Document ZJrNXeBxYVv4EOwY7nbKGX8gZ

FILE NAME: JH DATE: 1981 Oct 9 DOC#: JH018 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letter to James Hardie from J-M RE Sprayed Asbestos Insulation in Schools s?t>i Johns-Manville Corporation Kwi-Caryl Ra:v;n Denver, Color 30217 (303) 978-303'J James F. Huis Direclor, Asbodos Policy October 9, 1981 Mr. Lionel C. Denmead James Hardie Industries 65 York Street Sydney, N.S.W. Australia 2000 Ltd. Dear Lionel: It was a pleasure seeing you and Michael again and discussing .common problems we are encountering with the asbestos issue. The'subject of sprayed asbestos insulation in schools aid other public buildings continues to be a major concern in both /the United States and Canada. Since it is an emotional issue and deals with the health of children we have trisc to direct our efforts for resolving the problem toward cooperating .with the Environmental Protection Agency. -EPA::has prepared ttwo-documents (copies attached) to assist ../schooldistricts in identifying whether insulation materials /r^cohtairi'i'asbestos .and .'outlining a "procedure to allow the school 'i^districts jto' make a-knowledgeable.decision whether to remove, ii^isricapsulateV', or enclose -the/material or to just leave it alone- ydtfCurrently fthere''are ltwO ;lawsuits ;in the U-S- in which local school/districts"are'^attempting to recover' the cost of removing insulationfrom the insulation manufacturer- There is also tjra case described I'in the 'attached pages of the Asbestos titigaV.V ::tionH'Repor ter in'whibh'-the'parents of pupils in a Pennsylvania '/elementary -school-."are asking the court to order the school .districtfto'-establish-a 'trust fund to pay claims from students %iwho;;may develop '-lung disease during future years as a result of '/their .exposure .to'lasbestbs in the school - To date none of these .'.cases-'have 'gone' to /trial .'; /As'^an aside; I do'"not-remember .i:f we ever advised you of the existence of the publication '.the "Asbestos Litigation Reporter." .'This' publication ":'is an independent journal which reviews asbestos related litigation in.the U.S. Attached is a copy of the cover .1 page and statement about subscription availability. .V: 1!! ........ - ....... ...... MT004945 Humiiuiuiiumiiuiiuiiiuiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiititiiuiiiiilllllilliiiliiiiiiiiiillllll ,: 1 < t - m` ' ' - ` <'- - ^ ,.fj v*.y<*W* -^ *4/ fsa s^;:,.-y-Ja ye {;* fty** 5 --' '"' "' " * ' ' " ^ ,r / ' ^ Mr. Denmead Page Two ill October 9, 1981 '*!.>y' Lastly, we discussed the subject of labeling and the pressures by the Australian trade unions to have the word cancer included on asbestos and asbestos products. Enclosed is a copy of the label being used on asbestos bags shipped into the U.S. by Lake Asbestos. Johns-Manville does not use the word cancer in our label nor do we plan to add it unless required by lav/. As 1 mentioned to you, our discussions with the Environmental *' Protection Agency have been directed toward creating a meaningful labeling- program designed to inform not to scare. A typical label .would-.be similar to the attached recommended label for AC pipe. It would warn against using certain dust generating work practices and then advise that the product contained asbestos locked-ir. a cement matrix. It would also direct the worker to follow proper work practices recommended by the manufacturer. The burden t.o develop and certify these work practices would lie with the man ufacturer. Lionel, I am not sure Maureen and I thanked you for dinner or. Thursday. It certainly was enjoyable although the price I paid Friday morning was high. Also attached is a copy of the Farmer's Almanac which Maureen promised to Michael. I hope your entire trip was successful and safe. Lf Best regards. Very truly yours i / . -/ t- / James F. Reis $1 Enclosures MT004946