Document gDXL55yG6Q4aY0ebQ7w8y28dq

3>3 October 7, 1975 Dr. Hilton Lewinsohn Turner Brothers Rochdale, Lancashire OL 127 LQ England Dear Dr. Lewinsohn: At the recent conference, on occupational carcinogenesis in Lyon I had the opportunity to discuss with Sir Richard Doll the data he presented ut the Brighton meeting concerning lung cancer rates in the employee population at Turner Brothers through 1974. Ic is my impression that the data indicated that the occurrence of cancer was significantly higher than had been either predicted or surmised. As you are aware the current asbestos standard both in the United Kingdom and the United States is being actively debated, particularly in view of the general assumption that the original UK standard was based largely on disease incidence data previously reported by your predecessor. Dr. John Knox, and his coworkers. This recent report by Doll, added to the differences between yourself and Dr. Selikoff which were highly publicized several months ago, has at least in the United States served to raise serious questions regarding the 2 fibers per cc. standard. The matter is one of such extreme urgency that 1 would deeply appreciate whatever information you can provide to get the issue in perspective; specifically, I would like to know: 1. Your assessment of the biostatisticnl data in Doll's report, especially the assurance that those presented at Brighton are correct. 2. The length of time and the level of asbestos in the air to which the Turner employees diagnosed as having lung cancer were ex posed . 3. How unversally the 2 fibers per cc. standard is being met in Turner operations and over what period of time. Dr. Hilton Lcwinsohn -2- Octobcr 7, 1975 I regard this as a very serious matter, but I realize that some of the Information I seek may not be readily available. I am fully prepared to send over our biostatistician/epidemiologist if necessary to assist in what ever way he can and to talk to you about these studies in more detail. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your attention to my inquiries. All good wishes. Cordially,