Document daO8ejmkmJxNJ90VzjBL7D7eB

2r It Is our continuing practice to evaluate all materials prior to their use. The evaluation considers inpaet on the environment, health', product performance, and cost, including the cost of government control. Thus, if a material we might be considering requires environmental assessment, or the administration of medical examinations to employes, those costs are also included. We are prepared to change present practices, when there is need to do so. For example, when it became accepted by the medical community that excessive air-borne exposure to esbescos fiber was more hazardous than previously thought, we re-evaluated our use of the mineral. Workplace and ambient air quality were monitored. Employes were given medical examinations designed to determine the presence of typical abnormalities caused by asbestos. New processes are continually being investigated and substitute materials are being sought. The use of asbestos fiber and asbestos-containing products was reviewed by local GM plant hazardous naterials control committees. The committees are composed of people knowledgeable about production processes, chemistry, and health and environmental effects. They evaluate all present or potential materials and recommend safe methods for storage, handling, use, and disposal. As a result of all this review and testing -- which is continuing today -- we revamped our asbestos-related operations at many GM plants. The changes required a significant investment . . . hut resulted in improvements in the environment and in the protection and preservation of employe health and safety. 011457 PRODUCED BY FORD