, since 2Q5< of-them have aabestosis. Dr. Selikoff for his present studies has obtained financial support from Unions and Industry, A Committee was formed of which Dr. Wright ia a member. No further work ia recommended. Maximum Allowable* Concentrations of fibre - for some 20 years the maximum allowable concentration in the United States was 5,000,000 parts per cu, ft. In great Britain the osbestos regulations refer to two standards. One applies to chrysotile, smosite and entho- phyllite calling for a maximum of 2 fibres per c.c. If between 2 and 4 fibres per c.c., the inspector will visit the plant; between 4 and 10 the plant will be required to improve; in excess of 10, it is a branch of regulations. The second one concerns crocidolits; packages must bear a label with a proper warning (maximum to be 1/10 of above standards). '` In U.S.A. there-ia no similar regulating body, but there is an Asso ciation of industrial hygienists which sets standards periodically. It is indicated that a standard of 2 particles per c.c. was about to be proposed, but the Antigua Conferences having a bearing on the decision (Drs. Crawley, Brown and Wright stongly objecting), such proposal wes not adopted. It was egreed, however, that the old stan dard was inadequate. Accordingly, a new standard has been set at two millions particles per cu. ft. In the case of fibre count, this would mean 12 fibres per c.c. A particle so as to be considered a fibre must be three(2) times longer than its diameter. (5 microns) Over 50 microns, however, fibres eve not counted, In answer to e Question {t. wap pojntpri nut that thp imninnpr dust counter dnpp not collect fibres; the Bausch and lomb unit counts total particles and not fibres. As a result, the temporary level of 12 fibers per c.c. is unrealistic, because it does not count the injurious material, namely asbestos fiber. In concluding, Dr. Uright st . ad thet it is not known today what asbestos doss, and consequently one cannot evaluate that length or that size which should be allowed. t//5E c i c i * \ ._v ; AJ i ' i 1 -<_ 1_ Comments by Counsel. 5. The point has been reached where clouds are about to burst. Data Is being accumulated around the world with the view of achieving preparedness for actual trial. Claims are mounting up but the essential facts ere usually missed by both the claimants and the employers involved* Procedures should be systematically established and it should be advisable to have all claims and "to-be-initiated" claims canalized with diligence through General Manager's Office so as to achieve constructive defense to such claims when defense is warranted. . It is fortunate that Dr. Wright is now sitting with Or. Selikoff and others on a committee investigating the grouo of insulation workers. This is a very constructive development,apt to bring about among other things more moderation as to public statements. It is here, on-this continent, that we have greater knowledge on the question. Our own group of doctors is respected and working seriously at the problems involved and their work is well coor dinated by our Institute at Montreal. Comments bv the Chairman of the executive Committee. Mr. linriell stated that he had studied the three volumes prepared by the Scientific Committee and was very pleased with their contents. Copies will be distributed to every company. The matter of cost of future rccserch is well set cut obviously s large amount of money le involved. How is such research to be funded? A charge per ton to manufacturers and by calling again on govern ments rniQht be the answer. The suggestion was made to finance future projects through a surcharge of l on sales, $ being charged to the customer. As to tha tax angle, our Auditors' advise that there would, be no problem for the mining companies, if the amount of the surcharge wee credited to a ''liability'1 account and not to an "Income" account. .../6 c & l e * or t S I KT Sw.' 3 4j' f'5' ? s-** s **. 27 `' ` .6* Mining companies would than pay to the Institute or O.A.n.A. each month the amount of the surcharge of the preceeding month, to which would be added their respective share* Appropriate wording should be used on invoices covering export shipments since the funds thus collected could possibly be spent outside the importing country. The Executive Committee should look into it and take a decision by January 1st, 1969* At the last meeting of the Executive Committee of the Institute, Dr. Noro'a research proposal was approved. It has also been sug gested to contact the Medical Research Council in Ottawa (as well as the Ottewe and Quebec governments as such) for grants concerning specific research projects. Insulation Workers - Meetings were held to organize an Institute, but failed to do so; as a coalition of J.M, people and Union repre sentatives was- formed so as to study the problem with an initial con* tribution of some 8150,000, each. According to Dr. Selikoff, ciga rettes smoking is definitely related to mesothelioma and lung cancer "If you work with asbestos, you must not smoke" he says. Warning Lebel - The warning referred to in previous meetings (as -to what should appear on containers) has been implemented by J. with printed words on back and face of bags; customers have been forewarned of such a move. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. c V' SPECIAL ACTING i CASTLE HARBOUR BEACH AND COLT CLUB.BERMUDA i SflTWDAv, SEPTEMBER 21st. 196e In addition to the msmbere and guests present at the easting of Friday, September 20th, Dr, Wright attended the meeting as Chair*' men of the Scientific Committee of the Institute of Occupational and environmental Health, . The President, flr, fei.W. Oughtred turned the meeting over to the Chairman of the executive Committee of the Institute, who then celled on Or-r Wright to address the meeting* . . INSTITUTE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH i Comments by Chairmen of Scientific Committee. 1 In his general remarks, Or. Wright pointed out that interest from the scientific world had grown since the last Special Westing in 1 ;) Grand Bahama, During the next few months, for instance, four (4) 1 full-scale meetings will be devoted to the biological effects of ! asbestos, with specific reference to mesothelioma. . 1, * A meeting called by Dr, Paul Kotin week of September 23rd in North Carolina on the Establishing of a National Registry of Kasothelioms Cases, and making a full seals study of mssotheliomi 2. - A Dieting to bs held in Great Britain in ths Spring of 1969, . devoted to the Biological Aspects of Mesothelioma* */2 c 2. 3.- A meeting to be held in South Africa, by invitation only, sponsored by the Department of nines, dealing with various kinds of pneumoconiosis. 41 A.* A meeting to be held in T6<yo to discuss maximum allowable concentration to which a person can be exposed. Doctors Koro, Wright, and Peinar to participate in discussion on heolth effect: Reviawing^Rl^work of the Scientific Committee, the Chairman reported that Dr. McDonald was slightly ahead of schedule in his epidemiological survey. A paper on oils and wax adsorbed in as bestos fibre which may cause cancer has been submitted for publi cation. During testing of international samples for oils and hydrocarbons it was found that such adsorption resulted from the containers orf^fibre. It was not shown, however, that the oils I were carcinogenic; nevertheless, samples should be placed in metal containers. 1 f In his report at the Dresden Meeting, Dr, McDonald first confirmed earlier results obtained at Saranac, etc, on the gas function of the lung, the gradient of partial pressures between air and blood in the lung. Tnus, a population could develop a greater resistan ce to fibres inhaled. Secondly, in connection with dust counts measurements. Dr. McDonald has developed a scale of exposures for various locations. Preliminary evidence would indicate that meso thelioma occurs in Canada according to density of population. 1 1 The study of Dr. Vigliani is progressing; there is nothing to report ct this time. Aa to the project of Or. Pernls, progress report will be submitted later. Dr. Noro's research propose! on Cxpoture to Anthophyllite Asbestos is highly recommended, the final* decision being left with the Executive Committee. I I t \ .., /3 m wxzrW*uraKUuuw <i* -*- - *' `- "* '' ................. *' * MINUTES or THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE QUEBEC ASBESTOS MINING ASSOCIATION HELD ON SEPTEMBER 20-21, I960 AT THE CASTLE HARBOUR _BCflCH AKDJKILF CLUB. BCftflUPft FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER 20th, 1966 Present* Messrs* tt.W. Cughtred K.V. Lindell R.S. Coleman J.A. Main R. J. Merrill M. J. Messel P. A. Meyer r.p. -Smith A. H. Sagenstcse R.D. Bradford C.B. Burnett I.C. Campbell D.T. Colton J.D. Christian R. Dodds-Hebron J.W. Duncan J.Q. Eby W. H. Foster R.P. Gagnon N.W. Hendry R. Hennebach J.R.M. Hutcheson D. Poirier D. Poutiatine P.H, Riordon li.w, Sflutn W. J.W. Smith G. Robinson I. Saboutin P.A, Filteau The President , Mr. W.W. Oughtred was in the chair. In his opening remarks, the President extended a cordial welcome to all thosepresent end more specifically to Messrs. Christian and Hennebach, the latter attending a meeting of the Association for the first time. Approval of minutes of the meeting of July 30, 1968 was deferred to next regular meeting, so as to allow directors to verify their content. The President then called on the Chairmen of the various standing committees to present their reports. Copies of these reports were distributed in a consolidated format and therefore need not be repeatad in the minutes. i-t --......... ,../2 cc TECHNICAL COWWITTEC The Chairman indicated that all hia sub-committees are progressing in their work quite satisfactorily) recommendations will be forth coming in due course* . UNI FORM CLASSIFICATION AND CRAPING COSirciTTEC The Chairmen reviewed briefly the work in progress at the Sherbrooke Laboratory, as well as the status of the Random QS Production Sam 'y pling Program. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COWilTTEE . The Chairman pointed out that the Q.A.W.A. Workmen's Compensation ex perience is good, with an average rata of $1.85 per 8100.00 (1.85/100) for last year. However, an increasing number of industrial disease claims is.expected, as a result of many employees filing a claim for industrial disease impairment upon retirement*. A review of recent labour contracts showed that in the case of Lake Asbestos the agreement contains an opening clause on wages and holi days for April 1969. As for Bell Mines a two year contract urns si gned with a 5.5 wage increase effective July 1st, 1969* If wages in the area are higher at that time, the difference will be compen sated retroactive to January 1st, 1969* Pension age has been re duced from 66 to 66* The steelworkers representing the Bell smployeas insist that the latter take their annual holidays -and no payment in lieu of holidays not taken- the objective being to place mors people on company payrolls. Increases in fringe benefits do not seem to be . justified. The unions are more militant, with the steelworkers re- suming activity in the Thetford area, . > a. /'"n- / cc ^ .. Tpvj&ism&mp.yym> iMt/u.1 r wmjT-<g --^ 3 The Industrial Relations Committee is getting ready for the next negotiations. A wage survey is being made, etc. The C.N.T.U. pattern for their next demands is influenced by present disputes elsewhere in the Province (Domtar, Q.l.B.,etc.), The Caaaiar situation with the Steelworkers (C.U.S) representing the employees was also briefly aiscussed toy ftr. Christian. TRAFFIC COttWlTTEE In his report the Chairman of the Committee brought to the atten tion of the meeting the negotiations presently under way concer ning the following items: '1. K.H.8. Top Wharfage Charges 2. middle Atlantic Truck Rates 3. Inter-American freight Conference 4. Canadian Continental Conference The terms of the negotiations should be finalized before next meeting. LEGISLATION AND TAXATION COMMITTEE * In the first part of his remarks, the Chairman bxplained briefly the recent orders-in-councll enacted by the Government, namely: Order-in-counci.l number 2126 re Oieael Oil used in explosives Qrder-in-coundil number 2525 re Electricity used in the trans forming of s product 8111 37, re increased paid-up capital tax Ordtr-in-council number 2124 re Deduction of charitable contri- ^ buttons ' '* A 3&S& \' c t a v* * V In ending the Chairmen emphasized that price and wage stability would no doubt be major subjects of discussion at all levels in the coming months. PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE After reading the report submitted by Editas on the political situation in the Province of Quebec, a report which dwells primarily on the use of the French languege in business and industry, the Chairman tabled a draft of a new fact booklet and the text of a first besic talk, on the need to export fibre, es part of a speech kit to be used by re presentatives of the Industry. Comments are requested and should be forwarded to the Chairman of the Committae. In the same vein, the General Manager added that during the recent Mines Ministers* Conference .i n Quebec City, a good deal of time was devoted to a discussion on ways and means to improve the image of the mining industry through a concerted public relations program. To this effect, the Mining Association of Canada has sollicited the assistance of the various mining associations and institutes. The moving of the asbestos block from"Terre des Hommes"to Laval Uni versity will take place after the closing of the Montreal Expo,i.e. around October the 15th, DUST ABATEMENT COMMITTCC According to the report read by the Chairmen, three (3) specific projects era presently being tested at various plants within the industry. 7V.-/5-  .,-V`vw ? c ~rr srrr.vxu?.^*-- %SfrSVs*#*?mrs.--&m'ri*t>-j- vusj-: vv?/'* ` " C Trs* --, * r- iz" 5. A) Dfvcr Stack Control Experimental measures under test ere: 1. Beg Collectors 2. Rotoclone Collector 3. Electrostatic Precipitator 8). Wises 11 oneous Equipment Two types or unite ere presently studied: 1. Puleaire Collector 2. Aerodyne Collector C) Stabilization of Tailinos Piles The Director of the Sherbrooke Laboratory has made a preliminary study to define the problems involved, feasibility studies are planned. The Chairman wiTl attend a private industry conference on pollution control in the mining industry on October 17th, in Toronto. He will give a paper on the work done by the industry in regards to the sup pression of waste into the air. As a last item, the Chairman suggested that the name of his committee be changed from Dust Abatement to Environmental Control Committee. Opinions were aired by the directors and counsel, following whicn it was proposed and seconded to make the suggested change. CARRIED. COMMENTS BY THE CENERAL MANAGER At this point the General Manager reported briefly on the presenta tion of the briefs on Diesel Oil Tax and Exploration to the Minister of Natural Resources. Judging from the comments of the Minister end his staff, favorable recommendations on these two points are expected to be submitted to the cabinet. >: . i 6 . The Department of Natural Resources ia also ready to finalize tha transfer of tha property and equipment of the Thetford Mine Rescue Station, pending an official resolution of transfer of property and rights of occupation on the pert of cur Association, The General Manager attended the recent Mines Ministers1 Conference and the Joint Meeting of tha Provincial Mining Associations held in Quebec City, September 15th to 19th, Two items of interest on the agenda were: 1.- effects of noise on mine workers health. . 2.~ Pollution control and mining land reclamation. NEIU BUSINESS Treasurer The Meeting was advised of the transfer of the Treasurer's office from Thetford Mines to Montreal, and in this connection on motion regularly made, seconded and unanimously carried, it was RESOLVED: THAT the^Meeting approve the transfer of the Treasurer's office from Thetford Mines, Que., to the office of the Association located in Suite 1210, IBM Building,5 Place Villa Marie,Montreal,Que.; v THAT the Association,^ Bank account, presently with The Royal Bank of Canada in Thetford Mines, Que., be transferred to The Royal Bank of Canada, 1 Place Ville Maris, Montreal, Qua,; AND THAT the Secretary and the Treasurer be and they are hereby authorized and directed to do, sign and execute all things, deeds and documents necessary or desirable for the due carrying out of the foregoing. ADOPTED. Budget forms for 1969 estimates are about to be distributed to va rious Committee Chairmen. Request from Laval University In reply to a request for financial assistance towards the cost of erecting a geological garden at Laval, the directors proposed that the^ Association pay the moving of the eebeetoa rock from Montreal to Laval University, for a maximum contribution of $2,000.00 ADOPTED. _ c / 1 c uyr^M^awf * .. 7, Generally speaking the construction Industry Is expected to show a decisive up-swing in I960 and 69. If housing starts in U.S.A. stood at 1,600,000 to 1,700,000, the Industry's welfare would in deed benefit. Wobile housing is looming up as a possible charge steadying factor in the face of ever rising costs in said connec tion. Some lines of asbestos products are down, such as asbestos-cement pipe, roofing, flat and corrugated sheets; others,however, seem to improve, such as flooring and insulation. As a whole, business has been good in the first 6 months of this year, but should level off in the next 6 months. A small increase in volume is expected in 1969. Industry is quite concerned with incressed wages in the construc tion industry. In this respect, the Government has been urgingthe unions to ease off a little on their demands. In Canada the situation follows somewhat the seme trend. A small increase in business volume is expBCtsd in 1969. In brief industry ia modestly optimistic for 1969 and more so for 1970* HISTORY Of SELL AS8C5T0S MINES Mr. Geo. W, Smith has just completed after many months of herd work the detailed history of Sell Aebeetoe Mines. Mr. Smith has gracious ly proposed to make coplea available to members of the Asbestos Mining fraternity. /a i c } i J ' - Il l i v s. rUTURr SPECIAL MEETINGS The dates of the 1969 Spocial Spring Meeting have been changed to April 17th-20th* Since the Cloister cannot offer apace during the 3rd week of March for the 1972 Winter Meeting, the Ceneral Manager has been asked to contact an other location. NEXT MEETING . It has been suggested that a reception for Government officials and other mining body officials be-offered by the Association sometimes during the fall. A possibility would be to hold such a reception in Quebec together with the next regular meeting of the Association scheduled for November 26. If, for instance, the reception was held on Sunday evening, November 24, the meeting could be on Monday mor ning November 25 j or alternatively, the reception could be on No vember 25 and the meeting either November 25 or 26. Directors will be advised as soon as date C8n be confirmed with the Department of Natural Resources. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Paul-A. Filteau, General Manager & Secretary, .../ September 21st.