Document bJrjZ8zK9NKV8NvpQGdOyaGy

c I .Krrrn Acrirc urruOP AKIPJ m Uu(?[ To: From: Subject: L. P. Pasculli F. H. Stumpf Variable Asbestos Contamination in Vermiculite 001116 DU: October 4, 1983 I think one of the most significant facts`regarding the problem with vermiculite is that its asbestos content continually varies. It is known that in the ore body the asbestos content can vary from zero to significant amounts, and cleaning by all known normal and practical production methods will not remove all of the contaminant. Therefore, examination for asbestos can range from none or insignificant amount to very significant amounts, as we see by reports such as "a few fibers", "0.2 percent","1 percent", etc. This hard fact must be brought to the attention of the officials and the genera public. * This fact would negate any claims made by the W. R. Grace Company when they pn spot test results. This should also leave a cloud over all our heads, because we will^never know when the asbestos contamination will turn up. FHS/ec cc: 0. P. Verhalen R. 1. Felipe s I j 3 < a jN- . 4 I CONCLUSIONS Although counsel for Grace has informed us repeatedly that circulation U*W) or reference to the Ht. Sinai letter of June 2z^is a misrepresentation and disparagement of their product, and demanded that we cease such activities, we have not- We will not- They know that we v ynt continue to circulate and refer to They have not sought legal remedy, ~n U The reason ftey can't stop us Is because we have dealt with the facts. As long as we are truthful and factual, we can continue to work with this information. Therefore, you can say: I). "HONOKOTE has been tested for asbestos content and shown to contain asbestos. This is because HONOKOTE is vermiculite vlrfooi^ oSJ based ana^vermi cun tej Ia *trfTST7k contaminated with tremolite A (pr*uu.l u tlMJ Cwir-j ir asbestos." 2). "The Mt. Sinai letter report of June 22,' 1983 is a valid report." bJl 3). M"r '"W^^^TTnat`CAFCO is absolutely asbestos free if' re Cla> Sa \ |Wr ***< we^certify^to-Jt. V.R. Grace won't certify^ their product.'VJ You cannot say: 1). "HONOKOTE contains a specific percentage of asbestos." The level seems to vary and this may be why Grace won't certify-11 CGrtU.ua iv* ' -*r 2). "HONOKQTE" presents a health hazard.nVe don't know this to be a fact. Grace says there Is no hazard to health but we don't know If anyone at Grace has a mdelca] degree. 3) . "HONOKOTE Is In violation of OSHA or EPA regulations concerning asbestos." Ve don't believe they are, although they may be violating similar statutes In certain states "~*""and we are lookfng*'*lnto* this. Additionally, there Is considerable dluiujra In Washington about changing the OSHA and EPA regulations If this happens, Grace may have a problem, but, we'll have to wait and see. r t