Document 9JnjJVO00pkB4mXj98wLaR8q7

PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT MET-253 July 3, 19U Dr. Leroy U* Gardner, Director Saranac Laboratories Saranac, New lork Dear Dr. Gardner# Could you give me your present opinion about the relationship, if auy, between aebeetoels and tuberculoelsf I know that previous studies appear to Indicate that aebeetoels would not predispose to tuberculosis. Has any recent experience changed this point of viewt Recently I have had occasion to look over our dale experience in Thetford lines and note that tuberculosis Is the chief cause of v'eath. Of course, mortality with respect to tuberculosis for the population as a tfuls in Thetford is high. On the other hand, as- far back as 1931. we have foflad some pretty high dust counts in sons of these mines with Instances where 99.G5JJ of theae dust particles were less than 10 microns. Vs are Inclined to think that the claim expe~ rienee represents the type of worker we are dealing with and is not related to working conditions. However, we are to study this a little more closely. Before getting into it, I would appreciate your advice In approaching this problem. Regardless of whether this is a problem direotly related to working conditions, it is obviously a problem In the control of tuberculosis. *ho in the public health field in Canada would be most interested and helpful in studying and doing sonsthing about tfcisT fe will probably ask Yahnel to make some more dust studies In soma of the places that wo have access to and I am also trying to secure soma tuberculosis mortality figures for comparison for Thetford by age groups from Thetford, Quebec, and the Dominion of Canada. If you have any data I would appreciate having them. With kindest regards. Sincerely yours. ^ ' .>^1 ,n t ]\