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\ ASBESTOS INFORMATION ASSOCIATION NORTH AMERICA 1660 L Street, N.W. / Washington, D.C. 20036 / (202) 223^885 3M Center BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING June 5, 1975 St. Paul, Minnesota Pursuant to notice, a meeting of the'3'oard of Directors was held June 5, 1975, at the 3M Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. The following Directors were present: George Barge W. H. Beasley C. Nelson Codding Sudhakar Dixit (for G. Parry Wiess) Thomas A. Dougherty A. H. Fay Joseph G. Hall John H. Marsh C. G. Morgan J. L. Rainey Martin J. Sendecki F. J. Solon, Jr. William R. Thurber Atlas Asbestos Company Cement Asbestos Products Company Jim Walter Research Corporation Garlock Incorporated Certain-teed Products Corporation National Gypsum Company GAF Corporation Raybestos-Manhattan, Incorporated North American Asbestos Corporation Amatex Corporation Congoleum Industries, Incorporated Johns-Manville Corporation Union Carbide Corporation Also present: R. H. Mereness, Executive Director, AIA/NA and B. J. Pigg, AIA/NA. Minutes Mr. Solon, President of the Association, called the meeting to order at 11:15 A.M.. On motion, minutes of the preceding meet ing, March 13, 1975, were approved as submitted. Financial Report A report of the Association's finances was distributed. As of May 27, 1975, the Association had a cash balance of $57,039, plus prepaid expenses, insurance, accounts receivable, and short term investments of $13,948 for a total of $70,987. Total lia bilities were $24,676 for a net worth of $46,311. Expenditures for the first five months of current year were within hnflnpt. CAPCO JEN 0004.178 Page - 2 - Mr. Dougherty noted that the budget is prepared as an annual document and should not be altered to reflect major changes such as termination of contractual arrangements v/ith Hill and Knowlton, Inc. that might take place within the 12 month period. Rather, such matters should be footnoted in quarterly financial reports. Mr. Beasley commented on fee paid the Association's account ing firm and suggest that costs be reviewed to' ensure minimum expenditure. Mr. Barge stated that the Asbestos Cement.Pipe Producers Association used their legal counsel for billing and staff capability for accounting thus eliminating expense.of re taining an accounting firm. The Executive Director inquired of charges by the ACPPA legal firm for this service and pointed out AIA/HA has over four-times the number of members as the ACPPA thus a much greater work load for billing and accounts-bility by comparison. Mr. Solon suggested that the Executive inquire into ACCPA procedures. Report of the Executive Director A report on Federal/State activities affecting the industry was distributed. It was stated that the amended OSHA asbestos standard was not likely to be published in the Federal Register before late summer. In comments on HEW inter-agency asbsestos feeding study it was advised that response to RFPs had resulted in four proposals using rats and six using hamsters; and that contracts must be let by end of fiscal year, June 30, 1975. The proposed Workman's Compensation Bill, co-sponsored by Senators Williams (D-NJ) and Javits (R-NY), has yet to be in troduced. Attention was invited to article on subject included in folders provided attendees. On Association office activities it was reported: . Miss Virginia Detgen is new executive secretary on Associ ation staff. Mrs. Carol Grant is no longer on staff. . From first of year through May 31, 325 pieces of correspon dence (average 64 per month) had been originated as result of inquiries, requests for materials, and routine business. . During first five months of year, 3,634 employee information pamphlets were distributed. The "Asbestos in the Atmosphere A hazard to health?" pamphlet has been completed and readied for CAPCO JEN 0004179 Page - 3 - distribution. "Asbestos in Water - A hazard to health?", a companion pamphlet, is in final .^editorial stage. Action is ongoing to complete series of recommended workplace practices which will be forwarded to members for review as appropriate by marketing and legal personnel prior to publication. An related matter, OSHA has advised that recommended workplace practices submitted by AIA/NA in July 1974 for.amended asbestos standard have been accepted. Other projects underway include additional fact sheets and an asbestos and health pamphlet. The Association's "News and Notes" continues to be published regularly to an ever-increasing distribution list. Mr. Solon requested comments from directors as to the usefulness and con tent of "News and Notes." A favorable response to usefulness and content was voiced. Afjter discussion on distribution of "News and Notes" it was agreed that members should receive two copies of each edition to aid in internal routing. . Planning is progressing toward publication of all feder al governmental regulations concerning asbestos. A discussion followed after which it was decided that publication should not be delayed for amendment to OSHA standard and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants now in progress. Preference was expressed for publication to be in loose-leaf format to facilitate change making. Mr. Thurber suggested that consideration be given to inclusion of state laws affecting the industry. Mr. Codding suggested that Bureau of National_Affairs be contacted with the view of preparing publication in light of extra demand on staff. The Executive Director noted he was working with Government Research Corporation in this connection but would explore suggestion. International Asbestos Association Mr. Marsh reviewed background and current status of the proposed establishment of a Standing Committee of the Internation al Conference of Asbestos Associations. A decision in regard to participation is required by June 30, 1975. Mr. Solon advised that Mr. Alex Cross, who has served as Chairman of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the International Conference of Asbestos As sociations, would elaborate on this subject during the afternoon session of meeting. The.Executive Director read the following motion made by Mr. Barge at the Executive Committee meeting on June 4: "Resolved -- that the Executive Committee recommmend to the Board of Directors that the Association participate as a member of the pro posed Standing Committee of the International Conference of Asbestos Associations during its initial period of 18 months commencing July 1, 1975 with the proviso that legal counsel clears such participation as concerns the Association's liablility and that of the Association's members. CAPCO JEN 0004180 Page - 4 "Further, it is understood that the estimated cost of participation by the Association for the 18 month "trial" period leading to the third meeting of the Conference at the end of year 1976 will be $6,000 ( to include travel expenses attendant), an amount which can be defrayed within the existing budget of the As sociation. " It was reported that the motion had been seconded and unani mously approved by the Executive Committee. In addition, the Executive Director has been instructed to obtain legal counsel and prepare appropriate correspondence in order that vote of directors might be obtained and decision of the Association conveyed to the Ad Hoc Working Group by June 30. Industry-Government Conference Mr. Solon stated that he had requested Mr. Dougherty to serve as chairman for the 1975 Conference. Mr. Dougherty reported on proposed,plans. The AIA/NA annual meeting, following a meet ing of directors, would be held morning of September 10. The Industry-Government Conference would commence with a speaker at luncheon. A speaker/panel program was proposed in major areas: occupational safety and health, environmental protection and medical, through noon September 11 with a reception planned for 5:15 P.M. on September 10. Program participants from govern ment, medical/scientific community, industry, labor. Internation al Conference of Asbestos Associations, and possibly the Congress were discussed. Mr. Codding suggested that consideration might be given to exhibit space for display of industry products as a possible source of revenue to defray Conference expenses. After dis cussion, it was agreed that various considerations mitigated against this activity. The Executive Director stated that a proposed "outsider" in vitation list would be developed and distributed.to. members.for re view and additions. Mr. Solon stated that, associations having interests in the asbestos industry would be contacted with the thought of inviting their members to the Conference. This would serve as an avenue for increasing individual company membership in the Association. He also suggested that members who have specific recommendations for an industry spokesman to be con cluding speaker on the program at luncheon September 11 should communicate their thoughts by memorandum to Mr. Dougherty with copy to Mr. Mereness. CAPCO JEN 0004-181 Page - 5 - Asbestos Problems in Canada Mr. Barge reviewed the strike situation in Canadian asbestos mines noting extensive news coveroge of the complex problems. He spoke of the effect on the 'industry and reported on some province proposals for regulating asbestos mining and product usage. Mr. Barge offered his services to any members who may wish more detail on matters covered in his remarks. Activity Area Reports a. Standards and Technical - Mr. Marsh commented on progress of recommended workplace practices and the extensive and dedicated work of the Standards and Technical Committee. b. Financial and Membership - Mr. Dougherty stated he had nothing to add on finances further to the Executive Director's report. He emphasized that the upcoming Industry-Government Con ference would be a good opportunity for promoting membership in the Association. c. Public Relations and Communications - Mr. Thurber referred to completion of the asbestos health hints series of plant posters and other materials now being developed by the Association. Mr. Solon stated that it would be helpful if those members who have not distributed the pamphlet would advise if there are objections to the pamphlet. He said that publication and distribution of in formational materials for use by AIA/NA members is a basic function of the Association. He encouraged extensive use of Association materials. d. Legal and Legislative - Mr. Hall stated he had nothing to add to the remarks of the Executive Director and the report included in folders. e. Inter-Intra Association Relations - Mr. Barge voiced his appreciation of the report on the International Asbestos Associ ation previously given by Mr. Marsh and commented on his favorable disposure for the Association to thoroughly consider the advantages of participation in the international group. He mentioned his attendance at the annual meeting of the Asbestos Cement Pipe Producers Association and the importance of close relations between the associations. f. Medical - Mr. Solon referred to the interest of directors to hear in detail of the work of the Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health as regards medical research on asbestosrelated disease. He stated he was pleased to advise that Dr. George Wright, Chairman, Scientific Committee, IOEH, had accepted his invitation and would speak following the business session of the meeting. CAPCO JEN 0004.182 Page - 6 - Mr. Solon called attention to discussion of the need for Association access to medical expertise as addressed by Mr. C. Fred Workman (Nicolet Industries, Inc.) in a letter to directors of March 7. Mr. Solon said thafe-this matter has been reviewed in detail by the Executive Committee during its June 4 meeting and that it had been agreed a medical advisor for AIA/NA would appear more practicable than a medical advisory committee. He said he would pursue this concern of the Association. The Executive Director called attention to a listing of recently received medical papers in folders of attendees and stated that the papers would be provided op- request. Following the business session, Mr. Alex A. Cross, Chairman, Environmental Control Committee, Asbestosis Research Council, U.K. addressed the meeting: Mr. Cross reviewed the background which culminated in esta blishment of the medical science oriented Asbestosis Research Council in 1957. He emphasized the distinction of ARC's work with that of the Asbestos Information Committee, a group primarily con cerned with public relations problems. He said ARC enjoys high respect with government bodies in the United Kingdom and has signi ficantly contributed to the development of U.K. asbestos regulations. The Environmental Control Committee of the ARC makes a major effort to develop practical working procedures to eliminate asbestos risks to health. Education of workers is one of the committee's princi pal activities. A series of slides were shown which depicted the ARC materials in this area, e.g. control and'safety guides, occu pational practices and worker leaflets. He stated that planning was underway to produce a film on asbestos construction materials. He underscored the need for an aggressive communications program through utilization of printed materials. Turning his attention to the proposed Standing Committee of the Interantional Conference of Asbestos Associations, Mr. Cross declared his support of this international effort. He said that problems facing the asbestos industry are world-wide and that no way should be overlooked to maximize efforts which might be made toward eventual elimination of possible risk to the health of asbestos workers or users. He pointed out the advantage of knowing what other national associations are doing and stated that a focal point for exchange of information would be benefi cial to all concerned. Mr. Cross referred to activities of the International Labor Organization and stated that response to these actions could have been better handled by an international body representative of the industry. CAPCO JEN 0004-183 Page - 7 - Directors expressed appreciation to Mr. Cross for an "ex cellent and most informative presentation" and for his kindness in appearing before the group. Following Mr. Cross, Dr. George Wright, Chairman, Scientific Committee, Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health,spoke at the meeting. Dr. Wright stated that medical research into the asbestoshealth relationship was not new. He traced the history of re search efforts beginning early in this century and recounted how initial health concerns for asbestos workers had developed, in the last 20 years, to health concerns for people in communities where manufacturing operations are conducted and for the users of asbestos products. Dr. Wright related that the Quebec Asbestos Mining Associ ation in recognition of the increasing concerns with regard to the asbestos-health issue, organized the IOEH in 1966 as a separate and distinct group from the association though, he pointed out, QAMA had supported medical research prior to this time. Dr. Wright said the Scientific Committee charged itself as follows: "In light of what we know about the problem, let us assume that we have an unlimited supply of money and an unlimited access to research sources and see if we, as a group, could set out in a systematic way how best to proceed in pro viding the kind of information that was needed for various purposes." This task was finished in 1968 and the completed work put to gether in a bound volume in 1969 entitled: Towards the Safe Use of Asbestos Fibre. Dr. Wright proceeded to quote extensively from this publication and, among other things, cited two objectives sought in the Committee's work: (1) learn safe level of asbestos exposure and how to achieve that level, and (2) learn how to manage future of persons who have already sustained a substantial ex posure to inhalation of asbestos fibers. A series of trans parencies were used to illustrate points highlighted. Dr. Wright emphasized that it was not enough for industry to be concerned for the health of new workers. He reviewed problems that might be associated with workers that have been exposed to sufficient fibers to the extent it may be reasonably certain that some will show adverse effects with passing of time. He raised the question whether or nor such persons who have had a known category of fiber exposure, but have not yet developed evidences of disease, should be removed entirely and permanently from further exposure. He observed that this is the procedure followed in the case of miners of uranium. CAPCO JEN 0004184 i, Page - 8 - Dr- Wright stated that the scarcity of knowledge has been and continues to be the major deterrent for development of reliable and adequate safeguards. He said that this fact is basis for controversy over a Threshold Limit Value for asbestos exposure. The Scientific Committee has to date accepted 23 research projects at a total cost of approximately $2,324,000. He estimated that during the past eight years a grant total of $10-12 million has been expended throughout the world in efforts to increase knowledge as to the safe use of asbestos. A lengthy question and answer period followed Dr. Wright's remarks. Attendees expressed their gratitude for a thorough and enlightening presentation. Dr. Wright's presentation was followed by remarks by Dr. Paul Kotin, Senior Vice President for Health, Safety and Environ ment, Johns-Manville Corporation. Dr. Kotin, formerly member of the 10EH Scientific Committee, commented on XOEH's pioneering effort as an enlighted industry approach to a scientific problem. He spoke of the credibility enjoyed by IOEH in all interested communities and on international levels. He stated that research supported by IOEH can be identi fied as being responsive to the industry's concern for the health of employees and that the research is used by government officials. In support of the latter statement, he referred to a recent visit by Dr. John F. Finklea, recently appointed Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to J-M 's head quarters in Denver where he had stressed the usefulness and in dispensability of industry data in judgment making. \ As pertains to the 2-fiber per cc issue. Dr. Kotin said it would be well to recognize that it is going to survive or be threatened as much on the basis of philosophical implications as on data input implications. Because of many considerations, he does not acticipate that a "number" answer will be found re garding lung cancer. He said there are statistical and scientific data to suggest that 2-fibers per cc is a non-fibrogenic dose. He spoke of his consultations with Dr. Selikoff on the cause and in cidence of mesotheliomas. Dr. Kotin reported that a member of IOEH had recently ac cepted the responsiblity of writing a chronological history of asbestos, a task which has never before been done. He expressed hope that the results will reveal what industry should have known about the asbestos-health issue at any given point in time. Re ference was made to a working conference scheduled for October 1975 to be sponsored by the Thermal Manufacturers Association on CAPCO JEN 0004185 Page - 9 - man-made mineral fibers. The purpose is to develop experimental protocols for answering questions about these fibers. Dr. Kotin also stated that full industry cooperation is recognized as necessary by government in regard to the planned asbestos feeding protocol study. Dr. Kotin closed his remarks by stating that indications point to support of the view that the various"constituencies" are satisfied with the 2-fiber asbestos standard which is scheduled to become effective July 1, 1976. A question and answer period followed. Directors expressed appreciation to Dr. Kotin for his presence at the meeting and for his helpful and informative remarks. New Business The next meeting of the Board of Directors will take place in Washington, D. C. , September 10, 1975 in the Presidential Room, Mayflower Hotel at a time to be advised. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 P.M. Mereness Executive Director 14 June 1975 CAPCO JEN 0004186