Document RaewZ7MDNKOG0VX921VvQabra

FILE NAME: Union Carbide (UC) DATE: 1975 July 16 DOC#: UC125 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo RE TJC Asbestos-Health Problem with Action Plan Attached uc u.r INTERNAL. CO RRESPO NDEN CE------------------ MINING AND M E T A LS DIVISION To (Nam) Division Location Mr. W. C. Thurber UCC Metals 38th Floor 270 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017 R E C E I V E D P. 0. BOX 579, NIAGARA FAILS. NEW YORK 14302 Ju L 1 8 1975 Dai. July 16, 1975 ! originating o.pt. "Calidria" Asbestos if Antwaring lttr dot Copy to Messrs. R. E. Byrne, Jr B. L. Ingalls J. L. Myers R. L. Schult File The 1975 Action Plan for the above noted project requested in your letter of May 12, 1975 is attached. In essence, our approach is to use the silica problem to convince the drywall industry that asbestos is only the tip of the iceberg. They are going to have to recognize that 0SHA is here to stay and some changes are going to be required in their traditional ways of installing and finishing drywall that will almost certainly add to the cost. In my opinion, the key officials in the industry trade association, the Gypsum Drywall Contractors International (GDCI), support the above noted position and given a reasonable amount of ammunition will work actively to bring about changes. Unfortunately, they can only advise and recommend action to their member companies. As you are aware, timing is critical. The unions are increasing pressure for asbestos-free products and the longer the big suppliers work on the problem the better the substitutes become. At this point in time, we know of no asbestos-free mud that gives comparable performance. Specific Objective I is now well underway and I expect to be meeting with the GDCI to propose action on their part about August 1. HBR:cjb Attachment H. B. Rhodes UCC 008607 1975 ACTION PLAN TAPE JOINT MUD ASBESTOS-HEALTH PROBLEM CRITICAL OBJECTIVE To establish and maintain a program to minimize and, if possible, prevent inroads into our market position in tape joint compounds resulting from overreaction to asbestos health hazard publicity and from OSHA compliance problems, SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE I To verify and demonstrate the breadth of the real problem, i.e., that it covers not only asbestos but also crystalline silica. Standards: a. To measure the silica content of a variety of mud ingredients from a variety of suppliers to identify the origin of the silica. . To measure the silica content of several asbestos-containing and nonasbestos muds collected from the field. To measure the amount of crystalline silica in the airborne dust from 3-4 field locations. (Sanding, dry mixing, and a J \ *** cleanup operations.) Locations selected in cooperation with GDCI to broaden measurement of asbestos levels at different geographical locations, i.e., under different current work practices. Accountability: a, b, c H. B. Rhodes Schedule: . a.) July 25, 1975 b.) July 25, 1975 c.) August 29, 1975 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE II To enlist the cooperation and active participation of the drywall contractors and, if possible, their suppliers in developing suitable and OSHA acceptable work practices to handle both the asbestos and silica problems. Standards: . a. Consult with National Gypsum and others knowledgeable in the building industry on the status of alternative methods of construction. UCC 008608 7e/?c Jo t'nf Aine/ dst'ffof //A f-ti/e* 'W UCC 008610 j//r/? r