Document r6mZo7G8Qbq0VZLkwZ0bD1XRE

ASBESTOS INFORMATION ASSOCIATION NO*TM AW6ACA 1835 K Street. N.W.. Washington. D C. 20006 (202) 223-4885 15 August 1977 Excerpts from Minutes Executive Committee Meeting Asbestos International Association London, July 5-6, 1977 The meeting was held in newly established quarters, 68 Gloucester Place, London. Dr. Gaze reported that he had engaged the recruiting firm of Spencer-Stuart to locate a successor for Mr. Cross who will retire at the end of 1978. Membership. Prospective new members, in addition to Greece and India who had previously indicated interest, include Mexico, Yugoslavia, Thailand, Russia, Brazil, Columbia and Venezuela. Dr. Robock reported that "the worst enemies may be in industry" in reference to cement and steel competitors in Central America who have been actively raising asbestos problems. Well organized and informed national associations are needed to protect asbestos interests. A discussion was held concerning the desireability of Russian partici pation in the Association. It was the consensus that the AXA could not be truly international if those responsible for one-half world production were excluded. Dr. Robock reported that the Russians were not advanced in dust suppression methods and measurement techniques, but he was nevertheless in favor of permitting them to join. Mr. Hutcheson reported a change in attitude to the extent that it is now acknowledged by Russian authorities that a health problem may exist. Medical Advisory Panel. The Committee reviewed a list of 50 physicians and scientists for the purpose of selecting a limited number of experts who could best represent national industry interests from the medical point of view and assist Dr. Murray in completing the tasks assigned to him at the April meeting of the Executive Committee. Those selectee were: Dr. Lepoutre Dr. Loison Prof. Valentine Dr. Arsini Prof. Ahlmark - Benelux - France - Germany - Italy - Scandinavia 01-0216903 3 attended the AIA Hamburg meeting last year, was very moderating. Dr. Gaze stated at the outset there was no point in continuing discussions unless the 0.1 proposal put forth at the meeting in Oslo last year was dropped. An invitation was extended to IMF membership to send representatives to observe good work practices in industry. It was also proposed that a meeting between opposing medical advisors or experts be arranged. Mr. Casserini indicated he proposed to advise his membership of the invitation from industry. He commented that asbestos was discussed at Oslo last August and that it was not likely that it would be discussed at the forthcoming annual meeting. It was at the Oslo meeting, 4 months before the NIOSH proposal, that Dr. Selikoff suggested the 0.1 limit. International Federation of Chemical & General Workers Union. There has been no further contact with this union whose secretary General, Dr. Levenson has been distinctly hostile to the asbestos industry. He was present at the IARC meeting in France in December and subse quently toured Canada and held press conferences during which he made derogatory comments about the industry. Other Matters Relating to Labor Unions. Mr. Piuze reported that the Steelworkers Union in Quebec may "go on the air" to refute charges against industry. Lake Asbestos has included union representatives on company committees. Dr. Robock reported asbestos cement workers in Germany were preparing to join in the fight against unfair charges. In view of the favorable meetings with Mr. Rheban and Mr. Casserini, it was suggested that it would be useful to determine which U.S. unions were affiliated with the International Metalworkers Federation. In connection with the very difficult situation in Scandinavia, Mr. Thiele provided the Committee with a working document prepared by the Danish Factory Inspectorate. It is Mr. Thiele's hope that a total ban can be avoided in Denmark. In addition, he reported that Mr. Magnus Demsatz, Chief Environmental Advisor to the largest Danish Trade Union, i.e., for unskilled workers, clearly stated at a recent meeting that his union would not support the idea of a total ban but would instead recommend that the TLV be lowered from the present 2 f/ml to 1 f/ml in such a way as to allow the industry 2 or 3 years to adjust itself to this requirement. Mr. Thiele commented that he felt fairly confident that the Factory Inspectorate would support this line of approach. Commission of the European Communities. In March Mr. Burke (Ireland) Chairman of the Environment and consumer Affairs Committee of the Council of the European Communities made a statement to the European Parliament concerning the health hazards of asbestos. As a conse quence, the Commission staff was instructed to amend the Council 01-0216904 5 mental aspects of asbestos exposure. Initially the Foundation will be staffed by 15 people including 5 multilingual secretaries. The operating budget will be 2,000,000 DM ($880,000.00) per year. Dr. Robock will be responsible for scientific activities and Dr. Maximiliai Leman, formerly President of the Wirtschaftsverband Asbest, responsi ble for administration and public relations matters. The activities will be international in scope. Next Meeting. The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be heTdin Lonaon on October 13 and will be followed by a meeting of the Governing Council on October 14. 01-0216905