Document nkk4gzdkNV0GGjL8QxkqgenB2

- 74 The Saranac Laioratory FOR THE STUDY OF TUBERCULOSIS OF THE EDWARD 1_ TRUDEAU FOUNDATION - Saranac Lake, N.Y. September 2S, 1944 SEP 29 Pi. Dr. George M. Wheatley Medical director Metropolitan Life Insurance Company .. !!ev York, New ork - PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT Dear Dr. Wheatley: 4 I have recently been In coanunleatlon with Mr. Vandiver Brown .and the local attorney* of the Canadian Asbestos interests regarding the natter of your proposed Investigation of the incidence of tuberculosis in the Provinoe of Quebec. I have assured these gentlemen thet it would be most desirable Iron every standpoint if one could obtain sore accurate information on the incldenoe of tuberculosis in this section of Canada. The loeal doctors appreciate that they have a problen but I as not sure that they realize how serious it is. Prom the claims standpoint in the asbestos industry I think there Is a tendency to attribute much of this infection to exposure to asbestos dust. Z don't believe that this opinion can be substantiated because in other sections of this country where there is much more asbestosis than there is in Quebec, the tuberculosis rates are not excessive. Zn fact in North Carolina there is less tuberculosis in those exposed to asbestos dust than in all the other industries. Z believe it would be most desirable if your organization could establish both male and female rates in the com munities of Thetford and Aabestoe and also as controls determine rates in other industrial towns of similar size. This would afford the information which is badly needed on the tuberculosis rates smong those exposed to asbestos and provide adequate controls. I would be very nuch surprised if you found any,exoese of tuberculosis in the exposed male population of the community where asbestos is mined and milled. A bulletin published by the Metropolitan setting forth these findings would do much to olarlfy the loeal opinions on this matter. Vs have completed our counts on 24r. Fehnel* s samples of the dust taken at Manvllle and find that the total concentrations ere apparently low. Most of the samples contain appreciable amounts of asbestos fibre and we are looking forward to making a comparative study of the material that he will collect in Quebeo in the coming weeks. With best regards. Sincerely yours. LUG:HH cc to Mr. Brown Leroy U. Gardner, K. D. Director