Document Eq8mbJwvXgb3JKw0X6JNGX194

MINUTES OF THE ASBESTOS TEXTILE INSTITUTE AIR HYGIENE COIHITTEE MEETING December 5# 1956 IN ATTENDANCE WERE* D. R. Holmes R. Smith, General Asbestos W, Luttenberger, Haybestos-Manhattan J, Weber, Ariierican Asbestos A* May, Keasbey & Mattison MORNING SEECION We members of the committee were very sorry to hear about the loss of our good friend John Beatty. We hope that Southern Asbestos will appoint someone in his place on our committee* 1* Discussion of the memorandum from the I.H.F. in the relationship of asbestosis and cancer* After our discussion it vas agreed that this problem would be tabled until the next meeting when a decision will be reached on this memorandum. 2. Discussion of the memorandum regarding environmental dust survey from the I.H.F. This survey was tabled last March in favor of the above proposal. V/e discussed the merits of this proposal pro and con and agreed that this j6,proposal would be decided upon at the next meeting. You may remember that the cost of this survey was 000*00 to <:7>500o00 for six member companies. The committee will decide whether or not this project is of sufficient value to the member companies to warrant this expense* 3* A proposal was made to the effect that member companies should send into the Chairman, a list of current dust counts giving exampling locations. This will be done in the near future in order that we may compare figures particularly in high dust count areas, with a view towards eliminating these higher dust counts* U* A discussion of spraying fibres with oil was held. Two member companies are using oil with good results. Using about 1^> solution. This seems to be the proper amount for use in our industry* 5. The effects of radiation with the use of X-ray, This subject was brought about by a report made by the National research Council on "The Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation." Hugh Jackson was kind enough to investigate this matter and he sent for this report. He also made a~ summary of the findings in this report as to what effect radia tion by X-ray could possibly have in our industry. The following is his report: Enclosed is the Summary Report of the National Research Council on "The Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation"* Since its Issuance, there have been numerous newspaper and magazine articles and opinions, expert and otherwise, concerning the role of X-rays for medical purposes as a source of harmful radiation, I will be glad to prepare a detailed discourse on the matter for a subsequent meeting if you so desire, but I believe the essential points can be summarized rather briefly* Our initial question was whether X-rays taken in our industry's periodical examination programs would adversely affect an employee's health* The burden of this report concerns the unknown quantities in the ef fect of radiation on the reproductive organs. It is the consensus that, although there are no means of measuring what a unit of radiation will produce in terms of units of biological damage, any radiation to the reproductive cells is undesirable* Thus, X-rays which are taken in such position as would strike the reproductive organs would be an undesirable source of radiation end should be kept "to the lowest limit consistent vrith medical necessity". From the industrial standpoint this would suggest serious considera tion in the use of X-rays for routine back examination* Radiation absorbed by other portions of the body is transmitted only in very small fractional amounts to the reproductive cells, A chest X-ray, therefore, would not represent a notable exposure to the re productive cells* A further consideration that assures that chest X-rays are not incon sistent irith good health practices is that the excessive radiation to the reporductive cells is of most concern in the early reproductive lifetime (conception to age 30). Since the industrial population largely older than 30 years of age, the chest X-ray program would not be a potential source of hazard in this regard* It seems that according to Hugh's summary we are perfectly in order to continue our yearly X-ray examinations of plant personnel* 6* The Chairman gave a brief report on physical examinations of supervisory personnel within the Company* These examinations are considered to be of excellent value to the Company and to the individual persons involved. The cost of this program was *U5*00 per person. The results are given to the individual's physician and a general summary report is made to the Company, Each nember of the committee will receive a copy of this examination, which may be used as a pattern by individual member companies of the Institute* AGENDA FOR THE NEXT hEETIilG 1* Continue the discussion of the memorandum of the I.H.F on Asbestosis and cancer* 2. Discussion of the memorandum regarding environmental dust survey from the i I.H.F. I 3. Continue the discussion of spraying fibres with oil with a view towards the elimination of dust at the sources. U. Report on general improvements on elimination of dust by whatever means. D, R. Holmes, Chairman Air Hygiene Committee Asbestos Textile Institute $ i C'