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ATI Minutes: Air Hygiene and Manufacturing Committee June 3 1965 Motel LeProvence Thetford Mines, P. Q. Canada 10:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Attending: Members: L. -C. Williams, Chairman W. C. Atkinson D. T. Austin, Jr. C. L. Sheckler R. B. Smith A. C. Link T. C. McCluskey, Jr. K. W. Nelson Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc. Johnsville-Manville Corp. United States Rubber Johns-iianville Corp. Raybestos-Manhattan, Ire. United States Rubber Tallman-McCluskey Fabrics Co. American Smelting & Refining Co. Guests: Dr. K. Smith Dr. L. J. Cralley Dr. J. H. Wolfsie Dr. P. Cartier Maurice Lachance Jerry i Ate hell Absent: Johns-Manville Corp* U.S. Public Health Service Medical Director-U.S.Rubber Thetford Mines Clinic Q.A.M.A. . British Belting & Asbestos Ltd. H. Waiter A. P, Gouveia American Asbestos Textile H. K. Porter Co., Inc. .. Public Health Service Survey Dr. Lewis J, Cralley Scientist Director. Assistant Chief MT-004601 Dr. Cralley presented a paper (draft copy) prepared by Jeremiah B. lynch of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare titled 11 Asbestos Study - Procedures and Findings11. Particular attention was given to Table 1. This table shows the improvement industry control programs have had on dust concentrations. Table 1 Dust Concentrations - Asbestos Textile Surveys SIEVE! Penna. PHS 1938 Public Health Service 1934 Without With 1964 Control Control___________________________ _______________ ______ Concentration in mppcf____________ Range of 5 67.0 36.0 2.6 2.6 concentration) to to to to 38 7.1 1.2 l-2 PRODUCED Jill - 83 MS 005195 ATI-125 Page 2 Two (2) charts were also presented. The first showing Average Dust Concentration by Plant and Operation in department Fibre Preparation, Carding, Spinning, Twisting and Weaving. The second chart was on Dust Concentration by Operation. The chart bars were identified as IMPINGER xlO, MF Total Fibers, MF Fibers > 5fJ> MP Fiber >10H and show the Fibres/cc when using the IMPINGER xlO vs the membrane filters counted at 430 X Phase Contrast. All indications point to good dust control in the Textile Plants. Dr. Cralley cautioned us not to become complacent as it is im portant to keep improving systems at every opportunity and further, we do not know at this time what the data means with respect to health. Dr. Cralley distributed another paper titled "Relationship of Impinger Counts to Fibre Concentration by Membrane Filters in Asbestos Textile Plants" prepared by H. E. Ayer, G. H. Edwards, J. H. Fanney, Jr., J. R. Lynch, U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. The committee will review this paper and will djscuss same at the next meeting. When both these papers are finalized, they will be published. The Textile phase of environmental studies will be completed by fall of 1965 and all data published will be of interest to the member ship. Dr. Cralley is meeting with the groups doing field studies. Also, with Insurance - Air Hygiene Groups, Seminar at the Universities of Texas, Oklahoma and Pittsburgh, Scientific and Medical Groups and at the International meeting, 1966 in Vienna, Switzerland. During the discussion period several points were made: 1. There is a 25% error in dust counting. 2. Where there is a 5000 total count the fibre count is considerably lower around 1000. 3. Plants should make all data pertinent to this program available. 4. Dr. Cralley*s group has completed 10 plants surveys. There are 2 remaining. Portable Vacuum Cleaners MS 005196 MT-004602 Two (2) units, l) Suction Apparatus and 2) Compressed Air Unit were tried. Both units do a satisfactory cleaning of easy to reach areas but in equipment and close areas, they are not adequate. The committee has agreed that for the present this investigation is complete and we do not know of any available vacuum unit that will replace air hose cleaning method used by most of us,, We would request any member to report any new units as they be come available so we can investigate their possible use. We are all very interested in retiring the air hose metho possible dat e. ------ earliest JM-83 ATI-125 Page 3 Direct Dust Counter Information received by Ken Nelson states Bausch and Lamb are developing a new Direct Dust Counter light and a photo electric cell to count all dust particles in the air. When this unit is developed it may eliminate much of the manual counting presently being done. Three main factors make a unit such as this desirable: 1. Eliminate the human factor. 2. Take more readings in a shorter period of time. 3. Cost of unit estimated at $3300.00. Ken Nelson will follow up with Bausch and Lomb, and if a unit is ready by the October meeting, a request will be made to have it demonstrated at that time. Consultant Industrial Hygiene Program A suggestion has been received to discuss and investigate the possibility of Asbestos Textile Manufacturers retaining a consultant to supervise a uniform industrial hygiene program and to conduct periodic surveys of plants. Generally, the consultant would check dust concentrations and noise levels in plants. He would then be available to give his findings as an outside report. This would be an aid to the industry whenever they are confronted with compensation cases, as he would have facts and history on actual in-plant conditions. The committee is aware that more cases acre going to be filed as time goes on and with this fact it was agreed all members will consider this suggestion and report their wishes at the next meeting. When reviewing, keep in mind 1. Hearing cases - 4 in New Jersey 1 in Quebec 1 case cost $38,000 at age of 69-1/2 years. MS 005197 2. Cost of Consultant approximately $150 to $200 per day plus expenses. Automatic Loom Cleaning MT-004603 Parks--Cramer have developed a new unit called Weave CleanerTravel Vac which has much higher velocity air - cooperating vacuum. They claim the unit is more effective than the compressed air hose and the broom without their disadvantages. Any member interested in further information should contact Parks-Cramer Company, Fitchburg, Mass./Charlotte, N. C./Atlanta, Ga. produced JM -83 ATI-125 Page 4 Published Pamphlet - "Method for Determining Asbestos Dust Concentration" Since our meeting in Pinehurst last February we have disposed of 27 copies of subject pamphlet. These went to: American Asbestos Textile Corp. Asbestos Magazine Asten-Hill Mfg. Co. Zonolite (Div. of :.;.R. Grace Co., Libby, Montana) Alta Friccsbn S.A., Mexico North American Asbestos Corp., Chicago Central Asbestos Co., Ltd., London, Eng. Mines Dept., Ministry of Commerce & Industry Nicosia, Cyprus 5 copies 9 4 1 1 5 1 1 Total 27 Balance on hand, approximately 859 copies. Each member is requested to help to distribute the pamphlet whenever there is any interest. The pamphlets that have been distributed meet the needs of the receivers as we have never received any suggestions for revision of any part. In order to generate more interest by covering a larger part of industry an advertisement is being placed in the Journal of Industrial Hygiene. General The ccnmittee and guests wish to express their sincere thanks to the Miners for a very educational and pleasant meeting at Thetford Mines, P. Q., Canada. Respectfully submitted. L. C. Williams, Chairman Air Hygiene & Mfg. Comm. MS 005198 WIT-004604 produced JM-83 ATI-125 Motel IN ATTENDANCE: Minutes GENERAL MEETING Asbestos Textile Institute June 4, 1965 Le Provence, Thetford Mines, Canada A?ERICAH ASBESTOS TEXTILE CORP. J.W. Weber J.L. Rainey G.S. Fabel J.W. Christenbury Win. Maask ant D.F. Quealy ASBESTOS CORPORATION LTD. G.F. Jenkins P.E. LeClerc (A.C.S. Ltd.) E.L. Alexander (A.C.S. Ltd.) W.W. Oughtred M.P.Carson A.L. Penhale G.F.A. Brink M.C. Pharo BELL ASBESTOS HINES LTD. G.W. Smith F.P. Smith .- Wm.J.W. Smith R . Dodd s- Hebron Norman L. Barr CASSIAR ASBESTOS CORP. J.D. Christian N. Gritzuk T.T. Tigert R. M:arson (Ontario Research Foundation) H.K. PORTER COMPANY, INC. J.T. Griffis J.D. McCluer D.E. Childers RAYBESTOS-I AHHATTAH, J.A. Brown, Jr. L.C. Williams J.P. Wronski M.W. Oliver R.B. Smith J.W. Hawkins INC. TALLMAN-MC CLUSKEY FABRICS CO. Ted D. McClus key TURNER & NEWALL LTD. Bernard Lincoln U.S. RUBBER COMPANY A.C. Link D.T. Austin, Jr. S.J. Peele, Jr. B.D.- Hubbard J.11. Wolfsie (Dr.) BRITISH BELTING & ASBESTOS LTD. J.L. Mitchell cadwalader , wici: jrsha; & taft P.Jay Flocken (Legal Counsel. ) JOHNS-HANVILLE CORP. W.S. Hough E.A. Schuman , W.C. Atkinson C.L. Sheckler Dr. K.W. Smith asbestos textile institute H.E. Sunbury (Exec. Secretary) SOCIETE anonyhe FRAMCAISE DU FERODO Monsieur Collineau " Decaestecker LAKE ASBESTOS OF QUEBEC LTD H.J. tJessel E.A. Farrell K.W. Nelson U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE Dr. L.J. Cralley JOHNS-MANVILLE CO. OP CANADA LTD. M.W. Hendry ** GUESTS ** Karl V. Lindell, Chairman, Canadian Johns-Manville Co., ] J.O.Eby,Vice Pres.& Genl.Mgr.,Jeffrey Mine,Can. Johns-Mam R. Gagnon, Lake Asbestos of Quebec, Ltd. L. Piuze, Mine Mgr., Lsk e Asbestos of Quebec, Ltd. M.J. Messel, President, Lake Asbestos of Quebec, Ltd. A.L. Penhale, Chairman & President, Asbestos Corporation Ltd G.F. Jenkins, Director, Asbestos Corporation Ltd. JM MS 005199 MT-004605 ATI-125 1inutes - General Meeting - continued: Guests : 2 L. Montpetit, Manager, Nicolet Asbestos Mines Ltd. Ivan Sabourin, Q.C., Montreal C.B. Brown, Bell Asbestos Mines Ltd. J. A.D. f arcotte. Director, Asbestos Corporation Ltd. Dr. R.J. Merrill, Mgr., Carey-Canadian Mines Ltd. F.P. Hodgson, Manager, Flintkote Mines Ltd. M. Lachance, Q.A.M.A. Dust Engineer, Thetford Industrial Clinic R.S. Coleman, Manager, National Asbestos Mines Ltd. Dr. L.J. Cralley, U.S. Public Health Service, Cincinnati, Ohio Dr.K.W. Smith,Medical Director, Johns-Manvilie Corp.,New York, N.Y. Dr.J.II.Wolfsie,Medical Director,United States Rubber Co.,New Ycrrk,NY Mr.N.L.Barr,Director,Bell Asbestos Mines Ltd.,Sdles Mgr.,Atl.as Asb.Co Dr. R. Marson, Director, Ontario Research Foundation K. Gritzuk, Asst, to the Genl. Mgr., Cassiar Asbestos Corp., Ltd. Dr. Paul Cartier, Thetford Industrial Clinic, Thetford Mines Geo. S. Fabel, American Asbestos Textile Corp. A. Collineau, Societe Anonyme Francaise Du Ferodo M. Decaestecker, M " " In addition to the above guests we were privileged to have thir ty ladies accompany their husbands to our luncheon on Friday, June 4ti . ----- Minutes of the Meeting ----- 1. The meeting was called to order by President J.A. Brown, Jr., who expressed our appreciation for the opportunity of holding 1h is meeting in Thetford Mines, and thanked our hosts. Asbestos Corpora tion, Ltd.; Bell Asbestos lines Limited; Canadian Johns-Manvilie Co., Ltd.; Cassiar Asbestos Corporation Limited; and Lake Asbestos of Que bec Limited, for their wonderful hospitality and meticulous handling of the many details incidental to the meeting. The miners' committee who handled the local arrangements consisted of il.P. Carson, Asbestos Corp.; N.W. Hendry of Can. Johns-Manville Co.; Roland Gagnon, Lake Asbestos of Quebec; Wm.J.W. Smith of Bell Asbestos Mines representing Cassiar Asbestos Carp.; and F.Parke* Smith, Bell Asbestos . ines, who was Chairman of the committee. To all of these gentlemen vie extend individual thanks for a job that was exceedingly well done! President Brown then introduced a number of the special guests who were attending this meeting, following which he explained that due to the fact that some of the nen had to leave before noontime in or der to catch a midafternoon flight out of Montreal, the usual agoi da had been reversed to enable them to hear our several guest speakers. 2. Our first speaker was Mr. M.J. Messel, Fresi' ent of Lake Asbestos of Quebec, Limited, who welcomed the members of A.T.I. with these re marks: "President Broivn, Members of A.T.I., Guests : It is a pleas ure, on behalf of the Canadian Asbestos jiners, to welcome you to asbestos country with its man-made mountains and to tell you how pleased and honoured we are to have you hold your meeting in Thetford fines . _ While I have not been very active in A.T.I., I have followed its work very closely through the reading of the fine and comprehensive re ports which your Secretary so ably puts together. I have also fol=- lowed closely the cooperative work which your technical committees have been doing with the Quebec Asbestos ; ining Association, viiich MS 005200 MT-004606 ATI-125 Minutes - General Meeting - continued: - 3 - is much appreciated and mutually beneficial. I know the work cf an association such as yours is a difficult one due to wide range and complexity of problems that have to be dealt with and wish to con gratulate ycur association in the splendid and effective way that it conducts its affairs and copes with your industry problems. As yet there is no shortage of Group 3 spinning fibres from the mirein Canada, as I can still see plenty of order-takers around. How ever, there are indications of possible shortages in some of the as bestos cement grades. At one time the spinning fibre grades were the mainstay of the asbestos producing industry, but this has now been supplanted by the asbestos cement fibre grades together with expanded uses of the shorter fibres. * During 1964, the Canadian Asbestos producing industry employed over 6000 neorle and exported, approximately 1,333,000 tons of asbestos with an approximate gross value of $155,000,000. Of this total only 34,6^7 tons were crude and spinning grades with an approximate total value of $14,000,000. The U.S.A. market consumed approximately 14,600 tons of crudes and spinning fibres wi th a value of approxi mately $6,400,000, and this has remained rather constant for the past 3 or 4 years. The only other large suppliers of spinning fibres are Russia and Rhodesia. The figures we obtained during our visit to Russia would indicate approximately 20 to 25 thousand tons of spin ning fibres out of an estimated total production of 1,600,000 t> ns; so Canada still holds its dominant position as supplier of textile fibres.The cooperative work that is being carried on for improved fibre testing ne thods and standards should lead to a better understanding between the producing and consuming asbestos industries. Mr. Sabourin, as attorney for ''.A.F.A., will tell you something of the work that is being considered with resnect to the health of the workers in our industry. I feel there should be room for cooperative work between the A.T.I. and Q.A.K.A. I hope your visit among us will be a most happy and pleasant one and will result in a better understanding of our mutual problems, aid I know the Local Committees of A.T.I. and the Canadian Asbestos Miners have done a splendid job in making your stay amongst us both happy and memorable." 3. President Brown then introduced Dr. Kenneth W. Smith, Medical Director of Johns-Hanville Corporation, who stressed the desirabili ty, indeed the necessity, of the asbestos industry telling the truth about the health of its employees and giving me aningf ul reports as to company experience. He pointed out that some of the more prolific writers on so-called "asbestosis" have relatively little background of actual "cases" on which to base their theories or conclusions, as compared with our collective and also individual company experience over many years time. Dr. Smith urged full cooperation on the part of various companies to open their records, and full cooperation with the work of the U.S. Public Health Service. He stated that the gen-4 eral overall health of Johns-I'anville longtime employees compared Cj favorably with industry in general, and pointed to the steadily ex-A" panding membership in their 25 year club as evidence of this fact. 4. President Brown then introduced Mr. Karl V. Lindell, Chairman, Canadian Johns-Kanville Co., Ltd,, who expressed his pleasure at hav ing the opportunity to attend this meeting, andssaid that he would like to have Mr. Ivan Sabourin, Q.C., attorney for the Q.A.i, .A. ,tell ug about the work that has been done in past years to protect the MS 005201 MT-004607 Minutes - General Meeting - continued: - 4 - health of asbestos workers, and about the outline planned for the newly formed Q.A.M.A. program for Research in Mining Pathology for the Study of Respiratory Diseases as related to Chrysotile Asbestosr Some of the very interesting points brought out by Mr. Sabourin were; In the year 1935 the mining industry started X-raying their employees at regular intervals in order to safeguard their health. The North Carolina State Board of Health was contacted to compare methods for dust^counting and for X-ray procedures. Also worked with those hos pitals in Canada that had compiled background experience in the field of resniratory diseases. Paid tribute to Dr. Paul Cartier of the Thetford Industrial Clinic, pointing out that Dr. Cartier had contributed many valuable papers and reports on asbestosis over a span of many years. Also that Dr. Grainger of Canadian Johns-Manville Co, Ltd., Dr. George Wright of Cleveland, and Dr. A.J. Vorwald of Detroit deserved much credit for their work and contributions to the increasing fund of general knowledge regarding asbestosis. Stressed that the mining industries reauire their doctors to keep up with the work being done by others on pneumoconiosis research, and to attend meetings both here and abroad, and participate in the dis cussions at those meetings. He stated with great emphasis that the knowledge possessed by the industry's doctors on the biological ef fects of chrysotile asbestos was not surpassed elsewhere in the world. Mentioned that contacts have been made with doctors in Rus sia, East Germany, Finland, Italy, England and other countries. Expressed his belief that cancer is not necessarily involved due to association with asbestos. Pointed out that the A.M.A. article that appeared only about two weeks ago was not convincing - only informa tive - indicates much further work is needed - regrets adverse pub licity that results from such articles. Expressed the opinion that while the welfare of the worker should be the responsibility of management, we need to know more about the worker's environment after he leaves the plant. Explained that the Q.A.M.A. program is still in the formative stage. They seek alliance with some university, such as McGill, for example, sc that authoritative background for publicity can be had. The pro gram will start modestly, with competent men coming into it - men with a vast background of actual experience. They recognize the need to consolidate experiences, and also having traveled widely in other countries, they find that research units are usually located adjacent to a h rge, well equipped hospital. Frequently, the worker has a condition that is not attributable to association with asbestos, dis covered through cooperation with the hospital staff. In conclusion Mr, Sabourin expressed the thought that it would be wonderful if the Asbestos Textile Institute could join their efforts to the Q.A.M.A. program for the benefit of all - deplored the isola tion of efforts and poer liaison between research laboratories and research units. Suggested that a common-council as a governing body might be the ansxver and result in more rapid progress. 5. The next speaker was Dr. L.J. Cralley, ofthe U.S. Public Health Service, who for the past several years has been supervising the ex tensive Environmental Study of asbestos employees in textile plants in the U.S.A. Dr. Cralley said that the Studv was going well, and_ fine cooperation from both management and employees has been exnerienced. The U.S. Public Health Service is now extending their work into other asbestos industries such as asbestos-cement, etc. Feels that the results to date certainly justify the program and its fur ther expansion. MS 005202 MT-004608 ATI-125 Minutes - General Meeting - continued: - 5 - In other areas of activity the U.S.P.H. Service presented a paper at the recent American Industrial Conference at Houston, Texas, which summarized their study experience in five plants. Draft copies of two papers were distributed to our Air Hygiene Committee on June 3rd, The first paper by Jeremiah B. Lynch of the Dept, of Health, Educa tion and Welfare, titled ''Asbestos Study - Procedure and Findings" and the second paper, titled "Relationship of Impinger Counts to Fibre Concentration by Membrane Filters in Asbestos Textile Ph. nts". (Both of these papers are covered more fully in the report of oir Air Hygiene & Mfg* Committee which is attached to these minutes.) Dr. Cralley plans to speak at Seminars frequently in the future, such as University of Texas, insurance companies, etc. Menti oned that since the conference on "Biological Effects of Asbestos", held in New York-last October, the New York Academy of Sciences has now established a "Division of Environmental Sciences". At the conclu sion of his talk Dr. Cralley answered several questions from the audience. 6. President Brown then asked lir. W.W. Hendry, General Sales Mana ger for Canadian JohnsWianville Asbestos Limited, to report for the Fibre Committee. Mr. Hendry stated that inventories of spinning fibre are ample but substantially below the levels of one year ago. Demand for Group 3 fibres remained relatively flat in 1964 in most countries of the world with the exception of the U.S. and Europe. The increase in demand in the latter area was considerably greater than in the U.S. Business conditions in Japan are fair, Italy poor, Germany fair, United Kingdom good, and the remainder of Europe relatively good in the asbestos textile and asbestos-cement fields. It is expected, however, that the second half of 1965 will show an improveuent over the first half in those areas of the world in which business condi tions have been below average. The average reduction in the -200 mesh McNett conterf't of spinning fibres from 1953 to 1965 is in the order of 50 - 75 per cent. New asbestos fibre production projected from new properties in Cana da includes the Clinton Creek property of Cassiar in 1968, Asbestos Hill of Asbestos Corporation in 1970, and the possible Reeves proper ty of J.fi. in Northern Ontario. This new production will supply the asbestos-cement market principally. Russian production in 1964 at 1,600,000 tons exceeded that of Canada for the first time and fli is trend is expected to continue in the forward years. MS 005203 f MT-004609 PRODUCED JM - 83 Minutes - General Meeting - continued: - 6 - ATI-125 8. The Report of Funds was presented by E.A. Sehuman, Treasurer, and is attached to these minutes. 9. It was moved by S.J. Peele, Jr., that the reading of minutes of the last meeting be omitted - seconded by E.L. Alexander - so voted. 10. The Committee Reports as made by their respective chairmen are attached to these minutes. J.P. Wronski gave the report for the Fibre Testing Committee as its chairman, I. Barnett, could not attend this meeting. 11. President Brown welcomed J.L. Mitchell as a representative of British Belting & Asbestos, Ltd., stating that we were greatly pleased that he would be in regular attendance at our meetings. 12. President Brown announced that our next meeting would be held on the 7th and 8th of October, (arrival on the 6th) and tentative location was Hotel Hershey, Hershey, Penna. Subsequent to the meet ing, it was found that the Hotel Hershey could not accommodate our meeting on those particular dates, and it has been decided to hold the October meeting at "The INN", Buck Hill Falls, Penna., October 6-8th. The IUIJ is a famous hostelry delightfully located in the scenic Pocono Mountains. It should be an ideal time of year to be there, with autumn foliage at its height. Located 100 miles from either New York or Philadelphia, it nay be reached by Erie-Ladc awanna train to Cresco (3 miles to INN). Limousine meets all trains. By air there is commercial service to Scranton-Wilkes Barre or Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Airports. Private or chartered planes my land at Mount Pocono Airport. Ey car from New York or Philadelphia is a three hour drive over excellent roads. The IHIJ operates on the Amer ican Plan, and the daily rates, including all aeals, is Double Room $19-$21 per person; Single Room $20-$22 per person; single occupancy of double room $25 per person. SO -- MARK YOUR CALENDAR -- trrhe INN", Buck Hill Falls, Pa,, October 6th to 8th ----- and bring your WIFEl 13. President Brown paid tribute to A.J. Scanlan, Treasurer of the Institute in 1953 and 1954, and Vice President in 1959-1960, who passed away on February 13, 196S-. President Brown stated that te had sent a letter of sympathy to Mrs. Scanlan at direction of the Board of Governors of the Institute and had received a nice letter from her in reply. He then asked the members to observe a moment of silence in memory of "Ank" Scanlan. MS 005204 MT-004610 PRODUCED JM * 83 ATI-125 Minutes - General Meeting - continued; 7- 14. President Brown reported that "Jack" Bettes, of Raybestos- Manhattan,Inc., was unable to attend this meeting due to the fact that he was not yet fully recovered from a recent major operation, however he is now back at his desk on a part-time basis. Jack, always a staunch supporter of A.T.I.,probably hasn't missed a meeting in the last twenty years, and we felt his absence most keenly. His many friends in the Institute wish him a speedy return to complete good health. . 15. The meeting then adjourned for luncheon, to which the wives had been invited, and it proved a most enjoyable affair. 16. Adjournment of the meeting followed luncheon. _ Respectfully submitted. MIS 005205 MT-004611 PRODUCED JIM * 83