Document ppyMLNNvLq7zokLoVjpjjGVrd

(c OWENS-CORNING FIBERGLAS CORPORATION June 24, 1976 FIBERGLAS TOWER, TOLEDO. OHIO 43659. (419) 259-3000 Mr. Ed. Aasen Purchasing Manager Georgia Pacific 900 S. W. 5th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97204 Dear Mr. Aasen, This letter is a followup to our telephone conversation of June 21 regard ing the health aspects of exposure to glass fiber and the possible need for product labeling. I indicated that the only precautionary labeling Owens-Corning is using is a statement that the material may cause skin irritation. This labeling is restricted to products such as residential building insulation which are handled considerably during installation and which are frequently installed by individuals unaccustomed to working with glass fiber. As you probably realize under OSHA regulations fibrous glass is a nuisance particulate. No Precautionary labeling is required for such materials. The following paragraphs summarize current medical and scientific knowledge on the effects of exposure to fibrous glass and outline appropriate work practices. The health effects of exposure to fibrous glass have been the subject of many research studies, including both long-term animal inhalation studies and repeated clinical examination of manufacturing plant employees. The only documented biological effects of fibrous glass exposure to man are those attributable to transitory mechanical irritation of the skin and to minor irritation of the eyes, nose and throat which may be experienced by individuals newly exposed to fibrous glass. This con dition normally diminishes after a few days of exposure since it is simply a mechanical irritation and not an allergic reaction. Good personal hygiene practices will minimize the amount of discomfort experienced. Specific recommendations are as follows: (1) Wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing (2) Shower after completion of work with fibrous glass materials, using a nappy wash cloth to assist the flowing water in rinsing the fibers from the skin (3) Following the shower, apply a good commercial skin cream or lotion to irritated skin (4) Try to avoid rubbing or scratching irritated skin (5) Launder work clothing separately to prevent glass fibers from getting into other clothing RECEIVED BY JUL 0 6 1976 GYPSUM DIVISION SGP 0008770