Document EdwZajrY5aEb1EpbdMxYNYgwL

GfcwgiaF&cific intracompany memo to ALL GYPSUM SALES MANAGERS (com o. E. Burch subject JOINT CEMENT PRODUCTS CC Messrs: G. E. Wilson Portland S. S. Dennison Portland G. F. Baitinger Portland D. C. Corkill Portland C. W. Lehnert Tigard Lab James Hurd Portland Matt Fink Tigard Lab T. W. Richards Tigard Lab E. B. Hollingsworth Wilm Del Gyp M. A. Palmowski Chgo Jt Sys Plant Bob Favero Marietta Plant H. W. Scharf Milford Plant J. D. Rauch K. W. Brown Akron Plan Acme Plant There may be questions from our Branches and customers concerning the caution label we are currently placing on many of our joint system products. The label reads: - CAUTION Contains Asbestos Fibers Avoid Creating Dust Breathing asbestos dust may cause serious bodily harm Use approved respirator when sanding The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all products containing asbestos fiber be identified in this manner. The con cern is the breathing of air which contains asbestos fiber. The degrae of hazard is dependent upon the concentration of fiber in the air and the dura tion of exposure. The health problems associated with exposure to asbestos fiber have occurred in industries where workers have been exposed to high concentrations of the fiber over a period of years. All joint compound manufacturers use asbestos fiber as an essential ingredident in their products. These compounds, however, contain relatively small amounts of asbestos (2-8%). We are not aware of any health problems in our industry but we are nevertheless required to comply with the OSHA requirements. The standards imposed on our plants are very stringent. There are severe limitations on allowable concentrations of asbestos in the air; strict procedures for handling the asbestos; a mandatory program for wearing protective devices (respirators); periodic medical examinations; the labeling already described and many other very restrictive measures. SGP 0007499 CP C All Gypsum Sales Managers Page 2 May 13, 1974 It Is recognized that there is some exposure to asbestos fiber during the mixing of the dry powder products and in the sanding of the joints. It is not presently known whether the concentrations of asbestos fiber at these times is in the hazardous range established by OSHA. However, we do know that the dust level in the mixing or sanding of joint compounds is sufficiently high that respirators should be worn. Once joint compounds are wetted or mixed, the fiber is not subject to becom ing airborne. Ready mix, for example, presents no hazard for the user, other than in the sanding operation. Respirators should be worn while landing. 7e regard the development of non-asbestos products as a necessary step ~.o continued success of our joint system program, and these are the steps we have already taken in furtherance of this goal: 1. We have eliminated asbestos from all' of our texture products. 2. We are market testing, in limited markets, a dry asbestos free pow der product. 3. We are working on a means to eliminate asbestos from our ready mix products The development of these new products will require a substantial amount of field testing and we will be seeking your assistance in this. This is not to be taken lightly, but at the same time we do not want to unnecessarily alarm you or our customers. The purpose of this memo is to make you aware of what we are doing and why we are doing it, so that you will be equipped to handle the questions that are bound to arise. OEB/mf SGP 0007500