Document Bej3Z5GML7vgkn0Q3YM9w3wk

FILE NAME: WR Grace (WRG) DATE: October 15, 1969 DOC#: WRG215 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: 1969 Memo to RM Vining from HA Brown regarding report of meeting with Public Health Service V DATE October 15, 1969 FROM H. A. B n SURJECT C. F. Dugan CC; P. Kostic E. D. ,Lovick/Libby R. E ./Schneider 0. F / Stewart/Travelers Rest Meeting with U.S. Public ,, Health Service Attached is a report by Peter Kostic covering our meeting with the U.S. Public Health Service in Cincinnati. I would like to add the following comments to Peter's report. It was quite clear that Dr. Crally was very interested in working closely with us in order to be in a position to report to others, both inside the U.S. Public Health Service as well as outside, that.the problem at Libby is being worked upon. Above all, he wants to avoid the issuing of unsubstantiated facts and handle the problem in a way that would prevent any hysteria developing. We both agreed that if we hear any rumors or receive any information about outsiders being interested in this problem, we should promptly exchange information.' I was very pleased with his entire approach. They obviously have had experience in working with industry on difficult problems and know how to go about this cooperative work in the communities in a way to minimize broad concerns on the part of the people. HAB:cgr Attachment H. A. Brown I / HIGHLIGHTS OF MEETING 4 BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF U. S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE AND CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS DIVISION W. R. GRACE & CO. August 28, 1969 U.S. Public Health Service Division of Epidemiology & Spcial Services Construction Products Division W. R. Grace & Co. L. J. Crally, PhD, Director ' W. S. Lainhart, M. D . , Deputy Director H. E. Ayer, Assistant Director J. R. Lynch, Chief Laboratory & Engineering R. N. Ligo, M. D . , Chief, Field Studies Branch H. A. R. E. O'. F. J. D. Peter Brown Schneider Stewart . Lovick Kostic d r . crallky Said that a Deputy Attorney General, based in t!ie Northwest, ban a camp or lodge near the Libby Dam under construction, and he lei , it be known to Crallcy that there is a dust problem at Libby, apparently created by Zonolite, affecting workers and community. Crnl.ley told him* he was aware of- the problem and that his division was working closely with Zonolite on the problem. Said that nothing is known about the. effects oil the health of persons exposed to tromol-ite-asbestos dust, and that his division would like to make a mortality study of former employees (such study is des cribed in Lynch's letter of July 10, 1968, copy attached). In order that such study is meaningful, however, a substantial number of employees . would have to be involved and certain information (records) would have to be available. He was not sure what prompted Dr. Selikoff to express interest in the problem, lie speculated that the information may have readied him through a doctor or doctors from the Northwest, familiar with the problem. He said that his division undertakes special studies and projects at the request of state health departments. In our case, they will be working through the Health Department of the State of Montana. Asked if our South Carolina ore contained tremolite asbestos. Requested raw ore and expanded ore samples from Libby, South Carolina and South Africa. He advised that for the time being, we should keep our discussions and deliverations confidential so as not to create undue apprehension. As I remember, he said there was no objection in letting those who express inquiry know that "we are working with the U. S. Public Health Service on the problem'.' Said his group will study the available records and discuss the problem further, then let us know whether a mortality study would be feasible. DR. LAINHART Said there is a greater incidence of lung cancer among asbestos workers who smoke cigarettes than among non-smokers. The point he made was that we must be concerned with lung cancer as well as pneumoconiosis (dust disease of the lungs). Said his division would consider doing a medical study of present employees at Libby. Briefly, this would involve certain tests, chest x-rays and examinations of those presently employed; comparison of findings with whatever past records showed, and periodic repeated tests and x-rays, This would all be done by them,with their equipment anil at their expense, at Libby. -2- H. H. AYFR Said that; the impingor method of air sampling, insofar as evaluation of asbestos fibers is concerned, has no value. Offered to instruct our personnel, at their laboratories, in the proper technique of microscopic fiber counting. Said they would be willing to double check sample fiber counts from time to time. Kxcept when personal samplers (pumps) are dropped or. otherwise roughly handled, lie said calibrating every six months is sufficient. J.-R. LYNCH Said that his sampling of the air at the mine and mill at Libby, and subsequent laboratory analysis of the samples, showed that asbestos fiber counts were far in excess of the recommended threshold limits. Said that the mechanical ventilating equipment in the Libby dry mill, as he observed it, had many leaks and lacked the velocity to with draw all the dust. The entire system, as he termed it, needed a good tightening up. Said that cyclone collectors, could not be expected to properly do the job. He recommended bag type collectors. Said that he had observed employees, exposed to dust in the dry mill, not wearing respirators. When questioned about his statement that lie observed "respirators not of. an approved type" being worn at Libby, Lynch said he couldn't recall the exact circumstances. ' ' Said he would like to have a look at whatever plans we have for ventilation improvements at Libby and that he would lend assistance in this regard. Said that a program of dust controls, monitoring of work-place air and installation and maintenance of suitable equipment, should be under taken whether or not the USl'llS conducts their studio;;. - 3- DR. LICK) Felt it would be an ideal setup to use Kearney employees as a control group, since they'are exposed to Vermiculite but not to tremolite asbestos. PK:jrs v peter kostic *