Document LggkVzRgw5RV9Gw47Y0GEpDO3

October \ZoH (T-y.j /4t TO: ALL MANAGEMENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH LETTER NO. 23 The Medical Department has initiated a program to review x-rays of employees over forty with ten years or more of Eu Pont employment who have possibly had exposure to asbestos, primarily throui handling of Insulation. In some cases, new x-rays may be required. The objective of this program is to determine if there are any lung abnormalities that may be related to asbestos exposure. Other employees' x-rays will continue to be reviewed at the time of their regular physical examination. The program Is expected to be ccrpleted by March 31> 1981. As is cur policy, employees will be informed inrsdiately of any abnormality observed. Physicians and radiologists traditionally have not specifically examined x-rays for minute, early signs of thickening of the lung lining (pleural thickening). Eased on deveicp.me.nts in and outside the Company during the past decade, medical knowledge and 'understanding of asbestos-related lung abnormalities have increased dramatically, raking early identification of these abnormalities more feasible. Therefore, the current review program is being conducted in the light of this increased knowledge and understanding to identify and follow up cr. any abnormalities which ray have been undetected under traditional methods. The Medical Division began this year a program to better train Company physicians in early detection procedures. Thar training is now largely completed, and the physicians have begun their review program in conjunction with our con sulting radiologists. Du ?or.:, believes that It is the first company in the chemical industry to initiate such an extensive program. It should be strongly stressed that an early positive reading on an x-ray does not necessarily mean that an employee has, or will develop, asbestcsis. No medical treatment is required for asbestos-related abnormalities where nc disease is present but all work-related cases will be referred to a pulmonary specialist -at Company expense for evaluation and consultation. We believe that our procedure for handling asbestos insulation has ensured a level of exposure well within acceptable limits. Therefore, no changes in handling procedures are anticipated. Any cases of asbestos-related abnoimlities detected now would be the result of exposure many years ago, at Du Pont or in previous employment, at a time when low levels of exposure jto asbestos were not known to be potentially harmful. The installation of asbestos insulation on this site was discontinued in 1973. Please pass this Information along to personnel reporting to you. . r-mn If you need additional information, please contact your supervision. ( *** RDP/amr Attachment A-X-il/lC/b'J P.. D. PORTE?. MANAGER DUP 0906063 B0004SS- SC-DP-06540