Document 91zO5Rm2Z4JQXJKV78zyzXBLV

FILE NAME: Allied Signal Bendix (ASB) DATE: 1974 May 8 DOC#: ASB007 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo - Epidemiology Study - Asbestos M c i tui o n c J u n i i>.n< May 6, 1974 I iii*i No On May 6, 1974, the writer was Involved in a aeetlng with Dr. George Vright who la currently on retainer by the John-Manevllle Corporation aa a medical expert In the dlagnoala and control of aabeatoa caused cancer. Dr. Wright la known worldwide and la equal to Dr. Sellkoff as a noted expert in hla field of specialty* During this nesting Dr. Wright Indicated that the tern "asbestos" Includes chrysotlle, aaoslte, crocldollte. treoollte, anthophyllite, and actlnollte. He also Indicated that The Bendix Corporation) Friction Materials Division, was the only existing operation he was aware of that has consistently used only chrysotlle since the plant began In 1929. As a result, he would be nost interested In conducting a study on the operations In order to trace the histories of the various eaployees and their exp'osure to this asbestos material. As there has never been a medical study conducted where eaployees were exposed only to chrysotlle, he Indicated the medical community had more than a passing Interest. As a result, he was confident . that funds to support such a atudy could be provided without active participation by The Bendix Corporation. The writer has reviewed the possibility of this study with Charlie Mens, who Is In general agreeaent that further exploration with Dr. Wright would be In order. With the current Impact with OSHA which does not make any dlstlngulshment between the various types of asbestos, a atudy of this type could have very beneficial affects for The Bendix Corporation. First, if the study docs conclude what we suspect; that after 45 years of experience we do not have a single case of lung disease caused by asbestos, we would have the backup data needed to refute any future worloen's compensation claims as well as further OSHA citations. Additionally, if the study Is accepted by the sedleal community, we could even have the grounds to exempt friction material manufacturers from the OSHA Standards. On the negative at the division it is possible, team could find able. side we could have publicity sod employee concern as a result of having a study conducted. Secondly, although quite remote, that aa expert medical lung disease of which we are not presently knowledge* ------------- V ili. : i . il M emorandum M e May 8, 1974 Page T-o L n t o r Nu Dr. WrighC vould like to sect vlth appropriate Bendlx a a o a g e a e a t aooe tine in the early part of June to further explore the possi bilities of this study. Will you please advise what approvals are necessary in order to proceed with this project. JUA:dsh CC: J. M. O'Hare t r r