Document ZnYVbKVvD6nxoya7eaGJebj88

I EXHIBIT 3 REK-24 1oynw,wtcmM QWOlOOI^lf. BMSOkO* WttYMeMOCM NMWMIMIOiaM) 2MN.K-0n.COl,O.41J1S October 8, 1985 Legal Section Industrial Conmission of Ohio 246 North High Street Columbus, Ohio 4321S R. E. Kramig and Company 323 South Wayne Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45215 Attention: Judy Spencer Dear Ms. Spencer: At your request, a visit was made to the R, E. Kramig Corporation, 323 South Wayne Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. The purpose of this visit was to investigate the work history and working conditions of the claimant, It isjflBMHIlHnBfc contention that his presently diagnosed condition of asbestosis is directly related to his 33 years of work with the above named employer. Hr. George J. Kelesza, Treasurer for the R. E. Kramig Corporation, stated thatJBBMMHHPBt claim was not certified due to "insufficient information". When questioned further, Mr. Kelesza stated that the R. E. Kramig Corporation wanted additional support for claimed conditiomMnKeles2a stated that he would like a second or third opinion ofcurrent state of health. Background The claimant held a variety of jobs from 1941 to 1952. These jobs are listed in his facsimile file and will not be repeated in this report. From the information given by the claimant, none of these previous positions in volved any work in or around asbestos. In 1952 the claimant began working for the R. E. Kramig Corporation. The R. E. Kramig Corporation is primarily an insulation contractor. During the 1950's, up until approximately 1969, as bestos was the predominant component of the insulating materials used by the company. During this time period, information,concerning the hazards of asbestos exposure, was scarce if available at all. states that during this time he worked with asbestos in powder, sheet, and block form. No protection was provided against this exposure as the fibers were not known to be harmful. tCf R. E. Kramig & Company Page Two According to Mr. Kelesza, the R. E. Kramig Corporation switched from the application of asbestos Insulation to the application of fiberglass insulation in 1969. Later (approximately 1975) the company agreed to remove asbestos in sulation from customers it had serviced; refitting the customer with fiberglass insulation. worked in the removal of previously Installed asbestos insulation from approximately 1975 until this year. During this time he was provided with properly fit-tested respiratory protection along with protective clothing. The R. E. Kramig Corporation also developed an asbestos abatement program based on guidelines given them by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. An inspection of this program revealed a complete respiratory protection program along with standard operating procedures governing the proper removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials. Mr. Kelesza also stated that the company, does offer their employees annual physical examinations which the employees routinely refuse. These physicals were stated to hav:: been offered beginning In the late 1970`s early 1980`s. sworn affidavit varies somewhat from those statements obtained from Mr. Kelesza. VflHW contends that he applied asbestos insulation until 1976 not 1969. He also contends that his employer never offered physical examinations. Both Mr. Kalesza andflBMMBHBl are in agreement that was exposed to asbestos from 1952 until 1985. Both agree thatr received no protection from this contaminant for at least 18 years while in the employment of the R. E. Kramig Corporation. was diagnosed as suffering from asbestosis by Dr. Michael Kelly of the Greater Cincinnati Occupational Health Center on February 2, 1984. states in his facsimile file that he smoked cigarettes for approximately 40 years. His habit during this period was approximately one pack per day. Toxicology Asbestosis is a lung disorder characterized by a diffuse interstitial fibrosis, at times including plueral changes of fibrosis and calcification.1 Chest x-rays reveal a granular change, chiefly in the lower lung fields; as the condition progresses, the heart outline becomes shaggy, and irregular patches or mottled shadowing may ba seen.l The onset of asbestosis probably depends upon the asbestos dust concentra tion, the fiber morphology and the length of exposure.1 Asbestosis is a pro gressive disease which may develop fully in seven to nine vears and may cause death as early as thirteen years after the first exposure.1 Usually the pneumoconiosis becomes evident 20 to 40 years after the first exposure to asbestos. Once established the asbestosis progresses even after the exposures have ceased. In its severe forms, death results from the inability of the body to obtain requisite oxygen or from the failure of the heart to pump blood through the scarred lungs.1 bo R. E. Kramig and Company Page Three Cigarette smoking is strongly implicated as a co-carcinogen among asbestos workers. Workers who are smokers and exposed to asbestos have over 90 times the risk of non exposed non smokers in developing lung cancer. In summary, the claimant, MPMBMMMfc has been diagnosed as suffering from asbestosis. MVMMMHMEwas exposed to asbestos, without any personal protection, for at least 18 years. The level of exposurewas exposed to is unknown, and as the R. E. Kramig Company no longer applies asbestos It can-no longer be monitored in the workplace. Respectfully submitted, Robert A. Prim Industrial Hygienist RAP:gjb Reference: 1. Proctor, Nick H.; Chemical Hazards of the Workplace. 1978. J.B. Lippencott Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. W