Document m1Ojdvwq3onVgyozgabmYo5Z

Barry Castleman's DuPont File CD-ROM Document # DP DATE /? Type of Document - published report from journal - published report from conference - published abstract from conference - unpublished report - unpublished presentation meeting agenda minutes report - letter - memo - government report - industry warning information - book excerpt - legal deposition of_________ - notes of BC on C. I.' Smith Director of Production Pigments - Wilmington ^asbesto^j DUST INHALATION Ref: C. X. Smith's Letter to E. Gonick of 2-16-70 A conference on the above subject was sponsor ed by Haskell Laboratory on May 5 and 6. Attached is an interim report. A. D. Volk will assume the re sponsibility for this subject in the future. DFR/ADV:br Attachment E. L. Rodowskas, Plant Manager 'j)- /fk&S By: D. F. Reddish/A. D. Volk Employee Relations 0Gi3So BETTER THINGS FOR BETTER LIVING . . . THROUGH CHEMISTRY ASBESTOS DOST INHALATION May 5 and 6 Conference , ; >vv-V: . *>' * m--' Information presented showed asbestos dust inhalation to be a more serious hazard than has previously been realized. High concentrations*of asbestos dust occur when handling pipe and tank insulation, particularly removing old insulation. These concentrations can cause Fibrosis (Asbestosis), Pulmonary Carcinoma and Mesothelioma (Cancer) to the lungs or chest cavity. Statistically, cigarette smokers are most susceptible. Haskell Laboratory is conducting an evaluation of the health problems related to handling asbestos. The evaluation will be complete and published within the next few months. Information presented below is recommended to be used by ourC*, plants as a guide in establishing safe work procedures until ' more complete information is available. Guidelines are: Asbestos workers should be given a pulmonary function test as part of employee's normal physical examina tion. Followup testing is recommended every year. The Jones Pulmonor Function Testing Machine is recom mended (approximately $230.00). Additional informa tion can be obtained from Wilmington Medical. Inform employees working with asbestos insulation of the related health problems. This should be handled without unduly alarming people. Substitute other types of insulation for asbestos when practical. Prevent unnecessary dust through careful handling when opening cartons, etc. Provide a separate room for primary sawing operation. Enclose electric cutoff saws with clear lucite. An industrial type vacuum cleaner attached to the saw with disposable bags for burying is helpful. Clean room with vacuum often, using dust respirator for personal protection. Wet old insulation before removing and wear a MSA Dustfoe 77 Respirator. Five fibers/toL of air is considered to be a safe limit in a work area for 8 hours. Q Q i 33 2 Kay S and 6, 1970 Conference T.'i.f' 4Vvfc-^*t W- * a Mix ground asbestos in plastic bags a Restrict personnel access to areas Where insulators are working* "-- nCJW*sul .i :vS'i # Minimise the application of asbastos by spray s>athods* When spraying is necessary the following requirements should be Mt< a) She spray area be completely enclosed by tarpaulins, b) Area be vacuum-cleaned after application and* ' \ > ) The sprayed-on asbestos insulation in air circulation plenums or ducts be coated with a sealant to preclude eroded asbestos from fljW'iini_Ifiiit ^k* rJ w nl fcV hti1(iur