Document N3MJX4nDQL3mr6ekDbQnxQED

Asbestos Textile Institute Hygiene Co./j.:t.tue lieetin,'; Juno 10, 1003- In attendance: J. V/cber, D. R. Holmes, T. G. Schmidt, R. Smith, J. D. Beatty, Geo. Fabcl, K. i.i. Jackson Guests: Dr. H. Xf. Hetherington, Dr. 0. A. Sander, Dr. E. S, Kyers, Dr. U. Hhite, Dr. P. A. Theodos, Dr. P. Cartier, Dr. K. Smith In a brief review the background, objectives and problems of the Air Hygiene Committee were reviewed for the guests. Gone of the unansv/ered questions were: 1. V/hat dusts or fibres are significant in the production of fibrosis? 2. How can the dust or fibre be measured in the work environment? 3. How can clinical experience be correlated to exposure? 4. TJhat medical standards are available for the uniform evaluation of disease occurence and extent? The resolution of these questions would lead to the answer of * the fifth problem. 5. How can the effectiveness of engineering control bo evaluated? The Saranac research on experimental asbostosis clearly shovrs the long fibres (10 microns and longer) to be the fibrotic producing agent. The dust per so (particles 10 microns and less in diameter) is relatively innocuous. On this basis, the Industrial Hygiene surveys that have been made in the past, and in which only dust particles were measured, arc practically without value. Our com mittee presently has under consideration the problem of determining a valid method of sampling and analysis for the long fibres. The attention of the Doctors was called, in particular, to the areas of standards for uniform diagnosis of the disease and the accumulation of clinical experience for correlation with exposure data. Following this review, the Doctors and the Hygiene Committee deliber ated separately and reconvened in the afternoon. The following noiyibe were agreed upon in the Doctors* discussion: 1# Cooplet^ire-employment and periodic annual examinations are essential. a. Regarded as undesirable for unemployment in exposure areas are individuals who are asthmatics, mouth breathers, who have respiratory difficulties, chest deformities, cardiac disease or arc overweight. b. X-rays should be of 14 x 17 inch else, taken on equip ment of a rating of at least 100 milliainpheres. Single PA and lateral pictures should be taken. e. Timed vital capacity (lunr, function) tests should bo included in the examinations. Ilaxinura breathinrcapacity measurements should be made if possible. d.' `Cttiplete pre-employment history should be obtained with particular attention paid to possible tyj>es of dust exposure. 2. The designations for X-ray classifications agreed upon were, negative or borderlines early, moderate, advanced. It was the oonsensus that there are usually no significant X-ray changes- in -less than-five years of-as-bcstos-expcjure. " * 3. For a valid diagnosis of disease it v;as agreed that (a) a series of X-rays, (b) complete employment history, (c) identification and evaluation of exposure was essential. Further; that the presence of asbestos bodies are not an indication of the disease, but only of the body defense mechanism. 4. The Doctors offered several recommendations for the further consideration of the problems. a. A write-up of their deliberations be made and sent to all member company doctors for criticism, review and concurrence. b. The Doctors meet with the Air Hygiene Committee at the next meeting to further check X-ray diagnosis. Each doctor will bring films exemplifying each of the four classifications. c. Each doctor will bring to the next meeting data on the work force of each plant, indicating the diagnosis and X-ray classification and length of type of exposure for each individual. The Air Hygiene Committee heartily endorsed this program, and the September meeting will bo constituted accordingly. It was agreed that invitation should bo made to all doctors of member and associate member companies. Dr. K. 7/. Smith agreed to pre. pare the review of the discussion for forwarding to the medical personnel. 5* The Doctors pointed to the value of the Saranac research and indicated several areas where further investigation was neodfiKU -Those will bo further discussed at future meetings and specific proposals presented. The Air Hygiene Cor.unitt.ee i/ishos to express its appreciation of the significant contributions made by each of the doctors and welcome the opportunity to meet with them again. In its deliberations, the Air Hygiene Committee reviewed extensively the problems involved in determining a valid sampling technique. T. G. Schmidt reported on his correspondence with Industrial Hygiene Foundation. Question was raised as to the dia-actcr of the fibres of hygienic significance. While the Saranac research indicated fibre length, no observation was made as to tho diameter of the fibros producing fibrose.,. None of tho doctors present were aware of any data which night shed light on this particular problem. Since is/not one of determining the ninir.iun diameter to \ which A rffire is capable of being reduced, but rather one of deter mining /tjafcgaafiq of diameters of airborn fibre capable of being re- talnfttJ^fEB^I^CSns* fthe following action v/as agreed upon. 1. The natter will be roviewed with the Technical Committee to determine whether there is data from that source tiiat . will indicate typical dianeter size ranges. 2 Each plant will be requested to obtain air hygiene sannles from given locations using standard techniques. 3. All samples will be analysed by specified laboratory to insure uniformity of interpretation and results. Analysis of this group of samples should provide a reasonable basis for determining typical fibre diameter size ranges encounter ed in textile manufacturing* Details of the sampling locations, sampling methods and shipping instructions will be forwarded following discussions v/ith the Technical Com mittee and the Analysis Laboratory* 4. Develop a research proposal for the evaluation of the efficiency of tho four or five available instruments in collecting fibres of the size range determined by the above* It v/as suggested that equipment manufacturers night bo wil ling to cooperate in such a research program* Discussion of this phase will be held in abeyance pending results of the survey analysis* ( Most state industrial hygiene codes set the threshold limit for asbestos dust at five million particles per cubic foot* It was re cognized that it would be a long term job to get the states to change to the fibre evaluation even after we have developed for our selves satisfactory instrumentation and methods. For a period of time, undoubtedly, we will be subject to two standards, that required by the states, and our self imposed standard based on experimental and clinical evidence. The state of New Jersey is at present re vising its code on threshold limit values and there is indication that a limit baddft on fibre contamination will be included. Copies ofl and opinions have been presented to the John YJeber discussed and presented drawings of his design for dust control at the twisters. Although no hygiene survey samples have been taken at this point since the new hood v/as installed, visual observation indicated that there is excellent control* The hood is designed to facilitate operation of the twister and it does not interfere with the tieing of breaks. Operators have expressed com plete satisfaction with the arrangcmsnt* Copies of the drawing may be obtained from J. V/. YJeber, American Asbestos Textile Corporation. J. II. Jackson 1 Chairman