Document RJjXd073JBbRe93mLVZDzEQOV

SUBJECT; BUILDINGS: Sprayed Asbestos Fireproofing American Tetephon* & Teiefraph Company 195 BROADWAY. HEW YORK. N.Y 10007 212 393-9800 (GL70-06-225) B*n June 23, 1970 ftu NO. 1A5 TO FROM: Chief Engineers (copies to Building Engineers and Medical Directors) Engineering Director-Equipment and Buildings SYNOPSIS: Indicates possible health hazards with the use of sprayedasbestos fireproofing, glass fiber or asbestos interior duct linings. **# Recent articles in various building trade publications and newspapers have referred to possible health hazards associated with the use of sprayed asbestos fireproofing on steel-framed buildings. Medical research has indicated that asbestos fibers can be injurious to an individual'8 health. Therefore, if asbestos fireproofing is proposed or specified cn a building project, it must be applied in such a manner as not to endanger the individuals applying thi. asbestos or people in the vicinily of the application. The use of asbestos or glass fiber for interior duct lining has also been questioned as a possible health hazard. Suspended ceiling supply or return air plenums lined with asbestos or fiberglass are susceptible to contaminating the air stream with fibers frcsn ceiling panels and/or asbestos fibers from fireproofed structural members. Methods to preserve the use of these materials in building construction and not create a health hazard are being developed. . Advice and recommendations pertaining to developments in the solution to this problem will be furnished as soon as they are available. In the meantime, we would suggest that you review the design criteria and application methods proposed <on any buildings now being designed or in early stages of construction, that may be involved with using asbestos or glass fiber material. Alternative methods of applying fireproofing or lining the interior of air ducts should be considered. We would appreciate any local information on application methods or special surface treatments that have been used to gain accept ance of the use of these materials. It Dr. E. Schowaiter's request, this letter is also being sent to Medical Directors. GWH:DAL CONFIDENTIAL Id. 0 /i Engineering Director 0056S5