Document e7387zyd021VoB6VDXLXBe97p

FILE NAME: Mine Safety Appliances (MSA) DATE: 2002 Dec 26 DOC#: MSA001 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Barry Castleman Email RE Blue Asbestos in Gas Masks - MSA Subject: Re: Check This Out Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2002 19:48:25 EST From: JoeWorld2@ aol.com To: bcastle@ bcpl.net Barry- 3049121,Brumfield, et al, was primarily for gas filtering. But the specifications referred to were general for both 'gas mask canisters' and 'collective protectors' according to the text of the military specification itself, and were mandatory for Air Force, Navy and Army. According to what I have uncovered so far, the US Military had its own stockpile of 'blue' and the specification dates at least as early as 1955. The patent is dated August 1962 and it was applied for on January 20 1959. The patent claims that the asbestos fibers "are the effective aerosol filtering fibers" and have "diameters in the approximate range of 0.1 to 1.0 micron and an average length of about one millimeter". The patent includes an interesting opening passage that may indicate a surprising intended use. This is important because the patent appears to have been automatically granted (royalties waived) to the Government. "This invention relates to a disposable oronasal mask which is designed to afford protection to the wearer against toxic vapors, as well as against objectionable odors. Conversely, it affords protection to others against transmission of respiratory infections from the wearer. It is characterized by very high efficiency, low cost and compactness in storage." William Yant (Mine Safety Appliances Company, US Bureau Mines, Conf. of Ins. Safety, APHA, ASSE, IHF, NSC, ASA, etc.) has a patent assigned to Mine Safety Appliances Company referenced by 3049121 (Brumfield, et al). As Egilman says, you can't sue the military, but there are useful bits of info in the specs including asbestos content and types in a variety of materials and in some instances there are commercial references. -Joe P S - How are you doing with the revision? Is it completed yet? I'd love to review a draft. I've done so much of this stuff that I might be of some use with a critical comment or two.