Document 997MgX3v1244y6Xvpye1naBo5

FILE NAME: Asten Hill (AH) DATE: 1954-1955 DOC#: AH062 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Meeting Minutes n o .--v*>*,*' .." V T V /-*,*<' ASBESTOS TEXTILE INSTITUTE AIR HYGIENE COMIITTEE Report of Meeting dated 10/6/5U W. * 'II\ * ' <*** Members Present: R, B. Smith J. W, Weber B. W. Luttenberger D, R, Holmes Doctors Present: Dr* K, W, Smith - Johns-Manville Dr, E, S, Myers - American Asbestos Dr, D. W, Martin - Raybestos-Manhattan Dr, H, W, Hetherington - Keasbey & Mattison Dr, 0, A, Sanders - Southern Asbestos Dr, G, W. H, Schepers - Medical Director, Saranac Laboratory Dr, P, A, Theodos - representing Asten-Hill Dr, M, White - representing Asten-Hill The meeting began promptly at 9:30 A.M, with D,: R, Holmes acting as Chairman, The chair commented he was pleased to see the large turnout of representative doctors, 1, The meeting got under way with an explanation by Dr, Theodos of his Research Program Proposal of heart function to asbestosis, A copy of Dr, Theodos< proposal is enclosed and is to be included in the minutes. In con junction with this proposal, Dr, Theodos advised that the cost to a Company for an employee to participate in this program would run about y>2!?0,00 to V300,00 on a semi-private basis with a maximum of ^^00,00 as the ceiling which should include hospitalization, transportation, etc. However, he advised that most Companies could have this service performed by using their hospitalization pro gram if one is available. Dr, Theodos in the past, with our Company and with American Asbestos, has classified the diagnosis to be pulmonary fibrosis. When completing the hospitalization forms, this has worked out in every case and the Insurance Company has paid claims without comment. Also in these cases, one question is to be answered on the insurance form; "Is accident, illness or disease caused by the occupation?" and we have always had this answered, "No", It has never been challenged by the Insurance Company, Under this program, Dr, Theodos would like to have about fifty patients take this treatment in one year's time. This would average one a week from some Company, Dr, Schepers showed slides of specimens taken during an autopsy of an asbestotic. These slides showed the different findings present in the lung area. These slides were very beneficial to all doctors present as many of them saw lung conditions of an asbestotic which they had never seen before. Dr. Schepers' demonstration indicated that when a biopsy is taken the surgeon should cut down low and obtain an area large enough to definitely show whether or not asbestosis was present and to what degree, coupled with clinical findings. Air Hygiene Committee - Report of Meeting 10/6/51* Page 2 At the end of Dr. Theodos' presentation, Dr, Sanders suggested that some employees who believed that they had some degree of asbestosis be hospitalized for this survey in order to conclusively prove their condition one way or the other. It was the opinion of the Company representatives of this Committee that we enderseeDr. Theodos proposal. The medical men also approved of this program after approximately two hours discussion, Ralph Smith suggested that all information gathered from this program be made available to all members of the Institute, This also was approved by the joint committee of members and doctors. The committee presented the following proposal to the Board of Governors; We propose that the Institute approve Dr. Theodos' proposal provided that member Companies would have a hospital program available to share the cos+ of the pro gram, or absorb th cost-which could, run up' to,$000,00 maximum per case for hospitalization, biops;, transportation, wage loss, etc. The program was approved by the Board on the basis that member Companies could participate in the program on an individual basis, and there would be, therefore, no financial responsibility on the Institute* 2. Dr. Smith presented the details of obtaining autopsy specimen studies from the Saranac Laboratory, Outline of the medical routines, the employment and medical histories and specimen preparation were given each Doctor, The several values of such a program were emphasized. Animal ex perimentation has contributed greatly, but even more complete knowledge of the disease process can be obtained through this study. Collectively, the industry experience can be extremely valuable in this regard. Individual reports to the submitting company will establish, in a manner not possible by x-ray and clinical diagnosis, the extent of the disease process and, therefore, the extent of Workmen's Compensation liability for a particular case. It was agreed that each member company, through its Doctor, would process as many cases as was possible under this program. The Saranac Laboratory will make individual report to the submitting company, and, when sufficient studies have been made, review the collective experience for a report to the industry, 3, A review of the articles by Drs, Knox and Beattie entitled, "Mineral Content of Lungs After Exposure to Asbestos Dust" and "Distribution of Mineral Particles and Fibres in the Lungs after Exposure to Asbestos Dust" was made by Dr. Schepers of Saranac Laboratory, His numerous comments on these two articles were discussed by the group. It was the consensus that the premise of the disease mechanism developed in these papers was not substantiated by the details of their research or that of others. Afternoon Session The entire afternoon session was spent in listening to the discussion of the "Relationship of Asbestosis to Pulmonary Cancer" by Dr. Schepers. A number of slides containing facts and figures concerning the subject of cancer were shown. At the latter part of his discussion, he made some conclusions concerning Air Hygiene Committee - Report of Meeting 10/6/5U Page 3 the relationship of asbestos to lung cancer Here are some of the highlights I gleaned from th: discussioni Both asbestos and silicosis dust do not necessarily lead to lung cancer. In some cases, asbestos will protect the lungs from cancer. Hie first case of cancer of the lungs due to asbestos was found in England in 1932, These are English statistics. Lung cancer has been on the increase for the past thirty years. Industrial cancer averaged 9,5 cases out of 100,000 persons in a 19U8 survey. Lung cancer is usually present in the fifty to fifty-five year age group. However, when exposed industrially, this group age may be as much as ten years earlier. Listed below are some of the carcinogens that cause cancer: Tars Oils Nickel Copper Chrome These last three cause a high percentage of cancer, particularly chrome or chromium. The West German government in 1951 recognized lung cancer caused by asbestos. In another British survey it was found that 1,32$ of 6,000 silicosis cases had cancer while 132/2, or'ten times more persons out of 266 asbestosis cases were affected. Therefore, the incidence of lung cancer with asbestos is ten times greater than that of silicosis. However, it was pointed out that experience in North America does not correspond to these figures. We have seen very few cases of asbestos and cancer. Possibly the different experience is due to the fact that in England a considerable amount of amosite fibre is used, while over here we use mostly chrysotile fibre and little amosite. In the same survey it was found that the average age for cancer to strike for males was 55 years, females, I4i,6 years. Exposure time was 20 years for the male and 7 6 for females. These are averages, There was a carcinoma found in a male as low as six years exposure and as low as six months exposure in a female. After Dr, Schepers concluded his discussion, the writer suggested a pro posal to the Board of Governors as follows: Dr, Schepers of Saranac Laboratory suggested that particles of asbestos be inserted in animal lungs in order that research be done on this problem (cancer and asbestosis) so that facts may be deter mined to combat unjust compensation claims. This proposal was offered to the Board and it was their recommendation that Dr, Schepers be requested to sumbit a proposal for further consideration. Air Hygiene Committee - Report of meeting 10/6/5h Page h O At this point, the chair adjourned the meeting with the doctors and we were all in accord that we had a find meeting which was instructive and beneficial to all, U* The next item was Dust Control at the Winders, On this subject there were prints and pictures submitted by the following Companies: Raybestos-Manhattan General Asbestos Asten-Hill This information is to be studied by members of the Committee in order that the dust hazard at the winders can be reduced or entirely eliminated. These prints and pictures are enclosed and shall be a part of the minutes. D, R, Holmes o ,ghf i - a V l ' f * ; i t . - * - ASBESTOS TE .TILE INSTITUTE r- n Members Present: AHI HYGIENE COiiJTTEE December 1, 19$h B. VI, Luttenberger D. R Holmes R. B Smith H* li. Jackson The Committee discussion was primarily a review of the activities of the last two years, discussion of projects currently under consideration and de velopment of plans for the future meetings. The programs for the study of the relationship of heart disability to asbestosis outlined by Dr* Theodos and the autopsy studies by Dr, Schepers were reviewed in detail. Both programs have been approved in principle by the Board of Governors. However, the effectiveness of each program depends on each member company's willingness and desire to participate. Both activities would function primarily through the company-related doctor and would be of considerable benefit both to the individual member and to the Institute as a whole. For example, the usual case which would be involved in either program would be an actual or potential compensation claim. The results of the study, therefore, would be of considerable value to the member company in that the objec tive findings trould assist in establishing and limiting the extent of workmen's compensation liability, A series of such studies would be of benefit to the Institute membership through the knowledge gained concerning the disease process, its relationship to other factors, and the development of improved techniques of medical control. The implimentation of both programs would require that each member company would underwrite the modest expense for each of its own cases and author ize a policy which would permit its company-related doctor to arrange for these studies in appropriate cases. The Air Hygiene Committee will communicate with each member company and outline the details of the program and procedures, T^e acceptance or rejection of the programs will be determined by the response of the members and reported on at the next meeting. It is urged that each one consider the proposals favorable. There are wide gaps in our knowledge of the disease potential and control. Animal experi ments have and can contribute to our understanding, but the two approaches recom mended will be of great value, The research proposal from Dr, Schepers for investigation into the relation ship of asbestos and pulmonary cancer is anticipated prior to our next meeting. Asbestos as a cancer-producing agent i3 receiving international attention and as indicated by a Speech of Dr, iJ, G, Hueper of the National Cancer Institute before the International Association of Accident Boards and Commissions, In r- ir-v " .11' .4 -Vi '. y Air Hygiene Committee Report <-y * - > , .r > Page 2 hie paper on industrial carcinogens, Dr. Hueper referred frequently to asbestos and almost all of the slides used to demonstrate pulmonary cancer were of cases involving both asbestosis and cancer. The subject is of considerable importance to the Institute members and the proposal will be reviewed in detail# The Committee Agreed unanimously that they xrould continue the inquiry into engineering control of dusts. Subjects proposed for future discussions included: a methods of determining performance efficiency and maintenance of ventilating systems b, controls at the fiber batching c, methods of bag handling and dumping. It was agreed that each member would continue to report ventilation de sign changes throughout the process and evaluate the effectiveness with both visual observation and dust counts before and after the change. Announcement was made of the iicIntyre-Saranac Symposium on pulmonary diseases to be held at Saranac Lake February 7 to 9f 1955 ^he program is an excellent one including several papers on asbestosis, and it was urged that member companies consider attendance for their company-related doctor or air hygienist. H, li, Jackson n iHUUTEB of the General iieeting of the Asbestos Textile Institute held June 9, 195>5 in Philadelphia, Pa. Il'I ATTENDANCE: F 0 J. Walcern, President JOHliS-IIAmLLE CORP, AMERICAN ASBESTOS TEXTILE CORP0 J, W. Weber A, Je Scanlan ASBESTOS CORPORATION, LTD. Paul LeClerc George Jenkins AS TEN-MILL HANUFACTURIiiG CO, D, R. Holmes RAYBE3T0S~1lAIIHATTAU, J, A. Bettes J, A, Brown li, W, Oliver INC. SOUTHERN ASBESTOS 0. C. Fehrers J, T. Griffis G,, J. Harris J. D. IicCiuer CORPANY BELL ASBESTOS HIES J, A, Smith CAPE ASBESTOS CORTANY, LTD. R. E, Cryor JOHNS-RANVILLE CORP. VJ, G. Hoffer E, A, Schuman UNION ASBESTOS Sc RUBBER CO. J, F. Corcoran F, B. Kreider SOCIETE FPu'uICAISE DE l 'AMIANTE Pierre Savary CADWALADER, UICKERSIIAII & TAFT II, I, Ruddock JOHNSON'S CORPANY ' A. W. G. Gibb ASBESTOS TERTILE INSTITUTE II. C. Shaw KEASBEY Sc RATTIBOH CO. C, R. Frederick R, L, Lana D, U. Widmayer A. E. Whitfield 1, The meeting was called to order by President Rakem and an address of welcome extended to all those in attendance, especially recognizing the good repre sentation of Associate members present. During the course of the introduc tory remarks the members were advised regarding the absence of George Marshall, Raybestos-Ranhattan, one of the founders of the Institute and a member who rarely misses the Institute meetings. Rr. marshall's absence on this occasion is due to the fact that he is presently under medical attention and treatment at the Kempner Clinic, Dulce University. Hope was here expressed that Rr, Rarsnail's recovery would be speedy and that he would be able to attend the next meeting of this association. Following these remarks each member was asked to introduce himself and identify his company affiliation. 2* The President introduced the Ilinutes of the last meeting of the Institute for reading at this tine, however, iir, D. Vi, 'Jidmayer moved that the reading be dispensed with at this tine since all nenbers had received copies of these minutes and were familiar with the actions there taken, iir, D, h, holmes seconded this notion and it was unanimously agreed upon 3, The Treasurer's Report was presented by the Assistant Treasurer in the absence of Treasurer Je G, Schoepfo Following a discussion of this report, it was moved by J, A, Bettes, seconded by J, F, Corcoran, and unanimously agreed that the report be accepted, (Copy attached). It, The Secretary's report was read by the Secretary and is attached as a part of the iiinutes of this meeting 6 The first committee report was presented by iir, D. R. Holmes on behalf of the Air Hygiene Committee. This report and the discussion pertaining thereto was mainly concerned with a proposal for research recently submitted to the Institute by the Air Hygiene Committee, said research covering the two projects: l) a cardio-Pulmonary study and 2) an autopsy study. It was gen erally agreed that the first project noted, would be d.esireaole and would undoubtedly provide some information of significance, however, the inability of member companies to obtain candidates for participation in this project, which would require hospitalization and observation, would seem to provide great difficulties in effectively carrying out such a program at this time. The second program listed was considered ill-advised at this time due to its implication that a relationship e:d.sted between asbestosis and carcinogenic development, a condition which, to date, has not been established although it has been given rather wide-spread publicity in the press, 7 The Technical Committee report tas presented by iir, J, D, i.cCluer, Chairman of that Committee. (Report attached). In pursuance of the several projects under consideration by this group the following results were reported: 1) the industry-wide tabulation of braided tubing constructions have been drafted and are being submitted to the Sales Promotion Committee for considera tion, 2) the tape list, covering an industry-wide selection of these materi als, has been completed and is likewise being submitted to the Sales Promo tion Committee for review, 3) the standard cloth list has been brought up to date, with changes being made with regare to the tensile strengths of certain grades of the hOPIO constructions, many other activities of this committee were reported uoon and the attached report covers the remarks in full, 8 The Felloxiship Report was presented by the Fellow and covered, in the main, * the results of recent work with respect to the determination of the elevated temperature characteristics of those asbestos textiles included in several federal and industrial specifications which contain provisions for a heat aging test. The Fellowship report is attached as a part of the ilinutes of this meeting. problems confronting our industry# It was further recommended that the Secretary prepare a letter of appreciation to be sent to each of the Doctors who have participated in these discussions and have contributed so much to the constructive thinking and action now in effect, 7# The report of the Sales Promotion Committee was presented by hr. A, E. Whitfield, Under the direction of this committee a subcommittee has been activated to provide a contact group between the various Federal agencies and the asbestos textile producers as represented by members of the Institute, for the purpose of clarifying asbestos textile fiber availabilities. This subcommittee is composed of' Mr# 0* S c Fabel, Chairman, J0 A, Bettes and A, E# Whitfield, Hr, G, S, Fab el reviewed the activities of the group during the preceeding quarter and the essence of his remarks are included as a part of the full committee report submitted by Hr, Whitfield and attached as a part of the Minutes of this meeting. The activities of this committee continue to be constructively productive and in recognition of the efforts exerted in promoting the best interests of the asbestos textile industry, President Widmayer extended the appreciation of the Institute membershipj 8, The Fellowship report was presented by ii- C , Shaw and copies of the full report were distributed at the time of the presentation, A resume of the full report was presented and the results of investigations covering two of the Fellowship Projects were reviewed, Copies of this report are attached as a part of the Minutes of this meeting, 9# The Technical Committee report was presented by J, D e HcCluer, Chairman of the Technical Committee, This committee met on October 6 and considered a full agenda of subjects and, as part of the afternoon session* met with the Sales Promotion Committee for discussions of mutual interest to both com mittees. Copies of the Minutes of the meeting of this committee and the report for committee, presented at this General meeting are attached as a part of the Minutes of this meeting,, 10, There being no further committee reports for presentation, President Widmayer acknowledged the activity extended by all of those participating on the several committees and expressed the thanks of the Institute for the tireless efforts directed toward the proper functioning of these committees as they carry out the important assignments with which they have been chargedo 11, The next order of business presented for consideration concerned matters of old business. a) Presented at the last meeting of the Asbestos Textile Institute was a letter written by Mr. A c L, Penhale, on behalf of the Quebec Asbestos Miners Association, wherein the present and the anticipated asbestos fiber availabilities for the Canadian producers was outlined, This letter was subsequently circulated in the press and among the several agencies in Washington concerned with this matter. As a result of this dissemination the fiber availability picture has been clarified and certain inconsistancies and inequities which have existed for some time are now being rectified. In view of the assistance offorded by Hr# Penhale, through his letter, the President wrote an appreciative acknowledgement on behalf of the Asbestos Textile Institute and a copy of this correspondence is attached as a part of the Minutes of this meeting, ;"*.*% 4 J'-.U 'vi * a-vi V V * (k*,,*"** t* r * October 17, 1955 MINUTES OF THE ASBESTOS TEXTILE INSTITUTE AIR HYGIENE COMMITTEE MEETING September 7, 1955 IN ATTENDANCE MERE: D,, R 0 Holmes J* N, Weber R , C,, Smith H, iis Jackson The Air Hygiene Committee was most pleased to have as its guests representatives of the Quebec Mining Association - Dr0 Paul Cartier, Hr* Ivan Sabourin and Hr* Maurice La Chance0 Mr, Sabourin, general counsel for the Q,A.M,A, told of the history and function of that association. The Quebec Asbestos Mining Association has been operating for approximately 20 years, and its membership represents approximately 65%oi the world supply of asbestos fibre, As an industry association, it functions quite similarly to the Asbestos Textile Institute, Considerable attention is given the health problems of the industryc There are two medical clinics, one at Asbestos, the other at Thetford, both fully staffed and with complete hospital facilities. Pre-employment and periodic health examinations are provided for all workers. Safety engineering services have been provided by the Association to its members for a number of years. More recently, an industrial hygiene engineer has been added to its staff. As a result of the industry emphasis on health, safety and dust control for the past ten years, there are practically no new cases of asbestosis other than those with twenty or more years exposure, Mr, Sabourin stated that the present major health problans of the industry pertained to the relation ship of heart difficulties and cancer to asbestos exposure. Dr, Paul Cartier told of the operation of the Thetford Clinic, Established in 19h5} the Clinic provides health services to the Thetford people, Pre-employment and periodic annual examinations include an X-ray and electrocardiagram, as well as the other usual examination features,, Commenting on the occurrence of asbestosis, Dr. Cartier indicated that after ten years exposure, about 5 $ would have some histological evidence of asbestosis (minimal tissue changes not sufficient to be observed on the X-ray), 10/j would have some radiological evidence and 2% might have some clinical evidence of disability from asbestosis. In reference to the pulmonary cancer experience in the that in the ten years of the clinic's operation, there cancer observed. Nine of these on autopsy showed some asbestosis. In six, however, there was no evidence of ence would indicate a very much lower attack rate than British experience of 13p industry, Dr, Cartier stated have been fifteen cases of histological evidence of asbestosis. This experi that reported from the Minutes of Air Hygiene Committee -2- October 17, 1955 Autopsy study is made of every occupational disease claim case, and as many others as possible, Dr, Cartier stated that this was of utmost importance not only in determining the extent of liability, but also in increasing the knowledge of the disease process. The clinic has not done any work with intermittent, positive pressure breathing, although some use of cortisone is being made. The experience to date, however, has been insufficient to justify any conclusions. Dr, Cartier expressed the opinion that considerable research must be cone in the fields of cancer and heart to define more clearly the role, if any, played by in halation of asbestos, Mr, Maurice La Chance told of the experience in dust control in the mines and mills of the Association members. Annual dust surveys are made at eleven mines and re ports submitted to each. The standard U, S, Bureau of Hines technique is used for surveying with the midget impinger. For fibre evaluation, the definition of the length being three times the width is applied, Mr, La Chance stated that since the program was inaugurated in 1 9 W , the average dust concentrations have been reduced 50$, In general, the fibre content of the- total dust count ranged from 1/2 to 12$, In his opinion, the most effective dust collector system to date is the bag type Wheelabrator unit, John Weber reported on the bag dumping unit now in operation in his plant. Photo graphs were shown and John indicated that full details may be obtained from the Wilkra Company, 71 Denton Avenue, Hew Hyde Park, Long Island, N, Y, Although dust counts have not yet been taken, visual observation indicates complete con trol of this usually dusty operation. The unit has not been in operation suf ficiently long to estimate the maintenance and operating cost. The shaking cycle is less than one minute per bag, and John indicated that the bags were shaken considerably cleaner than by the hand method, A general discussion of fibre conditioning agents was held, and it was suggested that the experience of our associate members might be of value to the technical committee which is further investigating this problem. We herewith extend an invitation to each associate member to forward a summary of its experience with fibre conditioning as a means of preventing dust control. H, li, Jackson Chairman Air Hygiene Committee r r f I' ' MINUTES of the Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asbestos Textile Institute held March 7 19^6 in Philadelphia, Pa. IN ATTENDAHCEi F J 0 Wakem, Presiden' JOimS-MAMVILLE CORP ASBESTOS TEXTILE CORP. A, J. Scanlan RAIRESTOS-HANHATTAM, INC. J o A. Bettes ASTEN-HILL MANUFACTURING CO. D, R. Holmes SOUTHERN ASBESTOS CO. R. 5, Hulse KEASBEY & MATTISON CO. A. E. Whitfield CADWALADER, WICKERSHAM & TAFT M, I, Ruddock ASBESTOS TEXTILE INSTITUTE M, C, Shaw 1. The meeting was called to order by President Wakem and recognition was ex tended to Mr. J. A. Bettes representing Hr, G, W, Marshall, Jr., RaybestosManhattan, Inc.j Hr, D. R, Holmes representing Hr. J, G. Schoepf, Asten-Hill Mfg, Co.j and Hr. A. E. Whitfield representing D. W, Widmayer, Keasbey & Mattison Co. 2. The first segment of the meeting was devoted to the presentation of coiiinittee reports, a) The Air Hygiene Committee report was presented by two representatives from that committee, Dr. Kenneth Smith and Mr. D, R. Holmes, Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Smith addressed the meeting first with remarks directing at tention to a report issued by Dr, Hueper titled "Public Health Monograph '36, A quest into the environmental causes of Cancer of the Lung", Much of the information set forth in this report is unsubstantiated and is in variance with established understanding and knowledge of informed men in the medical profession. However, this article is apparently assumed to be the only authentic treatise today available which may be used as a reference for court action involving asbestosis and its relationship to heart disease and lung cancer. Dr, Smith strongly recommended that the Institute initiate a program of investigation and publicity to counteract the unfavorable publicity pre sently directed to the asbestos industries as a result of the work of Dr. Hueper. It was recommended that the Industrial Air Hygiene Foundation be engaged to collect the necessary information and to publicize the results so obtained. As a result of these recommendations, it was moved by D. R. Holmes, seconded by R, S. Hulse and unanimously agreed that the Industrial Air Hygiene Foundation be engaged to conduct a preliminary survey to determine the scope and expense which would be incurred in a detailed study concerned with the relationship of asbestosis to cancer. The cost of this preliminary survey is not to exceed .LOOO.OO, It was further unanimously agreed that Garlock Packing Company and Asbestos Textile Company should be invited to participate in this preliminary investigation. r H r r\ D. R. Holmes completed the report for the Air Hygiene Committee, present ing the results of discussions pursued during the course of the committee meeting held earlier on this date. The full report covering these remarks is attached as a part of the minutes of the General meeting, b) The Sales Promotion Committee report was presented by J. T, Griffis, Chairman of that Committee, The meeting of this committee held earlier on this date was devoted to discussions related to a variety of subjects con cerned with advancing attention and interest in the products of the asbestos textile industry. Action was taken directing the permanent placement of a Visual Aid Display at Lowell Textile Institute and a temperatory placement at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Also, plans were further advanced for the construction of the new display xdiich has been under consideration by the Institute for the past year. The committee also considered the report presented by Dr, Shaw related to efforts that were made during the past months to endeavor to arrest the mark eting of certain ironing board covers, the sales of which are promoted through a misrepresentation as to the asbestos content of the covers. Efforts by the Institute to interest the Federal Trade Commission in this matter have not, to date, been successful and the matter was referred to Mr. Ruddock and Dr, Shaw for further consideration. The Technical Committee, through its Chairman, Mr. M, W, Oliver, sought the assistance of the Sales Promotion Committee in its endeavor to establish a standard heat aging test for asbestos textiles. In light of related work being conducted by the Fellow it was agreed that action in this regard should be deferred until the Fellowship investigations can provide a basis for some more definite conclusions. The full report covering the activities of the Sales Promotion Committee is attached as a part of the Minutes of the General Meeting, c) The Technical Committee report was presented by M. W, Oliver, Chairman of that Committee, The work of the several task groups assigned problems related to cloth, braid and tape xrere discussed and the results of these endeavors set forth. The complete report covering the activities of this committee is attached as a part of the Minutes of the General meeting, 3, Following the committee reports, the regular agenda for the meeting was under taken, The first subject introduced was the Treasurer's Report and folloxiing a discussion of the matters here presented it x\ras moved by A. E, Kliitfield, seconded by J. A. Bettes and unanimously agreed that the report be recom mended for approval at the General meeting. h* The President announced that the next Generrl meeting of the Institute would be held at Thetford Mines, Canada, on June 6 and 7, 1956, A discussion fdlloxred concerning this meeting and it was agreed that the Secretary should direct a questionnaire to each member of the Board of Governors in an effort to ascertain hox; many members of the Institute would attend this meeting. Following the accumulation of this information, it is to be turned over to the President x-rho will endeavor to establish the proper meeting facilities in the Thetford area and travel accommodations for the group. V . J r r s-r MINUTES OF THE ASBESTOS TEXTILE INSTITUTE AIR HYGIENE COMMITTEE MEETING March 7, 1956 IN ATTENDANCE WERE: r MEI'BERS GUESTS D. R. Holmes H. M. Jackson R. Smith J. Weber B. W. Luttenberger Frank T, Gatke, Asbestos Textile Co,, Inc, Chicago, Illinois Mr, Houghton, Garlock Packing Company Elmyra, New York Dr, Kenneth Smith, Medical Director Johns-Hanville Corp, New York, New York W, D, Shoemaker, American Mutual Liability Insurance Co. Philadelphia, Penna, The agenda for this meeting was as follows: i'll ASBESTOSIS AND CANCER - A discussion relative to compensation. Dr. Kenneth Smith, Medical Director of Johns-Hanville Corp., requested to be present at this meeting because of recent developments in the compensation field regarding Asbestosis and Cancer, Dr. Smith informed us that in his opinion, we have an epidemic of Lung Cancer in the world today. Death statistics are as follows: Heart.................. 37$ Cancer.............. *16$ Nervous System............ 11$ All other Chest Diseases Less than ....... 1$ He also advised that the current rate of progress in Cancer shows three out of every 100 cases is Lung Cancer. One of his major reasons for asking to address us was that there has been a case decided by the Pennsylvania State Compensation Board in which there was a decision against the Company involved. The finding by the referee in this case was Asbestos-Cancer. The referee in this case quoted in his decision Dr. Hueper's writings from the Public Health Monograph lo, 36 U. S. Public Health Service. In this publication he ties together Asbestosis and Cancer throughout - creating a new xord for the medical Dictionary such as Asbestosis-Cancer. Dr. Hueper claims that Asbestosis-Cancer can be found after exposure of 6 months to h2 years in ages of people from 25 to 65 years. He also has a new definition of Asbestosis such as "One particle of asbestos with the physical con dition surrounding it can be diagnosed as Asbestosis". According to him all workers in this industry are susceptible. He states further that a minimum of 170,000 dust particles per cubic litre is recognized for the development of Asbestosis- Cancer in man. Among his remarks Dr, Hueper says that Asbestosis is compensable in Germany and notable in England and Wales, awn:'? 3 . i \ r n ss r n Minutes of Air Hygiene Committee Page 2 Dr. Huepsr also infers that Asbestosis-Cancer may be determined in an autopsy performed on persons living in the area of a plant. He says that any occupational relationship to Cancer should be con sidered in the determination of a Cancer case, He also states that outside factors such as smoking, etc., should not be considered. Dr, Smith recommends very strongly that this Institute begin a study of the relationship of Liang Cancer to Asbestosis in our industry. He recommends that this should be done through the Industrial Hygiene Foundation in Pittsburgh, Dr. Smith indicates that he has no evidence that there is not a relationship between Asbestosis and Cancer, He advised the Air Hygiene Committee that it would be advisable for the industry if we were to institute such a study or sur vey oiithin our plants, hospitals, physicians, etc, This would only be a prelimin ary fact-finding survey such as is now under proposal for the Q.A ,M.A. Dr, Smith advised that this proposal should be undertaken in conjunction with the Q.A.ii.A, proposal in order that we could procure information which would com bat current derogatory literature now being circulated throughout the United States and Canada, Dr, Smith also advised that there is other damaging information being circu lated, written by the same Dr, U . C, Hueper, who is Chief of the Environmental Cancer section of the National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, such as a reprint of an article in the American Journal of Clinical Pathology entitled "Silicosis, Asbestosis, and Cancer of the Lung," Reprints of this article may be obtained from the National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, Public Health monograph f/36 entitled "A quest into the environmental causes of Cancer of the Lung", can be obtained from the U. S. Department of Health Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, lit, Maryland, #2, AN EXPLANATION OF THE PROPOSAL BY THE INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE FOUNDATION, This proposal as approved at the last meeting was for an environmental dust survey for members of the Asbestos Textile Institute. This survey would include dust counts, inspection of the plants regarding dust elimination methods and recommendations for improvements of dust control engineering. The Industrial Hygiene Foundation would collect samples and make dust counts for all the plants involved, basing its suggestions and recommendations on the results of their own study. The Impinger apparatus would be used along with the accepted counting method used for counting Silica dust. It has also been suggested that included in this proposal should be the counting of the number of fibres pre sent along with the dust sampling counts, This request has been made to the foundation. The estimated cost of this survey is .',,>6,000.00 to ,,>7,500,00 plus travel expense. As this price covers approximately six or seven plants, it is reasonable to assume that the cost would be ,,>1,000.00 per plant, plus traveling expense for this survey. The Committee decided that the preliminary survey on Asbestosis-Cancer should take preference over the dust survey proposal. Minutes of Air Hygiene Committee Page 3 #3. FIBRE CONDITIONING DISCUSSION This discussion was divided into 2 parts: 1* Methods 2 e Health There are several different methods of apraying being used throughout the industry, such as the Spencer-Feed Oiler, Spray-Heads used under pressure, such types as Sprayco, Monarch, etc,!. The Spencer type, of which each member at tending, was given a blue print, is the type in which there is a brush mounted above the stock, which causes drops of oil to drop onto the stock as it passes below the spraying stacke This type seems to be the best installation possible, due to the fact, first it is totally enclosed and second, it is comparatively trouble free. In both of the above mentioned types of spraying methods a mineral based conditioning oil is used. This oil may be purchased from any of the large oil company's, such as Sun Oil, Esso and Guile, This Spencer type oiler is now being used by the Garlock Packing Company and has been in use for sixteen years and the brush has only been replaced once. They are now using Gulf Oil #561 and Sun Oil #538, This system according to l-ir. Houghton, Superintendent, is very satisfactory and above all never clogs up. Concerning the second problem of spraying with oils, namely health, we have determined to date that the type of mineral oil used by most members of the Institute is comparatively harmless. This determination has been made after contacting several Research Departments of the major oil companies, also through medical opinions from diversified sources. However, Hugh Jackson will bring us further information on the toxic qualities of mineral oils only, as this is the usual type of oil used in fibre conditioning in our industry* Some time ago it was suggested that someone make a trial, such as spraying short fibres on xieelcends, when these fibres are being cleaned and then adding this sprayed material to the mixings throughout the production period. Some of us will attempt to try this method sometime during the next few months. In the discussion of the use of oils as a apray, the humidity factor was discussed, Mr, Houghton advised that at Garlock they spray their stock regardless of the humidity. He states that they can run normally with $$% relative humidity at the Spinners and Cards without apparent trouble, GENERAL INFORMATION Mr, Houghton of Garlock, reports that in their Weave Room, they have dust counts ranging from 1 to 3 million particles per cubic foot. Card Room counts range from 3 to 5 million. Their dust control system at the looms consist of a tubular section built into the top of the reed with slots along the reed length for air and dust intake. The air is removed by the use of flexible tubing at the ends of the' reed. These flexible hoses can be lifted out of the way when it is necessary, Mr, Houghton reports that prior to the installation of this dust removal system on their loom, they had counts in their Weave Room up to 9 million particles per cubic foot. </" - J r fi *w * < ''> ' <' -fO r<: M i" V -w V A ' * i ' ' r * r Minutes of Air Hygiene Committee NEXT MEETING AGENDA Page h 1, Continue discussion of the uses of oil in the conditioning of fibres, 2, Review of proposal of the Industrial Hygiene Foundation regarding Asbestosis and Cancer, 3, Review the proposal from the I.H,,F, Environmental Dust Survey, U, Report on general improvements and the elimination of dust by whatever means, PROPOSAL ACCEPTED BY THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS: At the Board of Governors' Meeting, March 7, 1956, an approval was given to the Air Hygiene Committee for the preliminary fact-finding survey on the study of Asbestosis-Cancer relationship in conjunction with the Q.A.ii.A. survey. This authorization was given with the understanding that the cost of this survey would not exceed ,>1,000,00 including traveling expenses. This survey would be made by the Industrial Hygiene Foundation at Pittsburgh, Pa, The Chairman and Mr, II, M, Jackson will contact Dr, VJolmer at the Industrial Hygiene Foundation in Pittsburgh, in order to expedite the receipt of a proposal from them as soon as possible. D, R. Holmes Chairman Air Hygiene Committee Asbestos Textile Institute r