Document ba2rLGmp6GV6g19nJJNZnz7aZ

KIKOm-ISBI July 3, 1944 DP.. AKUfIP.CHG J The Actuarial Division has asked us to study the Johnson's Ulne Company on which we have Group life coverage, because In the last three years we have pain 28 claims of which 13 deaths were due to tuberculosis. "Ette Group is increasing the premium on the company as of July 1, 1944. " Johnson's l!ine Company quarries and manufactures asbestos and is located in Tbetford Pines. Several industrial hygiene surveys have been made at Johnson's Kines In past years--the first was in June 1930 ir. connection with the study of an asbestos industry in Canada. Another study was made in Parch 1931. As you will probably recell the conclusion reached in the asbestos study was that asbestosia did not predispose- to tuberculosis. Very high dust counts were found at Johnson's vines with 99.252 of the particles of lass than 10 mieronsj Porkers were very careless about expectorating on the floors; drinking water was supplied in bucket* and common drinking cups were in use. A umber of recommenda tions were made to improve general operating conditions of this mine. / Pc subsequent study has been made. I have suggested, Inasmuch as ttr. .r Teknel Is planning to visit Canada on other business, that he Include Vr Johnson's Ulne in his trip with a view to a recheck survey of the Johnson's' Company properties and a survey, if possible, of the living conditions of employees. If you think it feasible, I Eight be able to arrange to go along 6n this trip also. It seems to me regardless of whether asbestosia contributes to tuberculosis, there is a tuberculosis problem, not only is Johnson's Sines but is Tbetford Sines. The latest mortality figures that I could secure show that Tbetford Lines in 1941 had a tuber culosis mortality of 259 per 100,000; in Quebec 80 per 100,000; and in Canada 51 per 100,000. I have written to Dr. Gardner in Saranac to ask his advice about the present status of asbestosia in relation to tuber culosis and also far any auggestions as to the approach to this problem in Canada. I discussed the matter briefly with Dr. Burnette when he was - last here and he suggested getting in touch with Dr. Turgeon, Director P*^ of the Division of Industrial Hygiene in Quebec City. I plan to write to Dr. Turgeon for more up-to-date figures on tuberculosis mortality and a breakdown by mala age groups. If I went to Canada I could discuss the problem bore freely than I could by mail. Before plunging into this, however, I should like to have your advice as to the proper lines of procedure so as to avoid crossing any administrative lines or stirring up trouble without leading to any constructive result. I might add that the Actuarial Division has asked Dr* McConnell about the health conditions in Johnson'(i Vine from time to time. Dr. McConnell's opinion was that the employees were Trench-Canadians and looked undernourished and that, in his opinion, the claim experience would not be very good* It has been for this reason that US has not been sold. W George E. Eheatley, E.D. Assistant Eedieal Director