Document oM7Mn7wvp6GV42RmE4GYmZ1ao

FILE NAME: Abex (ABX) DATE: 1976 Sept DOC#: ABX103 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letters between FMSI & MOTOR Magazine RE Dr. Selikoff's Write-up in the Daily News MOTOR 1790 Broadway, New York, N . Y. 10019 ROBERT J. CERULLO cemewfw*wbiicm w w 105t.OVH S T A t n . BAOOKbVN, New YDB 1920 Mr.Edward Brislane . Friction MateriaL Standards E210 Route 4 Paramus.New Jersey Institute September 20,1976 Dear Mr.Drislane, * , * On September 9th the New York Daily News ran a story about the findings of Dr.Iving J.Selifoff os the Environmental Sciences Labratoiy of Mount Sinai School of Medicine. In the story Dr. Selikoff was quoted as saying that over 20* of the people repairing brakes on motor vehicles will die of cancer. Does the brake lining and brake pads used on m o d e m day cars contain asbestos? . Nhat is your reaction to Dr.Selikoff*s remarks? Ne are planning a strory that will discuss the problem of brake dust and the. recommendations of OSHA as well as a look at some of the new brake cleaning devices aimed at cutting down the risk from brake dust. Your thoughts will be appreciated. i September 27 1976 MOTOR Magazine T790 Broadway Kerw Tork, Kew fork 10019 ' - . Attentions Mr. Robert J. Cerullo Dear Mr. Cerullo: ,, Thia la to reply to y oar letter of September 20, 1976 concerning Dr. Sellkoff'a write-- up in the Dally Hews la answer to the question in your letter-- yosr.'uoet brake lining on today's car contain asbestos. The dise braies sod rum brake linings used on most American passenger cars and trucks contain about 50-60X asbestos. The asbestos la "locked in" to a matrix of resin and other materials. The asbestos by itself is not free. The probien with asbestos occurs If s shop grinds end cuts brake lining segments without good dust collection systems. Also, there is a problems du ring the removal of old brake linings preparatory to a r e U n a , During removal, dust from the brake system can be inhaled if a mechanic uses air hose or nther procedures that tend to raise dust in the shop. It had been common practice in brake shops to use air hoses to clean off 'brakes. It is not a good practice. As regards your question concerning my reaction to Dr, Sellkoff'a remarks., 1 did not read the article fully. Z did eee the headlines in ch Dev Tork Daily Kevs. I hm not a m e d i cal authority end am in no position to discuss epidemiologicalZdataoon .tthichtDr.SSfelkffyprojectedrihisr.hifch . _ mortality for people repairing brakes. If those working vith brakes in service centers ere sufficiently alarmed by Dr. ScUkotf 'e remarks to initiate good work, practice in the shop, his remarks |aayobnSelpful As regards the accuracy of his remarks, X do n 't believe "I'm qualified to . comment. . Along this line, I might suggest contacting the Asbestos Information Association, (AIA) 1835 K Street, H.W,, Washington, D.C. 20006. Becausa of the proposed 0SHA amendments concerning asbestos in the workplace the AIA baa undertaken costly consultant studies on the difficulties with the OSHA regulations and the medical evidence in support of the proposed .amendments. While theytuu have date concerning the mcpectecofspaat ^occupational .exposures statasbsstos available ,-rliidemi olQgi cal -d atasits'moc rconelusive .rilbcre 5esy Msgagiaa Hr. Robert J. Cetullo -2- September 27, 1975 lx asbestos dust in the factories that manufacture friction materials. Off-hand, It might bo asauaed that past dosage and time affects of asbestos la the factories would have been mors serious then sporadic high counts that -might be present la brides shops. Host of the epidemiological studies on s asbestos la the workplace have been dons la tba' factories that Introduce asbestos Into products such as brake linings,'floor tiles sad construction eattrials. There Is very little epidemiological data on brake service shops. I'm enclosing some items that may be of help la your work. One la a 3 page write-up entitled, "Asbestos bust Control in brake Service Centers." The Friction Materials Standards Institute, with one of Its u m b e r * making the major contribution, has drafted these comments on good dust control In the. brake service areas. We believe that with good house-keeping and good work practices that Che asbestos dust problem can be essentially eliminated In the brake shop. I'm also enclosing a copy of an article that appeared la brake and Front T h d Service In Hay 1976 concerning aabeatos In the workplace and I'm some also a of the recommended equipment enclosing a copy of letter that is put out being used to control It. by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health dated August 6, 1975 This letter by Dr. William lloyd of HIOSB discussed some ef the problems in tba brake shops and had some recommended procedures for asbestos brake end clutch servicing. I hope the article to eanpcpleoasruri nesja reonRd- Mcoimigmeegntins .a.reIh'edlhpefumlostto you concerning your pleased to receive a . copy of your article when It is published. _ Sincerely, FRICTION MATERIALS STANDARDS INSTITUTE EWD/lme Fees. S, U. brislene Executive Director P.S.: I am enclosing also a just-- received page from a Raybest o--Manhattan . catalog entitled: "Recommended Procedures for Reducing Asbestos Dust During Brake Servicing."