Document DvabrrwwZ1oEg3QODVQkgMkJB

500 SOUTH MAIN STREET The B.F.Goodrich Company AKRON. OHIO 44318 PHONE 216-253-1171 REX H. WILSON. M. D., F A. C. P. MEDICAL DIRECTOR February 11, 1966 Dr. John L. Creech 806 Medical Towers Building Louisville, Kentucky COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL Dear Doctor Creech: Yesterday we received in the mail a quantity of forms from the Louis ville Plant. I presume these had been mailed prior to your receiving my letter of February 7. We have gone through these and found a num ber with pertinent symptoms. We are attaching a list of the names with their indicated symptoms. As I indicated in my previous letters to you, I believe you should examine these people and determine whether or not they have any exist ing symptoms commensurate with Raynaud's disease or scleroderma. cc: Mr. L.G. Crunkleton Mr. W.W. Baughman RHW/js Rex H. Wilson, M.D BFG67691 Name LOUISVILLE. KENTUCKY Hand Cases With Complaints Complaints Sensitive to Cold Arthritis Blanching of Skin Numbness of Hands Tingling Fingers Tingling Fingers Nodules Sensitive to Cold Numbness of Hands Nodules Sensitive to Cold Tingling Fingers Nodules Tingling Fingers Sensitive to Cold Nodules Arthritis Numbness of Hands Numbness of Hands Sensitive to Cold Sensitive to Cold Sensitive to Cold Sensitive to Cold Sensitive to Cold Sensitive to Cold of Skin BFG67692 Tingling Fingers Numbness of Hands; Immobility of Hand 2/11/66 Sensitive to Cold Nodules Nodules Fingernail Changes Nodules Numbness of Hands Nodules Sensitive to Cold Nodules Tingling Fingers Numbness of Hands Blanching of Skin Tingling Fingers Tingling Fingers Sensitive to Cold Arthritis Numbness of Hands BFG67693 Mj u- JECTj NAME Tom 3olly Akron til 1 Lir <b> i iU* i> - J.., . ji. FIELD POINT or AKRON DEPARTMENT & BLDG. No. Louisville Dept. 0020 - Bide. 5-H j DA TE j YOUR LETTER | 1 THIS LETTER j 5/24/6B REDACTED Following are the namea of our positive hand cases at your Plant: / The three possible new cases are: y As you know, in addition to the above. case but is no longer on your rolls. was a positive W.E. McCormick mj BFG67694 - jr A. * * 4 V- i\4 *^*'"4 cai'.'.i v.iii z>i eo.^ias c. .;. of tins coat, it tea ie re* ill aaMnown. v :-i <i*Uwii C'VcI V io , v-*JO iO ^ i * >,,*!s- <v ii:;.* tc..-: -- ..s.'. vfr-'.ccfi v/iU cesiiauo to treat those patient a as he cc-ee fit. *`i, 1. ..*, e c!<riDu ,7lcv es 4iA v^vv-* see oj nL pol^jr'iiicr'iiicr jl jviiiOi'* ;.^luVcy v Lit cQatLiA. pi* affected have boon removed from the j ---'- _r cl * ,:,,h j it a rule that each potyr.:.e?iajr cieaavr shall v,asa ale ..itli sesp aas water alter cava reactor hay b>.*oa eLun-*.:. -r* Cr.vsch is to c..avcio all pvlya.erisor *.1..-car .-.re ::.\ . ...> ;;? v.horo a-#; h-.iioves it io . *,*... ,4-4 - r. of the Louisville Plant v.ill au:.;,d.. r .. *< - . .. Liioriaad of tho progress of the a a cap.'s a;;.i a:-.-., o :w . . -_*. eeioe will see if steps caa he tahoa to rc-.i :: ij- the eera^ .v cm: see aenv o;>in a sod sy poiyavoriaer cleaner.:. y^/1/^ ^ a. ... BFG67695 Sarvice Bate: 3-10-53 April 28, 1965 2-11-57 1957-1958 1-23-59 7-2-51+ 11-21-6U 3-15-65 1-1-65 1-5-65 First known hand case. Reported to dispensary with swelling of wrist and hands with lumps forming on his wrist and hands. Statq:d condition had existed for about two years. Condition was classed as non-industrial arid diagnosed as Raynaud's disease. Stated he had seen his family physician in the winters of 1955 and 1956 and had been given tablets to improve circulation and had X-rays taken of hands. Along with seeing family physician, was being seen by othe: Oil uO de doctors and making frequent visits to see Dr. Creech. Reported to dispensary stating circulation and condition had im proved; however, was still seeing Dr. Roby and still taking medicine. Hands X-rayed by Dr. Killer; bone structure seemed to be normal. Interviewed by Dr. Roush of The Kettering Laboratory. Complained of soreness of hands. Examination by Dr. Creech re vealed knots on dorsum of hands were becoming larger, with begin ning ulcerations. Seemed disgruntled that Company wasn't doing anything about his condition or paying any of his past expenses. Hands X-rayed; bone structure seemed to be normal. Came in to see Dr. Creech regarding surgery to remove nodules on hands and wrist. BFG676 96 c^rvioe ^ate: o-3-pp Louisville ?l;.:.t rtpX"^.IL -L57'-'1 .P =-2-5? 9-3-59 10-lii-59 ^ n. 59 i.S-59 11-29-59 wi -- 1-2L-60 1-25-60 2-5-61 7 i o' u\ 1" Second known hand case. Reported to dispensary stating he had b working at the plant for the past four years and that aoout six seven months after starting work his hands began swelling at in tervals, palms itched, and water blisters around fingers occasic; ally forced. Stated he was laid off for about seven months (Jar.' ary 13, 1958, through August 29, 1953), and after about six r.onti away from the plant the swelling subsided. further stated he had seen Dr. C, Nichols at Clarkson, Kentucky, who advised him he believed the condition was caused from someth he was working with and advised him to see Dr. Creech the noxc d -y. Dr. Creech did not diagnose but advised him to see Dr. Mapothor, a dermatologist, for diagnosis. Dr. Kapother's diagnosis: (1) Collagen disease, (2) atypical Raynaud's disease. In his opinion it was in no way connected wi his employment; however, he advised seeing another doctor. Saw Dr. Samuel Goldblatt, Araberly Village, Ohio. Diagnosis was same as Dr. Kapother's. Phoned, dispensary stating he was entering VA Hospital for a numb of tests due to his hand condition and would be under the care of a specialist from U. of L., a Dr. Towery, Off from work. Returned to work and presented a note from Dr. Brill at VA Hospital diagnosing condition as Raynaud's disease and stating he would re-enter VA Hospital on November 29, 1959* for further treatment. In VA Hospital. Returned to work with hands showing considerable improvement. Reported to dispensary complaining hands had been much worse the past two months. X-rays of both hands by Dr. A. 0. Miller. On right hand de w bone change of all fingers, including thumb, was noted, film left hand showed similar change except for ring finger, which peared normal. .ve In Nethod1st Hospital for complete work-up by Dr. Dyer. BFG67697 -2 - 9-3Sh & 9-17-61 Seen by Dr. Loveman for biopsy of skin and patch test. 9-2h-6k Interviewed by Dr. Roush of The Kettering Laboratory. 2-1-6$ Hands X-rayed; shewed some bone regeneration. :ough is classed as a Chemical Helper, since June 1961 he has been is a catalyst make-up man and has cleaned 'polys only occasionally. On July 22, 196U, he was removed from any poly cleaning work due to the condition of his hands. He complained about this because about the only overtime work f|or Helpers is poly cleaning. He also stated he has missed considerable work and has snent his own money on doctor bills, medicine, etc., and feels the Company should reimburse him since, in his oDinion, his trouble is due to exposure at work. BFG67698 to V(J Q3 cl Service Date: 9-20-56 Louisville April 26, x 6-22-6U Third known hand case. Reported to dispensary stating right index finger and left thumb were enlarged and tender. i''--22-oi; Hands X-rayed by Dr. A. 0. Millerj X-ray showed bone res ptl Ox tips of terminal phalanges of right index finger, left ITix C*w ,, Ln- ger, and left thumb, along with abnormal appearance of subci GllS soft tissue of fingers, suggesting scleroderma. Due to soren <wS 0* left thumb, splint was applied. hroueth -21-61; In Methodist Hospital for complete work-up by Dr. Dyer. -17, 22, & Seen by Dr. Loveman for biopsy of skin and patch test. 5, 1961; 10-27-61; Right and left hands X-rayed; bone structure of left thumb and left middle finger show improvement. 11-23-61; 12-20-61; Interviewed by Dr. Roush of The Kettering Laboratory. Transferred from Chemical Helper in Dept. 5762-2 to Dept. 5762 -1 as Second Class Recovery Operator. 1-11-65 Hands X-rayed; X-rays showed bone regeneration. 5-3-65 Received letter from John Stewart, attorney, asking for a edical report from each doctor who had treated or examined si ce the date of the "alleged accident." BFG67699 Vjl f srvice Date: 8-16-61 redacted April 28, 1>66 13 -ob . , y cn: 17-61. 29-61; -ji.~^^C4 rough 21-61; 17-61; -.5-6]+ -21-61 -61 21-66 2-66 Fourth knora hand case. Reported to dispensary stating he had a.is sod work on February 11 and 12 due to circulatory trouble of the fingers of both hands. Stated he had been in the hospital on February 7 for X-ray and laboratory tests and was under care of Drs. Wolfson and Cohen. Complained that when hands got cold, circulation in fingers was poor and hands and fingers would blanch. Dr. Cohen had referred him to Drs. Ortner and Berg, and case was diagnosed as Raynaud^ phenomena. Complained of poor circulatory condition and of fingers becoming white and numb when temperature got below 60F, Sent to Dr. A. 0. Miller for X-ray of hands. Conclusion of i-Ln icrj. /\nJ.J> u.j c- a- ux--LU. -v.xu4iua u. i* xjr_ u. ji? --'"in xu.-x.^ix/ \^jj--r n ~ a*x index finger; (2) possible very early change in tip of phalan geal tuft of right index finger. In Methodist Hospital for complete work-up by Dr. Dyer. Seen by Dr. Loveman; however, did not receive patch test because he was starting vacation. Hands X-rayed. Little change noted compared to X-rays made on July 29, 1961:. Interviewed by Dr. Roush of The Kettering Laboratory. Transferred from cleaning polys to paste packing. Transferred to laboratory as Laboratory Assistant. Hands X-rayed; show definite bone regeneration. BFG67700 :e Date: c-30-ol Lcuisv April 26, 7-27-6U (-''{-i'U v> -** ;^-o<u ^ -*o li S-2h-6i> ?-17-61 & 9-22-61 11-3-61 1-16-66 -66 Fifth known hand case. Deported to dispensary statinc for atoptone year had been having tenderness and swelling of fingers of both hands; also in cold weather his elbows were painful. Sent to Dr. A. 0. Killer for X-rays. Dr. Miller's conclusions: ''various stages of resorption and bone destruction of carce-Ilov; tufts of the terminal phalanges of nearly all the digits of cola hands. These changes are suggestive of some vascular or neuro trophic disorder such as scleroderma." In Methodist Hospital for complete work-up by Dr. Dyer. Saw Dr. Loveman for patch test and study. Hands X-rayed. X-rays similar to those taken July 27, 1961. Inscrriewcd by Dr. Boush of The Kettering Laboratory. Transferred from poly cleaning to paste packing. Entered St. Anthony Hospital. Dr. Creech resected a section of the dorsal sympathetic nerve to his right hand. After surgery the right hand was warm, dry, and the color normal. Left hand remains cold, clammy, and the color blue. Hands X-rayedj definite bone regeneration noted. Deceived letter from John F. Stewart, attorney, asking for a me icel report from each doctor who had treated or examined since he date of the "alleged accident.'' BFG67701 _co jjitsi li-2^-62 LOU*SVL_^w ____ April 25, i^o5 lands examined by Dr. Creech; no abnormal findings. sixth known hand case. Hands X-rayed for diagnosis; questionable hand condition. Hands X-rayed. Hands diagnosed as possible beginning of Raynaud's disease., cnparison with X-rays taken October 2, 1961;, and November 17, 1> hawed increased degeneration of the tuft of the distal phalange the right index finger. Transferred from poly cleaning work to paste packing. Hands X-rayed; a little more bone degeneration was noted. MO BFG67702 Service Late: 8-29-62 April 25, 3-9-65 3-29-6$ .-7-6 5 Sent to Hr. A. 0. Hiller for X-ray of both hands. Dr. Hiller1 report: "Studies of both lianas demonstrated healthy bone cons and texture. The phalangeal tufts appear to be essentially r.s mai. There are no bone destructive changes noted." j Seventh known hand case. Reported to dispensary complaining c sore and swollen fingers. Hands X-rayed, revealing the plain: tuft of the right small finger to be questionable as to the b ginning of bone degeneration. 1 j. Hands X-rayed; increased bone degeneration of right small fin noted. Removed from poly cleaning work because of his hand condition BFG67703 Louisville Plant April 2c, l^c^i SUMMARY As the result of meetings on the hand problem on August 3 and 26, 196k, with. Ir. Creech, Dr. Wilson, L. G. Crunkleton, E. ?. KcMath, C. L. Woods, W. L. Cato, W. I, McCormick, and T. C. Bolly, it was decided: 1- To hospitalize four of the five known cases ( Ynis was done August 2U, 196U, with complete work-up by Dr. Dyer. 2. Three of five were poly cleaners and should be relocated in some other ac tivity. These three were assigned special clean up work and later were transferred from the polymerizer building to Dept. 5762-1 as paste packers. 3. All ether poly cleaners (67) from both Plants 1 and 2 were interviewed by Dr. Creech regarding hand soreness. Of this group, seven complained of some soreness, and their hands ware X-rayed. All seven X-rays shewed the hands to be normal except one (Warlb) that was doubtful but was normal on a subsequent X-ray taken eight weeks later. L. Dr. Wilson was to arrange for a consulting dermatologist to see these cases. Dr, Adolph 3. Lovenan, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Louis ville Medical School, saw these cases about the middle of September. 5. Arrangements for study by The Kettering Laboratory of Cincinnati, Ohio, were made. Dr. Roush and Mr. Tye visited the plant October 20, 1961;. Dr. Kehoa and Dr. Roush visited the plant on November 5> 196U. Dr. Roush returned to the plant November 23 and 2ii, 1961;, for further study and interview of the five men. BFG67704 REDACTS JOB CLASSIFICATION i-OUXSV;,.___-j . ,pr - No. : 132 F ' Name ; Dept. Date ,,_1 From i n_ l a X Classification (Reinstated) (It0jJT*5*tct*o Gd ) (Reinstated) 5762-2 5766 5762-1 5762-2 5762-2 5765 5762-1 5762-2 5762-1 9-20-56 3-21-57 h-7-57 L-28-57 11-18-58 9-6-60 9-11-60 5-31-61 12-20-61* 3-21-57 1-7-57 1-28-57 10-22-57 7-11-60 9-11-60 10-27-60 12-20-61* Present Chemical Helper ft n nn n it n 11 nn H 11 it n (Laid Ci 'f) (Laid Ci -pS/ (Laid Oi T) Second Class Recovery -5 5762-2 6-30-61 11-8-61 Chemical Helper (Laid Cx ^ J (Reinstated) 5762-2 12-13-61 Present It tt 1717 (Rehired) 5762-2 8-15-61 11-8-61 5762-2 12-15-61 2-21-65 5759 2-21-65 Present Chemical Helper 11 n (Termina ted) Laboratory Assistant 1731 : 1122 (Reinstated) 5762-1 5766 5762-1 5762-2 6-3-55 8-29-58 11-16-58 1-2-61 1-13-58 11-16-58 li-2-6l Present Chemical Helper II 11 tt II tt tt (Laid Of ) 5752-1 5762-2 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 5762-1 3-10-53 7-1-53 7-h-Sh 6-5-55 1-29-56 3-21-57 2-2-58 10-5-58 11-16-53 7-5-59 5-1-60 1-1-61 2-5-61 5-1U-61 6-U-61 7-1-53 7-U-51* 6-5-55 1-29-56 3-21-57 2-2-58 10-5-58 11-16-58 7-5-59 5-1-60 1-1-61 2-5-61 5-11-61 6-L-ol Present Chemical Helper 11 n n if Second Class Operator First Class Poly Tra ir.ee Second Class Concentrater Chemical Helper Second Class Recovery v~'. First Class Poly Trainee First Class Burner GperatFirst Class P.A. Second Class Recovery (3. Chemical Helper Second Class Recovery (3. First Class P.A. 1) 1) 1) 'Oj ux 5762-1 8-29-62 10-7-62 Chemical Helper 5761* 10-7-62 12-30-62 u tt 5762-1 12-30-62 Present -.(-3 5762-1 1-23-62 It--29-62 Chemical Helper 5762-2 h-29-62 Present i n BFG67705 0,0' .avilie ?la Ap: .1 25, 1^5 HISCiahLALoOUS It. the past, Helpers wore leather gloves when cleaning polymerizers. Through rccannondaiicn of Dr. Creech a liquid-proof coated glove and a thin cotton inner glove have been supplied for use by all polyraerizer cleaners in Buildings 1, ip, 17.1, and 121. In an effort to keep the poly cleaners' hands dry, new cotton gloves are issued daily. Dr. Creech also recommended that all poly cleaners vie roughly wash their hands after coining out of each poly. the first part of October 1961* the hands of all poly cleaners in Plants (PTC, Latex, and Paste) were X-rayed, 68 in all. At this time it was t " right index finger showed the beginning of bone do Dion. n ..area j-5op. reported to the dispensary complaining of sore swollen fingers. An X-ray revealed the phalangeal tuft of the right small was questionable as to the beginning of bone degeneration. ng the first two weeks of April 1965 the hands of all Helpers and all Helpers have bean promoted in the last six moths, 83 in all, were X-rayed. These 73 did not indicate any new cases. The Pols'- exhaust systems in Buildings 1 and 15 were checked by Engineering, and the air flow in the exhaust system was stepped up from $0 CFM to 125 CFI-i by increasing the speed of the blowers. Engineering is now in the process of check ing the poly exhaust systems in Buildings 111 and 121, In an effort to improve ventilation, exhaust fans have been installed on the third floor of 3uilding 15 and are in the process of being installed on the third floor of Building 1, BFG67706