Document M4RVDzENbNpw4Zx9pyyxKVDOL

FILE NAME: WR Grace (WRG) DATE: December 2, 1969 DOC#: WRG219 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: 1969 Memo regarding studies of medical hazards of asbestos inhalation. DATE: SUBJECT: December 2, 1969 Asbestos Gentleman: Many, if not all of you, have heard to varying degrees of the studies being conducted on the medical hazards of asbestos inhalation. On November 4 past, at the CPLIA Convention, I heard an address by Dr. Irving J. Selikoff, Director, Environmental Sciences Laboratory, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City. He has been the spearhead of the clinical and field studies into asbestos and has a large staff in his program. His address was very factual about the extreme dangers of the use, under current practices, of sprayed fiber fire proofing. After noting the widespread concentration of fibers around major office structures, with emphasis on the large amounts distributed blocks from the site, he stressed the hazards to the general public of this pollution of the air. Also, he noted tne concern of possible long term danger to building occupants from prolonged minute dusting of fibers through the building's air distribution systems. His use of medical charts, job photos, on-site readings and expert commentary gave the maximum impact. He stated that based on his experience and studies and watching numerous applictions the methods and conditions were the worst he could have imagined. In summary, his speech was the strongest attack on sprayed fibers and was made before the plastering contractors and international union officials. The charge is very serious, ands responsible people are listening all across the country. For a very long time most of us have been complaining about sprayed fibers, untamped, low density, no sealer, etc., but from a fire rating and economic outlook. Now that factual testimony by an emminent medical man and his staff has been heard, responsible architects, public health and building officials are reacting.