Document EvgE5VoB39jk9aZ50j4pqXgX4

TO: FROM: SUBJECT: 150-H, S. T. Hadley 66//1166//8877 170-2, C. B. Roe Vermlculite Contamination - Corporate Staff Involvement The U. S. Gypsum Co. recently had an Industrial Hygiene survey made at the Hast Chicago plant. It was the pilot survey to learn If it would be worthwhile to have routine surveys done. As a result of this survey it was learned that one or two employees at East Chicago may possibly have a slight exposure to fibrous tremollte, a form of asbestos which is a contaminant In the vermlculite used In Firecode ' C' SHEETROCK brand Gypsum Panels. The in-the-plant aspects of this problem are being handled by the U. S. Gypsum Co. staff. The Legal Department is coordinating the other aspects of the problem which the existence of the survey results create, relative to potential product liability and asbestos litigation. I feel the need for some direction as to when I, as the Product Safety Manager, should become involved in a subsidiary Companies problem, particularly when broader technical issues may be involved. For example, in this instance, I do not think that the use of contaminated vermlculite by other subsidiaries has been considered. In addition to U. 3. Gypsum Co., two other companies produce products containing vermlculite and two or maybe three market them. - I also feel that. Corporate staff input jLs_lmportant during these meetings so the Corporation's total Interests can be put Into perspective. CS0P3 0002