Document G69v98GdZkpg0zZvxGkqL8baV

Before proceeding, I would like to express the appreciation of the Asbestos Information Association for the opportunity to testify on the proposed asbestos regulations. Asbestos has numerous important applications in our modern industrial society. Among these, it provides built-in pro tection, against fire and deterioration in scores of common pro ducts in daily use. Through the years it has saved countless % *t lives and billions of dollars in property damage_by preventing or checking the spread of fires.' Asbestos-containing acoustical products make a valuable contribution to noise abatement. Products containing asbestos are used, among other applications, in the construction of schools, houses, theaters, factories, office and other public buildings, and in tbe insulation of furnaces, boilers and electrical equipment. % The asbestos-industry within-the state of Illinois plays an im portant role in the economic life of the state and its people. The member companies of the Asbestos Information Association own and operate a total of eight plants within the boundaries of the state. Some of the product lines produced at these eight plants include: asbestos-cement pipe, packings, gaskets, fric tion materials--including both conventional and disc brake lin ings--asbestos-cement- sheet products, asbestos roofing and sid- ing shingles, insulations, and many others. A total of 3,118 -2- . - - Hv 8001 0550 ' " HFM -001222