Document r66G5QqdV7RGx7DoYrypbz3D7

The Saranac Laboratory FOR THE STUDY OF TUBERCULOSIS OF THE EDWARD L TRUDEAU FOUNDATION Saranac Lake, N.Y, ___ . September 28, 1944 SEP 29 PJ. PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT MET-248 Dr. George M. Wheatley Medical Director Metropolitan Life Insurance Company,, New York, New York ( s Dear Dr. Wheatley: * W I have recently been in communication with Mr. Vandiver Brown ^and the local attorneys of the Canadian Asbestos interests regarding the matter of your proposed investigation of the incidence of tuberculosis in the Province of Quebec. I have assured these gentlemen that it would be most desirable from every standpoint if one could obtain more accurate information on the incidence of tuberculosis in this seotion of Canada. The local doctors appreciate that they have a problem but I am not sure that they realize how serious it is. From the claims standpoint in the asbestos industry I think there is a tendency to attribute much of this infection to exposure to asbestos dust. I don't believe that this opinion can be substantiated because in other sections of this country vrhere there is much more asbestosls than there is in Quebec, the tuberculosis rates are not excessive. In fact In North Carolina there is less tuberculosis In those exposed to asbestos dust than In all the other industries. I believe it would be most desirable if your organization could establish both male and female rates in the com munities of Thetford and Asbestos and also as controls determine rates In other industrial towns of similar size. This would adJfora the Information which is badly needed on the tuberculosis rates among those exposed to asbestos and provide adequate controls. I would be very much surprised if you found any(excess of tuberculosis in the exposed male population of the community where asbestos is mined and milled. A bulletin published by the Metropolitan setting forth these findings would do much to clarify the local opinions on this matter. We have completed our counts on Mr. Fehnel's samples of the dust taken at Manville and find that the total concentrations are apparently low. Most of the samples contain appreciable amounts of asbestos fibre and we are looking forward to making a comparative study of the material that he will collect in Quebec in the coming weeks. With best regards, Sincerely yours, 0886 LUG:RH cc to Mr. Brown Leroy U. Gardner, M. D Director