Document aJ6ZeXKoGMpn2ZQMen5Xv2M0Y

September 27, 1976 MOTOR Magazine 1790 Broadway Maw York, Mew York 10019 Attention: Mr. Robert J. Cerullo Dear Mr* Cerullo: Thla Is to reply to your letter of September 20. 1976 concerning Dr. Selikoff's write-up in the Daily News. ,.In answer to the questions in your letter*--yes aost brake linings on today's cars contain asbestos* The disc brake and drum brake linings used on most Aasrican passenger cars and trucks contain about 5Q-60X asbestos. The asbestos is "locked in" to a matrix of resin and other materials. The asbestos by itself is not free. The problem with asbestos occurs if a shop grinds and cuts brake lining segments without good dust collection systems. Also, there is a problemsduring the removal of old brake linings preparatory to a rellne. During removal, dust from the brake system can be Inhaled if a mechanic uses a air hoea or other procedures that tend to raise dust in the shop. It had been common practice in brake shops to use air hoses to clean off brakes. It is not a good practice* As regards your question concerning my reaction to Dr. Selikoff's remarks. I did not read the article fully. I did see the headlines in the Mew York Daily Mews. I am not a mddieal authority and am in no position to discuss epidemiological '..datacfin whith^Br. -SSllkoffpr^ected this fti,gh mortality for people repairing brakes. If those Working with brakes in service centers are sufficiently alarmed by Dr. Selikoff's remarks to initiate good work practices in the shop, his remarks gaysbe'.Helpful.As regards the accuracy of his remarks, I don't believe I'm qualified to comment. Along this line, I might suggest contacting the Asbestos Information Association, (AIA) 1835 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. Becausa of the proposed OSHA amendments concerning asbestos in the workplace the AIA has undertaken costly consultant studies on the difficulties with the (MBA regulations and the medical evidence in support of the proposed amendments. While they ney-have data concerning the medical aepdctacofnpaat. occupatibol exposures ato -.asbestos available, epidemiological-datd.iis- not conclusive."' .There FMSI 03199 Hater H&gusine Mr. Robert J. Cerullo -2 September 27, 1976 ia asbestos duet la tbs factorise that aenufectuvs friction nsterlele. Off-hand, it nd.ght ba assumed that past dosage sad tine affects of asbestos in the factories would have been more serious than sporadic high counts that **ht ha present in brake shops. Moat of the apldawleleglael studies on a aahaatoa in the workplace have ham dona In the fastarlaa that lntrodeoa aahaatea Into products such ea brake linings, 'floor tiles and conetreaties netsriels. There Is vary little epidaaiological dete en brake service shops. Z'n enclosing sons iteae that nay ha of help in your work. One la e 3 pegs write-up entitled, "Asbestos Dust Control in Brake Service Centers." The Friction Materials Standards Institute, with one of its anthers asking the major contribution, has drafted these cnonents on good dust control in the brake service arses. He believe that with good house-keeping and good work practices that the asbestos dset problem sen be essentially eliminated in the brake shop. Z'n also enclosing a copy of an article that appeared in Brake end Front ittd Service la May 1976 concerning asbestos in the workpiece end eons of the reeoananded equipuent that is being used to control it. X'e also enclosing a copy of a latter put out by the Hatlonal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health dated August 8, 1975. This letter by Or. WiIlian Lloyd of NXOSH discussed sons of the problems in the brake shops end had eooa reconmsadad procedures fox asbestos brake and clutch servicing. Z hope the enclosures and eeoaente ere Helpful to you concerning your article to appear in JMOTOt Msgaslne. I'd be taoet pleased to receive e copy of your article when it is published. Sincerely, FRICTION MATERIALS STANDARDS INSTITUTE EWD/lne Sacs. 8. V. Drlalaaa Executive Director P.S.: I an enclosing also a juat-received page from a Raybestos-Manhattan catalog entitled! "Recommended Procedures for Reducing Asbestos Dust During Brake Servicing." FMSI 03200