Document O3MZ6vv8Zg31KYpY37YvGrwjQ

FILE NAME: Raybestos-Manhattan (RBM) DATE: 1977 Feb 16 DOC#: RBM085 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo RE Whether RBM Should Comment on Safety of Asbestos Corporate Trurribull TO: Mr. M. Q. Scowcroft February IS, 1977 On several occasions the question has come up as to whether or not Raybestos-Manhattan can or should make statements to the effect that our products can be used safely if properly handled. Unfortunately, we cannot use the word safe simply because we do not know what a safe level of exposure is.. Science has not yet been able to establish a level of exposure below which disease will not occur because insufficient time has lapsed to permit epidemiological studies of occupational groups working under modern well controlled, ,,- conditions. * Although v/e must not use the word safe, perhaps v/e can devise some kind of language to indicate to customers that, on the basis of field tests v/e have conducted, R/M dust suppressed textiles can be handled without exposing the worker to airborne concentrations in excess of OSHA. standards providing proper work 'practices are observed. I realize that any such statement would probably be rather awkward and perhaps not very effective as a sales tool, but I don't see that we have much 'choice in the matter. If it is intended to go ahead with such an approach, field tests used as a basis for making a statement should be carefully documented preferably by an independent testing laboratory. I am enclosing a copy of work practice instructions for reducing asbestos dust during brake servicing. This is included in the Raywestos passenger car catalog and is distributed along with other material to persons inquiring about brake servicing procedures. You will note that the word safe is avoided. /as Enclosure cc: Messrs. R. B. Sims I. H. Weaver Drs. H . C . Lewinsohn J. J. Magenheimer, John Wcurs n 24933