Document G61ZXjMnaQvZBOeD4b2nd2jjr

AP00027658 RECEIVED Mlf i It. and C/u Mari 91975 CHEMICALS GROUP k\SHPCI CHE.Vi. 0r<0UP Five Executive Mall, Swadesford Road, Wayne, Pa. 190{, LAW DEPT RICHARD FLEMING group vice presioent-cmemicals fit Telephone: Telex: (215) 687-6150 846-445 C' 18 March 1975 Marvin Kuachner, M. D. Professor and Chairman Department of Pathology State University of New York South Campus Health Science Center Building 6, Room 133 Stoneybrook, New York 11790 Mr. H. L. Watson Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. 5 Executive Mall East Swedesford Road Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 Gentlemen: I was interested to read Marv Kuschner's report of his visit to Washington and Bethesda in mid-February. I was particularly interested in the confidential comments beginning at the bottom of page l and carrying through page 2 to the top of page 3. What this says to me is that, in spite of an elaborate government reporting system, there are apparently many factors concerning the medical investigations of the PVC cases listed by Dr. Lloyd which do not come to public light. Furthermore, there appears to be a great deal of subjectivity involved in the assessment of the various angiosarcoma cases that have "been studied as well as in the appraisal of matters such as the potential hazard related to lung cancer. Finally, the speed with which these things are accomplished and medical judgments are possible leads me to wonder about the degree of urgency that the government feels under in order to clarify the medical consequences of exposure to vinyl chloride. In any event, it seems clear to me that close cooperation and continuing attention to the detailed studies of Dr. Thomas and his associates by both Drs. Kuschner and Kotin would be of significant utility to the entire industry. It seems to me that people with some knowledge of the significance to industry of these programs working closely with Dr. Thomas is important. I do not anticipate that we would in any way attempt to improperly affect the conclusions that should be drawn on a purely medical and scientific basis. On the other hand, we should not expect that Thomas and his associates will draw conclusions that are generally sound simply on the basis of their own efforts. I believe the remarks made in Dr. Kuschner's report on his visit indicate that the reports put out by Thomas and his AP00027659 Marvia Kuschner, M. D. Mr. H. L. Watson 18 March 1975 Page Two associates in the past are not totally objective and may have a certain bias against industry in their overall approach. I, therefore, feel that close cooperation and participation in their continuing appraisals of this situation by both Kuschner and Kotin could represent a real contribution, not only from the standpoint of industry, but from the standpoint of a truly medical and scientific appraisal of the evidence before us. I would, therefore, like to ask Dr. Kuschner whether he sees any mechanism by which Thomas and his associates might put together a panel of eminent doctors who could help them in their appraisal of these records and who would have backgrounds that would lead them to understand the consequences and the importance of a truly objective evaluation of the information. This evaluation should also look to the completeness of the studies that are carried out as well as their concern with the application of the results of the studies and the reporting of them. If we can find a mechanism to do this which does not involve very significant costs to Ait Products alone, I would like very much to see if we could find a way to pursue it. If you, Mr. Watson, or you, Dr. Kuschner, can make some proposals along this line that we might consider for action, I would be very appreciative. By copy of this note, I also solicit suggestions from Paul Kotin. Best good wishes. ORIGINAL SIGNED BY RICHARD FLEMING Richard Fleming RF:kvh cc: Messrs. A. R. Adams J. T. Barr T. L. Carey Paul Kotin J. T. Sebastianelli AP00027660