Document V3mqMYRdgDEQ5wM0918VgnL28

FILE NAME: Mead (MEAD) DATE: 1982 Aug 9 DOC#: MEAD042 DO CUM ENT DESCRIPTION: Letter Mr. Taka Matsurnoto MSK Warner, K.K. 12, Kirihara, Fujisawa Japan, 252 Dear Taka: The following responses, Taka, are relavent to the questions contained in your telexes of July 29, and 30. 1, Delco Moraine is promoting non-asbestos lining, but not as aggressively as Spring Division. Delco buys their paper from Armstrong. 2. Raybestos was aggressively promoting non-asbestos linings, and at one time, set a deadline of January 1, 1982, for asbestos linings. Because their non-asbestos linings have not been widely accepted due to poor durability, they have had to rescind their deadline. They do offer a line of non-asbestos wet clutch materials. At least part of S. K. Wellman's line of "paper" friction materials is non-asbestos. We have had no competition from S. K. Wellman up to this point. Delco is recommending the use of their DM-9919 non-asbestos lining in current and future transmission development programs. Detroit Aluminum and Brass supplies only one friction element, a band, to the OE market, as far as I know. I believe it utilizes an asbestos containing lining. CAB is not a major friction material supplier to the OE market. Our major OE competitors at this time are Raybestos and Delco. GM applications for which we expect non-asbestos approval in the near future: EPliohtion THH 125 Forward THM 125 Reverse THH 125 Direct Material SD-715-AAB SD-715-AAB SD-1777 10891RA Mead 003266 GM applications which are in production with non-asbestos linings: application Material THM 125 Intermediate THM 700 Forward THM 700 Reverse THM 250 Reverse THM 440 Input THM 350 Reverse THM 200/250/350 TCL (band) SD-I473-2 SD-1799 SD-715-MB SD-715-AAB SD-715-MB SD-715-AB SD-715-MB 4. Raybestos Manhattan and Thermoid are the major suppliers of dry clutch material in the U.S. Current production materials supplied by these two canpanys contain asbestos. Non-asbestos substitutes have been developed and are undergoing tests. Supposedly, Ford is buying a non-asbestos dry clutch material from Valeo of France. The major sources of dry brake material, Abex, Delco, Raybestos, and Bendix, have all introduced non-asbestos linings. While they have not substituted non-asbestos for asbestos linings in existing applications, as the old applications become obsolete, they are replaced with new non-asbestos systems. In dealing with asbestos, there are three major areas of concern that affect Mead and Spring Division. These are the health impact, the impact on the environment, and product liability. / Jnvur-X- Mead 003267 Health Impact It is estimated that in the U.S., 75,000 deaths a year are due to asbestos related diseases. Knowingly subjecting ones employees to such a risk is unconscionable, even thouch we are operating within the law. It is unknown at this time what a safe level of exposure to asbestos is, if there is one. The U.S. government could decide to ban the use of asbestos at any time, to protect the health of its' citizens. Environmental Impact Because of the health problems associated with asbestos, much effort and money is devoted to protecting the environment. Industrial'hygiene is a major cost factor. Items like waste disposal, water pollution controls, dust collection, raw material handling, etc. became major concerns. Product Liability ' If a person who has worked with or used one of our asbestos containing products should catch asfcestosis, we are liable for damages regardless of whether or not we have been operating within the law. The U.S. courts have been very sympathetic toward victims of asbestosis and have been making monitary awards of $100,000 commonplace. Spring Division and head are defending themselves in at least one lawsuit at this very moment. The penalty for violating governmental regulations concerning the use of asbestos is jail and/or fine. The use of asbestos within the law can be just as financially burdensome. Sincerely yours SPRING DIVISION R n r a --W a r n p r C n r m r a f - i o n Friction Products Manager Mead 003268