Document 9ZMDXvpJ71MQ1pvVj8r3n3d3

FILE NAME: Keene (KNE) DATE: February 13, 1969 DOC#: KNE033 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: 1969 Feb 13 Memo regarding Asbestos Free Insulation Personal/Confident-* i To: Joe Dennis cc: D a n McCarthy Re: Asbestos Free Insulation February 13, 1969 The. following canments are pursuant to our telephone conversation. 1. Asbestos workers are supposed to wear approved respirators which are unccrnfortable. it is my understanding the Department of Labor and Department of Health Education and Welfare are re sponsible .for enforcement. One possible approach could be to apply pressure for enforcement.of this law and require the wearing of approved respirators for all but "certified asbestos free" in sulations. Our certification could be imprinted on each carton. 2. I feel the Contracting Division could give a material assist in the education of asbestos workers. At most locations our branch personnel conduct monthly foremen meetings. We could develop a f ^ St WS CUld e^ )ress our concern in connection Asbestos is, its causes and recommended preventive require ments ... with an open end to the effect that the only certain a p p r o a ^ would be for industry to develop asbestos free products - N * * Priority of our R & D... etc. etc. etc. when the timing is' right our branches could call a "special" meetina to break the news w e have found it'. This approach, properly planned and executed, could be effective and would spread like wild-fire throughout the Asbestos Workers Union. 3. I am somewhat aware of the alliances involved with the Inter national Union Headquarters, Dr. Selikoff at>d Johns-Manville. X. d . J ? 11 Relieve far one rainute anY support will be forthcoming (at this time) from either the .Union Headquarters or Dr. Selikoff unless there is monetary gain for one or both (and I am not suggesting such an approach). Having spoken several times to Albert Hutchinson, International President of the Asbestos Workers I suspect he is only politically interested in the problems and a ' mutual political commitment exists between him and Dr. Selikoff 0349434 PLAINTIFF'STM^ EXHIBIT t$-Q(o( p - 2- ' -V A qualified statement fraa Selikoff or the International Presidents V (or both) to the effect that while they believe it impossible, the * ultimate answer to Asbestosis and related diseases is an "asbestos ... free material". This would be invaluable, especially if the anproacb --JS .?^tv:i'reL iri--2; ja? 0r7e is selected- I predict such a statement frca""* Dr. Selikoff would be closely followed by one from the Union. ~ ^' 4 . A general policy by Keene of voluntary cautionary labeling of all finishea goods containing asbestos fibers could possibly open avenues of liability.. ,On the other hand, the advantages to be gained when the cautionary label is replaced by a certification of "Asbestor-Free" products may.oyershadow .the liabilities. 5. I suspect the easiest' ahd most-successful approach would be- to invite competition into the field and jointly pursue the project. A joint effort by the.majors., (including, JM and.their close association with Selikoff and Hutchinson) would assure rapid success and acceptance. ` ' '/'. C. ' " - .S'.-; ... .. ..... . We are interested, in this project and the chosen course. _ Please keep us abreast of any.developments - fe^l free to call.on us .if we ein assist. Your copies of the report are enclosed. .'.V i " : x ' *' O V .r . ' 4 ^ 3* .* \ \ *<*.> Sr X- 0349495