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FILE NAME Corning OC DATE 1969 Mar 10 DOC OC047 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Medical Services Department - Status Report | FIUC <=~ INTRA COMPANY CORRESPONDENCE . Jon L. Konzen K.D. MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT @ STATUS REPORT fee March 10 1969 J. H. Thomas W. W. Boeschenstain K. D. Burch : om. The Medical Director is responsible for supervision of the Corporate medical program This includes the following activities relating to medical progrms 1. Formulating major Corporate objectivies policies plans and programs for management's approval Establishing necessary controls such as Company standards systems procedures and policies to assure that major Corporate objectives plane and programs are carried out 3. Measuring performance of activity through the media of reports the review of plans programs and operations . 6. Provide medical consultation and technical advice relating tot San a. Employees health and working conditions ae b Industrial compensation cases C. Litigation d Customer erop Ints a Corporation shiety programs 5 Concurring in the selection and change in assignment of medical personnel In the patformmes of these responsibilities the Medical Director is assisted by 7. H. Edvards and G. W. Handel An Industrial Hygienist will be employed by the Medical Services Department when a capable and qualified candidate becomes ~~ av ilable 489 A SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES X CORPORATE SPONSORED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS wore wee. - : There programs are funded by the Corporation and administered by the Medical Services Department A. Industrial Evgiene Foundation Pittsburgh Pa The five research projects listed below are now in varying states of complation at the Foundation The combined costs of all of the four going studies to Corning Fibergler Corp. is 6062 for the threG years 1962 and 1969 due to the participation of other mufacturers in these projects 1. Fibrous Dust Study An aminal tracheal injection study to determine the bielegie affects of variou fibrous dusts including fibrous glass and asbestos Results demonstrate that fibrous glass although bielegically inert eas elicit a specific foreign body reaction in the lungs which is referred to as a ferruginous body or a pseudoasbertos body Research to date suggeste almoet any fibrous material can fllieft this reaction The tracheal infection phase of this study has been completed and the reports to sponso53 are forthcoming Another phase of the study in which an malysis was made of 100 eats of human lungs tekan at autopsy from Pittsburgh area residents revesled that 26 of these lungs contained farruginous bodies The cora or suelens of each of these bodies was examined by electron microscopy and nona contaiand fibrous 4898 -3- * 2. Fibrous Class Inbalation Study | The purpose of this study is to determine the _- ~~ biologic affects of the inhalation of large quan " taties of both coated and uncoated pleas fibers Into the lungs of Laboratory animals The inhalation study has been in progress for 15 months and the Isberatory exposure phase will been completed in 9 more months Indications to date are that fibrous glass is biologically inert The 1968 & 1969 costs of the study are covered in in paragraph 2 Section A. 3. Emphysens Study This project is intended to determine whether or not exposure to borne fibrous glass will eggravate an existing emphysematous ecodition in the Imgs of laboratory animals The study is now in progress after a delay due to a technical flow To date no mins have been sacrificed to determine the affects of exposure The project will be completed in 12 mouths See paragraph 2 of Section A for cast information 4. Pulmonary Function Tasta Over 200 employens selected at random from the Newark plant received screening pulmonary function tests to determine possible affects on the lungs . that could not be revealed by chest tryk Preliminary date demonstrate with no effect attributed to fibrous glass only aging affects exposure to borne ; 489C  ohn 4. Pulmmary Function Tests continued more detailed puinonary function testing program is being conducted on a smaller selected group of Newark employees to sub- , stantiate the preliminary findings The study is expected to be complete by 2 Sae paragraph 2 of Section & for cast information 5. Human Lung Study As a further documentation of the biologic affects of exposure to fibrous glass upon bicans Dr. Gross of the Foundation has received 13 nets of human lungs obtained at autopsy from former employees of the Newark plat The lungs will be subjected to detailed study and analysis to determines 1 whather glass has caused any lung pathology md 2 the quantity and sist of any gitas perticles that have entered and remained in the Immgs Eleven of the thirteen sets of lunge have been exmined and found to be without anything remarkable and without specific disease Reports will be empleted in July 1969 See paragraph 2 Section & for cost information B. Epidemiologic Survey - U.S.P.E.S. Onder the direction of Dr. Levis Cralley the Occupational Health Section of the U.S. Public Health Service is 200- ducting a study of the health and employment records or former and present employees of fibrous glass manufacturers ate oes 4810 ee * e . . 1 -5- Epidemiologic Survey - U.S.P.E.S. continued The purpose of the study is to determine if fibrous glass workers have a greater incidence of premature disability or death than other groups of industria 22.00 employsas Particular emphasis is being placed on the -. study of former employaas The value of the study is that it will provide data about the bealth effects of both long and short term exposures to fibrous glass and may negate the argument that our present employeer are a selected population A preliminary report of the findings will be released in late 1969 or early 1970 The cost of the study is financed by the U.S.P.E.S. C. Institute of Industrial Bealth University of Michip- MichipDr. Dr. Dr. Gerey P. KeCond study has been made under the direction of Dr. C. P. McCord to evaluate the chart txys of our Newark plant employees This project is a corollary to that carried out by Dr. George W. Wright in 1963 but adds may epidemiological and statistical refiomments lacking in Dr. Wright's work It also brings the record forward by five years thus covering an exposure period of importance in long fibrous , glass workers The study is approximately 90 complete with only supplemental malyzes to be added The final report will be correlated with the industrial hygiene survey of the Kevark plant by Kr George Tubich ses subdivision D Final reports are expected before July 1969 All major charges for the study have been paid wre Fe em: . ' oe e - . 488E . * D. Industrial Hygiene Survey - Kevark Plast - Mr George Tubieb Mr. George Tubich Consulting Industrial Hygienist conducted a limited industrial bygime survey of the > Newark plant to determine the amount of borHE fibrous glass dust This is a corollary project to the study made by the Institute of Industrial Health University of Michigen.) ae woo mm This {xfornation fs needed to validete the fn-plent enviromsstal ccntmination to which Newark employees are exposed A report of the findings wes recefwad fn 1965 Mr. Tubich is also preparing a manuscript for pour Publicction to be based on this survey The manuscript is to be ecapletad in the spring of 1563, "< r -sey bra . Implantation Stutfes 'WTB. 'Dr. Mearl Stanton The original purpose of this study vu to we fibrous glass as a carrying agent for asbestos Fibrous glars derocor was chosen as the carrier because of its biological inertness Ath psantee xbests pathologies? changes, Anicsls with only fibrous giass ixplants deacastrated po Serious change. a ntp 1"ta progress lor expected to evations for another year / These iniz~-ls with fibroos glass deplients who died from natural eauses showed no sarious aboorsalities, " h on othar the fibrous glass. appy ' ' @ ome Oc e REEF o eree eo 489F ole P. Class Fiber Brosion free Ducts - Kettering Laboratory Vader the auspices of N.I.M.A. Pibergies and three .. other glass duet manufacturers have comissionad ' Kettering Laboratory to investigate glass fiber erosion and a variety of existing ventilating syster The current Btody differs freon a sieilar Kettering study fn that d is a fLleld study of syatcas five years old or older Only new duct was used in the previous duct study which was conducted under Lab oratory conditions Eeattericg bas investicaced ove of a total of Live test sites and found no fibrous glass in the systems airetresns,. Estimated completion date July 1969 DC7 eest 2500 Enviromental Studies of Deiversity California Dr. W. Clark Commer Doder the auspices of K.I.N.A. the four glass fiber manufacturing companies have requested Dr. Cooper Institute of Public Health University of California to undertake two investigations of environmental conditions that are particularly pertinent to alleged bealth provless. Coe study involves the deteraination of beth the quantity and the diameter of glass fibers to be ' te vor^>nssur.rimu uiat cators azbastos workers The second study vill detet , artm s actu " . All studies will be made at Vest Coast sites The second phase of the study will amplify the work x ottar^ngorate xt xt " dage of being conducted on the West Court Dr. Cooper has the respect of Dr. Belikoff and other influential numbers of the enviromental bealth ecaaunity, ot ~: mation atudy var authorised In Vebruery, 1969, Usable {afore mation concerning dust spall should be available within @onths, Working envireanent date will be svailedle is prata aa .as The cost of both pases of the project to OCT is 8250 0 rec em ewewel wwe 8 wep 1+ mt Say ww = oe 4896 4896 4896 II ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Skin Irritations Dr. E. B. Hefe, eOhl io StateUniversity " To deternios skin irritation levels of Bata modified Beta and C fiber material Washing machine studies demonstrated that clothing would be contaminated with glass Mot when washed with glass fabrics These studies demonstrated that irritation could be expected by a signifiemt number of individuals wearing the ecotminated clothing if the fiber dimeter was greater than 18 HT Currently studies are being carried out by voses wearing nightgowns fabricated from B modified x and C fiber Toe preliminary results suggest that Bats dimeter fiber can be incorporated in clothing without contributing to KCD = Kay 1969 Estimated Cost = 5000 Basic Studies in Skin Irritation - Dr. Leo J. Miedler & Dr. Jen L. Koeren : Basic pilot studies have bem initiated to more precisely determine the fiber dimmster esuring adverse skin sensation This study will require approximately two months to emplate Information from this study will be used to design follow on research into the effect of finishes in causing adverne skin sensation - Emm Kay 15 1969 Estinated Cost 10,000 . C. ~- " Task Force At the request of Kr F. Blauvelt a task force has been established to determine vist envirou testing of our products should be conducted As head of this task force I will define the overall program to determine the projects responsibilities priorities of research and finencial support An effective method for accumulation analysis and handling of product explaints from the general public will be included in the task force duties e . ote 1) 6 ewe 8 & Oe em cou ewe oo 489H whee Environmental Control Committee As an active member of the Enviromental Control .., Committes the Medical Director works in close ats cooperation with Mr. S. H. Thomas Areas of activity are the environmental pollution problems outside and inside the manufacturing plants at Barrington Berlin Buntingdon Anderson Santa Clara Kansas City and the sey Jackson plant We are working as a tem to obtain the necessary byrlene and toxicology con sultants to advise management of the necessary comm trol device and appraise them of pending legislation legislation with regard to the community and the plant working environment We are currently deeply involved with the health aspects of our plant officents especially Santa Clara Dr. Goldsmith Health Consultant representing the California Department of Health to the Bay Area Pollution Control District has indicated from the Information supplied him there is no immediate hazard to health without giving us a clean bill of bealth 2 ww oo @ ' aD G ' ome e we: oo @ & ae |. comm a. t 6 oe 489I whe III INQUIRIES COMPLAINTS LITIGATION & WORUCHEN'S COMPENSATIOS A. ~-, Inquiries Inquiries involving health affects from exposure to fibrous glaza are directed to the Medical Services Departmant for analysis and resolution Many such inquiries are received every year and are initiated by Fiberglas representativer by companies using fibrous glass products by physicians and by research groups or Laboratories 3. Complaints Complaints are received from the consumer or through Mbergies field representativas The resolution of these complaints often is very time wiling . Health complaints are categorized as follows No. in 1968 a Respiratory 4s 3. Skin irritation & . alleged dermatoses 2 d Bye 4 -_ 136 The Medical Services Department supplier emsultation to the Lev Department for pending litigation involving alleged bioeffects of exposure to Fiberglas products is Dc occasion it necessary to millst the services of in depart tial medical consultant to evaluate the physical condition of a claimant 4895 4895 10 Cc. Uitisst{esn (eontLoued) 1 968 thro ordta ars ' Rgelost disabling Pibercles, One sutt savara 2 disabling asbestools a seed alleges savara OO Metrt : -irrbota 1y gat tra gan fabrics and the third alleges development of malignant melanoma and the aggravation of an asthmatic condition - from exposure to borne particles from a TEIN filter o Werkman's Compensation Cover Verkam's Compensation essas om Involve all Fiberglas ecployses. Although all Workmen's Compensation claims are of Interest to this department each ecpmy mit bes been directed to notify the department of all elains a rap^>rato ' mu7yu rap^>ratorap^>rato rap^>rato ' fin 7 ' . ^>k ^>k^>k pree^'ent ' , each are contested payment of falta elains reduced and Workmen's Compensation costs are controlled During 1968, 23 so eletes were filed agatass th by so Eigttesn elaics wera filed against the 10 units and five claims were filed against the manufacturing whits In addition there de oca elaiu of whits eatcract filed against 489K IV CENTRAL PROGRAMS .reb14 LGrdt ruo for Tibrwu " sme, " Pr au Grat eveh tbost ..E is a member of the Threshold Knit Valve Committes ' ptereat : phu ^>br nis aDfeetraru ^>n = attazpt tb dizit oo fibrous glose ratecd to an inart dust, The TLY Committes believes that the current research by r Crsea mtb < " ri11 prxcra & valuable to them in establishing a realistic and fair thrashold limit value for glass dusta Although Dr. Groes is to present current medical " " ^>bx vdan to the the Comittee fo wid-Herch, 1569, {t <u possible tbat @ final decision oa a TLY for Bleee will be postponed until Dr. Crees har completed his current glass studies Pr Crees apert atr eaid thet so a s ffbrous Qlezs tends to {rritate the skin they exanot classify it as an inert dose, There is no charge to the company for this project B. Service to Sales The Madier] Services Dopartes | cooperates with the Sales Divislons to assure qe ue and applicetions ef fibrous glass products are medically correct Factual information was supplied to Kimberly and Staveze-Ven Henson which arsisted in a fevershle decisiog to use fibrous glans materials in their product se 4892 -12 C. Safety and Industrial utri Bygiene The Medical Services Department cooperates in the Corporate Safety and Industrial Eygiene programs Meetings have been held with the Astna representativ oc - . J administrative and industrial hygiene personnal to explain our needs and doveslep a satisfactory working relationship with them Periodic Safety and I.H. reports are revieved and recommendations for correction of poor practicas and working conditions are subalttad D. Trade Oration Dr. Roosen and Mr. Edvards are members of the Health and Safety Committee of N.I.M.A. Other committes members representing fibrous glass producers are Lee 3. Grant PPG Cliff Sheckler Manvilla and Walter Gubar Certainteed BacOS The Medical Director is a member of the Health & Safety Committee for the S.P.I. The purpose of this comitter is to identify the potential health bes^rde of working with rainforesd plastics and define safety practices to eliminate there hazards The results of the committe's stellas and recommendations will be extended to the mall FRP fabricators via safety pamphlets and manuals FLP Research Dr. Marvin Enschner New Yor University is conducting Inhalation studies with FRP material We have cooperated with his by suggesting firms who could supply the necessary mount of TRP dust of a known composition for use in his studies Arrangements were made for his to visit the Alken Keverk and Granville facilities to broaden his knowledge about the manufacture of Mibergies and the complexities of TLP products We are not contributing any finmeial support to Dr. Euschner's project 489 : -13 7. Professional & Community Leletions were. uae The Medical Director meets with professional groups =. in order to supply them with proper and correct factual fibrous glass knowledge of products These presentations | include the possible effects of exposure under defined enviromental conditions Through those talks the pro- fessional groups become acquainted with the functions of the Medical Services Department The Medical Director has authored a paper Health of Fibrous Glass Workers presented to the Industrial - Health Foundation in October 1968. Invitation has been accepted to talk to the Industrial Hygiene Association a paper at the Industrial Bygiene Association Annual Keeting in Denver The Medical Director pims to incres his contacts and participation in the occupational and enviromental medical community This will provide opportunities to tell the tron story regarding the beaith aspects of Fibrous glass materials and diminish the ros connotation that our products represent a health hasard C. Copy Orientation It is of advantage for certain arees in the empm such as Sales m^'Purchasing to have accurate infor- mation concerning the health products and nav materials with department amnagers and affects of fibrous glass Several meetings wars bald their key personnal . . on @qummeee o cape @ oa ee .aceemee ame CO 489N wle- LN-PLANT mic H An important function of the Medical Services Department a to tb ^'cret ftna ot an act^n ' . medical program Activities initiated to implement this program are as follows A. Mejor Medical Touipsest A 1st of refer madical equipment and cost estimates here bes " t t ' at h h Center Lex tba prspeed prxr basic equipment is required to carry out the necessary premexpleyucst ead periodie physical exeninations, This dneludes the follovieg: . le Rlectrocerds oprens 2. Pulecoery fisesites 3. Sight screening 4 Audicatric testing 3. rays x xminations are ecotracted @at fo all Jocatfons except Keverk). ECD = April 1 1969 3 Survey of Existies Metieel Pervlpnent A survey of the existing fo-plest medical equfpaent has been expleted From the results of this survey 8 cost estimate will be prepared for 1804geant approval to repleca ortolete equipeest. Thais will be a part of the overall recommendation to equip existing and nev menufecturing plants with the aioieue of medical eguip= ment for an effective plant medical program GD- GD- April 1 1969 . @ 0a ' sa an Gm ese wae B+ - @ am @ -oommmeam - ' ol C. Noothly Medical Report In January a Monthly Medical Report was initiated for all manufacturing plants and the technical center The . .... purpose of this report is to statistically record the ine the medical personnel pleat population at risk expense ezza load special Information statistical referes ad Sinancial and case load From this report we will be able te acelyze the woryloed acd ease of our warflous medical centers be alerted to hazardous working coo- ditions and judge the effectiveness of the medical departments In those cares where the medical service is out of proportion in mysle on be conducted and rate corrective action recommended D. Medical Guida The preparation of a Medical Guide has been initiated Tre purpose of this Kesical Culde fs to establish Corporate standards for the operation of a madical services crater It will include the recomended pre- askaetur and Zer ueh askaetur " "entr " "en tr entr general offices Estive procedures and frequencies will be ineluded, An fzrortest aspect ef the Cofde will be direction in handling a vida variety of medical aizinistrative prodleas, B. Medical Facilities Layout and Equiment Recommandations Facility Layouts and equipment recommendations have been suinitted for the Jackson and department plents and the Toledo Fiberglas Tower The medical department Layout end (e eqoiprent recomendations Will @ devaloped shea we receive mesufacturing operation Revised for the Fairbura plant the eriteria of the Layouts of existing medical departments are being developed ee anne eee | - . . . ' 0 Ot oe ee ow em 8 e. m commie 489P o 5 mee  Po fJelection of Fiest Physi{efene and Nurses wes ++ Assistance was provided physician and purse for plants Candidaras are + Toid Abarsu cr in the selection of the plant the Jackson and Valparaiso | being interviewed for the . oo. st e' C. Industrial Bygiene Surveys Arrangements vere made with appropriate industrial byglent and medical consultants to survey the following mim efacturing plestes Berlin, Wustisgden and submitted Upea receiving their reports recommendations ware submitted for the correction of baserdous working conditions 8 Identification of Medical Problem Arang Vizits were made to the Huntingdon and Andersco plents *. to analyse the cause of severe dermatitis probles The source ef the prodlea wen the ose of apaorys acd silmes d= the textile else formulations, Recemeended personal aubateted onse bygiena progress were irrication. to the eaployes Jon Hege1.7 Jon Kon ran yonl