Document BvX2gZv29d4X7xN9rQJ0m1ajJ
FILE NAME: Foseco(FOS) DATE: 1973 Feb 26 DOC#: FOS032 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo
To;
*-;*& *; u i . u . w ***
w
o f 1 1 c o r.p ar. , p lu s Regional D i r e c t o r s ,
Cimv^4fy
Copiai to : )*, Jrt IvH)
Octc J
.._
26th February, 1973.
,' rom :
Division;
Hr, J.J, Chappell.
Removal of Silica and Asbestos from Foseco Insulating Products
:
*
I
(Profax. Fabrex-, Kalmincx)*
b
. There Is ho doubt of the growing universal awareness by
both works or public health authorities- and trade unions of
the potential health hazards caused by these materials, both
of which have been and-scill are widely used iu Foseco
insulating produccii Because a their physical properties
and cost effectiveness, Foseco has developed their use to"the
stage where they have brought considerable economic benefits
to the steelmaker.
.
"
I However, the climate of public opinion is changing ani there is considerable pressure on industry in general, of which sceelmaking is a major part, to reduce pollution and heclch hazards in all forms. The legislative pressure and permissible;'levels wilT-vary from country to country. Some operating companies have already had to elainatft either or both silica and asbestos, or reduce them to minimum levels. We must assume that sooner or later this will be a universal requirement.
Total or parcial replacement may not be possible without some increase- in cosc, either due to higher R..M,costs or loss in efficiency. Although both would be resisced by the steelmaker, th plain fact is that he will have no alternative if lgislation is passed. His prime costs already include a large percentage of overheads for gas cleaning and effluent treatment. He is familiar with plants being closed because installation of pollution control would make them uneconomic. Therefore, in comparison a small rise in hot topping costs would be relatively insignificant.
Rather than wait until legislation, X recommend that all
operating-companies face up co this situation and begin immediately
development programmes for Che' s'electivs. removal of both silica
and asbestos. Considerable experience on formulation and manufacture
is available within che Croup and can be provided on request.
. ,
This 'information will serve only as a basis for a development
programme since conditions differ from company to company with
respect to indigenous row materials and methods of manufacture
of Profax, Proflex, Fabre.x or Kalninex.
When satisfactory alternative formulations have been developed chey can be locked away until such time as legislation declares cbeir need. On the ocher hand insulators which do not contain either silica or asbestos, cr-uld be an effective weapon against ,7ca cutting competition, particularly if union officials and works doctors are made aware.that such p'voduccs exist. -n
FOS-00-0000003353
'n