Document Vj1rxoe9J4orgd6LN7vVkaoBg

PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT MET-657 h r ? o n it c n * July 3, 1944//*/?? D?.. A3MSTF.TNG: 'V The Actuarial Division has asked us to study the Johnson's Mine Company on which we hare Group Life coverage, because in the last three years we have paid 28 dales of which 13 deaths were due to tuberculosis The Group is increasing the premium cn the company as of July 1, 1944. Johnson's Vine Company quarries and manufactures asbestos and is located in Tbetford Vines. Several industrial hygiene surveys have been made at Johnson's Mines in past years--the first ves in June 1930 in connection with the study of an asbestos industry in Canada. Another study was made in March 1931. As you will probably recell the conclusion reached in the asbestos study was that asbestosis did not predispose to tuberculosis. Very high dust counts were found at Johnson's vines with 99.25* of the particles of less than 10 microns. Workers vere very careless about expectorating on the floors; drinking water was supplied is buckets and comon drinking cups were in use. A amber of recommenda tions were made to improve general operating conditions of this mine. / Wo subsequent study has been made. I have suggested, inasmuch as Mr. <$yf Wefcnel is planning to visit Canada on other business, that he Include Johnson's Mine in his trip with a view to a recheek atavey of the Johnson's Company properties and a survey, If possible, of the living conditions cf employees. If you think it feasible, I night be able to arrange to go along On this trip also. It seems to me regerdlesa of whether asbestosis contributes to tuberculosis, there is a tuberculosis problem, not only in Johnson's Mines but In Tbetford Mines. The latest mortality figures that I could secure show that Tbetford Mines in 1941 had a tuber culosis mortality of 259 per 100,000; in Quebec 80 per 100,000; and in Canada 51 per 100,000. I have written to Dr. Gardner in Saranac to aak his advice about the preeent status of asbestosis in relation to tuber culosis and also for ay suggestions es to the approach to this problem in Canada. I discussed the matter briefly with Dr. Burnette when he was - last herw end he suggested getting in touch with Dr. Turgeon, Director P* of the Division of Industrial Hygiene in Quebec City. I plan to write to Dr* Turgecn for more up-to-date figures on tuberculosis mortality ad a breakdown by male age groups. If I went to Canada I could discuss tbs problem Mere freely then I could by mail. Before plunging into this, however, I should like to have your advice as to the proper lines of procedure so as to avoid crossing any administrative lines or stirring up trouble without leading to any emstructive result. I might add that the Actuarial Division has asked Dr. HeCceasll about the health conditions in Johnson's Kina from time to time. Sr. McConnell's opinion was that the employees were Fraeh-Caedieas and looked mdemouriahed end that, in hie opinion, the claim experience would not be vary good. It has bea for this reason that US has not bea sold. Jvw/' George K. Wheatley, M.D. Assistant Medical Director