Document baz6XxJo07ekRwqrONZo5G3G1

iHNUTGI of the General meeting of the Asbestos Textile Institute held June 9, 1955 in Philadelphia, Pa'. IN ATTENDANCE:' F, J^Wakera, President JCME3IAK7ILLE CORP, AMERICAN ASBESTOS TEXTILE CORP. ` J, U, Weber . A. J. Scanlan . ASBESTOS CORPORATION, LTD. Paul I.eCIcrc George Jenlcins ' AS7EN-IIILL IIANDFACTUREXS CO, D, R. nclmes RArSIUTOS-I lAUHATTAII, HIC. J, A, Bettes J, A. Brown II. W, Oliver SOUTHERN ASBESTOS CCHPAFf 0, C. Fehrens J. T. Griffis ' G,, J. Harris J, D. licCiuer EELL ASBESTOS 1-EQIES J. A. S;,iith CAPE ASBESTOS CGiPAIIX, LTD. R. E, Cryor JOHHS-liAiIVILLE CORP, W. G, Holler . E. A, Schuman jofflsofps coupAin A. W, G. Gibb ' U1H0N ASBESTOS RUBBER CO. J. F. Corcoran 'F. B. Kreidar SGCIETE FRAiJCAISE BE 1'AI HANTS ' Pierre 3avary ' CADUALADEl, UICK21SIIAII & TAFT II, I. Ruddock ASBESTOS TEXTILE INSTITUTE l-I. C, Shaw KEASBET Ct IIATTISOH CO. C. R. Frederick R. L. nana D. U. Widmayer A. E. Whitfield '' 1. The meeting was called to order by President h'akera and an address of welcome extended to all those in attendance, especially recognizing the good repre sentation of Associate members present. During the course of the introduc. tory remarks the members were advised regarding tlie absence of George Marshall, Raybestos-rianhattan, one of the founders of the Institute and a ' member who rarely misses the Institute meetings, Ur. Marshall's absence on this occasion is due to the fact that he is presently under medical attention and treatment at the ICempner Clinic, Dulce University. Hope v/as here expressed that Hr. Marshall's recovery would be.speedy and that he wojiLd be able to . ' attend the next meeting of this association, Following these remarks each meaner was aslccxL to introduce himself and identify his company affiliation. . 2* The President introciaced the ilinutes of the last meeting of the Institute for reading at tlii3 time,' however,, iir. D. u*. -.'idinayer moved that the reading be dispensed uith at tills time since all members had received copies of these ' minutes and were familiar with the actions there taken- iir, D, R. Holmes seconded tills notion and it was unanimously agreed upon. 3, The Treasurer's Report was presented by the Assistant Treasurer in the absence of Treasurer J. G. Schoepf. Following a discussion of this report, it was moved by J. A. Dettes, seconded' by. J. F, Corcoran, and unanimously agreed that the report be accepted. (Copy attached). li, . The Secretary's report was read by the Secretary and is attached as a part of the tiinutes of this meeting. . ' . 5. The President ne::t called upon kr. II. I. Ruddock, Legal Counsel, for his re marks of interest to the members assembled. Hr. Ruddock addressed the group regarding the recent meeting of the Section of Anti-Trust Law of the American Car Association in Washington 3. C. which dealt exclusively xri.th anti-trust problems affecting trade associations. He dealt with informative portions of the address given at that meeting by Assistant Attorney General Barnes, .Chairman Iiowrey of the Federal Trr.de Ccr.aiission and others, 6* The first committee report was presented by iir. 3. R. Holmes on behalf of the Air Hygiene Committee. This report and the discussion pertaining thereto was mainly concerned with a proposal for research recently submitted to the Institute by the Air Hygiene Committee, said research covering the two projects: 1) a carclio-FuLmcnary study and 2) an autopsy study. It was gen- ` erally agreed that the first project noted wo'ild be dasireaole and xuould undoubtedly provide some information of significance, however, the inability of member companies to obtain candidates for participation in this project, which xrould require hospitalization and observation, would seem to provide great difficulties in effectively cariying out such a program at this time, ` The second program listed was considered ill-advised at this time due to its implication that a relationship existed between asbestosis and carcinogenic . development, a condition which, to date, has not been established although ,it has been given rather wide-spread publicity in the nreS3 . 7. The Technical Committee report was presented by Iir. J. D. LcCluer, Chairman of that Committee, (Report attached). In pursuance of the several, projects under consideration by this group the following results were reported: 1) the industry-xri.cle tabulation of braided tubing constructions have been drafted and aro being submitted to the Sales Promotion Committee for considera tion, 2) the tape list, covering an industry-wide selection of these materi als, has been completed and is likewise being submitted to the Sales Promo tion Committee for review, 3) the standard cloth list has been brought up . to date, with changes being made with regarx to the tensile strengths of certain grades of the luOPlO constructions, ilany other activities of this committee were reported upon and the attached report covers the remarks in ` full. ' . ' '8, The Fellotuship Report was presented by the Fellox; and covered, in the main, * the results of recent work i/ith respect to the determination of the elevated temperatxure characteristics of those asbestos textiles included in several federal and industrial specifications xihich contain provisions for a heat aging test. The Fellowsiiip report is attached as a part of the ilinutes of this meeting. Asbestos Terrtile Institute - Air Hygiene Committee Proposal for Asbestosis Research It is the recommendation of the Air Hygiene Committee that the individual members of the Asbestos Textile Institute participate voluntarily in further research of Asbestosis through__(l) cardio-pulmonary and (2) autopsy studies, 1, Cardio-pulmonary Study, -' ' . The cardio-pulmonary studies would be conducted by Dr. ?.A, Theodos ' ' at the Barton Memorial Hospital, 121 South Droad Street,' Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Approximately one weeks hospitalization per patient ` would be necessary for the studies wiiich would include: * 1* A complete medical and industrial history, physical examination, and routine laboratory studies including x-ray3 of the chest and electrocardiograms. .. 2, Complete pulmonary function studies including measure menus of the ventilation, degree of emphysema and the respiratory gas exchange, ' " 3* Cardiac catheterisation to determine-the pressure in ' the pulmonary circulation and to correlate these with ^ the clinical features and the pulmonary function studies, h. Lung biopsy under local anesthesia in selected cases to ' correlate the patiiological faaharss. vd.th the clinical . and laboratory findings, . - It is indicated that the hospital charges would apprcrdmate .>300, per patient. The cost to the member company would, of course, include the additional expenses of transportation, wage loss, etc, A Croup Hospitalization plan might absorb a portion of the costs. Report of all medical data for each patient would be forwarded to ' the company physician and to the family physician, if desired. Following a series of studies, Dr. Theodos would summarize and report his findings to the Instite membership. This type of investigation is of considerable value to each partici pating Member and to the Institute as a whole. The results of the study of the patient would indicate objectively the evaluation of ' cause and extent of disability. Since the usual case sent for this- examination would be a current or potential worlanen's compensation occupational disease claim, this report would assist in determining the validity of the claim and the extent of the disability and therefore, the liability, _' 2, ' . Autopsy Study, .' / ! 1 " * The pathological and analytical studies of autopsy specimens would be made by Dr, G, W. H, Schepers, Saranac Laboratory, Saranac, New York, The study oonsists of reports of the pathology, the petrographic analysis and tissue ashing, Proposal for Asbestosis Research Page 2 Autopsy specimens would be obtained and forwarded by the plant physician* Details of the medical routines, the employment and medical histories, and specimen preparation were given each ' doctor at the October, 195U meeting.. ' Deport of the studytiOiild.be sent to the plant physician, with . additional copies for the pathologist performing the autopsy and the family doctor as desired. The cost of the complete study appreciates j20Q, - vi250. This type of investigation, too, io of considerable value to the participating company and to the entire Institute. The individual reports will establish, in a manner not possible by x-ray and clinical diagnosis, the nature and extent of the disease process. This will have important bearing on Workmen's Compensation liability for a particular case, . .. After a series of case studies, Dr, Schepers will summarize and . report to the Institute membership his findings and observations. While animal experimentation has contributed greatly, the autopsy - studies can develop even more complete knowledge of the disease process; which in turn can lead to more effective medical and exposure control. Industry, participation in these programs would insure advance in liedical Knowledge regarding Asbestosis. Since the cases in any one company are so few, the cumulative industry experience is necessary* to provide a large enough sample to produce valid data, ' v,' The cost for each member is nominal and immediate value is obtained through the case reports which provide a basis for equitable settlement of Workmen's Compensation claims. While the Doard of Governors has approved these programs in principle, we desire to have a direct indication from each member company as to whether they will participate in them. It is understood that such night require clarification or modification of some management policies. Would you kindly review the above proposals and indicate the intent of . your company regarding them. . .- :\ Should general participation be agreed to, complete details, proeddures, addresses, etc. vri.ll be forwarded each member for distribution to appropriate company personnel. ... ' ' 'i . H. II. Jackson, Chairman , Air Hygiene Committee