Document VKE6JBB6QKO6Z6az0x8rNkJvZ

t i. 17-112)0 August 17, 1967 Dr. Levis J. Cralley, Director Epidemiology and Field Studies National Center for Urban and Industrial Health United States Public Health Service 101U Broadway Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 ' Dear Dr. Cralley: The fibrous glass aal mineral wool industry are disturbed at the possible impact upon this vital industry of alleged health hazards' which are said to result from exposure to these materials both during manufacturing and fabri cation and use of these materials. Damage to the industry resulting from false statements could have a signifi cant effect on the National economy. Attachment 1 describee the importance of these materials to the National economy. However, if there is e threat to health, prompt action must be taken to protect against this hazard. In dustry's evaluation of its own experience with these materials thus far has not indicated the existence of a health hazard. The industry's concern in regard to the alleged health hazards stimulated the formation of the Occupational Health and Safety Connittee of the National Insulation Manufacturers Association (NIKA). As you know, this Connittee brought together all available medical research data on the possible medical effects of fibrous glass and mineral wool, feu reviewed the data at cur reov.est and advised in your letter to NIMA dated April 3, 1967 that a broadly bared study was needed. The NINA Board of Directors on May 16, 1967 unani mously agreed to seek the assistance of the U. S. Public Health Service in initiating a study of the fibrous glass and mineral wool Industry with re spect to alleced health hazards. At the discretion of the U. S. Public Health Sor.-5.ee, the study may include environmental, clinical and epidemiological investigations. The Board authorized the Occupational Health and Safety Com mittee to take appropriate action vith the Public Health Service in order to have the above study initiated as soon as practicable. In a preliminary meeting of the Health and Safety Coaadttee meeting with you on June 5, i?67 to discuss the study of the fibrous glass and mineral wool industry, you. requested certain employment data concerning those plants man ufacturing fibrous glass and/or mineral wool. He understood this data would form cr.e basis for considering the feasibility of the industry-wide study. 42 013 0931  *i. t*.uno Dr. Levis j. Cralley Avgust 17, 1967 Page 2 This letter is to thank you for the opportunity of meeting with you to dis cuss our Industry's problem and also to express the eagerness of the Manage ments of our industry to cooperate with you in every way la the aeccsaplishment of whatever study you dees appropriate. Sincerely, Lee B. Grant, M.D., rh&iwaaw Occupational Health and Safety Committee National Insulation Manufacturers Assn. Ins Attachment cc: Mr. J. F. Vyverberg, President National Insulation Manufacturers Assn. 42 013 0932 PfMlCM 14 (AMU '<**** l iwtt Mi Hitr M Sordo. *<?. oi***r i*. m. i jm< - *- ^ `ct * 1. IT.U119 \ FIBER GIASS ASP THE HATIOim SCORCHT The fiber glass business has grown from a $4 million onecospany operation in 1937, to a $400 Billion industry involving five major corporations and a half-dozen small companies during 1967. Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of plant and equip ment, and soae 20,000 persons are directly employed in the research, naaufacture, and marketing of fiber glass. As in any major industry, the multiplier effect must be considered when evaluating the impact of fiber glass on the Ration's economy. For example, consider that fiber glass is the major material installed by nearly 20,000 asbestos workers; comprises nearly one-half of the fabric cut and sewn into curtains and draperies by over 22,000 employees of the ready-made curtain and drapery industry; and is an indispensable basic material used by the 500 plus companies molding products from fiber glass reinforced plastic products. 42 012 0933