Document mmR072jDEeXbe6NjDd4pZKgGZ

DEFARTMENT OF HEALTH H HUMAN SERVICES **0# H*fW for 0(ooooo Corrtro* Mooo/ InoOtwto for Ooouootioooi tofotr * m*4Mi *oOon K Toft ttborotonoo **0 ColwmMo fttftooor OnetAAOli OH 4at*'im March 23, 1964 Mr. Girl lancuckl Operations Manager Chrysler Chemical Olvlslon 5437 West Jefferson72 Trenton, Michigan 44183 Dear Mr. lancuckl: The preliminary analysis of results from the medical evaluation of the Chrysler Trenton Chemical Plant employees has been completed. The following report sumerlzes the tests conducted as well as preliminary results of these tests. Methods of Assessment The methods employed to essess worker exposures to asbestos and subsequent physical changes associated with exposure, included chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, a respiratory/neurobehavloral questionnaire and, for all chemical products employees, blood samples for lead analysis.. Chest X-rays taken, were read by two. radiologists (8-Readers) using the International System for Pneumoconioses. When the radiologists disagreed on the extent, size, or location of radiological signs of pneumoconioses, 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 (FYC) were measured, and predicted values were calculated using the Knudson equations. The questionnaire was derived from the American Thoracic Society's standardized questions for assessing respiratory health. In addition, workers responded to questions about past work histories, length of employment at the company, smoking history, and specific self-reported medical conditions. Results One hundred seventy-one persons participated In the medical evaluation. The participants included 77f of the active workforce at this plant. Among the 171 participants were 39 management personnel and 17 retirees. Fifty-two percent of the workforce was employed In friction products, 32f of the workers were employed In the chemical division, and 161 of the workers split their work between friction products and chemical products. * CtAYSLER 002003 /age t Hr. Carl Uneuckl Employ#* chest X-rays showd thr* persons with radiological signs consistent with w*ueocon1o##s. On# X-ray show* bilateral smell rounded opacities m the middle and upper lung fields (asbestosls typically appears as Irregular opacities In the Middle and lower zones of the lung), two X-rays showed pleural thickening: on# of these X-rays showed pleural thickening along the dlsphre* with circumscribed plaques along the chest wall, and the second X-ray shosmd pleural thickening Involving the right costophrenle angle with elrcuascrlbed plaques along the chest well. Abnormal pulmonary function tests were recorded for 28 persons. Ttonty two persons (131) exhibited an obstructive pattern (seven of whom also had a possible restrictive effect), and 6 workers (3.51) showed a restrictive pattern. Persons with obstructive airway disease have difficulty expelling air rapidly. The most coenrnn cause of an obstructive pattern Is sauklng. Persons with restrictive patterns have difficulty filling their lungs to capacity. Restrictive patterns would be expected for those exposed to high levels of dust or fibers such as asbestos. Percent predicted FYC was used as a measure of restrictive pulmonary effect, and FEY1/FYC as a measure of obstructive effect. Afer correcting for age and smoking, neither percent predicted FYC nor FtYl/FYC was significantly associated with years work In friction products, years of work In chemical products, or years at Chrysler. . This letter constitutes an Interim report of the medical analysis to date. If you have questions about these results, you may contact me at (513) 841-4385. Slncewly yours I.S., M.F.H., epidemiologist Medical Section Hazard evaluations and Technical Assistance trench Division of Surveillance. Hazard evaluations and Field Studies CHRYSLER 002004