Document aJzB4V4ok1Qp9qjR4JV1n25QN

A/C Pipe Producers Association Public Affairs Committee International Affairs Committee <-JJ. F. Welch, Vice President PROM Internal Correspondence December 11,1981 DATE United Nations - Prohibition of Asbestos Cement Products ACTION REQUIRED: Review for information Background On October 26, 1981, Staff spoke with Aleksander Ignatow (Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce, Government of Canada) regarding the appearance of James Millette (EPA Health Effects Research Laboratory) on the program of the World Symposium on Asbestos. After the discussion, Ignatow stated that it had been rumored that an unnamed group within the United Nations was not approving the use of A/C pipe. -It is the responsibility of this "unnamed group" to approve funding and contracts for water system construction projects in developing countries. Discrete investigations by Canadian government officials unearthed an internal memorandum referencing discussions between United Nations representatives and a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency official. The official was not named. Moreover, Ignatow mentioned that the health issue with respect to A/C pipe was compounded by concerns about pipe damage during shipment and handling. The countries of Iraq and Nigeria were mentioned as examples. Current Status Information supporting the safety of A/C pipe was forwarded to the Permanent Mission of Canada of the United Nations. Enclosed is correspondence from the Asbestos International Association further describing this situation. Additional information will be reported as it becomes available. Since the issue appears to embrace all asbestos-containing products, AACPP will coordinate its efforts with AIA/NA and the Asbestos International Association. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. JFW/ajb Enclosures cc: A. Kahn, Esq. N. Rahn, Esq. Special Counsel Asbestos Information Association/NA Asbestos International Association Q.AMA CAP CO JEN 0013103 copies toi Public Affairs Committee H. Olson I. Adams W. Perrell J. Woods J. Baker T. Dougherty D. Stinson W. McCallie B. Collier HEGA/1 Chrono International Affairs Committee R. Dorner E. van der Rest B. Giboin C. Walters R. Hobbs A. Saoulis R. Jalan V. Pattabhi H. Hudson C. Barton S. Al-Tarkait CAP CO JEN 0013104