Document mBna3gZbO4MrOD0mD3qwXZDpd

1 By Elsie Carper . trator "William D. Ruekel- tos contamination of the air Washington l'ost Stall Writer shaus, Nader pointed out that must surely occur," the letter ./Ralph Nader's Center for Re in new buildings, especially large public buildings, the en said. sponsive Law warned yester closed spaces above ceilings Asbestos was one of three day of asbestos pollution in are being used for return air pollutants that the EPA side new buildings and called ducts to save the cost of sheet identified earlier tliis week as on llic Environmental Protec tion Agency to start a moni toring program. Prolonged inhalation of, as bestos has been linked to chest and abdominal cancer. A metal duct work. Many of these areas have been sprayed with asbestos fiber for fire protection and thermal control. "The connection of these so hazardous to hc-alth that, even slight exposure may con tribute to deatli or serious ill ness. The agency said that it will set limits on the amount New York study showed that nrw* mil1 ff ttvr ochocfno mn>v1- closed ceilings with the duct that reaches the air. The oilier hazardous substances named ers dies of the lung disease. In a letter to EPA Adminis erosion of the asbestos coating and varying amounts of nsbes- by i.ne jii'a were beryllium, a toxic metal that also produces lung diseases, and mercury, al t ready identified as a water contaminant that concentrates in fish and builds up in the human body. H can cause ir reversible brain damage. li} the letter to the EPA, Nader said -that the agency may not be able to require modification in building de sign, but it has the authority to take air samples, analyze them'and fine polluters. "Generally several decades l elapse between initial asbestos j exposure and noticeable detri- i mental health effects," the let ters aid. "Americans can ill af ford to wait until these effects arc observed." New York and Philadelphia have prohibited asbestos sprays on construction sites. The product had been widely used to insulate steel girders. Washington has no such regu jlation against use and is wait ing for the EPA directive. CAPCO KIN 0001234 lrt& Asbestos Information Association/North America 201 East 42nd Street New York, N.Y. 10017 (212) 697-5600 . April 15, 1971 Miss Elsie Carper THE WASHINGTON POST 1515 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 Dear Miss Carper: Your April 2 story about Nader's group asking monitoring of asbestos contains a number of errors of fact which we would like to point cut to you in hope that they can be avoided in future articles on asbestos. The story states that a New York study showed that one out of five "asbestos workers" dies of lung disease. This is not correct. The study referred to a small group of insulation workers in the construc tion industry who are exposed to a number of substances in the course of their work. The classification of insulation workers as "asbestos workers" implies incorrectly that they work directly in asbestos mines or factories. The story also notes an EPA statement that even slight exposure (to asbestos) may contribute to death or serious illness. Scientific studies of asbestos-related diseases indicate that they occur after heavy exposure over a long period of time and thus are confined to occupational settings where they can be controlled. There has been no demonstrated hazard to the general public. The story also states that New York and Philadelphia have prohibited asbestos spray on construction sites. This is also incorrect, although both cities are considering such a ban. Both the spray insulation industry and the asbestos industry support strict controls over the application of spray asbestos insulation. Proper controls can both protect the workers applying the material and prevent public exposure. I am enclosing, a file of factual background information which I hope will be of value to you when writing on the subject in the future. If you need additional information at any time, don't hesitate to call me. Sincerely, WrRrnml. Enclosure cc: Eugene Patterson, Managing Editor- William P. Raines Secretary \ Sponsored by Gorlain-tood Products Coin., rilfitkolo Co., GAF Corp.. Jol'ns-Manville Corp., Mulional Gypf um Co., r.uiacon Co.-p . fcyliociciS-M.in'i.-.ttnn, Inc '.nd Woodward Corp., a:id oporaliit] Ironi Hill and Knuwllon, Inc., Public liolntioi.s Counsel CAPCO KIN 0001235