Document g2M863rv4pk7vmDQdpgpwKxQ9

PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE QUEBEC m 27 AE April 25, 1945. Dr. George U. Whehtley, Assistant Medical Director, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York City, D.S.A. Dear Doctor Wheatley, I am enclosing herewith a copy of a letter which I received yesterday from Dr.; A.R. Foley, epidemiologist of our Department* With ay best personal regards*. / fjt/h.- F.J.Tourangeau, U.D., Director of the Division.' 0961 COPY April 24, 1945 Dear Doctor, I have read with great interest the study of Dr. Wheatley of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company on tuberculosis in the town of Thetford Mines. I ' I do not believe that the presence of particles of asbestos in the lung tissue can be a contributory factor in the development of tuberculosis comparable to the presence of silicosis dust. But even though the experiments prove that the presence of the "unknown bodies" have an inhibitory influence on the tubercle bacillus, it would be logical to believe that their presence in the lung is an unfavorable factor for the worker who might one day be attacked by tuberculosis. The statement concerning the economic conditions of the workers in Thetford Mines is very brief; one can meet families where the conditions described are true; but I do not believe that housing conditions are as bad as represented. It is extremely desirable that an X-ray study should be undertaken among the population of Thetford Mines. The presence of Dr. Cartier on the spot would be of great assistance to us. However, it is so difficult to obtain the necessary material that I doubt whether this important work could be undertaken and brought to a successful finish. It would be advantageous to attempt to bring better conditions of health in the mines. Sincerely yours. (Signed) A. R. FOLEI, M.D, DR. P.H. 09633