Document evqd52bxXn4mzgVa8jY2b4Mp

December 12, 1977 Zayre Corp. Framingham, Massachusetts 01701 Mr. Juluis Nemeith Reardon Company Box 88 Brunswick, Ohio Re: BAN ON CONSUMER PRODUCTS CONTAINING INHALABLE ASBESTOS Dear Mr. Nemeith: l have attached a copy of a recent news release from the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission concerning consumer patching compounds. Al though you are no longer shipping these products to our stores, I need to know if any patching compounds we purchased from you in the past did contain inhalable asbestos. If so, I need to take immediate action to be in compliance with the directive. I would appreciate an early reply. Paint Buyer BON - 02042 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Washington, D.C. 20207 to a 1t0f'Vxu^ VV-_j":i* tV-v^rara5vvir-.~'; Office of Media Relations Media Inquiries: 202/634-7780 77-118 FOR RELEASE FRIDAY DFCFMP.HR 2, 1077 ASBESTOS BAN ANNOUNCED WASHINGTON, DC (Dec. 2) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today approved a ban of two consumer products containing inhalahlc asbestos -consumer patching compounds containing asbestos and artificial fireplace ash containing asbestos. The Commission believes that certain types of cancer may result from, inhaling free-form asbestos fibers released into the air during the use of these products. Tiie asbestos content of a given product is not necessarily the sole criterion for that product's relative health risk. A health risk occurs when asbestos fibers become airborne and can then be inhaled. Free-form asbestos is. that which is not bound or otherwise "locked-in" to a product and, therefore, can readily become airborne. Consumer patching compounds are available in dry form (to be mixed with water by the user) or in a ready-mix paste form and arc used to cover, seal or mask cracks, joints, holes and similar openings in the trim, walls and ceilings of building interiors Asbestos fibers are released into the air after application, when the patching compound is sanded or scraped in the process of finishing or smoothing the surface. Asbestos may also be released into the air when the dry form of patching compound is mixed with water prior to use. .Approximately half of all patching compounds sold contain asbestos. These products.generally do not have ingredients listed on the label. - More - BON - 02043 2 '1 Artificial fireplace emberizing materials (ash and embers) are used in gasburning or artificial fireplace systems for decorative purposes; when subjected to lligh temperatures, the asbestos in these products produces a glow similar to real embers and ash. Asbestos fibers arc released into the air when the emberizing material is sprinkled on the fireplace floor, when glue used by the consumer to attai the material to an artificial gas-buming log melts at high temperatures, and when household air currents disturb the ash. The ban of artificial fireplace ash containing asbestos takes effect as soon as notice of the ban is published in the Federal Register. The bah on asbestoscontaining patching compounds is staggered; thirty'days after publication in the Federal Register manufacturers of patching compounds containing.asbestos may no long< produce or distribute into commerce these products, and ISO days after publication, all other distribution and retail sales of asbestos-containing patching compounds mu. halt. Publication of the ban in the Federal Register is expected before the end of the year. -30- N'ote to Editors: -- The following is a reprint of a "Consumer Alert" the Commission issued previou on safe removal and disposal of artificial emberizing materials. Copies arc availabl to consumers who write Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, 1X1 20207 or ca the Commission's toll-free HOTLINE at 800/63S-2666 (Maryland residents only 800/402-2 BON - 02044