Document MG726mYnOB81j4RxQO965oyrL

November 13, 1969 TO: W. P. Haines CC: F. J. Solon, Jr* Carl Thompson - Hill Sc Knowlton HE: CONVERSATION WITH HEP.3 SPRAIIjIG. PROBLEM RE PHILADELPHIA I called Herb Levine, the president of the Sprayed Mineral Fiber Manufacturers Association,, to fill him in on the recent developments in Philadelphia re the spraying of a couple of buildings iir the center city area, and to ask his help in obtaining more info for us*. Not only did Mr. Levine know of the problem, but has been working on it for the past month. The following is his account of the events leading up to the article which appeared in the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin on November 6. Early in October, William Reilly of the Philadelphia health department called Dr. Selikoff concerning any possible health hazard to the general public associated with asbestos "fallout" coming from a building under construction in Fniladelphia since early spring-* Selikoff told him that there v.exo a danger, and offered his assistance in bringing the problem 'under control* Dr. Selikoff then called Herb Levine and explained the problem to him. A' meeting was held in Dr. Selikoff*s offices at Mount Sinai, and Bill Reitze and Bill Nicholson were dispatched to Philadelphia to examine the situation at first hand. Working together,, the group is now preparing plans to be put into effect in Philadelphia to reduce the "fallout." According to Levine, Reilly is satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by all concerned in this matter, and it is unlikely that the situation will develop into a real crisis* There was no "stop order" issued, as was reported on Channel 3, instead the spraying of the building is continuing. However, the second building mentioned in the article, upon which construction has not started, may be delayed until the plans are completed.. The asbestos spray being used was manufactured by U.S. Gypsum. It, may or may not contain J-M asbestos. The spray contractor, Venzie, is not a member of Levine's association, and has not been pleased by the fuss that has developed over its sloppy spraying techniques. Levine also told me that it was he who arranged for Dr. Selikoff to be invited to speak at the recent CPLIA convention in LasVegas, so that contractors all across the country would bo more aware of the problems facing them in this area. Levine assured me that he would inform us immediately of any developments in this situation in Philadelphia. _ MS0T Matt Swetonic PRODUCED JM - 83