Document O3BDyn5vOMoDnLG7Gyb3xmE2v

FRICTION MATERIALS STANDARDS INSTITUTE, INC.', E-210 ROUTE if4, PAEAMUS, N.J. 07652 . , \ ** ' November 16, 1976 TO: ASBESTOS STUDY COMMITTEE SUBJECT: Correspondence relating to asbestos Over the past several weeks I have received copies of correspondence relating to the asbestos pffcpblem. 'In late October 1976 Mr. Stf&J llereness of the Asbestos Information Association contacted me tftf&cerning a letter he sent to the EPA. In particular he was concussed with a request that EPA issued for proposals for possible economic impact studies of certain toxic 'substances. In the request for proposals EPA sent along an enclosure for illustrative purposes* I an.enclosing copies of Mr. Mereness * letter to EPA, the letter of the EPA of 2 August 1976,'along with Enclosure IV. In Enclosure IV, the EPA used asbestos brake- and clutch linings as an example of the type of proposal that the Contractor might be dealing with. In this example, EPA described an economic impact study where asbestos containing friction materials could not be used in motor vehicles in the U.3. As you will note, Mr. Mereness was upset by tfee use or these illustrations. He felt also that the Institute and its members would be upset by the example used for asbeetos containing brake linings and clutch facings. Also, he suggested that our association may wish to comment directly to EPA oa the use of this illustration. I will discuss this with the acting Chairman of the Committee and would be pleased to receive other comments............ .. . ' Another association (ASIA) sent along a copy of a letter that they had received. This letter was sent out by a law firm in Philadelphia soliciting litigation where suits might be pressed against drug companies and other thircTpatties where workman's compensation might-be involved. In particular, I call your attention to the last paragraph of this letter where they were soliciting cases involving exposure to asbestos. This letter emphasizes third party liability where originally workmans compensation would have been involved. Uhere injury from asbestos might be alleged by those working in brake service shops, the primary liability may be with workman's compensation. However, it would appear that this _ law firm is seeking third party actions, and these could possibly be against those who supply brake linings and clutch facings. It has been suggested that the third party liability problem might be alleviated in the future if the Institute were to publish in its catalogs recommended procedures on handling brake linings and clutch facings. This is an item that the Asbestos Study Committee might consider for the Institute's catalogs. This too is an item I will discuss with the acting Chairman of this Committee. - E. V!. Drislane Executive Director CC: Officers & Board' o Directors BX-330