Document daZGL09aZg1e3aw2Ly9J0BEb6

RALPH W. EDWARDS JOHN W. BORN CALVERT CITY B.F.G. PLANT DEPT. 0020, BLDG. 5-H LIVER FUNCTION STUDIES FOR THE CALVERT CITY B.F.G. PLANT j 1-31-74 William O'Brien has asked several questions during the past week. The questions concern liver function tests of Calvert City Plant employees. I have searched the Dept. 0020 files of Calvert City correspondence since 1955. I have found the following information. Liver function tests of "all personnel who are exposed to ethylene dichloride were authorized on April 16, 1963, by R. H. Wilson, M.D. The first such tests were performed during February and March 1964. The tests then included Cephalin Flocculation, Thymol Turbidity, and Total Bilirubin tests. On March 14, 1967 Dr. Wilson authorized the elimination of the Cephalin Flocculation test. He specified that the SPG-T test be used in its place. On April 7, 1969 W.E. McCormick authorized elimination of the Thymol Turbidity test. In certain cases the BUN test has been performed since March 25, 1968. Your letter of October 14, 1969 to W.E. McCormick specifies the liver function tests which are currently required. It also states the required frequency of testing. Copies of that letter and of the aforementioned letters are attached. The changes in liver function tests were made to obtain the most effective and modern methods of testing. The several tests are necessary because no single test is specific. I noted that there are no reports of liver function tests in our files since May 15, 1973. Why is that? kle cc: R.H, Wilson, M.D G. Pow, Jr. H. Waltemate R.H. Spurlock ''John W. Born Industrial Hygienist '3 MFij fefc'V. LITMO. IN U.8.A. April 16, 1863 Lr. '.'illiiu J. Colburn Calvert City Kentucky Gear doctor Colburn: Ca are becoming increasingly concerned about tha physiological affects of ethylene tUchlori.ua. The use of this compound, as you know, will expand in the rear future at tha Calvert City Plant. '.ve believo that it is essential that ve begin liver fuacticr. studies ca all c cur personnel who era exposed Co ethylene ciehlorida. Therefore, i would like to have you begin oa seen so possible tho collection c blood specimens. The actual studios will be cede on blood sorua by The L.T.Goodrich L-epartir.cnt c Industrial Kygicnc end Toxicology at Akron, t'o will supply you with the necessary containers for forwarding tno' scrua to Akron, v.'e will need a r.ir.is.uu c 3 nl. of scrua. I'ollowing the collectica of the blood at the plant, it should be coagulated and tha cells separated. Cniy the scrua is to be scat to Akron. The studies aro to bo dene oa ell personnel presently using ethylene dicklor* ids c-r.d arc to be repeated evory six months. They arc also to bo dena oa all new csGlgneea to ethylene dichloride use. If abnormalities arc seen in the studies cn tV.esa ecu assignees, then you should restrict thca froo ethylena ciehlorida exposure. If ycu will advise me of the nunbor of containers you require, va shall for* ward tlisa to the plant for tho collections. Sincerely yours. cc: redir.a Rax B. hiIcon, K.2. K.D BFG64107