Document jgQzZ3Dbz3Rp90XypeMBkDL7O

OWEKS/CGRNING FlBERGLAS INTRA-COMPANY CORRESPONDENCE To From Subject J. M. Briley Jon L. Eonten, M.D. MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STATUS REPORT Date March 10, 1969 oc: J. H. Thomas w. w. Boeschenstein M. D. Burch The Medical Director la responsible for supervision of the Corporate nsdicsl program This includes the following activities relating to nedlcal programst 1. Formulating najor Corporate objectivies, policies, plans and prograas for management's approval. 2. Establishing necessary controls (such as Company standards, systems, procedures and policies) to assure that major Corporate objectives, plans, snd prograas are carried out. S- Measuring performance of activity through ( the media of reports, the review of plans, programs and operations. 4. Provide medical consultation and technical advice relating tot a. Employees health and working conditions b. Industrial compensation casss c. Litigation d. Customer complaints e. Corporation safety programs 5. Concurring la the selection and change in assignment of medical personnel. In the performance of these responsibilities, the Medical Director is assisted by F. H. Edwards and 6. W. Handel. An Industrial Hygienist will be employed by the Medical Services Department when a capable and qualified candidate becomes available. r 02 417 0030 ; PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT I l/W-0M>2fo| < \ PLAINTIFF'S S EXHIBIT -2 SBMMART OF ACTIVITIES X CORPORATE SPONSORED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS Ihua programs arc fandad bp tba Corporation and adainlatarad bp tba Madical Services Dapartnant. Ad Induatrlal Hygiene Foundation. Pittsburgh. Pa. Tba five raaaareb projects liatad balcw ara now in warping atataa of cooplotion at tba Foundation. Tba eonbinad costa of all of tba four on-going studios to Ovens-Corning Fibarglas Corp. is $6062 for tba poors 1968 and 1969 duo to tba participation of throe other aanufacturers in these projects. 1. Fibrous Dust Studp An animal intra-tracheal injection studp to determine the biologic affects of various ( fibrous dusts, including fibrous glass and asbestos. Results demonstrate that fibrous glass, although blologlcallp inert, can elicit a non-specific, foreign body reaction in the lungs which is referred to as a "ferruginous" bodp or a pseudoasbestoe bodp. Research to date suggests almost anp fibrous material can illicit this reaction. The intra-tracheal injection phase of this studp has been completed and the reports to sponsors are forthcoming. Another phese of the studp in which an analpsla was made of 100 sets of human lungs taken at autopsp from Pittsburgh area residents revealed that 28 of these lungs contained ferruginous bodies. The core or nucleus of each of these bodies ves examined bp electron microscopp and none contained fibrous glass. C 02 417 0031 PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT 57<?. o Pa.O '3 22. Pibrous Glass Inhalation Study Ibo purpose of tills study Is to determine tbs biologic offsets of tbs Inhalation of largo quaatatlos of botii coatod and uncostod glass fibers Into tho lungs of laboratory animals. Tho Inhalation study has boon In progress for 15 months and tbs laboratory exposure phase will been completed In 9 more months* Indications, to date, are that fibrous glass la biologically Inert* The 1968 6 1969 costa of the study are covered In la paragraph 2, Section A* 3* Inphysena Study Hals project is Intended to determine whether or not exposure to air-borne fibrous glass will aggravate an existing emphysematous condition In the lungs of laboratory animals* The study is now la progress after a delay doe to a technical flaw. To data, no animals have been sacrificed to determine the effects of exposure* The project will be completed in 12 months* See paragraph 2 of Section A for cost Information* 4. Pulmonary Punction Tests Over 200 employees, selected at random from the lewarfc plant, received screening pulmonary function tests to determine possible effects on the lungs that could not be revealed by chest x-rays. Preliminary data demonstrate only aging effects with no effect attributed to exposure to air-borne fibrous glass* 02 417 0032 V 4. Pulmonary Function Toots (continued) A aoro totalled pulmonary function tooting progrem io bolng condoctod on o smaller ooloctod group of Newark employees to oto otontioto tho preliminary findings. Tho study is expected to bo eouploto by Juno, 1969. See paragraph 2 of Section A for coot laforuatioo. 5. Himan Lung Study As o further doemaatatlon of tho biologic offsets of exposure to fibrous gloss upon hmono. Dr. Gross of tho Foundation has received 13 sots of huaan lungs obtained at autopsy fron fovasr ouployoos of tho tovark plant. The lungs util bo subjected to dotalled study and analysis to determines (1) whether glass has caused any lung pathology, and (2) the quantity and slse of any glass particles that have entered sad remained in the lungs. Sloven of the thirteen sets of lungs hove been examined and found to be without anything remarkable and without specific disease. Reports will be completed in July, 1969. See paragraph 2, Section A for cost information. S. Epidemiologic Survey - P.8.P.H.8. Stator the direction of Dr. Lewis Crallay, the Occupational Health Section of the U.8. Public Health Service, is con ducting e study of the health and employment records or former and present employees of fibrous glees manufacturers. v 02 417 0033 PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT 5- B. Epidemiologic iurw - O.S.P.H.S. (eootiBMd) The purpose of th stody io to determine If fibrous glass workers hm a grootor incldonco of premature disability or doatb tbsa otbar groups of industrial meployeea. Particular emphasis is bmlag plscmd os tbs study of former employees. The value of the study is that it will provide data about the health effects of both long sad short term exposures to fibrous glass and say negate the argument that our present employees are a selected population. A preliminary report of the findings will be released in late 1969 or early 1970. The cost of the stody is financed by the O.S.P.B.S. C. Institute of Industrial Health. University of Michigan Dr. Carey ?. McCord A study has been made under the direction of Dr. C. P. McCord to evaluate the dtoat x-rays of our Esvark plant employees. This project is a corollary to that carried out by Dr. George B. Bright in 1963 but adds many epideaiological and statistical refinements lacking in Dr. Bright's work. It also brings the record forward by five years thus covering an exposure period of importance in long-tern fibrous glass workers. The study is approximately 90Z complete with only supple mental analyses to be added. The final report will be correlated with the industrial hygiene survey of the lewark plant by Mr. George Tublch (sea subdivision D). Pinal reports are expected before July, 1969. All major charges for the study have been paid. 02 417 0034 D. Industrial Hygiene 8mm - fcwrk Plant - Mr. Corw Tubich Mr. fitorgt Ubieb| Consulting ladostrial Hygienist, eenduetad a limited iaduatrial hygiene aarray of the Hewaxk plant to dataraina tin amount of air-borne fibrous glass dost. (Ibis is a corollary project to tha study nada by tha Zastltuta of Industrial Health, University of Michigan.) This infomation is naadad to raildata tha in-plant environmental contaninatlon to which Kevsrk onployaas arc exposed. A report of tha findings was raeelvad in 1968. Mr. Tubich la also preparing a nanuseript for possible publication to be based on this survey, the nanuseript is to be coapleted in the spring of 1969. Major charges for the survey have been paid. - M.l.H. - Pr. Maarl Stanton The original purpose of this study was to use fibrous glass as a carrying agent for asbestos. Fibrous glass Aerocor was chosen as the carrier because of its biological inertness. Aniaala with the inplanted asbestos demonstrated serious pathological changes. Aninala with only fibrous glass implants demonstrated no serious change. The study has been in progress for one year and is expected to continue for another year. These with fibrous glass implants who died from natural causes showed no serious abnormalities. There is no cost to tha company other than supplying the fibrous glass. 02 417 0035 PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT 5~7<3-0_ Pq(o V* Cln Hbwr Erosion frw Duett - tottorltt Laboratory Under tit* ample** of N.I.N.L, Ylberglas and thra* other glasa duct Manufacturers bar* commissioned Mattering Laboratory to investigate glass fiber srosloo and a variety of existing ventilating system. The currant study differs free a slullar Mattering study in that it is a field study of system fir* years old or older. Only aav duet vas used in the previous duet study which vas conducted under lab oratory conditions. Kettering has investigated one of a total of five test sites and found no fibrous glass in the system* airstreaas. Setlaated cooplotion date July, 1969. OCF coat $2500. 6. Environmental Studies. Onlversltv of California Pr. V. Clark Cooper Under the ample** of M.I.M.A. the four glass fiber Manufacturing coupantes have requested Dr. Cooper, Institute of Public Health. Dnlwsrsity of California, to undertake two investigations of environmatal conditions that are particularly pertinent to alleged health problem. One study involvm the determination of both the quantity end the diemter of glass fibers to be found in tiie working environments of Insulation appli cators (asbestos workers). The second study will deter mine the extent of fiber eroelon in actual fibrous glass. All studies will be made at Vast Coast sites. The second phase of the study will amplify the work being dome by Kettering Laboratory. It has the advantage of being conducted on the West Coast. Dr. Cooper has tils respect of Dr. Helikoff and other influential aaabers of the environmental health community. The atudy was authorised in February, 2969. Usable Infor mation concerning dust spall should be available within 4-6 months. Working environment data will ha available in approximately one year. The cost of both pass* of the project to OCT la $8250. PLAINTIFFS (p EXHIBIT 5-7Q.O Pal 02 417 0036 -b- II KBVUOKOamLL 8TOD1BS A. Skin Irrltatlons - Dr. B. B. . Ohto 8ut University To dittniM akin Irritation lavala of lata, modified Bata and "C" flbar aatarlal. Washing aaehina atodlaa daaonatratad that elothlng would ba eootaainatad with glass lint whan washad with glass fabrics. Visas stadias demonstrated that irri tation could ha expected by a significant aunbar of Individuals waarlng tha eootaainatad clothing if tha flbar diameter was graatar than IB HX. Currently stadias are hiving earrlad out by woaen waarlng nightgowns fabrleatad froa "B" aodiflad "B" and "Cf flbar. Tha prallalnary rssults suggast that Bata dlaaatar flbar can ha Incorporated In clothing without contributing to Irritation. BCD - May, 1969 Kstlaatad Cost - $5000 I Basic Studios in Skin Irritation - Dr. Lao J. Mladlar & Dr. Jon L. Konaan Basic pilot stadias hava boon Initiated to nore precisely deteralna the fiber dlaaatar ceasing adverse skin sensation. This study will require approximately two nonths to conplete. Inforaatlon froa this study will ha used to design follow on research Into tha affect of finishes la causing sdversa skin sensation. BCD - May 15, 1969 Bstlnated Cost - $10,000 C. Task Tores At tha request of Mr. T. Blauvelt a task force has been established to determine what aavironaental tasting of our products should ba conducted. As head of this task force, I will define tha overall prograa to deteralna die projects, responsibilities, priorities of rssearch and financial suppprt. An affective nathod for acctSBulatlon, analysis and handling of product coaplalnts froa tha general public will ba Included la tha task force duties. 02 417 0037 D. Bnvl tal Control Coanlttaa As an active awbir of the Bovlmental Control Coil ttaa, the Radical Director works la clone cooperation with Mr* 8* H. Thonaa* Arena of activity are the envlroonantal pollution problaas, outside and lnalda the aanufacturlag plants at Barrington, Berlin, Muntingdoa, Anderson, Santa Clara, Kansas City, and the new Jackson plant. Va arc working as a teas to obtain the necessary hygiene and toxicology con sultants, to advise uanagenent of the necessary con trol device and appraise than of pending legislation with regard to the connunity id the In-plant working environsant. tfe are currently deeply involved with the health aspects of our plant effluents, especially Santa Clara* Dr* Goldsnlth, Health Consultant representing the California Departaant of Health to the Bay Area Pollution Control District, has Indicated fron the lafornatlon supplied hln, there la no Imdlate hasard to health without giving ua a "dean bill of health"* 02 417 0038 Ill XMQOXKIKS, COMFLAIHTS, UTIGAIIOM ft WUQfBM'8 OOMPHJSATIOH A. Inquiries Inquiries involving bMltii effects few aspoaun to fibrous glass aro dirsetod to the Msdicsl Services Departaant for analysis and resolution. Many such inquiries arc received ovary ysar and aru initiatod by Vlborglas representatives, by coapanias using fibrous glass products, by physicians and by research groups or laboratories. B. Couplainta Coeplaiats are received free the constsMr or through Kberglas field representatives. The resolution of these ooeplaints often is very ties coosusing. Bealth coeplaiats are categorised as follows: Mo. in 1968 a. Inspiratory b. Skin(Irritation ft allegeddereatoses) e. Itch d. *ya 43 32 37 4 136 C. Litigation The Medical Services Departaant supplies consultation to the Lev Departaant for pending litigation involving alleged bioeffects of exposure to Piberglas products. On occasion it.is necessary to enlist the services of an inpartial nodical consultant to evaluate the physical condition 10- C* litigation (continued) As of Dsoauhar 31, 1968 three court salts sc* pending against Osona-Comlag Plberglas. Ono salt allsgss disabling aabestosis, a second alleges severe discoufort free air-bone "fly" originating freu glass fabrics, and the third alleges developnaat of Malignant elanone and the aggravation of an asthnstic condition fren exposare to air-borne particles fra a U-TUM-IT filter. B, Worhnen'a Conponaatlon Cases Vorknan's Grapensatlon eases can Involve all Piberglaa Although all Vorknan's Conponsatlen clains are of Interest to this departnent, cadi eonpany nnlt has been directed to notify the departaant of all clains Involving a respiratory eoaplsiat. Follovlng analysis, the anployiag salt Is instrueced la the handling of each ease. By this naans precedent-setting clains are conteated, paynsnt of false clains reduced and Vorknan's Conponsatlen costs are controlled. Daring 1968, 23 respiratory clains were filed against the conpany by cuployees. Ughteen clains were filed against the SAC salts, and five clains were filed against the Manufacturing units, la addition there Is one elaln of "glass-blowers" cataract filed against the Vewarfc plant. 02 417 0040 PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT siq.o Pq.II IT GnntAL nOGSAMS A. Threehold Limit Vln for Fibrous Cl-- Dr* Paul Gross, Issssrcfa Pathologist of I.H.F. is s sssbsr of Chs Threshold Limit Talas Coaaittss sod is representing ths imtsrssts of ths fibrous gloss mssttfsetursrs is so sttsmpt to got ths eurront limit am fibrous glass ralssd to that of am lasrt dust. Ths TIT Gosmittss believes that ths eurront research by Dr. Gross with fibrous glass dusts will prove in valuable to them in establishing s rsails tie and fair thrsshold limit value for glass dusts* Although Dr. Gross is to present current medical data about fibrous glass and ita binders to the TLT Committss in mid-Kerch, 1969, it is possible that a final decision on a TLT for glass will be postponed until Dr* Gross has completed his current glass studies* Dr. Gross reports that ths Committee Chairman has said that so long as fibrous glass tends to irritate ths skin they cannot classify it as an inert dust. There is no charge to the company for this project* 1. Service to 8alsa The Medical Services Department cooperates with ths Sales Divisions to assure ths use and applications of fibrous glass products are medically correct* factual Information was supplied to Kimberly-Clark, and Stevens-Tan Hausen which assisted in a favorable decision to use fibrous gloss materials la their product. 02 417 0041 PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT 519.0 V c. tifttr id Industrial Bniww The Medical Services Departnant eoopntu in the Corporate Safety aad Industrial Hygiene programs. Maetfnge has* bean bald with tto Aataa representatives! adnialstratlve and Industrial hygiene personnel* to explain our noads and develop a satisfactory working relationship with than. Periodic Safety and X.H. reports we reviewed aad reeoansadatlons for correction of poor practices and working conditions are subaitted. D. Trade Organisations Dr. Konsea and Mr. towards are nantors of the Health aad Safety Constttea of H.I.M.A. Other eonaittee nantors representing fibrous glass producers axes Lea B. Grant* PPQ| Cliff Stockier* Johns-MaaviUe; aad Valter Gubar, Oartslateed-Gustln Bacon. The Medical Director is a neater of tto Health & Safety Countttes for tto S.P.I. The purpose of this eonaittee is to identify the potential health hasards of working with reinforced plastics and define safety practices to sllniaats these hasards. The results of the counittee's studies and recounandatlons will be extended to the snail YKP fabricators wia safety penphlets and nanusIs. S. FRP leseardi Dr. Marvin Kuschner* Hew York Ohlversity* is conducting inhalation studies with VIP notarial. He have cooperated with hin by suggesting fine who could supply the necessary anount of PIP dust of a known composition for nos in his studies. Arrangements were node for hin to Tieit the Aiken* Hewark and Granville facilities to broaden his knowledge about the nanufacture of Plberglas and tto couplaxities of PSP products. He are net contributing any financial support to Dr. Kusehncr's project. 02 417 0042 PDONTTFF^l EXHIBIT I 5iq.o I 1 -13- V* FtofmloMlt f--lty ItktliM The Radical Director mmU with professional groopo la order to supply thee with proper end correct factual knovledga of fibrous glass products* These presentations include the possible effects of exposure under defined --virounental conditions* Through these talks the pro fessional groupa becoea acquainted with the functions of tiie Medical Services Department. The Medical Director has authored a paper* "Health of Fibrous Glass Horkars"* presented to the Industrial Health Foundation la October* I960. Invitation has been accepted to talk to the Industrial Hygiene Association of Michigan la April* 1969* In May* 1969 he will present a paper at the Industrial Hygiene Association Annual Meeting in Denver* The Medical Director plans to increase his contacts and participation in the occupational and environmental nedical co-unity. This vlll provide opportunities to tell the true story regarding the health aspects of fibrous glass --tarials and diminish the erroneous connotation that our products represent a health hasard. G. Intra-Company Orientation It is of advantage for certain areas in the coapany such as 8ales and Purchasing to have accurate infor mation concerning the health affects of fibrous glass products and ras --tarials* Several meetings were held with departs--t managers and their key personnel. 02 417 0043 PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT 579.0 U" T H-PLAMT MEDICAL P100BAM As laportat function of CIm Medical Serrlces Department is the design and maintenance of an effectlee In-plent medical program. letlvltiM Initiated to implement tills progran sen as followst A* Major Medical Equipment A list of najor medical equipment and cost sstinatss km bean dereloped for each plant and the Todmlenl Cantor for ths proposod lo-plaat nsdleol progran. This basic equipment Is roqnlrod to carry oat ths necessary pro onploymant and periodic physical examinations. Ibis includes the followings 1. Bloetrocardlograns 2. Fulmoonry function 9. Sight screening A. Audio--trie tasting 9. X-rays (x-ray craningtioes ere contracted sat In all locations except Xeearfc}* CD - April 1, 1969 1. 8mr of Kxlstinx Medical laulp--nt A surrey of the existing In-plant --dice! equip--nt has Veen eanpleted. Vt-- the rosults of this surrey, a cost estl--te will be prepared for manage--nt approval to replace obsolete equipment, this will bo n pert of the overall race--ndetlon to equip existing end new manufacturing plants with the minimum of medical equip ment for -- offeetire ln-plent medical program. CD - April 1. 1969 02 417 0044 4i 15- C. Monthly Medical Import la January a Monthly Medical lapert va inidatad for all aanufaetaring plants and the tadinlcal canter. The parpoaa of this report ia to statistically record the tiie nodical personnel, plant population at risk, expense, case lead, apodal information, statistical reference, and financial and case load. Vtom thin report no will be able to analyse the workload and coat of our various nodical cantors, bo alerted to hasardoue working con ditions and Judge the effectiveness of the nodical departments. Za those cases where the nodical service rate is out of proportion, an analysis can be conducted and corrective action reconesndad. SCD - Continning. D. Medical Culda The preparation of a Medical Guide has been Initiated. The purpose of tills Medical Guide is to establish Corporate etandards for the operation of a medical services center. It will include the rornunauJeif preenploynant and periodic employee physical examinations for each manufacturing plant, technical canter and general offleas. Ksanlaatlon procedures and frequencies will be included. An important aspect of the Guide will be direction ia handling n wide variety of nodical administrative problems. gCD - May 1, 1569 ! Medical faculties Layout-and louisment teeommsndetlone facility layouts and equipment racoamandatloua have bean sobmitted for the Jackson and Valparaiso plants and the Toledo fiberglas Tower. The medical department layout and the equipment recommendations for the Vlalrbura plant will be developed when we reoelve the criteria of the manufacturing operation, levlsad layouts of existing medical departments are being developed. 02 417 0045 PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT I .^79.0 16- r. auction of Flant Physicians and Ioctm ImIiudm *m provided in tin Nlaetim of the pint physician and nnroo for tho Jackson and Valparaiso plants. Candidatsa aro being interviewed for tha Toledo riborilas Tovar. 6. Industrial Hrxleno Surveys Arrangenonts worn nada with appropriate industrial hygiene and nodical consultants to survey tha following nanufaeturing plantst Berlin. Huntingdon and Anderson. Dpon receiving thair reports, rscuanandations wars subnltted for tho corractlon of hazardous working conditions. I. Identification of Medical Froblan Areas Visits ware nada to tha Hontingdon and Anderson plants to analyse tha cause of severe dometitle problaus. The source of tha problen was the use of epanys and silanes in tho textile size fomulations. Ispounandsd personal hygiene progress wore subnittad to oasa tha anployee irritation. JLK/sa / V. 02 417 0046 PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT 57Q.O