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InternaClorrespondence
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To.D. W. Dworak - Spec. Chem. - 41-1 From. L. Zobelt t-I.D-. Medical - 220-2E-C)2 Subject: Medical Examinations
Date:tiarch 20, 1987
3M
Examinations
were done on 64% (204/320) of
employees offered the opportunity last fall.
the. Specialty
Chemical
A first level of analysis in the group as a whole. abnormalities have already
of this data Individuals
been referred
shows no significant probleins with potentially significant to personal physicians.
Marginal abnormalities in lab @ests occur with an expected frequency depending on how normal limits are defined. Nonnal is often defined as between the 5th and 95% percentile of the test values in the general reference population.
in the Specialty Chemical group 17 had at least one high liver
function test and 31 had at least one low liver function test. Since
there are 5 liver function tests.. these are not unexpected numbers.
The spiroinetry is also reassuring. There is no lower limit to the
kidney function test.
Ten people had a marginally high kidney
function test, almost exactly 5100o-f the tested group.
Liver and
kidney function tests are most closely examined because these two
organs metabolize most toxins entering the body and are often @-he
first to show subclinical change.
Three ndw cases of pleural thickening were found. The pleura is the
lining of the lung.
Pleural thickening can be a consequence of
asbestos exposure.
It fortunately is not a "disease" in itself, but
rather a sign of exposure in the distant past (usually 20 years or
inore.) It does not result in disability or clinical symptoms. It
does not indicate an increased risk of developing asbestosis or
asbestos related cancer. We do record it on the OSRA log and suggest
these individuals continue to participate in examination programs.
Page 2 D. Dworak March 20, 1987
We plan to do more specific and detailed studies of the relationship of blood fluorine levels (current and past) and exarninationresults. We are in the process of obtaining appropriate consultation and developing the means to do the needed data analysis. I cannot give you a timetable yet, but hope to be able to in the next few months.
ORGANIC FLUORIDE IN THE BLOOD
SO URCES -
i
'DFC-143, FC-126,FC-95, FC-98, FC-120
REMEDIES ENGINEERING CONTROLS PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR TRAINING/AWARENESS
RESULTS
FROM 1976 - 1984 LEVELS DECREASED FROM 30,PPM TO 10 PPMO
FROM 1984 - PRESENT LEVELS HAVE REMAINED CONSTANT OR INCREASED.
-CONCERNS MPLOYEE HEALTH
CORPORATE LIABILITY
-COMPLJCA TIONS 0 3-4 MONTH DELAY IN TEST RESULTS, 0 INCREASE IN TEST REFUSAL, o LACK OF ENTHUSIASM FOR HEALTH
SCREENING EXAMS, 0 DIFFICULTY IN IMPLEMENTING
COMPUTER CORRELATION PROGRAM.
SOLUTIONS@ GIVE EMP-LOrYEES A SMALL INCENTIVE
FOR GIVING BLOOD SAMPLES TRANSPORT TO 3M CENTER/BUY LUNCH.
SPEED. UP TURNAROUND ON TEST,
SUPERVISOR INCENTIVES FOR REDUCING READINGS OF HIGH PERSONNEL,
VELS OF CONCERN
36EMPLO,vEES
> 5PPM > 1OPPM
ppm EUPZ 0 YEES
31
19
18
2 (1)TERMINATED (1)OLD RESULTS
14
NON-BUILDING 15
13
2
12
2
(2)NON-BUILDING 15
2
(1)SUPERVISOR
10
FEMALE -@
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w 0 25
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BUI ING 15
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