Document Xz83MpoQ2nJ27YkB9g4Or2YbJ
IJEC 08 ' 94 12:43PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COLUMBIA DIVISION
jjprarpnn nt?
Lexington County School District Five,
,M *1 M
fEsiiinnsuy
Plaintiff,
vs. } Civil Action No. 82*2072-0
United States Gypsum Company, Johns-Manville Corporation, Johns-Manvilie Canada* Inc., and Johns-Hanville Amiante Canada, Inc.,
DEFENDANT UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY'S RESPONSES TO PLAINTIFF'S SUPPLEMENTAL INTERROGATORIES TO ttEFEKOAMT UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
Defendants *
TO THE PLAINTIFF, LEXINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT FIVE, AND ITS ATTORNEYDANIEL A. SPEIGHTS, ESQUIRE:
1. List by brand name every product containing
'
asbestos which you have ever manufactured. As to each such
product, state the following:
(a) type of product (e.g., acoustical plaster,
fireproofing, etc.);
Cb) the date the product first went into
production;
.
(c) the last date the product was produced;
(d) the last date the product was sold; \
(e) 11 manufacturing locations;
(f) dates of manufacture at each location;
(g) the identity of oach plant manager or works
manager and each quality control superintendent at each location
during said production, and the dates thereof;
LCC 06 '94 ' l2:44PM*%PiGHTS & RUNYAN
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(h) the identity of sach physician# industrial . .
)
. - -*i . hygienist# nurse# or medical or health officer at each location
from the data the product was first manufactured there until the
present# and the dates thereof;
.
: (i) the percentage of asbestos# and the dates end
all reasons for any modification thereto;
(j) the type of asbestos;
ik) the source of asbestos;
.
(1) the. color, physical characteristic# and
appearance of the product;
fm) a full and precise description of the package
in which the product was sold# including# but not limited to# ^
type of package, size# colorIs)# and writings thereon;
(n) all other names under which the product was
sold;
(o) the number and date of each patent or patent
application as to the product;
(p) if the product continued to be produced
after the deletion of asbestos# ell reasons why the asbestos
was deleted# the identity of the person who made the decision to
delete the asbestos# and the date the product was first produced without the asbestos;
(q) if the product is no longer produced# ell
reasons it was discontinued# the identity of the person who made
the decision to discontinue the product# the brand name of the
replacement product# end the date the replacement product first
V"
*.
went into production;
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DEC 06 '94 12:44PM SPEIGHTS RUNYAM
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(r) a precise description of your identifying .
logo or initials and the dates of inclusion on the product; and
(a) the identity of the custodian of actual
containers or photographs of containers of the product.
RESPONSE: Objection. The only product allegedly at
issue in this lawsuit is acoustical plaster. To the extent that
this Interrogatory reguests information about asbestos-containing
products manufactured by this defendant other than acoustical
plasters this defendant objects on the grounds it is unduly
burdensome, would subject this defendant to undue expense, is.
not reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible
evidence, and there is no limitation of times applicable to
plaintiff.
.
*
Acoustical plasters manufactured and sold by this
defendant were: Sabinite, Bi-Lite. Audicote.
(a) Acoustical plaster;
(b) Sabinite: approximately 1930;
Audicote: approximately 1955;
Hi-Lite: approximately 1955;
(c) Sabinite: unknown, but sales diminished
substantially by the mid-1950*s.
'
Audicote: approximately 1972;
Hi-Lite: approximately 1972;
(d) See (c);
<e) Sabinite: Port Dodge, Zowa; New Brighton,
New York; Gypsum, Ohio; Midland, California; East Chicago, Indiana;
3
DEC Q> '94 12:44Pf1 SPEIGHTS & RUNYPM
Audicote: New Brighton, New York; Fort Dodge, Iowe, ffagersvllle,
Ontario, Canada (sales believed to be Canadian only and therefore '
this defendant objects to producing any further information with
respect to this plant); Hi-Lite: New Brighton, New York} Fort
j
Dodge, Iowa;
(f) See (b) and (c)j
<g) Plant/Works Managers; Fort Dodge, Iowa:
.
F* d. Reinking 9/1/28-9/15/33, F. d. Stephens 9/16/33-12/31/3S,
/
P. W. Sinwell 1/1/36-2/15/37, R. D. Hess 2/16/37-9/5/46, M. . . -
King 9/23/46-6/30/48, W. W, Holloway 7/1/48-7/8/49, R. D, Rudolph
.
7/9/49 to 3/23/52, J. Vi. Beldsoe 3/24/52-10/15/52, H. E. Davidson
10/16/52-2/1/76, G. Vi. Kellogg 1/1/76-10/31/79, D. J. Nootens .
11/1/79-6/31/81, H. D. Reiner 9/1/81-present. Gypsum, Ohio;
J. J. Kelley 7/16/29-9/18/30, R. D. Hess 9/19/30-3/31/32, B. W.
Welty 4/1/32-2/6/39, F. J. Reinking 2/7/39-5/15/42, B. E. Welty
5/16/423/30/62, M. H. Fischer 4/1/62-9/12/76, R. J. Appleyard
9/13/?6present. East Chicago, Indiana; A. A. Frosdick
7/1/29-9/22/30, E. R. Hill 9/23/30-9/26/32, D. D. Wilson
9/27/32-11/4/37, P. 6. Goen 11/5/37-7/31/39, R. W. Thomas
8/1/39-9/15/42, J. B. Hayford 9/16/42-1/27/44, R. W. Thomas 1944,
J. W. Bostwick 3/15/44-11/28/48, A. R. Rump 11/29/48-3/23/52, H.
I. Neeley 3/24/52-2/15/62, S. E. Martin 2/16/62-3/31/63, H. .
Keeaen 4/1/631/31/82, N. E. Garceau 2/1/82-present. See
objection (e), above. The plants at New Brighton, New York,
and Midland, California, are no longer in operation. Identifiable
information on works nanegera ia not staintained for plants no . longer in operation by this defendant. Investigation continuas.
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DfC 06 '94 12:45PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN.'
w-
There it no repository of historical information on
Ousllty Control Superintendents. If any auch individuals can
be identified^ the information will be supplied.
(h) This defendant bat employed many individuals,
largely to assist in work-related injuries at plants. To attempt
to identify each such individual would be burdensome and is not
reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible
evidence, and CSG objects on those grounds. (i) Sabinitei 2.0-6.3%
, ;
Si-Lite: 6.2-6.3%
-*
Audicote: 6.95-26.24%
This variation is usually reflective of
.
formula changes relating to working properties.
(j) Chrysotilei
<k) The following are known to have been approved
suppliers of asbestos: Canadian Johns-Hanvilie. Lake Asbestos of
Quebec, Nicolet Industries, Carey-Canadian and Asbestos Corpora
tion. Investigation continues. This defendant has located no
documentation to ascertain from whom asbestos was purchased and
actually used in the manufacture of Sabinita, Bi-Lite or
Audicote.
(1) Grayish-white;
.
<m) Audicote was packaged in 35- and 40-pound
paper bags printed with product and Company name and directions
for application. Various bag sixes were 19* X 3* X 40-41*; and
DEC 06 '94 12:45PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
Hi-Lit* and it* precursor, Had Top Acoustical Plaster -
were packaged in 40-pound paper bags printed with product and . '
Company name and directions for application. Bag else was 18" X ;**
3" x 37*.
Sabinite was packaged in 33-* 50-, 54-, and 100-pound
paper bags printed with product and Company name and directions *
for application. Various bag sites were 18" X 3* X 35" to 37%"
. .
and 21" X 36" to 39". (n) None.
` . ' . ' . * *>.
However, there nay have been a product V--
known as Bed Top Acoustical Plaster, which later became fii-Lite. **'
It is presently unknown whether any material under this name was
commercially produced. (o) None (p) Not applicable.
.
(q) Low profitability. Decision not made by a single individual and cannot even definitively be traced to a specific group of individuals. Decisions relating to profit ability and product retention are made, with input from many
'
groups within the company. No replacement product.
(r) Identifying logo may be examined in litera- `
ture produced in response and Supplemental Response to
.
/
Plaintiff's Request to Produce No. 7 and Plaintiff's First Set
of Interrogatories, No. 22(c). It consists of the letters "OS" I
in upper case with a lower case "g" centered immediately below.
v, '
This defendant believes this logo was used throughout the time
period that these products were manufactured and sold by this
^
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defendant.
, :,jr
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CCC 06 '94 12:46PM SPEIGHTS & RLWPN
() 5. K. Torrey, Senior Attorney - Litigation,
101 South Wicker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 0606.
2. List by brand name every other product containing
asbestos which you have ever distributed or sold. As to each
such product, provide the information requested in the preceding
Interrogatory.
RESPONSE: See objection to Supplemental Interrogatory
No. 1.
3. State the following with respect to each asbestos
construction product ever manufactured or distributed by you:
(a) All reasons why asbestos was used as an
ingredient;
(b) All other materials which could have
performed the same function in a satisfactory manner;
(c) The verbatim content of each warranty or
guarantee applicable to the performance or safety of the product,
and the applicable dates of each.
RESPONSE: See objection to Supplemental Interrogatory
No. 1. In addition, this defendant objects generally to the
phrases 'asbestos products' and 'asbestos ceiling plasters* as
used in these Interrogatories on the grounds that are undefined
and vague terms. This defendant does not now nor has it ever
manufactured asbestos products and asbestos ceiling plasters as
this defendant understands thosa terms. Without waiving these
objections:
(a) Asbestos was used in acoustical plasters to
improve 'slip* and working properties;
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DC 06 '94 12;46PM SPEI6HTS & RUiYPh
(b> None;
(c) Without admitting tha legal sufficiency
thereof, to the extent such an express warranty or guarantee
exists, it is contained in literature produced in Response and '* '
Supplemental Response to Plaintiff's Request to Produce Ho. 7
and Plaintiff's First Set of interrogatories No. 22(e). No other
express warranty or guarantee was issued with these products in
the routine course of business.
4. Have you -or anyone acting on your behalf ever
conducted any research# testing# study or analysis pertaining
to the quality and/or performance of your asbestos construction
products to determine the effect of water damage, mold, rust,
condensation, wind, impact, vandelism, aging, and other forms
of wear, rear and abrasion on the quality or performance and/or
field success or failure of such products? If so, state the
following:
(a) a full description of all research, testing,
studies, cr analysis undertaken;
-
(b) the names' present addresses, and employment
titles of all persons who participated in any such research,
tests, studies, or analyses;
(c) the dates on which all such research, tests,
studies, or analyses were conducted;
<d) the results or conclusions reached as a result of auch research, tests, studies or analyses;
(e) eny design changes made in-your products as a rasult of such raaeareh, tests, etudies, or analyses;
tC 06 ' 94 12:47PM-SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
(f) any instructions, directions, or other
.. ^
information provided to building owners or occupiers as a result - ' of such research, tests, studies or analyses.
RESPONSE! see objections to Supplemental Interrogatory ; .
Nos. 1 and 3. Without waiving these objections, this defendant
has undertaken research projects concerning various performance .
parameters of the acoustical plasters identified in Response to ...
Supplemental Interrogatory No. 1. Documents responsive to this . ....
Interrogatory, if any, concerning the acoustical plasters identi- -/
fled in Response to Supplemental Interrogatory Vo. 1 will be made _
available for inspection and copying at a mutually convenient
time at 101 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois. This
defendant will seek an appropriate protective order from the
court (or stipulation amoung counsel) concerning dissemination of the information contained in the documents and no documents will ~
be produced prior to the courts ruling on the motion. "Hard
.
copies" of these documents must be made from microfilm, in which
these documents are not segregated from documents relating to ell
other products which may have been the subject of research.
`
Therefore, this defendant will need coneidertble advance notice
In order to make documents available for inspection and any costs
associated with said production to be borne by the party
.
requesting same. Such documents will be tendered pursuant to
Rule 33(c).
5. Please state whether you or anyone acting on your
behalf ever conducted any research, testing or studies of any.
.. . . .. v
kind to determine whether any of your construction products posed ~ w..
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DE;C 06 '94 12:47PM SPEIGHTS & RLNYPN
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any hazards or dangers to tha health or safety of those persons
. **
who would utilise# inhabit# or otherwise occupy buildings or
structures in which those products had been applied. forth in detaili
If so# set
(a) a full description of all research# testing
or studies undertaken to determine whether said products were
safe for such parsons;
(b) the Identity of all persons who participated
in any such research, tests or studies;
.
<c) the dates on which all such research# testa#
or studies were conducted;
(d) the results or conclusions reached as a *
result of such research# tests# or studies;
(e) any design changes made in your products as a result of such studies;
(f) any corrective measures made by you such as
enclosure# removal, abatement# operation and maintenance planning
or cleaning as a result of such studies;
<g) the identity of all documents that in any way
relate to the conduct of any such research# testing or studies or
the results thereof# and the identity of the person who has custody
thereof.
RESPONSE: See Objections to Supplsmental Interrogatory
Nos. 1, and 9. Without waiving these objections# yes, with
respect to Audicote Acoustical Plaster.
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IC 06 '84 l2'-48PM SPtIGHTS & RLI^YAN
P.12/:
(a) Air sampling to determine whether asbestos
fibers were released and remained suspended in air during
attempts to physically mar the Audicote Acoustical Plaster
ceiling.
.
(b) J. J. Pater, NATLSCO, Manager, Industrial
Hygiene,* Dr. Morton Corn, Morton Corn 6 Associates; J. S. Gorski,
NATLSCO, Industrial Hygienist/Ventilation; P. landsman, Wolfe,
Rosenberg (stenographic transcription); F. Rosenberg, Wolfe,
Rosenberg (supervisor of videotaping); R. P. Brown, Morgan, Lewis
6 Bockius; S. K. Torrey, USG, Senior Attorney - Litigation; T. S.
Snell, USG, Vice President, General Counsel; J. D. Cornell, USG,
Manager, Corporate Occupational Safety fi Health; S. H. Bernin^,
USG, Safety Manager; J. F. Hernan, USG, Manager, Corporate
Quality Assurance; P. Hughes, USG, unknown, but similar to
Communications Manager; J. Reich, USG, Supervisor Engineering
Adv./Coam.; M. Thibeau, USG, Assistant Producer Adv./Comm.; R.
Gilkinson, USG, Video Engineer; J. A. Wronski, NATLSCO, Manager,
Environmental Sciences Laboratory; G. J. Krafciein, NATLSCO, Vice
President, Health Services; J* N. Geris, NATLSCO, Manager,
Industrial Hygiene.
(c) March 25-26, 1982. Analysis of filters
occurred subsequently.
(d) No asbestos fibers were released from
Audicote Acousticel Plaster in this test.
(e) Not applicable.
(f) Not applicable.
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DC 06 '94 12:48PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
- ***_
:* 'i : vr v
.... ..-,'*i<;<r**
(9) NATLSCO; Acoustical Piaster Study for O.S.
Gypsum by Jossph J. Fster, Manager, Industrial Hygiene. NATLSCO
and counsel for defendant.
. State the following with respect to the sale of
asbestos construction products during the entire period such
products were manufactured or distributed by you:
<a) the name and description of the sales region
or regions for the sale of construction products, including ell
modifications thereto, which included or serviced this state, end
the dates thereof;
-.
(b) the address of each sales office located in
said sales region or regions, and the dates thereof;
*
(c) the identity of each sales person who sold
construction products in this state, and the dates thereof;
(d) the identity of ell authorized dealers in
. this state or any contiguous state, end the dates thereof;
(e) the identity of all documents which refer,
reflect, or relate to the sale, distribution or shipment of
asbestos construction products within said region or regions,
including, but not limited to, all sales records, invoices,
computer printouts, bills of lading, freight bills, shipping
orders, or other documents of transfer, and the identity of the
person or persons who have the custody thereof;
ff) the gross annual sales in dollars and in
volume for each asbestos construction product in said sales
region or regions.
.
12-
D&ToT7^ 12- 4S^l'"SLIGHTS & RUhYAN
-wn? *.
MS8POWSCi Sec objections to Supplement*! Interrogatory , TV
No*. 1 and 3. This defendant objects further on the grounds that
this Interrogatory is not limited to plaintiff's geographical
area. Without waiving these objections*
.
(a) Southern Construction Products Division and
its predecessor, Southern Division.
(b) This defendant has never maintained any sales
office in south Carolina.
.
<c) C. ^Keller ...... 1930*8-1970
S. R. Grubb
.
1959--1970
j. J* O'Malley
1948-present
G. MacBaln
1964-present
. . F. R. Mullin
1956-present
J. R. Parnell
1959-present
W. E. Tarpley
1966-present
(d) The following dealers in South Carolina have
been identified. Not all have necessarily ordered and sold this
defendant's acoustical plasters.
,*
Lowe's, Inc. k
Wicke's Lumber CO.
Columbia Lumber Co.
Central Roofing 6 Supply
Bagnell Building Supply
Frank Dimer Lbr. Co.
C. L. Cannon a Sons
CBS Lumber Co.
-
Citisens Builder Mart
*. ^
SPEIGHTS 8. RUNYON
. . > v"f*
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i.
,
Builders' Wholesale Supply
Circle Lumber Co.
Spartanburg Lumber and Mill Work Co*
Neely wholesale Supply Co.
.
Ken Supply Co.
Roebuck Lbr. Co.
Berry Builders* mart
Clement Lbr. Co.
Maccp Building Supplies
Brown. Rogers e Oixson
Wholesale Distributors Co.
Taylors Lumber Co.
Greer Lumber Co.
.
Greer Builders' Supply Co.
Cromer * Sullivan
Holman Co.
Drywall * Contracting. Znc.
Central Concrete & Plaster, Xnc.
Stewart Lbr. Co.
Clempson Lbr. Co.
Snead Bldrs. Supply Co.
V. E, Edwards Co. S. 6. Smith Lbr. Co.
Tryon Lbr. Co.
Fountain Lbr. Co.
Quality Bldra. 8upply Co.
Shaw Lumber Co.
14
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Dealers wholesale, Inc.
Myrtle Beach Lumber Co.
Camden Building Supply
Miller Lumber Co.
Economy Builders' Supply
Martin Paint Supply
City Builders' Service
Todd Lumber Co.
'a Catawba Lumber Co.
Ace Builders' Hdwe.
Porter-Bell Lumber Co.
Builders' Supply Co.
'
McBride Builders* Supply
.
(e) This defendant has no sales records for the
years prior to 1965. Without waiving the objections set forth in
Response to Supplemental Interrogatory Mo. 1, such records as it
has for acoustical plasters for the period from 1965 forward are
contained in computer print-outs which have been produced to
plaintiff's counsel in Richland County School District One v.
Johns-Manville Sales Corporation, et el.
(f) -See Response to (e) above.
/
7. Identify all sales literature including brochures,
advertisements, pamphlets or other material pertaining to each
asbstos construction product ever manufactured or distributed by
you.
RESPONSE: See objections to Supplemental Interrogatory
Nos. 1 and 3. without waiving these objections, documents
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lit 06't94 12:50PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
r* P.
responsive to this Interrogatory have been produced in response
to Plaintiff's Request to Produce No. 7 and Plaintiff's first Set
of Interrogatories No. 22(c). 8. Identify any instructions, directions, technical
bulletins, material data sheets, or other documents provided to
distributors, contractors, supply houses, sales persons, or
building owners pertaining to the application, maintenance, or
repair of each asbestos construction product ever manufactured
or distributed by you. RESPONSEt See Response to Supplemental Interrogatory
No. 7.
9. identify all sources of raw asbestos fiber
.
beginning in 1946 and going to date, on a yearly basis, and with
respect to each, the annual gross dollar amount and gross weight
of asbestos fiber purchased.
RESPONSE! See Response to Supplemental Interrogatory
No. 1(k). Investigation continues as to the annual gross dollar
amount and gross weight of asbestos fiber purchased.
10. Identify all warnings, cautions, caveats, instruc
tions, or directions accompanying raw asbstos fiber purchased by
you and the dates thereof.
RESPONSE: See Response to Supplemental Interrogatory
No. l(k). This defendant has located no documentation to ascertain
from whom asbestos was purchased, however, this defendant is now
aware that warnings were given by John#-Menvilie, which is not a
party to this case, with shipments of raw asbestos beginning in
the aid-1960*s.
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ICC 06 '94 12S50PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
-P. 18/35
I
IX. State the following with respect to asbestosit:
(a) the date you firat heard it alleged that
x
there ia a causal connection between aabeatoaia and the Inhalation
of asbestos i. the identity of the person and/or document that was
the source of such allegation * the Identity of the person who
received such information* and the identity of all documents
generated as a result of the receipt of such information;
<b) the date you first recognized that there
is a causal connection between asbestosis and the inhalation of
asbestos* the identity of all persons or documents upon which
you relied in arriving at that conclusion* and the identity of
all documents generated as a result of such recognition;
(c) as to each type of asbestos fiber contained
in your asbestos products* the minimum dose you contend is suffi
cient to cause or contribute to such condition for a smoker and
for a non-smoker.
RESPONSE;
(a) 1975. Litigation filed against this defen
dant. Various individuals may have read material in the popular
press in the late 1960*s.
(b) Objection. This Interrogatory calls for
a medical conclusion* and has been or will be the subject of
medical expert testimony. This defendant recognizes that OSHA*
in 1972* adopted regulations concerning exposure to eebestos
in the workplace as a result of its presumed recognition of a
causal connsction between the inhalation of asbestos and the
17
Dec 06 '94 12:50PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
disease stbestosis. No employee of this defendant is qualified
in the area of occupational medicine*
(c) See objections to Supplemental Interrogatory
Nos. 3 and 12<b). This defendant objects further that this
Interrogatory calls for a medical conclusion. This will be the
subject of expert medical testimony. See, e.g.* depositions of
the following expert witnesses taken by plaintiff's counsel
herein in connection with Lexington County School District Five
v. United states Gypsum Company, et al., District of South
Carolina, action No. 82-2072-0: Ian T. T. Biggins, deposed
October 19, 1983; Bans Neill, deposed January $, 1984; and John
E. Craighead, deposed January 7, 1984.
12. State the following with respect to lung cancer:
(a) the date you first heard it alleged that
there is a causal connection between lung cancer and the
inhalation of asbestos, the identity of the person and/or
document that was the source of such allegation, the identity
of the person who received such information, and the identity
of all documents generated as a result of the receipt of such
information;
(b) the date you first recognised that there
is a causal connection between lung cancer and the inhalation
of asbestos, the identity of all persons or documents upon which
you relied in arriving at that conclusion, and the identity of
all documents generated as a result of such recognition;
(c) as to each type of asbestos fiber contained
in your eebeetos products, the minimus dose you contend is
-It-
; - ' DEC 06 '94 12:51PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
P.
sufficient to cause or contribute to such condition for e saoker
end for e non-smoker.
. t
RESPONSE*
(a) Lste 1970*s Litigation filed against this
defendant.
(b) Objection. This Interrogatory calls for a
*
medical conclusion and has been or will be the subject of medical
expert testimony. This defendant recognises that OSHA# in 1972#
adopted regulations concerning exposure to asbestos in the work
place as a result of its presumed recognition of a causal
connection between the inhalation of asbestos and lung cancer.
No employee of this defendant is qualified in the area of
-
occupational medicine.
(c) See Objections to Supplemental Interrogatory
Nos. 3 and 11(b). This defendant objects further that this
Interrogatory calls for a medical conclusion. This will be the
subject of expert medical testimony. See, e.q.# depositions of
the following expert witnesses taken by plaintiff's counsel
herein in connection with Lexington County School District Five
v. United States Gypsum Company, et al. # District of South
Carolina# Action No. 82-2072-0: lan T. T. Riggins# deposed
-
October 19# 1983; Hans Weill# deposed January 5# 1984; and John
E. Craighead# deposed January 7# 1984.
13. State the following with respect to mesothelioma*
(a) tha date you first hesrd it alleged that
there is s causal connection between mesothelioma and tha inhala
tion of asbestos, tha idantity of the person and/or document that
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DEC 06 '94 12:51PM SPEIGHTS 8. RUNYAN
CP.21/:
was the toured of such allegation, the identity of the person
who received such information, and the identity of all document*
generated as a result of the receipt of auch information}
(b) the date you first recognised that there
is a causal connection between mesothelioma and the inhalation of
asbestos, the identity of all persons or documents upon which you
relied in arriving at that conclusion, and the identity of all
documents generated as a result of auch recognition;
(c) as *to each typa of aabestos fiber contained
in your asbestos products, the minimum dose you contend is suffi
cient to cause or contribute to such condition for a smoker and
for a non-smoker*
*
RESPONSE:
. (a) Late 1970's or around 1980. Litigation
filed against this defendant.
(b) Objection. This Interrogatory calls for a
medical conclusion and has been or will be the subject of medical
expert testimony. This defendant recognises that OSHA, in 1972,
adopted regulations concerning exposure to asbestos in the work
place as a result of its presumed recognition of a causal
connection between the inhalation of asbestos and mesothelioma.
/
No employee of this defendant is qualified in the area of
occupational medicine.
(c) See Objections to Supplemental Interrogatory
Nos. 3 arid 11(b). This defendant objects further that this
interrogatory calls for a medical conclusion. This will be the
subject of expert medical testimony. Sea, e.q., depositions of
20
: DEC 06 ' 94 12:52PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
the following expert witnesses taken by plaintiff's counse$|lti- ,,
herein in connection with Lexington County school District Five
v. United Stated Gypsum Company, et al., District of South
Carolina, Action Mo. 82-2072-0: Xan T. T. Biggins, deposed
October 19, 1983; Bans Weill, deposed January 5, 1984; and John
E. Craighead, deposed January 7, 1984.
14. List each notice, claim, allegation, or statement
that you have ever received that an injury or disease resulted
from exposure to or use,of any asbestos or any asbestos product
manufactured or distributed by you, and with respect to each,
state the following:
(a) the name and address of each claimant;
*
(b) the date of the notice of each claim;
(c) a description of the claim (e.g. workmen's
compensation, third party liability action, disability insurance
claim, complaint letter, etc.);
(d) the type of injury or disease allegedly
sustained;
.
(e) the name and address of the attorney, if any,
who represented the individual making the claim;
(f) where applicable, the style and court number
t
or other designation of the claim;
disposed of;
(g) the resolution of each claim that has been
(h) the identity of the custodian of all records
that ralate to the claim.
.
-21-
DEC 06 '94 12:52PM SPEIGHTS 8,'RHYPN
I
RESPONSE: (a) through (g) See Objection to Supple*
mental Interrogatory No. 3. In addition, this defendant objects
on the grounds that the records are irrelevant and would lead to
no admissible evidence about acoustical plaster in schools. The
Interrogatory has no applicable tiae f*ames, is overly broad and
is insufficiently precise in designation of the information
sought. This defendant objects furtber on the ground of privi
lege and that the listing of the information would be unduly
burdensome.
<
(h) S. K. Torrey and/or Dorothy Littlejohn,
Supervisor of Files.
15. List each notice, claim, allegation, or statement
that you have received from or on behalf of a building owner or
occupier that a potential or actual health hazard existed because
of the existence of an asbestos product therein. As to each,
provide the information reguested in the preceding Interrogatory.
RESPONSE; To the extent that any such documents relate
to acoustical plaster, documents responsive to this Interrogatory
will be made available for inspection and copying at a mutually
agreeable tiae at 101 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois
60606.
16. Identify all internal documents of this Defendant
where the potential health effects of asbestos have been
discussed, including, but not limited to, minutes of product
safety, health, industrial hygiene, or other committees; records
relating to any decision to include or exclude asbestos from any
product; records relating to any proposed warning, caution or
instruction for placement of asbestos-containing products;
T*' prr 06 '94 12:53PM SPEIGHTS & RUHYPM
medical, health or induatrlal hygiene reports# records or reports
concerning any proposed or actual surveillance program; and
documents or memoranda reporting on seminars, medical literature,
newspaper articles, litigation, or meetings with members of the
medical or health community, or other members of industry or
insurance representatives.
RESPONSE: See Objection to Supplemental Interrogatory
No. 1. This Interrogatory is overbroad in that it is not limited,
to plaintiff's geographical area, nor to the product at issue
with regard to this defendant. The review of all defendant's
documents answering the descriptions in this Interrogatory for
mention of asbestos would be so time-consuming ss to be unduly,
burdensome and unreasonable. Without waiving these Objections,
to the best of this defendant's knowledge, documents responsive
to this Request were produced in Response to Plaintiff's First
Set of Interrogatories, No. 22(c). Investigation continues.
17. Identify all documents, reports, or communications
received by this Defendant any workmen's compensation insurance
carrier or products liability insurance carrier pertaining to the
alleged hazards of asbestos or of asbestos products.
aware -
RESPONSE:
None of which this defendant is currently
t
,
18. identify all documents, reports or communications
received by this Defendant from any supplier or raw asbestos or
any other manufacturer or distributor of asbestos products per
taining to the alleged hazards of asbastos or asbestos products.
23-
DEC 06 '84 12:53PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
RESPONSE; See Objection to Supplemental Interrogatory No. 3. Without waiving thia objection# this defendant li now aware that warnings were given by Johns-Manvilie, which ie not a party to this case# with shipments of raw asbestos beginning in the mid-1960's, however# it is not currently aware of when ite employees or agents first became aware of these warnings.
This defendant is currently aware of no warnings regarding asbestos placed on any acoustical plaster product.
19. Identify tall other documents received by this Defendant where the potential health effects of asbestos have been discussed# including# but not limited to# medical literature# health or industrial hygiene reports, newspaper ^ articles, periodicals, books# communications with health facilities# communications with insurance carriers# communications with other manufacturers or distributors# seminar literature# trade association documents, or reports of any tests# studies or surveillance programs.
RESPONSE; See Objection to Supplemental Interrogatory No. 1. This Interrogatory is overbroad in that it is not limited to plaintiff's geographical area, nor to the product at issue with regard to this defendant. The review of all defendant's documents answering the descriptions in this Interrogatory for mention of asbestos would be so time-consuming as to be unduly burdensome and unreasonable.
20. Did you ever conduct any dust studies of any of your asbestos product manufacturing facilities and/or any dust
24
DEC 06 '94 12:54PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
p.26>sr
studies relating to the actual use of your product? If so, with
respect to each*
(a) identify the person or entity who conducted
the study and the dates thereof;
lb) state the complete results of each study;
(c) identify all documents that refer, reflect,
or relate to the study, and the person who has custody thereof;
(d) explain all actions taken as a result of the
study.
,
RESPONSES See Objections to Supplemental Interrogatory
Nos. 1 and 3* Without waiving this objection, none of which this
defendant is currently aware relating to acoustical plasters.^
There was no "actual use" of acoustical plasters in this defen
dant's manufacturing facilities.
21. Have you or anyone on your behalf ever conducted,
sponsored or contributed financially to any tests, studies or
research pertaining to the health consequences of asbestos or
asbestos products. If so, with respect to each:
(a) identify the person or entity who conducted
the test, study or research, and the dates thereof;
(b) state the complete results of each test or
study;
(c) identify all documents that refer, reflect or
relate to the test or study, and the person who has custody
thereof;
Id) explain all actions taken as a result of the
test, study or research
DEC 06 '94 12:54PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
P.27v-~'-
RESPONSE: None of which this defendant it currently
aware, however, this defendant is aware through documents
produced in other litigation that it may have contributed to a
study conducted in approximately 1936 "concerning asbestos or
asbestos-related diseases* by Dr. LeRoy Gardner of the Saranac
Labs. However, no information or documents have been located
in this defendant's files concerning the nature or extent of
its participation, if any. See objections to Supplemental
Interrogatory Nos. 1 and 3.
22. Did anyone ever stake any recommendations and/or
suggestions to you pertaining to the alleged risks and hazards
associated with the manufacturing or use of products containing *
asbestos? If so, with respect to each recommendation or sugges
tion, state the following:
{a) the identity of the person who made the
recommendation or suggestion, and the date thereof;
(b) the identity of the person to whom the recom
mendation or suggestion was made.
.
(c) the substance of the recommendation or
suggestion;
(d) explain all actions taken as the result of
the recommendation or suggestion.
RESPONSE: See Objections to Supplemental Interrogatory
No. 1. Without waiving this objection, none of which this defen
dant is currently aware concerning the manufacture of acoustical plasters.
26
^^'"'DEC a6 '94 12:54PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
-rc
23. identify any radical examination or aurvaillanca
programs offarad or sponsorad by you or your insurance carrier
for employees handling or otherwise exposed to asbestos and/or
asbestos products. Kith respect to each such program/ please
state:
(a) the location or locations where such program
was in effect;
(b) the manner of communicating with employees
about such program;
^
(c) whether examination was mandatory or
optional;
(d> the percentage of workers permitted to undergo such examination and the percentage of workers who
e
actually participated;
(e) the identity of each worker who was found to
have asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, lung abnormalities.
(f) the identity of the person most knowledgeable
about the program;
(g) the identity of all documents relating to the
program, and the person who has custody thereof.
RESPONSE; See Objections to Supplemental Interrogatory
/
Nos. 1 and 3, An annual X-ray program for those employees of
this defendant regularly exposed to dust, including, but not
limited to asbestos in the course of employment wee instituted in
195$.
(a) Zt is not known which plants participated*
*2?
DE 06 '94 12:55PM SPEIGHTS 3. RUNYAN
p;
(b) Unknown for earlier years. Since 1971, via
personnel supervisor.
(c) Mandatory.
(d) This defendant has no data regarding the
number of employees who participated.
(e) To this defendant's best knowledge, no
employee of this defendant has been found to have asbestosis,
mesothelioma, or bronchogenic carcinoma through participation
in this program.
.
(f) J. D. Cornell, Manager, Corporate
Occupational Safety * Health.
(g) Internal Bulletins dated 1959-1983. R. E.
Clark, Supervisor, Manual Systems.
24. Identify all trade organizations, associations or
other entities to which you or your representative have ever been
a member of or participated in, including but not limited to
Asbestos Textile Industry, Industrial Health Foundation, NIMA,
Asbestos Information Association, MICA,. TIMA, Quebec Asbestos
Mining Association, RICA, QAPA, Asbestos Cement Producers
Association, Asbestos Information Association of North America,
Gypsum Association, National Safety Council, Mineral Fibers
Products Bureau, Sprayed Mineral Fiber Manufacturers Association.
With respect to each, state the following!
(a) Identify all persons attending any meetings
on your behalf, and the years of attendance.
LC 06 '94 12:55PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
P.30/35
<b) Identify *11 document* submitted by you or your representstive relating to asbestos or any occupational disease.
(c) identify all documents received by you or your representative relating to asbestos or any occupational disease.
RESPONSEt See Objection to Supplemental Interrogatory No. 1. Without waiving this objection, this defendant was a member of no trade association of which it is aware which was
a
concerned either solely or principally with acoustical plaster products. Of the associations listed in this Interrogatory this defendant has been a member of IRF and TIMA since 1974 and has been a member of N1MA and NICA, but exact dates of membership are unknown. This defendant has been and is currently a member of the Gypsum Association since 1914 and the National Safety Council (dates unknown, investigation continues).
(a) TIMA - J. D. Cornell, M. R. Belton (1974); NXCA -- J. W. Jaeger; ZHF - J. D. Cornell, S. B. Berning, and K. S. Freeman; Gypsum Association - J. D. Cornell, J. C. Edwards, C. P. Kipp, G. Krug, E. Beuthin, W. W. Holloway, V. Noble, R. P. Entz (1960-1981), J. M. Crumbaugh (1971-present), w. Veschuroff, J. A. Robertson (1947-?), R. L. Selbe (7-1971); National Safety Council - unknown, investigation continues.
(b)-(c) This defendant is not specifically aware of any documents relating to asbestos or any occupstional disease submitted or received by this defendant or its representative.
DEC 06 '34 12:56PM SPEIGHTS 8, RUNYAN
f*.3P3S^
This defendant hae received the Industrial Hygiene Digest since 1978 which stay contain such references*
25. Explain in detail the best method for determining the airborne concentration of asbestos fibers.
RESPONSE: Through the use of recognised air sampling techniques* e.g. NXOSH and further analysis to determine presence of asbestos* e.g.* electron microscopy.
26. State the following with respect to buildings owned or occupied by you:
(a) the identity of all facilities where the products Audicote* Hilite* Firecode, and Imperial Q.T. have been placed since 1950.
(b) the identity of all facilities where the products referred to in No. 26(a) above have been removed since 1965* and all reasons therefor.
(c) the identity of all facilities where the products referred to in No. 26(a) above have been encapsulated since 1955* and all reasons therefor.
(d) the identity of all facilities where samples of any asbestos product have been taken for analysis* the identity of all documents generated thereby* and the identity of
/
the person who has custody of such documents. (e) the identity of all facilities where air
samples have been taken to determine the concentration of airborne asbestos* the identity of all documents generated closeby* and the identity of the person who has custody of such documents.
EfC 06 '34 12:56PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
P.32/35
RESPONSE: (a) Audicote Acoustical Plaster is known to be
in this defendant's offices located at 101 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois.
(b) The material referred to in (a) above is still in place.
(c) The Audicote Acoustical plaster ceilings may have been painted in connection with ordinary interior decoration, but not for, the purpose of encapsulating the material to prevent the release of asbestos fibers.
(d) See Responses to Supplemental Interrogatory Hos. 5, 20 and 26(a). S. K. Torrey.
(e) See Responses to Supplemental Interrogatory Nos. 5, 20 and 26(a).
27. For all documents gathered in response to each of Plaintiff's Request for Production of Documents, please state the following:
(a) the names and addresses of all persons involved in the gathering of documents in response to Plaintiff's Request for Production of Documents.
.. (b) a description of said involvement of each person named above.
(c) the sources of all sales records provided in response to each of Plaintiff's Request for Production of Docu ments
DEC 06 ' 94 12:56PM SPEIGHTS S RUNYAN
P.
RESPONSE: (a) The documents provided in Response to Plain
tiffs Request for Production of Documents have been compiled over a period of several years by a number of different employees. It would be impossible for this defendant to identify each individual who has been involved.
(b) See Response to Supplemental Interrogatory No. 27(a).
(c) The original source of the information previously supplied to plaintiff relating to sales of acoustical plaster in South Carolina were invoices. These invoices are no longer maintained in the ordinary course of business of this defendant. However, information previously contained in the invoice is maintained in a computer data base. This data base was used to generate the information previously supplied to plaintiff and which comprises the print-out of sales shipped to South Carolina previously supplied the plaintiff's counsel herein in connection with Richland County School District One v. W. R. Grace Company, at al.
ROBINSON, MCAFDDEN, MOORE, POPE, WILLIAMS, TAYLOR * BRAILSFORD, P.A.
Columbia, South Carolina 23rd day of January, 1984
P. 0. Box 944
Columbia. SC 29202 803-779-8900
32-
DEC 06 '94 12:57PM SPEIGHTS $ RUNYAN
P.34/35
STATE OF ILLINOIS ) ) SS
COUNTY OF COOK
VERIFICATION
I, JOHN F* BERNAN, declare:
I am the Manager, Corporate Quality Assurance, of United
States Gypsum Company, one of the above named defendants, and am
authorised to make this verification for and on behalf of said
corporation;
-
I have read the foregoing Answers, Objections and Other
Responses to Plaintiff's Supplemental Interrogatories and am
informed and believe that the same is true and on that ground
allege that the matters therein stated are true.
.
X declare, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing
is true and correct, and that this declaration was executed on
January 18, 1984, in Chicago, Illinois.
John F. Hernan Subscribed and sworn to before me
.'cC 06 '94 12:57PM SPEIGHTS & RUNYAN
P.'3S/^*!7W
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
Ibis is to certify that X* Christine L. Charatta, secretary with the firm of Robinson, McFaddan, Moors, Fops,
Williams, Taylor 4 Brailsford, P.A., have this date served Daniel
A* Speights, attorney for the plaintiff in the foregoing matter with defendant United States Gypsum Company*s Responses to Plaintiff's Supplemental Interrogatories to Defendant United
States Gypsum Company by placing a copy of same in the United
States mail with adequate fstage thereon, addressed as follows*
Daniel A. Speights, Esquire P. O. Box 621 Hampton, SC 29924 Dated at Columbia, South Carolina thle 23p^day of
January, 1984*
ROBINSON, MCFADDEN, MOORE, POPE, WILLIAMS, TAYLOR 4 BRAILSFORD, P.A
By