Document gbEZpwVj3Xj0NMenNgvnqVrQN

rtougn u 41 i R. A. Yudkln BRIEFING ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES August 14, 1978 PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT General Over exposure to airborne asbestos fiber may cause both malignant and non-malignant disease. The non-mallgnant disease Is asbestosls which Is a scarring of the lungs. The malignant diseases are cancer of the lung and possibly (although this is yet to be conclusively proven) of the gastrointestinal tract. Asbestos over-exposure also will cause a malignancy of the lining of the chest cavity (mesothelioma) or of the lining of the abdominal wait cavity* Asbestosls Asbestosls becomes clinically apparent within 10-15 years of first exposure to the material. The symptoms noted by the exposed worker include shortness of breath and a dry cough; in other words, the symptoms are rather non-specific. Examination by the physician will revim* crackling sounds at the base of the lungs which can only be heard through a stethoscope. The chest x-ray will reveal a linear harfness first noted In the lower portions of both lungs. The pulmonary function studies will demonstrate a loss of lung elasticity-and the Inability of oxygen to move from the aveoll (lung air sacs) Into the blood stream (capillary aveolar block). The disease may be progressive even after the Individual has left the known asbestos exposure. However, the condition Is not necessarily Invariably fatal. For unknown reasons tha asbestosls may remain almost stationary. 01 127 0458 z In a given asbestos exposed population the condition In various degrees f severity y be present free 3 to 80* of the group. Recent studies In Ingland suggest that controls Instituted since the second World War have significantly reduced the prevalence of asbestosls In a working population. There are several theories regarding the Methodology by which asbestos causes asbestosls. The exect Methodology Is yet unknown. Our In-plant worker population at Berlin wes exposed to significantly levels of asbestos over the entire period that we owned the plant. This Is evidenced by over 30 known cases of asbestosls In forwr and present Berlin plent employees. The Berlin plant eeplpyees have received and are continuing to receive periodic Medical exeelnatlons directed priMarlly at the detecting asbestosrelated disease. These exaalnetlons are carried out on previously asbestos exposed workers who art still working at the Berlin plant even though asbestos containing Insulation production was halted In the early 1970s. Asbestos containing calcine silicate Insulation was Manufactured at the Blooarfngton plant for a short period of tlMi following our purchase of the facility. iMdlatily upon purchase* vigorous control Measures were Instituted to control the asbestos over exposure. There are a mater of uses of proven asbestosls In workers at the Blooarington plant. This disease Is the result of over exposure received under the formr ownership. Medically* It 1$ very unlikely that we contributed to their disease process to any significant degree. 01 127 0459 3 Asbestos Inductd Caacor Asbestos Inducod cancer of the lung does occur. This cancer appears to be dose related. In other words, those Individuals who have been exposed for the longest period of tine to the highest concentration are the nost likely to contract asbestos related cancer. Sow researchers feel that there would not be a significant Increase In asbestos related lung cancer without the co^Mcatlng factor of saoklng. Personally, I feel there Is a slight excess of cancer In a non-snoklng asbestos worker exposed population. (Kotin would take Issue with this.) In a reasonably heavy exposed worker population who saokes the chances of contracting occupationally related lung cancer is increase 90 tlws over the non-saoker. We know of at least two cases of lung cancer occurring In the Berlin asbestos exposed population. Whether these would have occurred without the exposure Is unknown. At this ties we are unaware of any narked Increase cancers In the workers exposed at Berlin. Hesothello-- Mesothelloaa a aallgnant tiaaor of the lining of the chest cavity or the lining of the abdoalnal cavity Is related to asbestos over exposoee. It occures auch less freqwntly than cancer of the lung as a result of over exposure to astirtoo. However, this cancer Is alaost unlfomly fatal and has received a groat deal of publicity- Although figures vary, auothelloaas probably represent loss than 5S of the aallgnant deaths due to asbestos over exposure. It Is auch aore difficult to establish a dose relationship with regard to aesothelloaa. Ooubtless one exists but even apparently very short aatter of weeks exposure has resulted In aesothelloaa. This is a confounding factor especially when other signs and syaptoas of asbestos exposure are totally lacking. 01 127 0460 4 In heavily exposed workers It has baan demonstrated that furl liar contacts have developed aesothelloma. Ironically, one of the scientists which developed the Unarco process In New Jersey died of aesothellom as well as one or two eaters of his lanedlate faielly. We have no known Mesothelloaas In our Berlin asbestos worker exposed population. Attached Is a copy of questions and answers which were developed by Oon Blllnaler as an outcome of tha orientation sessions he held In Hay, 1978. If you have any questions call ae. 01 127 0461