Document dDx9zJMvYKK47KvXpj6MvoOv5

June 13, 1983 Legal Section Industrial Comission of Ohio 246 N. High Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 O.D. 19756-22 Adrian Duff Armco, Inc. Middletown, Ohio Attni Judy Spencer Dear Me. Spencert The claimant, Adrian Duff, was hired by Armco*a Eastern Steel Division located in Middletown, Ohio on March 6, 1944. Be worked in the Fabricating Division until October 12, 1944 at which tine he entered the 0. S. Navy. Be returned to work at Arsco on September 3, 1952 as a Labor Reserve employee. The claimant transferred into the Pipe Shop in 1952 where he was classified as a pipefitter until his last day of work on June 25, 1982. Due to the nature of the claimant's work, it was not possible to investigate any particular work site. Bowever, discussions held with the pipefitter's foreman and several safety and health representatives were quite informative with regard to obtaining specifics. During bis first 9-10 years as pipefitter the claimant was described as performing pipefitting duties rather than insulating duties. Apparently, several specialized jobs exist within the pipefitter category, one of which involves the removal and replacement of pipe insulations. General pipefitters, bowever, did remove existing insulation prior to 1977 or 1978 at which time Armco began using outside contractors. The claimant did a great deal of insulating from about 1961-1972. According to his foreman there was a daily exposure to asbestos during this time period. Also, respiratory protection was not utilised by exposed personnel. Approximately 7580% of his time was actually spent insulating during this 11 year period. Thus, the claimant was exposed to asbestos during his 30 years as a pipefitter, especially during his 11 years as an insulator. The past 5-7 years of the claimant's employment were said to be in the pipe shop repairing regulators. This job involved a limited amount of welding. In addition, parts were cleaned in caustic taints 0.0. 19756-22 Page 2 and atoddard aolvant. Except for the potential of working with pasta contaminated with aabeatoa residue, exposure to aabeatoa waa very Halted during this time period. Exposure to aabeatoa may lead to the developaent of cancer of the lunge and dlgeatlve tract, aBbeatoals and mesothelioma. The Inhalation of aabeatoa flbera la associated with interatltial fibroaia and reaulta In a decreaae in one'a pulaonary function capacity. According to NXOSB the pneumoconioses that lead to diffuae interatltial fibroaia usually present the restrictive pattern of physiological inpairment. The restrictive pattern of lnpalrnent is characterized by a reduction in lung volunea and ventilatory capacity accompanied by increased air flow resistance. In cases where an aabeatoa related pneumoconiosis coexists with asthma or chronic bronchitis, the restrictive pattern of impairment may be associated with some element of obatructive long disease.^ In summary the claimant, Adrian Duff, alleges that his present pulmonary impairment is associated with his exposure to asbestos while employed as a pipefitter at Armco's Eastern Steel Division. Based on the medical information in the file, it appears that the claimant has a number of physical problems including respiratory impairment. It is also apparent that this impairment is both restrictive and obstructive in nature. Asbestos related diseases have been associated with interstitial fibrosis and the restrictive pattern of physiological Impairment. However, in cases where asthma or chronic bronchitis are present the restrictive element may coexist with obstructive impairment. This investigation has demonstrated that the claimant was exposed to asbestos during his employment as a pipefitter, especially during those years in which he was an insulator. However, the extent of exposure is difficult to assess. Respectfully submitted, *9/lad /^zd**'**^ Mark Ashworth Industrial Hygienist KA/rr References t 1. HIOSB, Occupational DlacnaeRx. A Guide to Their Recognition. DHEW, 1977. CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY I certify that the microphotographics on this roll of film or microfiche are true and accurate pro ductions of records generated by or received by the Ohio Bveau of Workers' Compensation, an agency of the State of Ohio, as required by Ohio Revised Code Section 4123.52 and Section 9.01 which require optimum protection from hazards of accidental destruction of records. It is further certified that the photographic processes used for microfilming the above records were accomplished in a manner and on microfilm which meets the requirements of the National Bureau of Standards for permanent photographic copy. BWC-6226 (11/82) RS-2S (Camera Operator)