Document ppDw2wQo0xJp5Rv8148Lj0RDa

FOSECO, INC TECHNICAL DEP- INTER-COHPANY AND INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE to: Max Neu, F.F.I.L. from: R. W. Ruddle oatc: December 15, 1975 (Dictated 12-12-75) subject: Health Hazard from Inorganic Fibers A customer told me yesterday chat he had recently attended a meeting of NIOSH in Chicago where the health hazard from inorganic fibers was dis cussed in some detail. According to my informant, NXOSH (which is the government health hazard research department) is now keenly interested in all inorganic fibers and that there is reason to believe that they are all carcinogenic like asbestos. When NIOSH have completed their studies, they may well propose regulations covering all inorganic fibers similar to those already in effect for asbestos. I felt you should be aware of this situation with the thought in mind that you may want to give preliminary consideration to ways of totally eliminating inorganic fiber from our products in the event that this should become necessary. If action is taken by NXOSH and later by OSHA in this country, it will surely only be a short time before all inorganic fibers are taboo world wide. It is my guess that it will be some years, probably three at least, before any action is taken against these fibers by OSHA in this country, since NIOSH has first to complete its work and propose standards; OSHA has then to consider these, get comments in from all interested parties and forumlate a ruling. However the writing may be on the wall and no doubt you will wish to get the group into a position to combat this threat should it materialize. cc: Dr. D. E. Bryant Mr. J. Morgan R. W. Ruddle r OS-0!2i--02i0O02)clS9c; FOSECO 1794