Document RppRdJkqdw8y2vKq99YyMrD68

PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL ATTORNEY-CLIENT COMMUNICATION November 13, 1938 C. B. Burnett Herbert Merton Ball J, B. Job K. V. Lindell - Asbestos A. B. Merchant A. C, Smith - Finderne Ivan Sabourin, Esq.-Montreal F, J. Solon, Jr. Dr. G. W. Wright -Cleveland ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE REPORT TO POLICY COMMITTEE on initial raar meeting DATE AND LOCATION: October 15, 1968, at GBQ PRESENT FROM THE LEGAL PROBLEMS SUB-COMMITTEE: Herbert Morton Ball ,<'CSjiilil'eSin,y`ir Vr V." Lanigan and R. 1. Standel, Jr. PRESENT FROM THE POLICY COMMITTEE: Herbert Morton Ball and Sr.`"'Creorge "W. Wright. PURPOSE OF MEETING: Tl, principal purpose of the meeting was for Dr. Wright to begin the education of the committee members as to the medical and scientific aspects of asbestosis and mesothelioma. Among the major areas discussed by Dr. Wright were: 1) the formulation and chemical make-up of the various types of asbestos and the commercial applications thereof; 2) the nature of asbestosis. Including the causations, symptoms, detection, diagnosis and prognosis of the disease; 3) the present state of medical knowledge concerning asbestosis and mesothelioma and the chronology of the historical development thereof; and 4) Dr. Selikoff's work, the conclusions to be drawn therefrom, and the probable ramifications. C. B. Burnett joined the meeting for lunch. At that time a general discussion of the legal posture of this problem was had. Among the things discussed were; MT-002770 2- 1) the present status of the common law asbestosIs actions now pending against us; 2) the probability of numerous similar eases in the future and the best means of preparing for them; 3) the significance that medical testimony and know ledge will have in these cases; and 4) the need for an industry-wide approach to the problem. CONCLUSIONS; l) Serious consideration should be given to inviting other companies to join with us in an industry-wide legal committee, the purpose of which would be to maximize and co-ordinate the legal thinking and efforts of the various asbestos mining and/or manufacturing companies. 2) It will be necessary to set up a comprehen sive system whereby counsel engaged to de fend various asbestosis cases throughout the country on our behalf can be properly and effectively educated as to the medical and scientific aspects of such cases. B, R. Standel, Jr. cc: W, W. Lanigan I. M. Fenner - Finderne C. L. Sheekler - Finderne H. M. Jackson 'll MT-002771