Document rprGyGoL5ng1901Nd8g0qKO8G

TO: FROM: SUBJECT: #198 C. P. Eipp #147-2 R. P. Zntz JOINT CCMPOUNDS, ASBESTOS EI3ER August 18, 1971 0-0510 la your letter of July 30th to me you state that we might wish to consider marketing the concept of using Ready Mixed Joint Compound, which would eliminate the problem of airborne fibers during ml ring in the field. Zou also recomend that we consider sponging the joints in lieu of sanding, which would eliminate airborne asbestos fiber during the finishing operation. Me believe that there is validity to your recommendation and it could be used if any particular locality, Government Regulatory Body or a Union, were to attempt to eliminate the use of joint compound because of possible hazardous substances (l.e., asbestos fiber). It is our considered opinion that it would be unwise for us to place any label on our present compounds vhich could be construed as implying that a hazardous substance exists. No other manufacturer has taken such a step and we believe we would be placed at a competitive disadvantage. More seriously; however, we could precipitate action prematurely which could result in some individual, such as a Senator or a Ralph Nader, drawing attention to our products. Research presently has one man working full time in an attempt to develop joint compound formulations which would be asbestos free and yet provide us with the properties that are necessary to sell our products at the market price. To the best of our knowledge, no manufacturer has an acceptable product in the US. British Gypsum by law produces compounds which are asbestos free, 'cut the products they produce are unsaleable in this country or in Canada. Tour recommendation provides U3 with a quick means of overcoming the question of airborne fibers, if and when we find it necessary cc: #152 Dr. J. W. labor #147-2 C. M. Howard United. States Gypsum Company