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Minutes: Air Hygiene L Manufacturing Committee October 8, 1964 Barbizon-Plaza Hotel, New York, N. Y. 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Studio C Attending: L. C. I'.'illians, Chairnan V:. C. Atkinson D. T. Austin J. L. Rainey . Han3 halt er C. L. Sheckler A. P. Gouveia T. C\ McCluskey, Jr. Absent: A. C. Link Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc. Johns-Manville Corp. United States Rubber American Asbestos Textile American Asbestos Textile Johns-Manville Corp. H. K,, Porter Co., Inc. Tallman-HcCluskey Fabrics Co. United States Rubber Public Health Service Survey Dr. Lewis J. Cralley, Scientist Director, Assistant Chief Dr. Cralley was unable to attend our committee nesting. However, reports were made on the status of the en vironmental studies being conducted by Dr. Cralley and his group. They have completed six in-plant studies and are currently working at RaybesuosManhattan, Inc., Manheim, Pa. There are three or four more companies to be studied in order to complete the Textile section of the survey. Reports to date from all companies are very complimentary to Dr. Cralley and the efficiency he and his group display. They are well accepted by both Management and employee. Dr. Cralley has stated he is very encouraged with the studies he has made to date. Conference - "Biological Effects of Asbestos" October 19-20-21, 1964 New York City________________________________________ V.'e discussed this conference at our June 4, 1964 meeting and at that time agreed the ATI would not take an active part in the Conference but each company would send representatives as they saw fit. The picture has now changed somewhat as recent publications again point out the intent of this Conference headed by Dr. Selikoff, Since they are linking asbestos with cancer, the committee feels this Conference will have an effect on the entire Industry and are concerned as how best the results of the Conference can be investigated and rebutted. ! linut es: Air Hygiene it Kfg. Committee Page 2 After onsiderable diaeusaic it -was suggested * Public Relations nan with our help would be the quickest way to got accurate publicity to the public. V;e all recognize that Dr. Selikoff has a plan for news releases; the latest one given to approximately 1750 individual news medians. We ' assume that news releases such as this will contin ue to flow from Dr. Selikoff and our concern for both the immediate industry and the customer as to the in fluence it will have on the use of asbestos. The committee reported our thinking as stated above to the Board of Governors and they will act as they feel necessary. Published Pamphlet - "Method for Determining Asbestos Dust Concentrations" A summary for the period July 1 thru September 30* 19&h shows 27 copies sold and 103 copies given away for publicity. We received letters of appreciation from four companies for the complimentary copy. 1. Chester Beatty Research Institute Dr. J. S. Harington 2. London School of hygiene and Tropical Medicine Dr. M. L. Thomson 3. Atlas Asbestos Company N. L. Barr, Vice President U. Mineral Fiber Products Bureau F. S. Nestle, Sec'y to Managing Director The printing costs were 37d each. The Board of Governors set the price at 50 for members of the Institute and 31.CO for non-members. We have sufficient copies on hand and additional copies may be purchased by writing to Asbestos Textile Institute, P.0. Box #239, Pompton Lakes, N.J., 07142. Dust Monitoring Eauicnent At the June 1th meeting the Phoenix-Precision Instrument Cp. demonstrated a dust monitoring unit. Since each com pany has complete information on this unit the committee agreed to drop it from the agenda and each company will use the information as they desire. Quality Control Systems under UL-Q--985S A. At the request of several members the committee re viewed this specification. It was agreed it is Minutes: Air Hygiene i- Kfg. Committee Page 3 desirable to be covered by this military specification if you are producing for the Government as it reduces the time involved for product inspection because your Quality program has been standardized and you certify to each shipment. In discussing this military speci fication I was pleased to find that most member conp anies are qualified. \ General Discussion Items of interest to Management such as employee in. fractions, disciplinary action, hiring, lay-off and overtime practices, Foremen's Manual and plant house keeping were discussed. Review of Committee Activities for Past Year Meeting - June 6. 1963 1. Draft submitted on Institute approved dust counting method. 2. Asbestos Related Lung Cancer Study - Dr. Selikoff's study on 1500 asbestos workers largely on the asbestos insulation applications. 3. Open forum to introduce Dr. Cralley and the start ' of the U. S. Public Health Survey. Meeting - October L, 1963 1. Reviewed annual report of Asbestos Research Council of England. 2. Started investigation of Dust Monitoring Equipment. 3. Method for Determining Asbestos Dust Concentrations Approved by the Asbestos Textile Institute. Meeting - February 7. 196A 1. Published and made available to anyone upon reauest the Method for Determining Asbestos Dust Concen trations. '..ill consider placing this method in the Asbestos Textile Handbook next issue. 2. Public Health Service Survey - Change of format Dr. Cralley to be invited to the June ATI meeting. He will be requested to answer questions that have come up. 3. Announcement of the Conference "Biological Effects of Asbestos". Mill hold all proceedings as to ATI participation until more information is received. Minutes: Air Hygiene L Mfg. Committee Hags 4 Tentatively rccomended Mr. Sunburn*, the ATI Secretary, be there as an observer. Meeting - June 5, 1. Public Health Service Survey - Frogress report by Dr. Cralley. Questions answered. 2. Dust Monitoring Equipment demonstrated. Each member has complete information on this unit called the Sinclair-Phoenix Dust and Smoke Photometer. Cost approxirately 02500 plus :>7C0 for the recorder. 3. Asbestos Research Council of England - Reviewed reports received from Dr. Holmes. 4. Conference - "Biological Effects of Asbestos". The Committee agreed that ATI will not take an active part in this Conference. Each company will represent themselves as they see fit. L. C. l.'illiaus, Chairman Air Hygiene L Mfg. Committee Alternate copy for 2-Sjxx* . Paragraph^4_.^ Motes of Discussion. by tho board of nvsrr.o publicity rel3S3Q,or. October 6, 1564, by Ir concarrlr.g asbestos r.a a possible causa cf published in n^apapers. 4 respect to the kcff aryi associates arc ar . Thi3 was widely rrs3idant Peels asked what further action, in viem- of tr.is adverse publicity, should bo taken in respect to the position taken at our June meeting in regard to the upcoming Coni' arer.c e: ' a iological affects of Aabostca" to be held Cct. 15-21, 1354 at the 'unldcrf-Astoria. \'r. Griffis remarked that it was orocaulo there would be a conflict of opinion by the nodical profession, and It was tine to consider where wo stand, \ ir. v i ew of tho rccer.t unfavorable publicity. "r. Gough thought it nas t djsiratlc to arrive at sons conclusion ns to our- Institute viewpoint for the benefit of executives of cer.tsr ccmpaniao. The Question cu' whether these who have issued tho publicit on asbestos as a possible cause of cancer,could be warned of tha gravity of their charges and Its urfavomble effect on tha Industry. Jay Jlockor. doubted'that a legal werning could bo used, as it would give tha ioraprecsion- that or. attempt was being made to suppress or intimidate the medical profession. Suggested as an alterr.Etiv a that a Qualified medical ran within the Industry could, rebut tne charges, hr. Grown thought we should publicise our efforts to protect people from any harmful effects of handling asbeatos. Mr. .'locken agreed that the positive approach to chow precautions bsinc takonfwea best. hr. Peels said that ho had talked with Dr. J.h. r.olfsia,i:.edical Director of United States rubber Company about the adverse publicity, and that Dr. V.-olfsla felt thore was very little we could do,immedi-^ ately. Ir: talking with his oi'fice prior to tho meeting, j.r.Posle said ho learned that or.o concern who rcsnul'nctureo ironing board covers from asbestos cloth,had reported several cancellations of orders for same by his customers b<jcausa of the publicity cf Oct ,6th,linking asbeatoa and car.csr. Me suggested that wo night havo to coordinate various company doctors thru ore central nan. Vr. Bettss suggested that we night havo to have a Medical Committee, and vr. Paelo suggested that medical non zusstx from each member company moot prior to tho Oct, 19-21st Conference and decide. It was agreed that the Board of Governors wishes that Dr.?',"', 3nith cf Johna-Mcnville Corp.,undertake to conrcir.ate tho nodical non from each monitor cnm.pa ny ,and sec if it is possible to docicle upon a common approach. Primarily vra expect that doctors from member comp anies will bo at tho Cnnfaro:ce to listen,and to rofuts if tho opportunity occurs, to whatever extant is consistent with their ov.'n 07.perior.ee, this adverse publicit... Vr. flockon felt that, we should know vdiat our doctors would 3ay, taforu v-o authorized them to speak for the Institute. Mi'. Vain ay stated that papers to ho presented nt the coming Confarer.co hocl boon scruonud about a waok ago by the manager nt of tho Corfai'ar.cu,ar.d presumably unacceptable papers viou.ld be omitted, *r. Uottoe said hie company tiad already received pre-prints of the payors to bo given at the Corferonco. r. vrov/n naked if wo v-. ero pnir.r to consider the poesiblity ox asking the cooperation ox' other segments of the asbestos industry t o combat this adverse publicity,ns they would ho powerful allies, and u combined effort could be \uch more effective. dotes ox I.'iscus 3 i on - ( c or t ir.od.) .".r.Eaale raisod question if vjo a ould ask co.-par.y doctors to speak for the Institute, anc i-'r.hough nr.d r. kslr.oy felt ea should not. Vr. f-attas fait that the doctors could not speak for tho ashes tes industry, tut could spoak for the Institute, t'r. Erown said he agreed with kr, r.air.ey. finally it vans a.trSed that company doctors should te prepared to so oak on behnlf of'the a Attest os Tax tile Institute. hr. Griffis suggested the possibility thuit our ,'ir ny-ione k l-ft. Committee right reconr.ond the formation of a Put lie I:. olationa Con lttce,snc osk the Prosidant to appoint or.a st the General Haotir,TM. It was' nqrood that in this even t,ho would refer the request to the E-oard of Governors. .'T. Kough suggested that t^is matter of tho aevorso publicity on asbestos should bo called to tho attention of top management .for 6aah member company,?.hieh night load to a broad program, involving all segments of the asbesto3 industry, with tho objective cf combating adverse publicity. kr.Peole ogr3ed,iJoKirhiix and said the serious aconamia reparcussinn of this bad publicity Bhould be pointec out to top management, ar.d th9y,in turn, should oxprosa back to tholr wishes as to car30 of action desired, and financial support that night be given. The E-oard concurred with. kr. Poole'3 suggestion, and agreed that it should'be done, r- . _ a\i . - . ___U t- 0. j. r. 1_, ;> ' \ ,, 'O.'-.-i--rO.. --'-- L-i;-rh--<Zk_y vA-v-^-r ^X-i- 1 In Attendance :.:ir.u tec board Or governor's y.i i: i:::- Asbestos Textile Institute arbicon- Plaza Hot el, Hew York October p, 1964 City S, J , Peele,Jr., - United States Rubber Comoar.v J . . Bettes,Jr., - Raybestos-hanhattan, Inc. J.A. Brown,Jr., J.T. Griffis - H.H. Porter Comanp.Inc. W.S. Hough - J ohnsrI'!anv ille Corporation J.L- Rainey - American Asbestos Textile Corp. Ted D. McCluskey - Tallman-McCluskey fabrics Company Jay Flocked - Cadwalader,V.'ickersham A: Taft (Legal Counsel) H.F. Sunbury - Asbestos Textile Institute (Secretary) I. The meeting was called to order by President Peele,\vho noted that Mr. J.L. Rainey and hr. Ted D. McCluskey had been properly accredited by their respective companies to serve in the absence of Messers J .V . Weber and T.C. McCluskey. 2. The minutes of the last meeting were presented for reading.lt was moved by Mr. Bettes,and seconded by Mr. Griffis,that the minutes be accepted without reading.Agreement was unanimous. 3. The Financial Report as of September 9, 1964,was presented by Treasurer J.A. Brown. Mr. Peele stated that he had received a letter from Mr. Charles W. Briggs,Jr., of Rayb estos-T-ianhattan, Inc. , dated October 2, 1964, in which Mr. Briggs reported that he had examined the books of the Institute for the year ending Sept.9,1964 and the Financial Report as presented by Mr. Brown "presented fairly the financial position of the Institute on that date." It was moved by Mr. Hough, and seconded by Mr. C-riff is, that the report be accepted as read, and made a part of these minutes. So agreed. 4. President Peele brought up the subject of the coming Conference on "Biological .Effects of A.sbestos" to be held under the auspices of the New York Academy of Sciences,Oct.19-21,1964. He asked what further action,if any,should be taken in respect to the position of the Institute towards this conference,as adopted at our last meeting,in view of the publicity which appeared in many newspapers on October 6th, in which asbestos was cited as a possible cause of cancer. This adverse publicity, relaeased by Dr.Selikoff and his associates, is based on very limited background information, as compared to that of the asbestos industry, but is very harmful to the entire industry. There was a lengthy discussion as to ways and means of combating this unfavorable publicity. The question was raised as to whether those who have issued the publicity could be warned of the gravity of their charges, and its unfavorable effect on the entire asbestos industry, without giving the impression that an attempt was being made to suppress or intimidate the medical profession. Legal Coun sel was subsequently asked draft such a letter,(copy is attached) and it has been submitted to eacj-.Member for approval, before being sent to Dr. Selikoff, by Mr. Reycraft. inures - Hoard of Governors Page -2- 4. (continued) There v.-as genera], agreement that the rose idly serious economic repercussions of this bad publicity for asbestos should be brought to the attention of member Companies top manage ment, and they in turn, should advise the Institute their wishes as to course of action desired, and extent of financial support that night be given. 5. It was agreed that the recently published pamphlet entitled 'Method for Determining Asbestos Dust Concentration" should be priced at 50 cents each to members and associate members, regard less of quantity ordered. For non-members,$1.00 each,with first copy free. 6. The proposal introduced in our meeting of June 4th las:, to amend the Constitution of the Institute to make provision for Legal representation at all meetings,was brought up for final action. Written notice had been given all members prior to trims meeting. The Amendment would be added as a now Paragraph 4,of Article IV, as follows: "4. At all meetings of the Institute and at all meetings of the Board of Governors, Legal Counsel shall be present Mr. Hough moved,and Mr.Brown seconded,a motion to amend the Constitution as proposed. Agreement was unanimous. V. The Budget for the year .1965 was presented in suggested amount of *7825.00. Hr. Hough suggested that the items of Secretary's Travel and Hxhibit -Expense be "increased to (.400.00 each, instead of $250.00 each as originally presented. V-ith this change the total budget for 1965 amounted to $8125.00. Hr. Griffis moved,and Hr. Brown seconded,a motion of approval. Agreement was unanimous,and the budget as adopted is made a part of these minutes. 8. President Peele read a letter from Hr. Eeycraft,which had been recived after the budget was prepared, in which he asked for an increase of $1500.00 per year in the legal retainer fee. This would make the new fee ( 3000.00 per year instead of the $1500.00 currently paid. Ur. Griffis felt that the higher fee meant an excessively high hourly rate for the actual hours spent on Instit ute matters by Mr. Reycraft,or other personnel with V ickersham, Cadwalader h. Taft. Further that the budget for 1965 had been pre pared without foreknowledge of any increase in legal fee..Mr.Peele suggested that he and Mr. Hough discuss this matter with Mr.Rey craf t at an early date. Mr. Bettes made a motion to that effect, it was seconded by Mr. Rainey, Agreement was unanimous. 9. Mr. V:.S. Hough, Chairman of the dominating Committee, report ed that he had canvassed the Member Compaies to ascertain who would represent them on the Board of Governors for the coming year,and was informed that the following will serve: Mr.J.A. Brown,Jr., - Raybestos-Manhattan,Inc.; Mr.J.T. Griffis,for K.K. Porter Company;-Mr .V; .S . Hough,- Johns-Manvil] e Corn. Mr.T.C. McCluskey, - Tallman-McCluskey Fabrics Co.,;-Mr. S.J.Peele for U. S. Rubber Co.;and Mr.J.L. Rainey for American Asb.Tex.Corp. Minutes - Board of Governors meeting Fage -3- 10. Mr. Hough, as Chairman of the Nominating Committee, then offered the following slate of officers to serve the Institute in the coming year; For President: - J.A. Brown,Jr.,of Raybestos-wanhattan,Inc. For Vice. Pres*. J.L. Rainey of American Asbestos Textile Corp. For Treasurer: - -E. A. Schuman of Johna-Manville Sales Corpi It was moved by Mr.J.T. Griff is,seconded by Mr. Ted D. McCluskey, that the nominations be closed,and the proposed slate of officers be approved. Agreement was unanimous, and the above named gentle men are the new officers of the Asbestos Textile Institute. 11. In regard to Committee Chairmen,it was agreed that the men now serving as committee chairmen should continue in nff that capacity for the ensuing year. 12. Mr. Hough brought up the question of asking Garlock,Inc. to join-the Institute. jr. Bettes suggested they be approached a little later inasmuch as their Mr. Houghton was expected to attend the Genera] Meeting on October 9th,and it would be better to let a reasonable period of time elapse. 13. Mr.Bettes, Chairman of the Twentieth Anniversary Celebration, exhibited an attractive silver tray, approx, size 7-J x 5f" , en graved "ASBESTOS TEXTILE INSTITUTE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY 1944 - 1964 He stated that one of these trays would be given to each person attending our Twentieth Anniversary Meeting on October 9t'n. All agreed that the tray- was very attractive,and most appropriate for the occasion. 14. Date and location of next meeting, l.ir. Peele said that he and Mr. Griffis had been appointed at our last meeting to investig ate a southern location for the February meeting. They recommended the Carolina Pot el,in Pinehurst, North Carolina,which had been discussed tentatively at our June meeting, Mr.J.A. Brown made a motion that we hold the February meeting in Pinehurst,N.C.-seconded by Mr.J.L. Rainey. Agreement was unanimous. The date of the meeting is February 10-12, 1965, the place is The CAROLINA HOTEL. It was suggested that v/e might possibly plan to arrive Tuesday evening,February 9th,hold committee meetings on V:ednesday,and General Meeting on Thursday,arranging same to give as much time as possible for recreational activities, 15. There being no other business to come before the meetinr: it was duly adjourned. Respectfully submitted, /T -:.H. Sunbury, Exec cretary The Board of Governor: of A.T.I. requested Attorney Reycraft to prepare a letter to be seat to Dr. Selikcff on behalf cf the Institute, and the letter as drafted by hr. n eycraf t, f ol lev; 5 : Dr. Irving J. Selikcff Dear Dr. Selikoff: Our client,the Asbestos Textile Institute,has requested us to communicate to you the grave concern which all member companies share over the possibly misleading implications of recent articles carried in many local and national newspapers on your report and news conference concerning mesothelioma. The linking together of asbestos and mesothelioma in a cause and effect relationship is clearly made in an article which appeared in The New York Times of October 7, 1964. But in addition to describing your comments on possible occupational hazards, that article also ascribes to you and to Dr. Hammond statements and inferences that go beyond the confines of the studies which you actually conducted: " The worrisome feature,Dr. Hammond and Dr. Selikoff said, is the evidence that asbestos, once taken into the body,stays there. Thus even a single heavy exposurecould conceivably produce a cancer after a latent period of 20 years or more,they said. " This idea, for which they said there is some experimental as well as epidemiological evidence could expand the risk from simply those occupationally exposed to virtually anyone who might only occasionally encounter asbestos dust." Again, that article stated: "The specialists who gave the report expressed worry that the danger might not be entirely restricted to a limited occupation group, but that it might be more general and possibly of considerable importance. There is no direct evidence'to substantiate this,they said, but some of the available findings hint that this may be the case." It is common knowledge that developments in the field of cancer and possible causative factors or possible preventative and curative measures are subjects of very great and vital public concern. It must be recognized,how ever, that only the most careful and dispassionate efforts In presenting the results of limited researchin this field to the public can avoid misinterpretation, overslmplifIcation,and exaggeration. This is particularly true in discussing with members of the press such limited and tentative conclusions as those suggested by your studies. Unfounded inferences and hints of danger, though sure of receiving wide distribution, contribute nothing to public under standing. Nor do they aid intelligent action by anyone,whether at the individual or group level or in private or public agencies. The health and welfare of workers in the asbestos and related in dustries,no less than the general public, in part of course rests upon wise,careful,and practical utilization of scientific know ledge. Innocent but unwise treatment of research data in public discussions or leaving it to laymen to appreciate the carefully phrased limitations and qualifications,can cause reactions that are not justified by the state of scientific knowledge. Letter to Dr. Selikoff, continued - The efforts by members of this association in their ow n scientific work and medical programs and in cooperation with studies by such groups as the Public Health Service amply demonstrate the willingness of this part of the asbestos industry to act responsibly and intelligently in matters involving the health and safety of its employees and the general public as well These companies welcome all responsible efforts along these lines The Asbestos Textile Institute urges no restraint upon independent medical inquiry or research - indeed it earnestly desires expansion of existing knowledge in this field. Nor does this Association seek in any way to discourage the right to discuss the results of such efforts. Eut it does urge caution in the discussion of these activities to avoid providing the basi for possibly damaging and misleading news stories. The right to study and to discuss these subjects is clear,of course. But the gravity of the subject matter and the consequences implicitly involved impose upon any who exercise those rights a very high degree of responsibility for their actions. Sincerely, CADWALADER, VVICKSRSKAM & TAFT