Document qj5ZRdE7gdKE9e2Gd4vnBv0M

PITTSBURGH CORNING CORPORATION b. a. Spardy Asbestos iealth Hazard Waiter ?. Jiaclair May 7, 1909 Dear rnie: Supplementing the information given in my Jan 6 memo., the Navy has continued its investigation and taken further action on the possibility of the subject health hazard* Directives have been issued to Navy Yards and other Navy activities to comply 'with CNM Safety Precaution For Shore Activities NAVS0-P-2455, April 1965 (copy of abstract Mineral Dusts attached), in the handling, prefabrication, Installation and rip-out of asbestos thermal insula tion materials* Also, a study, recently started, will Include conduction of a survey of Navy and a few selected private shipyard*, as to asbestos insulation, cement, felt and pipe covering they are using and the reason for their use; also what new or other insulation could be used in lieu of asbestos materials and the cost of such insulation* The industry is to be invited to cooperate in the study by furnishing NAVSaC information on the safety precautions exorcised in the manufacture of their asbestos insulation products* Also, what other type materials they have to offer for the services, where asbestos insulations are being used and cost of the materials* Visits of ana Navy bureau of Medicine personnel to Navy, and private shipyards and to the Industry will be made in connection with tho study. Although the conduction cf the study was decided by NaVS-C during the early part of Jan* 1969, tho official directive letter of assignment and responsibility for the study by mAV3C, Philadelphia Division at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was not forwarded to that activity until April 9, 1969. During the interim, I frequently checked with the pe'sonnel of NAVSkC, Code 6101, Washington, D. C., who prepared the draft of the letter, but they were not cognizant of tho reason for the delay* It appeared that tho proposed study may be dying a slow death, but which did not occur* I endeavored to obtaiu a copy of the directive letter forwarded to NAVSiC Philadelphia, but was unsuccessful and was informed that copies of a similar letter with about the sane context, are being forwarded from luYSLC Philadelphia, to the industry* WPS/is cc: K. Puhs / Sincerely, Walter P* Sinclair UXi\ <\ * J F: t l PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT UL-aiH PITTSBURGH CORNING CORPORATION Deptartment of The havy Safety Precautions for Shore Activities* I.AVSO P-2455 April 1965. 2Q5fi-Mineral Dusts* Certain mineral dusts are pneumoconiosis (a pathological lung condition produced by mineral or metallic dust inhalation). The most prevalent and insidious forms are silicosis and asbestosis, caused by prolonged inhalation of dusts (or mists) containing silica and asbestos* Hazard Materials - Dusts* 1. Silicosis - Silicosis has long been recognised as an occupat ional disease in such industries as mining and quarrying. The damage done is permanent and progressive with continuous exposure* In its ; ore advanced stage, it is evident by shortness of breath, decreased chest expansion, lessened capacity for work and incre&ced suscepti bility to tuberculosis and other lung diseases. Therefore, any operations which create appreciable quantities of silica (Quartz, principally) such as in sand blasting, shoulu be veil ventilated and if necessary; personnel should wear appropriate respiratory protection* 2. Asbestosis - The effects of asbestosis are similar to anu just as disabling as those of silicosis. There is evidence, however, that the handling of asbestos products in the havy are not ao well controlled, if the prevalence of cases of asbestosis Is an Indication, txposure to asbestos dust is usually encountered in the installation, repair and removal of insulating pipe covering used principally aboard ship* The following precautions should be taken in any dust i;aking operations involving asbestos products; (a) Provide permanent general ventilation in areas wnere dust producing operations a:*e usually performed* (b) Install exhaust hoods over 6aws and other dust making tools (c) Heauire workers to wear dust respirators where dusty operations cannot be adequately ventilated* (d) Use industrial vacuum cleaners in lieu of dry sweeping of floors snd other surfaces*