Document D6QM9OnEajj4yBpLNwznb7oQ

FILE NAME: Abex (ABX) DATE: 1971 June 30 DOC#: ABX255 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo RE Composition Shoes - Asbestos Emission  A 1 'il^ * / ('.! ' l A i. ' t . Abox Corporation Railroad Products Group . . _ MAIftVAII, IHW JtflSCY 07130 >r.ii jo i- m s -i m o , irLIXi 0033330 To; S. R. Watkins ' June 30, 1971 ; ' From; A. W. Farrell ' ' Subject: Composition Shoes - Asbestos' Emission The subject of air pollution - asbestos emission is currently in `the limelight. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency is about to let a research contract to determine the relationship of asbestos emission from automotive brake lining and the national death rate. . . ' * t Dr. W. J. Harris, Vice President of the AAR is quite concerned that any legislation developed regarding the automotive industry would overlap into the railroad industry. We have received two letters from Dr. Harris, the most recoat, June 7th, states - t . "The reason for my original inquiry arose from the fact that EPA has designated' asbestos as one of the three hazardous materials on wh'ich new regulations are going to be written." . . " I am concerned that these regulations might establish -such low levels of asbestos emission' that it may be difficult for railroads to continue to use composition shoes which contain asbestos." ' ' Because of these two letters, Bob Graham, Abex's Director- Friction Materials Research, and I have a date on July 14th to discuss this subject with Dr. Harris in Washington, D. C. . ' In addition, at the Annual AAR Mechanical Division Meeting in Chicago last week, Dr. Harris gave his report regarding the activity of AAR Research and Test Department. Among the many .items he covered was asbestos emission and its possible effect on the railroad industry. Undoubtedly this- subject will be discussed between our railroad customers and our Sales personnel - hence the reason for this note. Harris. I'll let you know the results of our meeting with Dr. v/' AWlHcz . cc "R. II. Bootle t l A^IUldy_ G. 1\. Graham . A ./ lirr.V v U , Ilev] iIn t /'C---h \(\ A. W. Farrell LPK24 28196