Document Nn7xzNVaarpybYwEK92mZQ1E

FILE NAME Corning OC DATE 1969 Mar 10 DOC OC343 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Status Report - Medical Services Dept - FIBEN | FIBEN INTRA COMPANY CORRESPONDENCE me ~ e / J. M. Briley . . ee Dee March 10 1969 metrs Jon L. Konzen M.D. oe: J. H. Thomas eam W. W. Boeschenstain MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT - K. D. Burch | STATUS REPORT se ome The Medical Director is responsible for supervision of the Corporate medical program This includes the following activities relating to medical progrmst 1. Formulating major Corporate objectivize policies plans and programs for management's approval 2. Establishing necessary controls such as Company standards systems procedures and policies to assure that major Corporate objectives plane and programs are carried out 3. Measuring performance of activity through the media of reports the review of plans program and operations 4. Provide medical consultation and technical advice relating tot a Employees bealth and working conditions te b. Industrial compensation CASES we @. Litigation d Customer erop Sots a Corporativa suiety programs 3. Concurring in the selection and change in assignment of medical personnel In the performmes of these responsibilities the Medical Director is assisted by Y. H. Edvards and G. W. Handel An Industrial Hygienist will be employed by the Medical Services Department when a capable and ruxifieden candidate becomes ~ available 489 A SINUAROYF ACTIVITIES CORPORATE SPONSORED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS -" These programs are funded by the Corporation and administered by the Medical Services Department A. Industrial Exgiene Foundation Pittsburch Pz The five research projects listed below are nor in varying states of completion at the Foundation The combined costs of all of the four going studies to Corning Fiberglaz Corp. 1 6062 for the three years 1968 and 1969 due to the participation of other mufacturers in these projects 1. Fibrous Dust Study An minal tracheal Infection study to determine the biologie affects of various fibrous dusts including fibrous glass and asbestos Results decorate that fibrous glass although biologically inert can elicit a specific foreign body reaction in the lungs which is referred to as a ferruginous body or a pseudoasbestos body Research to date suggeste almoet any fibrous material can illicit this reaction The tracheal injection phase of this study has been completed and the reports to sponsors are forthcoming Another phase of the study in which an analysis was made of 100 eats of human lungs takan at autopsy from Pittsburgh area residents revesled that 26 of these lungs contained ferruginous bodies The cora or Bueleus of asch of these bodies was examined by electron microscopy and nons containad fibrous glass 4898 } a 2. Fibrous Class Inhalation Study | The purpose of this study is to determine the _ biologic affects of the inhalation of large quan taties of both costed and uncoated glass fibers Into the lunge of laboratory animals The inhalation study has been in progress for 15 months and the liberatory exposure phase will been completed in 9 more months Indications to date are that fibrous glass is biologically inert The 1968 & 1969 casts of the study are covered in In paragraph 2 Section 8 ate Emphysema Study This project is intended to determine whether or not exposure to borne fibroms glars will aggravate an existing emphysematous condition in the Imgs of laboratory animals The study is now in progress after a delay due to a technical flow To date no minals have been sacrificed to deternice the effects of exposure The project will be empleted in 12 mouths See paragraph 2 of Section A for cost information 4. Pulmonary Function Tests Over 200 employers selected at random from the Kevark plant received screening pulmonary functio tests to determine possible affects on the lungs that could not be revealed by chest rays Preliminary data demonstrate with no effect attributed to fibrous glass only aging affects osure to borne 489C oe wba 4. Pulmmary Function Tests continued more detailed puinmary function testing program is being conducted on a oneller selected group of Newark employees to sub- _ stantiate the preliminary findings we The study is expected to be complete by 8 June 1969 Sae paragraph 2 of Section & for cost information 5. Human Lung Study As a further documentation of the biologic affects of exposure to fibrous gless upon bimano Dr. Gross of the Foundation has received 13 sets of b 'man lungs obtained at autopay from former employees of the Novark pleat The lungs will be subjected to detailed study and analysis to determinet 1 whether glass has caused any lung pathology and 2 the quantity and size of any gimes particles that have entered and resized in the lungs Eleven of the thirteen sets of lunge have exised and found to be without anything and without specific disun ba n remarkable Reports will be empleted in July 1969 Sae paragraph 2 Section & for cost information Under the direction of Dr. Levis Cralley the Occupational Health Section of the D.5 Public Health Service is com ducting a study of the bealth and employment records or former and present employees of fibrous glass manufacturers om ' oe +-@ ewe Gummeor e: < a . . 4810 e $ 5 3. Epidemiologic Survey - U.S.P.B.5 continued The purpose of the study is to determine if fibrous glass workers have a greater incidence of premature disability or death than other groups of industrial 2.200" employees Particular emphasis is being placed on the -. study of former employees The value of the study is that it will provide data e about the health effects of both long and short term exposures to fibrous glass and may negate the argument that our present employeer are a selected population preliminary report of the findings will be released in late 1969 or early 1970 The cast of the study is financed by the U.S.P.H.S. C. Institute of Industrial Health University of MichigeDr. Dr. Dr. Carey P. KeCoed P. A study has been made under the direction of Dr. C. P. McCord to evaluate the chest rays of our Newark plast employees This project is a corollary to that carried out by Dr. George W. Wright in 1963 but adds my epidemiological and statistical refioments lacking in Dr. Wright's work It also brings the record forward by five years thus covering an exposure period of importanes in long fibrous . glass workers The study is approximately 90 emplete with only supple mental malyzes to be added The final report will be correlated with the industrial hygiene survey of the Revark plant by Mr. George Tubich ses subdivision D Final reports are expected before July 1969 All major charges for the study have been paid ow ' a oO we le eee 489E -f D. Industrial Hygiene Survey - Bevark Plant Mr. George Tubich Kr George Tubich Consulting Industrial Hygienist . ecoducted a United industrial hygiene survey of the " Nevark plant to determine the mount of borne fibrous glass dust This is a corollary project to tbo study made by the Inst{tute of Industrial Bseich, University of Michigan we This {nfornation fs needed to validetea the fnoplent enviromental contamination to which Newark employees are exposed. A report of the (f{ocdings was received in 1968 Mr. Tubich is also preparing a manuscript for possible Publicstico to be based on this survey The manuscript is to be conpleted in the spring of 1569, Major charges for the survey have been paid I. Implantation Studier N.I.H. Dr. Mear Straton The original purpose of this study was to we fibrow glass as a carrying agent for asbestos Fibrous glass derocor was chosen as the carrier because of its biological inertness Animals with the implanted asbestos demonstrated patbolocics] changer, Anizsls with ecoly ffbrous giess ixplants dencastrated so serious change, serious The study has been in progress for one year and is expected to continue for another year These amizels with fibrous glass deplests who died from natural cazuses shoved po serious aboorsalitioes, There is mo coat to the company other than supplying th^<fibreas stus oe & @ seems Cece 8 eoaue er-me 489F  07 Y. Glass Fiber Kresion free Duets - Kettering Laboratory Under the auspices of N.I.M.A. Fibergies and three - other glass duct manufacturers have commissionad ' Kettering Laboratory to investigate glass fiber erosion and a variety of existing ventilating systems The current study differs from a stellar Kettering study in that it is a field study of systems five years old or older Only new duet was used in the previous duct study which was conducted under Lab oratory conditions ttering has Lovestigated out of a total of test sites and found no fibrous glass in the streens five systems Estimated completion date July 2969 DC7 east 2500 Enviromental EnviromentEanvilromentSal tudies Universitoyf California Enviromental Enviromental Dr. Dr. W. Clark Cooper Under the auspices of N.I.M.A the four glass fiber manufacturing companies have requested Dr. Cooper Institute of Public Health University of California to undertake two investigations of environmental conditions that are particularly pertinent to alleged health problems Das study involves the determination of both the quantity and the diamate of glass fibers to be found in the working environments environments of insulation applicators arbastos workers The second study will determine the extent of fiber erosion in actual fibrous glas~- All studies will be made at West Coast sites The second phase of the study will amplify the work baing done by Kattering Laboratory It has the advantage of being conducted on the Wast Court Dr. Cooper has the respect of Dr. Belikoff and other influential members of the enviromental health community | The study was muthorized in Tebruary 1969. Usable infor mation cerning dust spall should be available within 6 months Working environnant data will be available in approximately one year The cost of both paras of the project to OC to 8230 : eer! 48964896 II ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES A. Skin Irritations - Dr. X. B. Beis,eOhl io State University ... To determine skin fritstion levels of Betz modified Beta and C fiber material Washing machine studies dexcostrated that elething would be contaminated with glass at when washed with glass fabrics These studies demonstrated that irritation could be expected by a significant number of individuals wearing the ecotminated clothing if the fiber dimeter was greater than 18 HT Currently studies are being carried out by vones wearing nightgowns fabricated from " modified A and C fiber The preliminary results suggest that bats dimater fiber can be incorporated in clothing without contributing to irritation XCD - Kay 1969 Estimated Cost - 5000 3 Basie Studies in Ship Irritation - Dr. Leo J. Miedler & . D3 Jen L. Konsen ; Basie pilot studies have bem initiated to more precisely determine the fiber dimster causing adverse skin sensation This study will require approximately two months to emplets emplets Information from this study will be used to design follow on research into the effect of finishes in causing adverse skin sensation soy ECD @ May 15 1969 Estimated Cost - 10,000 . C. Task Force At the request of Mr. F. Blauvelt a tack fores has been establebad to determine what enviromental testing of our products should be conducted As head of this task feree I will define the overall program to determine the projects responsibilities priorities of research and ~'" financial support An effective method for accumulation . analysis and handling of product explaints from the general public will be included in the task fores duties owe www ee cee * e ee ee ane eee ' mee ate 6 ummm ere > - ee Ow owe ee . 8 489H =Br- Environmental Control Committee As an active member of the Environmental Control . Committee the Medical Director works in close . cooperation with Kr 8. H. Thomas Areas of activity are the environmental pollution problems outside and inside the manufacturing plants at Barrington Berlin Huntingdon Andersco Santa Clara Kansas City and the new Jackson plant We are working as a tem to obtain the necessary bygiene and toxicology com sultants to advise management of the necessary com trol device and appraise then of pending legislation with regard to the community and the plant working enviroment We are currently deeply involved with the health aspects of our plant efficents especially Santa Clara Dr. Goldsmith Health Consultant representing the California Department of Health to the Key Area Pollution Control District has indicated from the Information supplied him there is no immediate hazard to health without giving us a clean bill of bealth om Py 2 0 ' oam m 6 oe ne Ce ee eee 489I . ~ III INQUIRIES COMPLAINTS LITIGATION & MORDEEN'S COMPENSATION COMPENSATION A. w-, Inquiries ; Inquiries involving health effects from exposure to fibrous glans are directed to the Medical Services Department for analysis and resolution Many such inquiries are received every year and are initiated by Fiberglas representatives by companies using fibrous glass products by physicims and by research groups or Laboratories 3. Complaints Complaints are received from the consumer or through Fibergles field representatives The resolution of these complaints often is very time consuming .. Health complaints are categorized as follows No. in 1968 a Respiratory be. Skin irritation & alleged dermatoses e Itch . 43 . 32 37 136 The Medical Sarvient Department supplies consultation to the Lev Department for pending litigation involving alleged bioeffects of exposure to Fiberglas products On occation it is necessary to milst the services of on Expan tial medical consultant to evaluate the physical condition of a claiment 487J 487J -10 C. Liticerfee (ecot{oued) . As of December 31 1968 three court suits are peading disabling disabling Pibergles, Cue sult alleges 9-0-0 disabling asbestoris a second alleges savara an ducere ra tiron tyfi ar fabrics and the third alleges development of maligant melanom and the aggravation of an asthmatic condition - from exposure to borne particles from a TRIM filter e Worker's Compensation Carer Workazn sCeapentation ezsas ean {nvolve all Tiberglas ecployaas, Although all Workmen's Compensation claims are of Interest to this department each empeny mit has been directed to notify the department of all claims involving @ respiratory eceplaist, the employing unit is instructed in . y y auas Yollorins malyeis, the handling of each are contested payment of faits claims reduced and Workmen's Compensation costs are controlled Durieg 1968, 23 respiratory eleixs were filed epatast the ecupany by tt ro elaine ware filed ha tt pta n^'ro 'rere against the manufacturing units In addition there is eas clain of glesreblocareeateract filed against the Kevark plmt. @ + | (a am t 'armes n ew . com ame comm. es 65 489K IT GENERAL PROGRAMS Limit Value for A. Threshold mere... , Fibrous Class s me 6 oe net Pr au Creat uarch . r r the breshoiM Cd " tte and is representing the interests of the glues manufacturers in fibrous an attempt to get the current oa fibrous glese rafsed ty that of an inere uso. The TLY Committes believes that the current research by Dr. Grees with fibrous glass dusts will prove in valuable to them in establishing a realistic and {alr threshold establishing walue for glass dusts, Although Dr. Groes is to present current medical date about fibrous glass and its bioders to the TLY Committee is March 1969 it is possible that a final decisfocn on a TLY for giers will be until Dr. Cross has expleted his postposed Pr res current glass studies raport hac ' utn said that so locy as giese tends to frritate the skin they eennor Cleesify it as an fnere dose, There is no charge to the company for this project B. Service to Sales Pa xli re . Gooperates with the Sales to preses tue use and eret of br ... preses a ere" t fofornution was Supplied to eret and StevenceVen Beasen which arsisted is @ feveredle decision to use fibrous glecs materials in their product, . anor e amume e + @ oc ame ccmo, me 6 e ae 4892 -12- C. Safety and Industrial Industrial Bygiene The Medical Services Department cooperates in the Corporate Safety and Industrial Hygiena programa Meetings have been held with the Astna representative 21 lo administrative and industrial hygiene personnal to explain our needs and develop a satisfactory working relationship with tha Periodic Safety and I.H. reports are revieved and recommendations for correction of poor practicas and working conditions are submitted Trade Organizations Dr. Roeses mnd Mr. Edvards are members of the Health members representing fibrous glass producare ares Les B. Grant PPG Cliff Sheckler Xmville and Valter Gubar Certainteed Bacon The Medical Director is a member of the Health & Safety Committee for the 5.P.I. The purpose of this committer is to identify the potential health besarde of working with rainforesd plastics and defion vafaty practicus to aliginate there hazards The results of the committen's studies and recommendations will be extraded to the small FRP fabricators via safety pamphlets and manuals R. FL Research Dr. Marvin Kuschner For Tor University is conducting Ambalation studies with TAP material We have cooperated with him by suggesting firms who could supply the necessary mount of TRP dust of a known exposition for use in his studias Arrangements were made for his to visit the Aiken Kovack and Granville facilities to broaden bis knowledge about the manufacture of Fiberglas md the complexities of TRP products We are not contributing any finmcial support to Dr. Kuschner's project e e@e+ 0 C= am Se@e ee Oe een! wees ' 489 , 013- 7. Professional& Community Relations The Medical Director ments with professional groups in order to supply them with proper and correct factual Encvledge of fibress glass products These presentations include the peasible effects of exposure under defined enviromental ccnditions Through these talks the pro- fessimal groups become acquainted with the functions , of the Medical Services Department . The Medical Director has authored a paper Realth of Fibrous Glass Workers presented to the Industrial - Health Foundation in October 1968. Invitation her been accepted to talk to the Industrial Hygiene Association of Michigan in April 1969. In Key 1969 he will present a paper at the Industrial Bygiene Association Annual Meeting in Denver The Medical Director pims to increase his contacts and participation in the occupational and enviromental medical community This will provide opportunities to tell the true story regarding the bealth aspects of Fibrous la materials and dininish the asso connotation that our products represent a health hazard Inter Copy Ofentation It is of advantage for certain areas in the company such as sales and Purchasing to have accurate infor mation concerning the health affects of fibrous glass products and raw materials Several meetings vara hald with department wingers and their key personnel my o owe Gum 'e6 same oc cu: om e 48944894 oli IN-PLANT MEDICAL PLOGLN An important function of the Medical Services Department tb tb dz me ' ' ' ' " . medical program Activities initiated to implesant this prosrcs arc ez folicoves A. Major Medical Equipment A list of mejor medical equipment and cost estimates have been developed for auch plant and the Technical Center for the proposed plant medical progra This basle equipant is required to carry out the necessary preseapleyucct asd periodic physical exmiinations, This (neludes the follovieg!: . 1. Electrocardiograms 2. Pulnosery fisesios 3. sight screening 4, Avdicectrie testing 3. 2671 ) mainations are extracted @at in all locations except Neverk). XCD - April 1 1969 1 Survey of Existice Mediee! Fevipsent & survey of the existing plant meffeel equirnent bas been emplated From the results of this surrey & cost estimate will be prepared for most approval to replace obsolete equipment This will be a part of the overall recommendation to equip misting and nev anukeetur^>p1ant the ' / " ment for an effective plant medical prostm RCD 'April 1 1969 ' '' a ' GED ea GRP 666 GPe Gs oe 8 + @@ nam awe & 1- C. Moothly Medical Report In January a Monthly Madeal Report was initiated for all manufacturing plants and the technical center The purpoes of this report is to statistically record the __ ae ~. the medical personnel plent population at risk epense case load special information statistical refermes and fascial and caseload caseload From this report we will be yze the t : ' medical centers be alerted to hazardous workins coo- ditions and judge the effectiveness of the medical departments In those cases where the medical service rate is out of proportion an analysis on be conducted and corrective action recommended 11- 11- Continntog. D. Medical Guide The preparation of a Medical Guide has been initiated The purpose of this Medical Guide is to establish Corporata atenfards for the operation of a madical services crater It will include the recommended pre- manufacturing mid periedie excployae physical exexis ations for each manufacturing plent technical center and general officer Inszinttice procedures and frequoda will be included An izportant aspect of the Guide will bs dirvcetios in bendliicg wide variety of macicrl aizisi{stretive prodless, BED = Key 2, 1969 B. Medical Facilities Layout and Equipment Recomendations Recommendations Facility Layouts and equipment recommendations have been ted t tha Jaha ud Fupr / ' Toledo ted Towar. The madicael depertsent leyect and the equipment recommendations will na developed when we receive eufacturing operation Revised for the Fairburn pimt the criteria of the Layouts of existing medical departments are being developed o & am: eam ete eweae eo wom @e cae am, -e e ee 8 ew mer ee we oe . . 0 ems tie. os mee e 7. Selection of Plast Physicians and Nurses distinct was provided physician and nurse for .. plants Candidates are - Toledo Fiberglas Tower in the selection of the plant . the Jackson and Valparaiso being interviewed for the ae Industrial Hygiene Surveys Arrangements were made with appropriate industrial bygient and medical consultants to survey the following " wefacturing plentes recommendations Huntisgdoa end submitted Upon receiving their reports recommendations were submitted Kr tb arduu vod "" Identiffert{on of Nodies] Prodlen Arans Visits were made to the Huntingdon and Anderson plants to malyse the cause of severe dermatitis problems The source of the problem was the use of aparys and silmes in the textile size Recomended personal bygiese progress were sudaitted to esse the eaployas irritation. , o Jit/ea