Document NELZB2R2MaqKG4moZ60BLLdyy

FILE NAME Manville JMA DATE 1973 Aug 20 DOC JMA315 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Memo RE Removal of Amosite from Maranite Manville Internal Correspondence Correspondence Correspondence H. Moreno Coples Subject Dr. George Wright S. Lane F. May J. McKinney Date 20 August 1973 . Some time ago among others I expressed the opinion that it would be worth considering a try at removing all Amosite from Maranite For my part this was based upon the absence of a specific hygiene standard for Amosite and the fact that Selikoff was using the adverse health experience of the Patterson N. J. plant as an example of the unusually serious toxic effect of Amosite In additioant that time we were . impressed with the concept that if we could remove asbestos from those exposures where control was difficult for the user and where Selikoff was active - insulation and 3 construction in general - it would be useful Since then a standard two developments have occurred of 2 fibers per cc for Amosite - The the U.K. same has set as for chrysotile They are of the opinion that Amosite is not more toxic than chrysotile Admittedly there is a paucity of data about pure Amosite exposure but it would appear that they believe the Patterson experience was due to very heavy doses - levels am inclined to rarely met agree with in the past uses of them but still have chrysotile I some reservations that the nature of Amosite fiber might lead to greater retention of inhaled fibers Second it is now clear that Selikoff is pursuing studies of industrial populations other than insulation workers and there is little or no validity to the idea that removal of asbestos from certain products will limit his sphere of interest and activity At this time I believe the use of Amosite in circumstances where those engaged in manufacture or use of a product will not be exposed to more than 2 fibers per cc TWA or a peak of more than 10 cc would be acceptable from both a health legal protection and a medico be easy to achieve point of view This will not Os I have reviewed the old and current dust conditions at Billerica and have talked with Bill Reitze about the health experience of employees there It is apparent that Billerica - insofar as that is known has had one of the poorest health experiences in the Corporation with respect and cancer This is readily explained by the past to asbestosis high exposures Although there has been improvement in the dust conditions few stations have achieved 2 cc many are still above 5 and too many are much higher than that From the records there is inconsistency of performance - stations fluctuating from 5 to 25 or more fibers per cc Moreover the conclusion that wearing a mask is being substituted for proper control seems inescapable There also are about current methods of solid waste disposal questions Engineering controls properly and continously supervised to guarantee holding the fiber count below 2 cc should be achievable and in the light of what we know now is required to assure the health of those Billerica The proper use of engaged in a mask for manufacturing at known temporary higher exposure the correction of which is in progress can be tolerated for a short time but should not be condoned as a substitute above 10 are is required for proper essential controls a properly If brief exposure used ventilated to peaks helmet Protection of the users of the product must also be considered The products controllable used in the by adequate metals industry ought consultation with the to be users We need to know what is the actual exposure of users in other fields where control is more difficult such as construction work and where the user might be ignorant of potential hazard or ; inclined to ignore warning labels One cannot depend upon a high level of protection motivation in such areas If Maranite poses a health threat for these users the situation must be remedied If my comments raise what appear to bear in mind the achievements along the Corporation in the recent past be insurmountable obstacles these lines elsewhere in Oh tee nae > mere