Document bOB7g7BmJ7o6kgVXRG9yBLo0y
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS DEPARTMENT MEDICAL DIVISION
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
November 8, 1966
TO: ALL PLANT PHYSICIANS FROM: C. A. D'ALONZO, M.D
Dr. Zahn and I believe that the following may be of interest
to you:
1. ASBESTOS - During the past year, a report was sent to
you outlining the alleged increasing incidence and concern over
asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other related carcinomas in people
with relatively minor exposure to asbestos. We are enclosing two
more obviously controversial articles on this subject, presenting
both sides of the question, for your consideration.
In an effort to define our problem in this area and to
develop the necessary preventive measures, where indicated, we are
asking you to provide us with the following information and to return
it to us as soon as possible.
A. How many full-time insulators do you have on your plant?
B. How many employees do part-time insulating? (a) What proportion of the time?
yu-
st the (three) most prevalent type of insulating material used.
D. Are they doing any spraying of insulating materials at your location?
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E. Give the number of each of the following your plant
has experienced, if any:
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(a) Asbestosis
H*-'-*-
(b) Mesothelioma
(c) Carcinomas among insulators
.
<r Vic*
Ft. List borierfliy any preventive mo easures or safety , 4? --- equipment required in your location when:
<) Insulating mmaatteerr)ials ' L____(b) removing_ obsolete insulai tion
(c) spraying insulating materials
2. PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST - With the increasing incidence
of'chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, etc., it is imperative
that we obtain as much information as possible on our employees* .
pulmonary status to:
A. guide us in providing the necessary preventive measures.
B. accumulate data for possible legal action in the future.
In connection with this point, a pilot study is underway at
Chambers Work, using equipment and tests recommended by
Dr. Tomashefski, a specialist in pulmonary function.screehipg tests
at the Ohio State University Medical Center, to determine our best
plan of action. In the future, definite recommendations will be
forthcoming concerning equipment, tests, and programs.
It is suggested that you refrain from purchasing any ex*
pensive equipment or initiating any definitive program until such
recommendations are received, so to insure a uniform company-wide
policy.
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-33. "SYMMETREL" - By now, I am hopeful that the PharmaceuticsL Division of our I, & B. Department, has sent each of you a packet of information regarding "Symmetrel", Du Pont's new anti-influenza drug. I wish to stress to each of you that this drug is for the prevention of influenza, and not a cure. It appears to be effective primarily
against the A2 strain.
We had a meeting today with their Marketing Division. You will each shortly receive a communication from Mr. Harry B. Roos, dealing with the central purchasing of this drug, and which will give your plant the wholesale rate. I am sure that the communication, which you will receive from Mr. Roos, will be self-explanatory and will arrive shortly.
4. AMERICAN BOARD OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE - For those of you who may be preparing for the American Board of Occupational Medicine, we wish to call your attention to the "First Western Insti tute on Occupational Medicine," from March 20-25, 1967, at the Uni versity of California, Berkeley, California.
Dr. Tabershaw has discussed this course with us and it is made as practical and complete as possible with the view of preparing one for the Board Examinations.
CAD'A/ag Enc.-2
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