Document EXN1vKk16ZJavQeMGQ6E6XQ4

Preliminary IXat Survey for Asbestos Textile Institute, Juno, 1947 17 IMPOiaaNCB OF IEHICMC MEDICAL esahikatiohs Ons of the moat important elements of a program of protecting health of waiters In dusty occupations is. the periodic medical examination. Tbs lack of scientific lnforaatlan regarding all aspects of asbestosla is serious. TMa cannot be over-emphasized. Hie obvious procedure to help overcane this deficiency le to employ every tool now available that will threw more light on the facts. The Importance of the periodic medical x-ray examination can per haps beet be emphasized by stating that dust count investigations cannot, in.. the present state of knowledge, give us assurance as to the extent of . cur suc cess In eliminating the hazard. Regular emmlnations serve to protect the worker by giving early in dication of health impairment due to dust, end permit intelligent action to be taken to avoid further serious health deterioration. Shis is particularly true if the detection le early enough and there is no progression to late stage asbestosis. More important, far the long term, the accumulation of factual In formation regarding the health status of exposed vortors, statistically' inter preted in relation to dustiness studies and to mechanical developments In dust control equipment, will eventually indicate when the battle of asbeatosls con trol is being von. This aspect of the problem la elaborated in the following section. The inventory provided by such a medical program is Just as important to Intelligent action in this problem, as material inventories are to the proper conduct of business. *