Document v0pR1g6RDRb3j1erqb7XndQq

FILE NAME: General Motors (GM) DATE: 1970 May 7 DOC#: GM028 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letter from Johns-Manville to GM Dear Mr. Zwicker: We are extremely disturbed to learn of the concern of various members of your division re the health aspects of asbestos fibre. We understand your concern has resulted in a decision to use a substitute material or materials for asbestos fibre in the heater and air conditioning units manufactured at your plant. Whereas we deplore the adverse publicity being given to asbestos fibre in the press and various magazines, it is a matter which must be faced factually and honestly. It is true, however, that the statements and conclusions which have appeared in print have often been totally misleading and highly exaggerated. Suffice to say that Johns-Manvilie and the asbestos producers, over the past several years, embarked on an extensive medical study of asbestos which has resulted to date in some very important conclusions. Undoubtedly you are familiar with the visit to your plant of our Director of Environmental Control, Mr. E. M. Fenner in 1969 and, also, our submissions to your personnel in the same year of a program to ship fibre to your plant in bulk tank cars. This latter is particularly applicable in view of the automated in-plant facilities already in existence in your plant. Also, we would mention that the capital cost estimates relating to bulk tank shipments can be reduced substantially due to several new innovations in the bulk handling concept. Based on the above preamble, we request your permission to meet with you and your personnel to provide up to date information and facts on the following subjects, viz: 1. Asbestos and the health (medical presentation) 2. Environmental control as practised by J-M 3. The revised picture of bulk shipments of asbestos fibre 4. Other alternate methods of receiving and handling asbestos fibre TELEPHONE: 8 1 9-8 79-54 3 1 /Continued TELEX: 0 1-204 1 1 Mr. I,. A. Zwickcr Harrison Radiator Diyision General Motors Corporation - 2 5/7/70 We would appreciate receiving your comments and a meeting date or dates convenient to you and your personnel. Yours very truly, NWH/bh bee: K. V. Linde 11 J. R. Hutcheson Dr,, George W. Wright - Cleveland Dr,. T,. Davidson - Waukegan E. M. Fenner - Finderne II. G. Donovan - Res. Manville J. F. Reis - Boston N. W. IIHNDRY, General Sales Manager