Document jmq7eMD9Bzz9E1qb74NdV18z2

FILE NAME: Chrysler (CHR) DATE: 1988 Mar 23 DOC#: CHR114 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letter from Dept of Health & Human Services to Chrysler DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH k HUMAN SERVICES * * * Hm l*Mg* kit O f** contt N**(VU InMftwt* for OopgpotiOA*! 4 Moottft ** A TAiiborttOAM 4R7S CoUimM* PtA onf CllWiAMtt,OH 4 }t* %MR March 23, 19 Hr. Carl L*r>cuck1 Opentiens Manager Chrysler Chemicel Oivltion 543? Vest 3efferson72 Trenton, Michigan 43183 Otar Mr, lancuckii The preliminary analysis of results fro the medical evaluation of th* Chrysler Trtnton Chemical Plant employees has been completed. The following report suiturim the tests conducted es veil as preliminary results of these tests. Methods of Assessment The methods employed to assess worker exposures to asbestos and subsequent physical changes associated with exposure. Included chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, a resetratory/neurobehavloral questionnaire and, for all chemical products employees, blood samples for lead analysis.. Chest X-rays taken, were read by two. radiologists (I*Readers) using the International System for Pneumoconioses. When the radiologists disagreed on the extent, s1xe, or location of radiological signs of pneumoeoniosas, the X-ray was read by a third (0-Reader). Results were reported based upon agreement by two of the three radiologists. Pulmonary function tests were conducted according to the criteria recommended by the American Thoracic Society. One-second forced expiratory volume (FEY1) and forced vital capacity (PYC) were measured, and predicted values were calculated using the Kmtdson equations. The questionnaire wes derived from the American Thoracic Society's standardised questions for assessing raspiratory health. In addition, workers responded to qmestions about past work histories, length of employment at the compeny, smoking history, and specific self-reported medical conditions. Results One hundred seventy-one parsons participated in the medical evaluation. The participants included 77$ of the activt workforce at this plant, Among the 171 participent! were 3$ management personnel and 17 retirees. Fifty-two percent of tho workforce was employed in friction products, 39$ of the workers were employed in the chemical division, and 16$ of the workers split their work between friction products and chemical products. t ctowntet 02003 * age t * to. Ciri Uncucki Cfoploy* chest x-rays itomi thm parsons 1th radiological sight consistent 1th efteuaoeonfoaat, Oht X-ray showed bilateral snail rounded opKities 1n the iddi 4 upper lung fields (esbestosis typically appears ts irregular opacitlas In the alddle and lower lores of tho lung). No X-rays showed pleural thickening; ono of thou X-rays showed pleural thickening along tho diaphraga with eircuaserlbed pitouts long tho chott 1 1 , tnd tho loeond X-ray snod piturti thftkaning Involving tho right coatophrenle tnglo with c1rcscribed plaques tlong tho chost wall. Abnoraal pulmontry function toots wort rocordod for 28 portoni, Twenty two portoni ( m i exhibited tn obstructive pattern tsovtn of ho ilio hid i possible rostrtctlvo effect), tnd I workers 3.5X) shod i rostHctlvo pottom. Portoni with obstructive olrwoy dltooto htvo difficulty expelling sir rapidly. Tho aost cotnon cauto of an obstructive pottom 1$ tacking, fononi with restrictive pattami havo difficulty filling tholr lungs to capacity. Restrictive pattami would ho oxpKtod for thoso oxpotod to high 1ovoli of dust or flbors such u is bostot. forcont prcdlctod FVC wot usod at a asura of rostrlcttvo pulnonary affect, and FIV1/FVC os o asuro of obstructivo offK t. Afar cormeting for ago and snoklng, nolthor pareant proditod FYC nor FEYI/fVC was significantly associ atad with yoort work In friction procucts, y u rt of work In choalcol products, or yoort at Chryslor. This lottar eonititutoi on intarla raport of tho aodieal analysis to data. If you havo questions about thoso risu lti, you way contact at at (S13) $41-4386, Richard 4 Driscoll 8*$,, ttPH,, Ipidoalologist d ie si Section Karard evaluations and TKhnicat Assistane* grandi Divisin of Surveillance, Kaxird evaluations and Hold Studios CHRYSLER 0020S4