Document By6qygNnM6Y24x946LYj54zK8

FILE NAME: Georgia Pacific (GP) DATE: 1974 Mar 28 DOC#: GP087 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letter from US Dept of Labor to NIOSH RE Reopening of Asbestos Standard / .y Assistant Secretary of Labor Occupational Sw.-aty and Health Administration U. S. Dupartnenc of Labor ?,* A D H I / %l \ 2 8 1974 Director, National Institute for* Occupational Safety and Health Reopening of Asbestos Standard This refers to Ur. Gerard TL ScanneXlTo memorandum subject as above, and toy interin response thereto, dated January 7, 1974. The question as to the appropriateness of the present standard has been reviewed find commented on by a number of cur professional staff, and there does appear to be sufficient biological and engineering reason for reevaluating the asbestos standard* liost of the comments have been directed to the method of sampling and analysis of asbestos, and the deficiencies in available methods. These deficiencies include the lack cf specific identification of the fiber ! and the tediousness of the present counting procedure. Work is being actively pursued to overcome the problems with the present analysis, but this work has not progressed to the point that a. new method can be recommended. Drafts of two technical reports, TR~92, rat evaluation phase contrast microscopy for asbestos counting, and TR-C4, a description of the present recommended method, are enclosed for your information. Our investigation has not included a thorough search for and evaluation I of new, published literature on asbestos; however, we assume that a fair amount of work, that may have biological significance, has probably beau accomplished since UIOGil prepared the Asbestos Criteria Document. To undertake a rvaluation of the criteria cm which v q based our recommendations, would require a significant expenditure of resources. Consequently, I would propose that before any decisions are made, that the priority for such a review he determined jointly by OSH and NIOSI. t Xf such a course would appear appropriate, I would suggest your staff 4 contact Hr. Vernon K. Rose, Director of the Office of Research and Standards Development to discuss the next step. Knclosures Karcun H. Key, M.D. Assistant Surgeon General NIOSH :ORSD:MMKey :injh :3/25/74 Official file located in room 318. \ i i I