Document R2ODeeMrjw3Y4BkjDQ0EdXqzE

FILE NAME: Metropolitan Life (ML) DATE: 1944 June 19 DOC#: ML127 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo to Dr. Wheatley RE Surveys of the Dust Concentrations in Johnson's Co. Mines and Mills MEMORANDUM TOs Dr. Wheatley FROM: Miss Reilly Ca TE: June 19, 1944 Attached are copies of the surveys made by Mr,, Fehnel of the Johnson's Company mines and mills in 1930 arid of the new mill in .'larch 1931, The dust con centrations found were much higher than the allowable concentration of five million particles per cubic foot as established by the U.S. Public Health Service for dust in asbestos mills. Although there was an improvement in the new mill, the concentrations in the crusher department and the screening department wire still too high. Among six men physically examined two showed first degree asbestosis but none of the men appeared to have tuberculosis. The sanitary conditions in the plant were rather poor aran was noticed that there was an unusual degree of carelessness among the employees in spitting on the floor. Housing conditions in Thetford Mines were also poor. Since the war the mills and mines have been operating *4 hours a day. The increased work causing a correspon ding increase in the production of dust, and the lack of rest may produce a decreased resistance among the employees which may influence the incidence of tuberculosis. If It is advisable Mr. Fehnel can arrange to go to Thetford Mines to make a recheck survey of the Johnson's Company properties. If possible, It might be well to Include a jiffT survey of living conditions 052 of earaloyees. \PRODUCED