Document v1Y2mkpYo1oaDXL3LmB1y5Z6b
ASBESTOS BULLETIN
Vol. 22
No. i
January-February 1981
Editor: Dr. C. Z. Carroll-Porczynski
CONTENTS
Parti. ASBESTOS MINING. EXPORTS. IMPORTS Part 2A. ASBESTOS-CEMENT Part 2B. GLASS FIBRES-CEMENT COMPOSITES Part 2C. STEEL FIBRES-CEMENT COMPOSITES Part 3. ASBESTOS TEXTILES AND SUBSTITUTES Part 4. FRICTION MATERIALS Part 5. ASBESTOS REINFORCED PLASTICS Part 6. BUILDING MATERIALS - PLASTIC PIPES. COMPOSITES Part 7. ASBESTOS PACKING. COATING. SEALING COMPOSITIONS Part 8. ASBESTOS PAPER. INSULATING MATERIALS Part 9. REFRACTORY FIBRES Part 10. COMPANY NEWS, TENDERS, CONTRACTS Part 11. ASBESTOS HEALTH HAZARDS. PRECAUTIONS Part 12. REVIEW OF JOURNALS
Page
10 11 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 26
Copyright Astex Publishing Co., 1981
ASARCO ALV 0007387
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PART 1. ASBESTOS MINING
CANADA
1. Asbestos -- under pressure The Northern Miner Nov. 27, 1980
Brian Nolk
The next few years will be difficult for Canada's asbestos industry. Economic and political pressures are forcing most of the producers to reassess their mining and milling operations and their traditional export markets, and at the same time, to wage a public educa tion campaign to combat the growing hysteria in the public press over asbestos.
As the pressures increase over the next few years, the industry will go through a kind of trial by fire. However industry spokesmen are confident asbestos mining will remain one of Canada's largest and most profitable mining sectors well into the 21st century. After all, asbestos (and asbestos companies) are known for being able to take the heat.
Tire short term picture is grim though. Production for the first eight months of 1980 amounts to only 826.000 metric tons, down 15% from the same period last year when 956.000 metric tons were produced. The annual figure could be as low as 20% less than the 1979 total of 1.501,000 metric tons.
These declining sales figures have forced several companies to lay off asbestos workers. Asbestos Corp., the second largest producer in the country, lost 12 weeks' production from March 4 to May 26 when its 1.500 workers went on strike. Even so, the market remains so soft the company will suspend all operations at its Thetford Mines facilities between Dec. 31 and Jan. 26 and will reduce the work week from six days to five for the next six months.
A total of 530 mine and mill workers are out of work in Quebec's Eastern Townships, the heart of Canada's asbestos industry, and inventories of unsold fibre are liigh. Carey Canada, for example, is saddled with 15.000 tons of fibre, compared with normal circumstances when supply barely keeps pace with demand.
The largest factor in the down-turn is the general recession, which has slowed construction activity across North America and much of Europe. Since these two markets account for about 70% of Canada's production, and since the largest single end use of asbestos is in asbestos-cement construction materials, this decline was inevitable.
M. E. Taschereau. president of Asbestos Corp. warns, "consumption of asbestos-cement in the United States and Western Europe has reached its maximum and may gradually decline in future years." He gave the negative publicity concerning the health hazards of asbestos and the growing preference for more sophisticated con struction materials as the reasons for this development.
With American and European consumption levelling off after a partial rebound in 1981, Canadian producers hoping to grow must look further afield for new cus tomers. Several industry analysts see the stagnant
traditional markets being more than offset by increased
demand from developing countries. Mr. Tascherej
states. "We know of new asbestos-cement plants either
in operation or being installed in Tunisia, the Middle
East, the Philippines. Nigeria, Malaysia and Sri Lanka t0
name only a few. There is no more appropriate product
than asbestos-cement for a developing country to supply
its needs for pipe, siding and roofing."
1
J. R. M. Hucheson, president of the Quebec Asbestos Mining Association and chairman of the board of JohnsManville Canada, concurs, "There is marked growth in less sophisticated market areas, such as the developing countries, being one of the first commodities they can produce themselves, and at a low cost. I must add there is also a growing market for asbestos-cement in other countries who have a more advanced economy, especially in the Far East."
These new, high-growth markets are by no means wide open to Canadian exporters. Many of the less stable economies of the Third World suffer from shortages of hard currencies and have a less than desirable track record of meeting their credit obligations.
Another wild card in the export game is the Soviet Union, long the largest asbestos producer in the world (2.581.755 metric tons in 1978. according to the U.S. Bureau of Mines), which is expected to increase its exports to countries outside the traditional Communist bloc "captive market". Although the U.S.S.R. is not expected to make a dent in the world fibre markets for at least five or 10 years, few producers would wish to find themselves involved in a price war with the Soviet Union a few years down the road.
A second and less predictable factor in plotting the future of Canadian asbestos is the number of increasingly hostile government regulations being adopted or con sidered by governments around the world and at home.
In Ontario, the royal commission on asbestos hazards has opened amid strident accusations of industry neglect from workers and their union representatives. The Ontario Workmen's Compensation Board is tabling evidence linking 40 deaths and 100 disabilities to asbestos exposure at one Johns-Manville plant in Scarborough alone. There is no doubt the extensive coverage of these situations by the news media is adversely affecting consumer confidence in asbestos products.
At the same time, however, the results of the most comprehensive scientific study yet conducted into the relationship between asbestos exposure and lung cancer have been published recently. The results will hopefully restore much of the lost consumer confidence, and help to balance government arguments for more stringent and extensive dust control standards.
The 14-year study of asbestos workers in Quebec, which was established in 1966 as part of a program at McGill University, does point to a direct relationship between increased exposure and increased risk of deve loping lung cancer. However, the conclusions link the risk of exposure of one fibre per cubic centimetre, a condition widely experienced in Canadian mills, to be
2 Asbestos Bulletin
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The company intends to consolidate the mining and
^eek.
exploration activities of Cassiar with those of its wholly
"Tliere are forces at work in Europe, in the European owned subsidiary Brinex Ltd., which will change its
Economic Community countries that could have a detri name to Brinco Mining Ltd. and operate out of Van
mental effect on the asbestos industry if they regulate couver. J. D. Little, currently president and chief execu
ju a discriminatory manner," states Mr. Hutcheson. tive officer of Cassiar, will fill the same position with
``Similarly* there are forces at work in the U.S., in the Brinco Mining, while J. C. O'Rourke, now vice-president Occupational Health Safety and Health Association, in mining of Brinco Ltd., will become executive vice-
the Environmental Protection Agency and in the Con president of Brinco Mining.
ner Product Commission, that are very active, and
their activity represents a definite threat to our 4. Cassiar net lower after increase in taxes
industry," he says. . M- Dorais. former AMAQ president goes even further. fIf the anti-asbestos movement were to continue to f evolve through the 1980s at the same rate and in the same way that it has during the 1970s, there is no doubt ihe asbestos situation, already sufficiently critical, ; would become untenable, causing serious repercussions
Net earnings of Cassiar Resources for the first nine months of 1980 were $8.3 million compared with $9.6 million for the same period in 1979. The decrease from the previous year is the result of the higher tax rate for the current year. J. D. Little, president, says. The comparative earnings per share were $1.51 and $ 1.75 respectively.
/or mining production."
The company has announced a fibre price increase
Existing' legislation has already crippled the short fibre market, which accounts for more than half the production in Quebec. Manufacturers of flooring felts, for example, which once contained 85% asbestos, have been driven by regulatory pressures to use fiberglass and other substitutes. Other uses of short fibres are under similar pressures to switch.
Mr. Hucheson insists there must be a line drawn somewhere. "Until substitutes come along that can match the unique qualities of asbestos, and there has not been any. some uses are just going to continue, that is unless society decides it does not want them at all and pays the higher price for it."
effective Jan. 1. 1981. This "price adjustment will result in approximately a 12% increase in sales revenue for 1981. Sales for the third quarter of 1980 were 28,481 tons which exceeded production by approximately
1.000 tons, included in sales revenue is $860,000 received from the sale of jade. Jade is found as a by product in mining asbestos ore. Prior to this year, the quantity of jade sold has not been significant. Mr. Little says.
Waste removal costs has escalated, so the amortiza tion rate has been increased from S10 to $10.75 per ton of ore mined from July 1. Diamond drilling to date from the exploration adit has indicated a faulted exten
2. Advocate's earnings close to $1 million
sion or a separate ore lens containing in excess of 5.000.000 tons of asbestos-bearing material and economic
In the first mine months of this year. Advocate Mines earned S990.000 (16.5</ per share), compared with a net loss of S6.633.000 ($1.11 per share) for the same period last year.
evaluation will continue, concludes Mr. Little. Working capital at Sept. 30 totalled $24,063 com
pared with S 15,138 a year earlier.
The improvement is attributed to increased recovery of fibre at its Newfoundland asbestos mine, cost reduc tions, and profit participation received from Consolidated Rambler Mines of $1,303,000. The latter amount is subject to a Newfoundland tax of $260,000.
The company foresees a profit for the year, if all continues to go well. Chairman and President E. R. E.
5. United Asbestos earnings grow The Northern Miner Nov. 27. 1^80
Earnings of United Asbestos Inc. are continuing their upward stride. For the six months ended Sept. 30. net income came to $5,810,899 or 82</ a share, a 15% improvement over the same period last year. Revenues
Carter states in the interim report. Potential future tax credits resulting from previous losses are about $7,628, the report indicates.
grew by 7% to $ 14.335.105 from S 13.342.268. Second quarter performance exceeded that of the
first quarter. Net income for the three months to Sept. 30 rose 22% to $3,167,629 or 454 a share, from
3. Brinco acquires 98% of Cassiar
$2,592,963 or 36<t a share in 1979; while revenues
Brinco Ltd. advises that it has acquired 98% of the showed a gain of nearly 12% at $7,571,208 vs. . outstanding shares of Cassiar Resources pursuant to its $6,772,820.
$16.15-a-share purchase offer which expired Nov. 18 J (N.M., Nov. 13/80). Steps are not being taken to acquire 6. : the remaining Cassiar shares under provisions of the
Advocate Mine The Northern Miner Nov. 27,1980
* Canada Business Corporations Act.
Asbestos operation received good news earlier this
The asbestos mining operations of Cassiar in north- year when it was announced that the board of directors
central British Columbia are expected to contribute and the participating companies have decided to make
substantial cash flow and earnings and provide a base for the necessary investment to see the operation through its
future growth. Brinco vice-president N. M. Peters says. current difficulties caused mainly by a mining situation
Asbestos Bulletin
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ASARCO ALV 0007389
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1963 1964 1966 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 197$ 1976 1977 1978 1979 I960
ASARCO ALV 0007390
Iwhich will necessitate the removal of very large amounts lof waste material.
|- Lake Asbestos beautifies area I QAMA Bulletin No. 3, 1980
5. Lac d'Amiante du Quebec Ltee has planted pine and Spruce saplings to cover a waste dump at Black Lake, fnuebec. Several tests of grass sowing have been carried tout, an operation made difficult by the very nature of |the 'soil which is mostly sterile stone. Having obtained fiood results on a few acres of land, a hydraulic sowing ftruck has been developed to spread a mixture of grass, tweeds, clover, mulch and fertilizers on the terrain. The
program, wltich requires major investments and con tinuous work, provides for the covering, within 20 years, of a total of 145 acres.
8. Canadian Patent 1,077,176. Neutralizing Waste Sulphuric Acid Centre de Recherche Industrielle du Quebec
Magnesium is recovered from asbestos tailings in the form of magnesium sulphate by treatment with sulphuric acid contained in waste waters from titanium dioxide manufacture or steel pickling. The magnesium sulphate thus obtained can be used as fertilizer additive.
fAsbestos Bulletin
9. Canadian Asbestos Shipments September 1980
Metric tonne
Value sooo
Asbestos Milled Fibres, Group 3 GR
United Kingdom France Germany West Italy Motherlands Spain Bulgaria Czechoslovakia Turkey
Fr. Africa Nes Hong Kong India Peoples R. China Japan Korea. South Australia
Argentina Brazil Colombia Mexico United States
Total
711
36
30 30
159 966
874
46
33 40
199 1.191
Asbestos Milled Fibres, Group 4 & 5
United Kingdom Ireland Austria Belgium-Luxembourg Denmark Finland France Germany West Greece Italy Netherlands Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland Bulgaria Czechoslovakia
12.572
1.249 1,905
73 3,874 1,383
500 1,976
328 350 1,575
436
9.965
1.017 1,416
66 3,061 1.084
432 1597
291 274 1,115
347
Cumulative Totals
Metric
tonne
SOOO
2.700 184 596 91 1 112 101
1.374 91 19 12
606 234 1.229 207
6 81 599
9 190 2.599
11.041
3,360 245 835 113 1 137 93
1.712 115 24 23 751 381
1.512 262 8 130 746 a 241
3.325
14.024
38.235 1,141 5,750
10,458 1,638 635
33,201 27,767
1,178 21,540
3580 4,102 8,417
23 7,260
199 2,828
30.875 1.080 4,331 7,582 933 578
23,801 21,234
989 17,443 2,891 3,295 6,163
11 5,665
192 2,392
***!*** .*>i'
ASARCO ALV 0007391
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Romania Yugoslavia Emirates, U.A. Iraq Israel Kuwait Lebanon Syria Turkey Egyptian A.R. Kenya Nigeria South Africa Tanzania Algeria Angola Zaire Morocco Senegal Bangladesh Sri Lanka Hone Kong India Malaysia Singapore Burma Indonesia Japan Korea. South Philippines Taiwan Thailand Australia
New Zealand Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Paraguay Peru Uruguay Venezuela Belize Costa Rica Cuba Dominican Rep. El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Neth. Antilles Nicaragua Panama United States
Total
Asbestos Shorts, Group 6-9 Grades
United Kingdom Ireland Austria Belgium-Luxembourg Denmark
Metric tonne
468
2,690
345 337
2,150 1,621 1,083
81 1.837 2,127
70 271 533
91 272
90 425 376 200 100 575
8 150
85 150 2,068
3,935 48,359
957
1,060 18
Value SOOO
397
1,982
241 297
1.497 1,386
845 70
1.380 1.361
55 142 421 74 277 53 378 308 157 78 443
5 116
63 116 1,494
2,702 37,003
Cumulative Totals
Metric
tonne
SOOO
1.869
1,535
5,136
4,412
522 418
36 20
595 515
501 448
699 612
550 474
347 333
5,496
3,877
73 55
14,123
10,100
25 13
328 209
4,486
3,269
1,387
1,027
211 159 927 710
489 362
180 116
3,908
2,750
180 101
15,611
12,730
15,821
11.364
524 435
306 183
6.659
4.927
27.738
16,748
153 60
890 5S1
8.847 5.282
7.722 4,290
10.643
8,900
2,712
1,823
2.801
2,270
1,497
982
1,987
1,497
12,497
8,394
2.350
1,912
100 78
2,325
1,689
398 280
728 510
299 214
513 323
2,106 1,602
1,720 1,164
1,057
771
399 249
272 168
24,292
18,897
108 106
581 411
120 53
46,127
34,782
407.365
307,173
205 22,818 874
1,892 243 7,038
3 214
4,870 366 441
2,143 26
Asbestos Bulletin
ASARCO ALV 0007392
.... ........................................................... . ................. .................................. .................. - ............. -- n*11 w f f l l t f i i f l ir
Finland France Germany West Greece Italy Netherlands Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland Czechoslovakia Yugoslavia
Israel Syria Turkey Kenya Nigeria Algeria Angola Zaire Bangladesh Sri Lanka Hong Kong India Malaysia Singapore
Burma Indonesia
Japan Korea. South Philippines Taiwan Thailand Australia New Zealand Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Paraguay Peru Uruguay Venezuela Dominican Republic El Salvador Guatemala Mexico Puerto Rico United States
Total
73 1,557 2,311
18
324 192 35 54 490
90
500
400 160
269
3.413 90
372 599
70
660 596 120 550 112
50 200
24 827
24
100 411
20 23,883 40.629
8 417 673
3
61 48
7 20 121
37
141
100 45
45
1.032 14
97 250
10
207 95 34 98 28 . 13 50 7 174 3
25 97
3 4,754 9,168
322 16,075 25,661
531 585 8,278 3,041 3.419 728 4,382 564 793
19 18 273 154 6,556 1.998 980 319 113 951 150 1.431 227 445 118 183 69.459 1.490 709 6.019 5.219 723 102 6.328 5.379 1.842 5.690 1.167 50 1,481 597 3,466 239 620 279 7,354 137 198.164
427.664
38 3.688 6,502
158 126 1,601 865 1.039 262 1,305 227 323
4 2
37 38 1,646 832 255 84 26 387 17 328 80 108 43 68 20.322 355 264 2.040 1.943 121 16 1.609 903 365 1.277 349 13 309 148 879 74 198 53 1.697 20 39.984
100.871
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Asbestos Bulletin
ASARCO ALV 0007393
U.S.S.R.
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
12. Msauli Asbestos 1979 results
10. "Uralasbest" in the Final Year of the Current
Net income after taxation for the year ended
Five-year Plan
A. A. Korolev (translated from Russian)
December 31, 1979. was R3,495,000 compared with R4,l 12,000 in 197S. R2,580,000, equivalent to 40tf per share was distributed to shareholders vs. R3 387,000 and 52.54 a year earlier. Msauli owns the entire issued share
capital of African Chrysotile Asbestos Ltd., which sells I Ural asbestos mining--milling combine is the leading Chrysotile asbestos fiber produced from its mine situated
concern in the asbestos industry. This combine produces in the Ka Ngwane homeland, formerly known as the
62.4% of the Soviet asbestos, and accounts for 30.2% of Barberton District in the Transvaal. General Mining and
the world's asbestos output. It also provides all the Finance Corporation Ltd. continues to render adminis-
asbestos exported from the Soviet Union. The main trative, secretarial and technical services to Msauli.
grades produced are P-3-60. P-4-20, P-5-65, M-6-40. The combine incorporates 20 sections and subsections, including two asbestos mines, three asbestos milling plants, anthophyllite asbestos mining, asbestos millboard factory, mechanical works, large building panels and other structural building materials factories. The total personnel numbers about 19,000. including 15.000 of
labour force. During the current year hew equipment was intro
duced to operate open-pit mines, in particular five excavators (capacity 8 m3 each), four drills, five traction aggregates (weight 380 t). etc. " The asbestos milling factories obtained new separators
A significantly improved level of sales (90,574 tons vs. 80,707 tons) continued throughout the year, mainly due to a shortage of competing fibers in some markets. Demand in 1979 was strong and sales were limited only by the production capability of the mine. A continua tion of steadily improving geographical distribution of Msauli fiber is expected, especially in the light of a growing shortage in the supply of certain Chrysotile grades. Additional fiber cleaning equipment installed during 1979 has been successful and the mine is now well placed to satisfy a variety of stringent and specific customer requirements.
based on the tluidized bed principles, multi-screen
sifting machines, ventilated fiberizers. asbestos de
dusting machines (AS-1600), centrifugal pneumatic
sifting machines, periodical action sifting machines 13. Republic of South Africa -- Asbestos production
(capacity 100 ton/hour). The installation of the new
Coal. Gold & Base Minerals Sept./Oct. 1980
equipment was accompanied by the development of new technological procedures. The transport was equipped with automatic traction locomotives.
The rationalization of the asbestos technology involved 1.581 workers (labour 1.100): about 1.246 schemes were introduced. Attention was also paid to the fuel economy, and to the saving of the electrical energy.
Major savings were achieved in the production of
Mineral Amosite Chrysotile Cape crocidolite
Exports
Production MT
R value FOB
Julv August
Julv August
4.695 3.917 1.535.617 1.779,110
8.769 9.563 1.238.271 1.637,053
10.445 10.218 4.492.128 4.502,017
rolled ferrous sheets used in the construction and repair
of the equipment, and in the welding technology. In the
field of explosives considerable savings were attained by
using explosive mixtures containing cheap ammonium
saltpetre and combustible materials: 30% of the total
U.S.A.
explosives consisted of such inexpensive compositions.
The five-year plan was exceeded (no absolute figures 14. Imports
are given).
s. tons
1978
1979
Asbestos, amosite South Africa
Total
1.270 1,290
428 509
! 11. U.S.S.R. Patent 730,656. Milling Asbestos Fibres Asbestos, chrysotile
i' A. I. Teplyashin et al.
Canada
i South Africa
Milling of asbestos fibres for use in asbestos-cement
Total
1i i:
articles is carried out in presence of tetra-ethoxysilane.
Ultrasonic vibrations are also applied. The adhesion of Asbestos, crocidolite
asbestos fibres to cement is enhanced, and the strength
South Africa
of the fibres is increased.
Total
578,750 6,245
585,786
533,886 2,773
537,036
18,446 18,590
14,691 15,243
8 Asbestos Bulletin
ik1.
ASARCO ALV 0007394
AUSTRALIA
j5. Asbestos Production, Quarterly Statistics Imports, Exports
; jjjne production Chrysolite . .
tonne
1977 S0.601
1978* 1978* December
62,383
24,887
imports
' Chiysot^- . j Canada. .
Others . . Value.
Afflosite . . . Others . .
Value. Other types . Value.
p ` exports
All types and grades Value............
.tonne .tonne jome .$'000 .tonne . tonne .$'000 .tonne .$'000
tonne $'000
53,555 53,155
400 25,243 11,129
-
4,717 9,583 4,050
30,107 28.459
1.646 14,363 8,490
-
3,543 3,464 1.472
20.510 14,264
37.094 16.829
5,277 4.845
431 2,272 3,326
-
1.386 1,004
390
9,421 3,409
1979*
March
13,444
2,753 2.753
-
1.017 1.568
-
668 858 296
10.075 3.501
June September
15,980
22,463
3,378 3.268
110 1.840
640
--
268 725 355
5,467 5,369
98 2,838 1.035
-
488 135
25
7,751 3,050
12.550 3.466
16. Woodsreef shareholders approve new consolidation The Northern Miner Dec. 4. 1980
It's been a case of "back to the drawing board" for Woodsreef Mines (TSE), as a result of which a more attractive-sounding package of restructuring and financing has emerged than previously contemplated.
Shareholders at a special meeting held in Toronto on Nov. 26 have approved a one-for-five stock consolidation and a change in the company's name to Transpacific Asbestos Inc. _
Mr. Clay expects to have the new issue cleared with the TSE by year-end or early January. The plan is to raise approximately $ 10 million.
Meanwhile, the company has just completed a private placement of $2,050,000 of 117c convertible debentures. "Now we have the funds to get on with the main job on -hand -- the wet milling process and the elimination of . I funded indebtedness," Mr. Clay said.
V This means that Woodsreef Minerals can exercise its option to purchase 45% of the recently patented wet
i milling process for asbestos (which eliminates environ\mental and health hazards) from its 58%-owned
Australian subsidiary, Woodsreef Mines; the latter retains a 5% interest in the process.
It also means the go-ahead for the construction of the long-planned wet prototype mill in Australia.
k
>
--
U7.
YUGOSLAVIA
An expansion plan is now underway at the Kolubara ; asbestos mine and plant located near Kragujevac in : Serbia, Yugoslavia, and operated by the Stragari mining | and industrial combine. Around 836m. Dinars (12m.) is
L: s Asbestos Bulletin
to be invested to extend the asbestos board factory and to build an asbestos paper factory. The scheme should be completed by late 1982. and will quadruple the capacity of the Stragari combine to 15.000 tpa of processed asbestos.
FRANCE
18. Asbestos Imports
Canada U.S.S.R. South Africa
Total
1978 43.185 38.029
8.330
110.612
1979 59.836 24.857 16.328
126.476
GREECE
19. Kozani Asbestos
In the industrial minerals sector. MABEM. a sub sidiary of the State-owned Hellenic Industrial Develop ment Bank, is currently developing a large asbestos deposit at Zidani in the Kozani region, close by the Xeralivado chromite mine. Capital investment in the project is expected to reach $67 million.
The deposit is associated with serpentinised Alpine peridotite in which the asbestos occurs as chrysotile. The deposit grades on average 2.5% asbestos, that is to say 2.5 tonnes of chrysotile per 100 tonnes of serpentinite, and the proposed mining plan allows for a cut-off grade of 1.5%. Reserves are approximately 100 million tonnes, sufficient to provide 4 million tonnes of mine able grade material annually over 25 years. Recent drilling has indicated good grade asbestos down to a
9
ASARCO ALV 0007395
1
SI
1:1
I I
further depth of 200 in and has also outlined a second, smaller deposit in the same locality.
The processing plant and related facilities are scheduled for completion late in 1980 with maximum capacity expected to be attained towards the end of 1981. Four grades of asbestos -- 4, 5, 6 and 7 - will be produced with grade 4 accounting for 15% of total output and grade 7,10%. Of the total annual production. 75% will be exported, principally to Europe.
The processing plant is located less than 1 km by road from the deposit which is to be mined by conventional open pit methods. A series of benches have been pre pared between the 720 m and 580 m levels with bench
widths ranging from 16 m reducing to 8 m at the base of the pit. The overburden ranges in thickness between 5 m and 40 m and comprises soft sand and silt with only occasional thin conglomeratic horizons. Waste stripping has been accomplished successfully using two
O & K RH75 hydraulic front shovels and two Caterpillar 992C 10 m front end loaders. For actual mining, two Schramm rotary drills have been purchased to prepare the ground for blasting. Both ore and waste haulage will utilise a fleet of five 80 tonne capacity Caterpillar 775 trucks. The project stands to benefit from its proximity to the Kardia power station based on the large lignite deposits of the Ptolemais basin.
PART 2A. ASBESTOS-CEMENT
20. Special device for repairing broken asbestoscement pipe couplings
Ford announces their new A/CME band repair especially made for the quick and permanent repair of broken or leaking asbestos-cement couplings of all diameters. Available to fit metric and other standard pipe, the Ford A/CME band repair device features a special rubber strap of the proper width and size to replace the broken steel clamping mechanism to assure the watertight, permanent repair of all leaks. The one hundred per cent all stainless steel construction insures maximum strength and corrosion resistance as weil as lightweight easy installation. For specific information write about A/CME bank repair device to:
The Ford Meter Box Company, Inc. P.O. Box 443 Wabash. Indiana 46992 U.S.A.
ture of asbestos, cement and sand onto a conveyor; then applying a layer containing steel wires and an acrylic or epoxy resin: and applying another asbestoscement-sand layer. Then water is introduced from both sides of the laminate. The laminate is subsequently dried and cured.
24. Japanese Patent 80 79.080. Forming Multicolour Coatings Suzuka Torvo Co.
A substrate with an embossed pattern is created over the whole surface a differently coloured coating, and then the top layer of the coating is removed to expose the protruding parts of the embossed pattern. By this method, a coloured pattern can be produced on, e.g., an asbestos-cement board.
21.
"Tekhnologiya Asbestotsementnego Proizvodstva,
25. Technology of Asbestos-cement Products (Technologiya Asbesto-tsementnykh Izdelii)
Uchelnoe Posobii" (Technology of Asbestos-
V. V. Timashev and Yu. S. Grizak
cement Production. Textbook) V. M. Rolbasov (Moskovskii Khimiko-Teknologichcskii Institut;
(Stroiizdat. Moscow) 1979. 335 pp. (in Russian), 075 rub.
Moskow. 1979.45 pp. (Russian):rub. 0.12
22. The Behaviour of Asbestos-cement Pipes under Various Water Quality Conditions. A Progress Report. Part I R. W. Buelow et al. Proc. AWWA Annu. Conf. 1979 (Pt 2). 777-783
Conditions under which water does not attack asbestos-cement pipes and those under which the water attacks these pipes are listed. Calculations of the Aggressive index alone are not sufficient to predict the behaviour of asbestos-cement pipes. Metals, such as zinc, iron or manganese in the water can change the behaviour of asbestos-cement pipes.
23. Japanese Patent 80 05,403. Asbestos-cement Plates Reinforced with Steel Wires Kubota Ltd.
Sandwich-type plates are produced by feeding a mix-
26. Concentration and Size of Asbestos Fibres in Water Supplies J. R. Millette et al. EHP, Environ. Health Perspect. 1980, 34, 13-25
The result of more than 1,500 analyses of water in the U.S.A. are reviewed. The majority of samples are harmless. In some cases, however, the water-borne asbestos fibre concentration exceeds the 10 fibre/1, the limit. This is caused by natural erosion of asbestos containing rocks, or mine gangues. asbestos-cement piping, asbestos-cement tiles, etc.
27. U.K. Building Materials Trends in Production Annual Statistics, Central Statistical Office
Asbestos-cement Products in thousands tons 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977
562 600 548 423 444 450
1978 429
10 Asbestos Bulletin
28.
COl noi din Stic dtf mi to am C0! of pr< au mt de> wi' mi dir ins ob lin to-
3
fl
A
ASARCO ALV 0007396
M jg. Nature, Structure and Properties of AsbestosS cement Dust S J. Baeten. J. Helsen and A. Deruyttere S' British Journal of Industrial Medicine 37:
pp. 33-41,1980
Total dust samples produced by machining three commercial asbestos-cement products (autoclaved sheet, I n0n-autoclaved sheet, pipe) were examined for their dimensional, surface, and physicochemical characterii sties. Microscopic inspection of dust fractions with ; different settling characteristics in air allowed deter[ mination of the simple dimensional features that apply f w respirable fibres - that is, the true diameter, length, i and aspect ratio and the coil diameter, coil length, and t coil aspect ratio. The respirable fraction as a percentage 1 of the total dust varied with the type of machined [ product: 8.5% for non-autoclaved sheet, 10.5% for \ autoclaved sheet, and 35% for pipe. \ Quantitative X-ray diffraction of different granulo: metric fractions showed that the asbestos content :. decreases with fraction size (thus the asbestos content . will change with distance from the dust source). Electron microscopic examination of fine dust (aerodynamic ; diameter <7 nm) showed that only about 10% of the ! inspected particles were optically virgin. From these observations it has been calculated that the threshold limit value of 2 fibres per cm3 of air corresponds to a total dust concentration of 1.2, 0.6 and 0.1 mg/m3
and to a maximum admissible respirable dust content of 0.1, 0.06 and 0.04 mg/m3 for non-autoclaved sheet,
autoclaved sheet, and pipe respectively. The surface of optically virgin fibres may still be contaminated by calcium containing particles, as shown by analytical transmission and scanning electron microscope. Dust from the autoclaved product contains fewer calcium coated fibres. The physicochemical behaviour of dust, as shown by dissolution kinetics and adsorption of carcino gens from tobacco smoke, is comparable to the behaviour of cement rather than of pure asbestos. In general, asbestos-cement dust differs consistently from pure asbestos. Conclusions, drawn from studies on pure asbestos, cannot be applied as such to asbestos-cement dust.
29. Japanese Patent 80 02,343. Lightweight Roofing Material Resistant to Weathering Mitsubishi Cement Co.
Roofing material is produced by moulding a slurry containing Portland cement, sand and asbestos (10-- 30%); coating with another slurry containing Portland cement, sand, asbestos (10-30%) and, optionally, pig ments. The laminate is pressed, autoclaved, dried and coated with a weathering-resistant material, e.g. acrylic
resin. The bending strength of the product is 535 kg/cnr. The water absorptivity is 17%. The density is 1.63 g/cm3.
i
I ! i
PART 2B. GLASS REINFORCED CEMENT
* 30. U.S. Patent 4,194,946. Process for Continuously ( Preparing Fibre Reinforced Cement E Asahi Glass Co. Ltd., and Nakashima Mfg. Co. i Disclosed is a process for continuously preparing a f fibre reinforced cement.
s
31. U.S. Patent 4,204,644. Spraying Apparatus for Preparing Glass Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Product Inventor: Mikio Kozuka. Yokohama, Japan
A spraying apparatus- for preparing a glass fiber reinforced cementitious product comprises a roll type cementitious mortar spray mechanism and a chopped strand spray mechanism which sprays a glass fiber chopped strand into the cementitious mortar stream sprayed by the roll type cementitious mortar spray mechanism.
11
ASARCO ALV 0007397
. 10 '
E
Fig. concre
34.
of Fibre Containing Piaster Boards J. Bold. S. Franks & A. Knauf Gebr. Knauf Westdeutsche Gipswerke
A monolithic fibre-reinforced board which is suffi ciently thick to be suitable for use as a door element is disclosed.
gravity modulus strength strength useable tGPa) (MPa) (MPa) strength (d/a)
Asbestos
2.7 175 3.000 2.S00 926
Glass fibre
2.5 SO 1,400 1.100 440
Polypropylene
fibre
0.9
8 900
80 89
Steel
7.8 200
500 300 38
Nylon fibre
1.1
4 400
40 36
* Useable strength in concrete matrix = yield strength or strength
at 0.01 strain if elastic modulus is less than that of concrete.
Re trainc
33. The Development and Introduction of Glassreinforced Concrete Pipes to the World Market J. W. Heavens Pipes & Pipelines International, April 1980, 18-23
A review of technology developed by ARC Concrete Ltd. for the production of glass-reinforced concrete pipes. Tables below indicate usable tensile strength of various cement reinforcing fibres, and the Figure l shows the effect of adding glass fibre to concrete.
Table 2. Effective cost per unit of useable strength
(a) (b) (c) Useable Efficiency Cost per
strength factor*
tonne
(MPa)
()
Effective cost (bc/a)
Glass fibre Asbestos
1,100 2,500
1 10
1,500 500
1.4 2.0
Steel
300 3
250 2.5
Polypropylene 80 1? 400 5.0
* Efficiency factor = approximate percentage by weight to
achieve 15 MPa flexural strength.
12 Asbestos Bulletin
38.
1 are stri{ stri) is s rollgroi gro< stri
Asb
ASARCO ALV 0007398
a nailable lightweight aggregate cementitious core to form a panel web. The reinforced web is formed on abutting conveyed carrier sheets, and the web is trans versely cut, between the sheets, while moving or when stopped, in response to sensing of the sheets. The cut panels, on respective sheets are stacked for curing without damaging the panel edges and in a manner to minimize panel flex. Slurry bath, facing applicators, and cutter and stacking apparatus are included.
35. British Patent 1,568,589. Glass Fibre Cutter Fujita T., Kikuchi T., Nakazawa K. (to Nitto Boseki Co., Ltd.) June 4,1980
Continuous filaments are chopped into finite fibres of predetermined length by a driven roll equipped with spaced, parallel, radially extended blades biased into cutting engagement with a resilient filament feed roll. The feed roll is driven by the flanges of the cutting rolls.
36. British Patent 1,563.190. Cementitious Com positions 1CI Limited, U.K.
A liigh modulus of rupture can be achieved by adding water soluble polymers. In addition their impact strength can be improved by adding small quantities of fibres.
Fie. t. Fibre reinforced concrete. Effect of adding glass fibre to coniicic.
34. U.S. Patent 4,203.788. Methods for Manufacturing Cementitious Reinforced Panels Inventor; Theodore E. Clear, 903 Harrison
Reinforced facings, including reinforcing webs entrained in hydraulic cement via a slurry bath, adhere to
. ... , 37. U.S. Patent 4.205.992. Alkali Resistant Mineral
Fibres Rockwell Intern.
Alkali resistant, synthetic, mineral fibers have a composition consisting essentially of: Si02; A1203: iron
oxides (calculated as FeO) CaO: MgO; Ti02: R20; wherein R is an alkali metal.
AWLY SLURRY Feed mesh with slurry
TO MESM
riOHIO TOP Cp COMPACTED CORE
FEED , sll
'.'.ESH WITH <Y.TO
--4'
Cc
toI^eh*t--r-JF'SrSH
l_^-0Mp^T ^
I C/->=jRiHP. SHEET I WITH SLURRY I
buSiiEJ
ICyREj
PART 2C. STEEL FIBRE-CEMENT COMPOSITES
38. U.S. Patent 4,210,009. Reinforcement Fibres Rocla Concrete Pipes Ltd.
Fine fibres of steel for use as concrete reinforcement are produced by longitudinally slitting continuous steel strip to form narrow strip segments and severing the strip segments at intervals along their length. The strip is slit longitudinally on passing between a pair of nip tollers having intermeshing circumferential tongues and grooves so that penetration of the tongues into the grooves severs the strip longitudinally. The resulting strip segments are passed between chopping rollers
Asbestos Bulletin
which chop them into discontinuous fibres and also deform the thus formed fibre ends to promote anchor age in the concrete.
39. Technical Report - Fibre Concrete Aircraft Parking Ramp at McCarran International Airport Charles W. Josifek. The International Journal of Cement Composites, Vol. 2, No. 4,pp. 235-238
During October and November 1979, the new 18 acre (7.2 ha) aircraft parking ramp of steel-fibre reinforced
13
ASARCO ALV 0007399
j
concrete was constructed at McCarran Airport in Las
Using fly ash permitted a 38% reduction by volume
I Vegas, Nevada. This ramp is the largest of its kind in the in the amount of cement required in the concrete,
S world constructed of fibre concrete.
addition, the advantages of using fly ash in place of
I| Construction Operations:
cement include improved concrete curing properties
Fibre concrete for the ramp was mixed in 7 yard3 through a reduction in hydration heat and the possibi-
(5.32 m3) batches using a modified Rex 8 yard3 lity of related concrete cracking, better concrete internal
(6.08 m3) central batch plant with a tilt-up mixer. Minor workability and external handling properties, conserva
plant modifications included a free-standing 96 ton tion of relatively scarce Portland cement and petroleum
(86.4 t) storage silo for the fly ash, and a conveyor belt based construction materials such as asphalt, savings of
for feeding fibres on to the central belt used for carrying 77--80% of the cost of Portland cement not needed
aggregates, cement and fly ash to the mixer.
and the constructive use of a waste material which
The steel fibres were added directly to the conveyor otherwise would have to be removed from the environ from their plastic shipping bags, each of which con ment.
tained 66 pounds (29.7 kg) of fibres.
PART 3. ASBESTOS TEXTILES AND ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS
40. U.S. Patent 4,208,244. Asbestos Dispersions TBA Industrial Products Ltd.
Asbestos fibre dispersions for the production of strands or filaments are prepared by dispersing asbestos in an aqueous medium containing a soap and excess of free higher fatty acids (containing at least 12 carbon atoms). A smooth and homogeneous dispersion is obtained.
41. U.S. Patent Application 58,658. Flexible Formu lated Plastic Separators for Alkaline Batteries: NASA
Non-woven substrate, such as mats of asbestos inert with respect to the aklaline electrolyte, is coated with a composition containing a polyphenylene oxide polymer, and organic additive (e.g. hydrolysed polyester), in organic filler (titanates. mixed silicates, zirconates), and polyethylene spheres or wood flour as an organic filler.
42. U.S. Patent 4,214.028. Resinous Polymer Sheet Materials having Surface Decorative Effects Congoleum Corp.
Title sheets are produced by embossing, e.g. asbestos felt sheets provided with smooth acrylic coating. The colouration is provided by inorganic pigments.
43. Spanish Patent 483.612. Flame-resistant Com position for Clothing R. F. De Paula Perella
Fabric fireproofing composition comprises ammo nium sulphanate. carboxymethyl cellulose, amyl acetate, inicronised asbestos, mica or silica; the balance is water. The composition is applied to the fabric by spraying. The retention is 1--2 years.
44. Technology and Production of Manmade Mineral Fibres R. Klingholz Gruenzweia, Hartmann, and Glasfaser AG Ann. Occup. Hygiene 20: 153--159 Oct. 1977
The main production methods used for manmade mineral fibres (MMMF) are drawing, a combination of blowing and centrifugal force, and flame attenuation. These methods determine the fibre size and the proba bility of occurrence of fibres within the respirable range. 2 refs.
45. Comparison of Asbestos with Other Fibres Industrial Minerals Sept. 1980
Felt type
Retail cost per roll Squares (S)
Single square (one laver)
(f)
Material cost per square
($)
Installed cost per square ($)
Range Average
Organic felt Asbestos felt Fiberglass felt Membrane single-ply
10.00 23.50 28.50 35.70
4 2.50
7.50
100-160 126.00
(three layers)
4
5.75
11.50
115-160 132.50
(two layers)
5
5.60
16.80
110-160 140.00
(three layers)
1 35.70
35.70
150.00
(one layer)
Asbestos Bulletin
ASARCO ALV 0007400
Fibreglass is the biggest possible replacement, for * U eXaniple Refrasil (Hitco Materials). Thermo-Sil (Garlock n * inc.), and Zetex (Newtex Industries Inc.) have tempera
te resistance of 550C to 1600C with good physical properties. Ceramics such as Nextel (3M), ThermoCeram (Garlock Inc.), and Fiberfrax (Carborundum Co.) are good in the temperature range 1,200/1,500C;
polymers such as Nomex. Kevlar, and Teflon (all the Dupont Co.) are good for 300/500C range; carbon such as Celion (Celanese Plastics and Specialties Co.) is very expensive. Asbestos is still regarded as the most cost effective material since, for example, if fibreglass is exposed to the surface it draws in water and promotes decay.
uttiKMui
1, h PART 4. FRICTION MATERIALS
b'
45. U.S. Patent 4,218,361. Friction Material
in a furnace provided interiorly with a ram. bringing th
Carlisle Corp.; Molded Materials Co.
ram into contact with the substrate so that the substrate
is subjected to pressure by the ram and cracking a hydro
Material having high wear resistance, heat resistance carbon gas in the furnace to deposit carbon on the
*' and mechanical strength, is produced from asbestos pressurised substrate. fibres, a phenolic resin, blast furnace slag fibres, rubber , particles, a filler and ferrous or non-ferrous metal par-
- ticles. This material is suitable for use in brake linings 48. Japanes Patent No, 80 03 366. Composite Binder
and pads.
for Ceramic Products
Takeda Chemical Industries Limited
47. U.S. Patent 4,212,906. Method for the Production
Title binders are asbestos-polyol composites. The
of Carbon/Carbon Composite Material
polyol can be polyethylene oxide. It is dissolved in
R. Fisher & N. Smith. Dunlop Ltd.
solvent and mixed with asbestos fibres. The solvent is
A method for the deposition of carbon on a fibrous then evaporated. In an example, this binder was mixed
compressible substrate to produce an all-carbon com with magnesium oxide and heated to 1200C to obtain
posite article comprises locating the fibrous substrate a forsterite-containing ceramic material.
PART 5. ASBESTOS REINFORCED PLASTICS, SUBSTITUTES
49. Composites of Ceiluiosic Fibres with Polyolefins or Cement. A Short Review M. D. Campbell et al. Ind. Eng. Chem. Prod. Res. Dev. 1980. 19 (4), 596-601
The tensile properties of polyethylene reinforced with various fibres (including asbestos) were studied. The effect of humidity was examined. 45 References are quoted.
50. U.S. Patent Application 79,914. Flexible Separator for Alkaline Batteries U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administra tion
Battery separator consists of a porous substrate, such as an asbestos sheet, coated with a composition con taining a polyphenylene oxide polymer, an organic additive (e.g. polyethylene) and an inorganic additive (e.g. a titanate, silicate, zirconate, etc.).
51. Effect of Surfactants on Adhesion of Butadiene Latex to Asbestos Fibres L. N. Erkova and I. N. Konovalova
Asbestos Bulletin
I Z V Uyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. I Kilim, Tekhnol.. 1980 23 (3), 348-351 (in Russian) .Anionic surfactants (e.g. sulphanol, sodium dodecyl sulphate or sodium alkylsulphonates) increase the ad hesion of polybutadiene to asbestos fibres. Cationic or non-ionogenic surfactants have adverse effect.
52. Japanese Patent No. 80 02346. Decorative Boards containing Polydiailyi Phthalate Fiji Polymer Industries Co.
Alkali-resistant decorative boards are produced by impregnating paper with the title polymer, and lamina ting the paper with plywood or asbestos. The diallyi phthalate is combined with triallyl isocyanurate.
56. The Reinforcing Fibers -- Performance at a Price Advance Composites Jan. 1980 R.' H. Wehrenberg
Increased demand for lighter weight, stronger and stiffer materials has resulted in an abundance of fibers and grades from which designers can choose. But the primary concern is still cost.
15
ASARCO ALV 0007401
I
Composite data shown areJor 0* unidirectional laminates. Source: Advanced Composite Design Guide. Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory. Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Arumtd is Du Font's Kevlar 49.
PART 6. BUILDING MATERIALS - PLASTIC PIPES. COMPOSITES
57. Building Materials Edited by V. M. Bhatnagar Construction Press, Lunesdale House, Hornby, Lancaster, U.K.
This volume contains the carefully edited papers presented at the 1980 European Conference on Building Materials.
Contents: Effect of calcium chloride content of concrete on re
inforcement. P. Abbaticchio, V. Amicarelli & M. Petrella. New basic concepts in the evaluation of the aggressive ness of natural waters. G. I. D. Halleux. Concrete -- its application for new types of precast constructions. P. Knaze & J. Slimak.
16
Influence of steel-fibre shape on the strength properties of fibre-reinforced concrete. K. Komlos.
58. U.S. Patent 4,213,516. Acoustical Wall Panel Am. Seating Co.
An acoustical panel comprises a core material formed of a plurality of stratified layers of glass fiber pressed together under heat and pressure to form a board having a front surface and a rear surface, the average density of each layer increasing from the front surface to the rear surface and being in the range of approxi mately two-six pounds per cubic foot respectively is disclosed.
Asbestos Bulletin
59.
A resil.an it over layeemb wovi in a com
60. j
crac
asbe glas:
62.
Asb
.
ASARCO ALV 0007402
FIG. I
i
59. U.S. Patent 4.212,913. Roof Coating System J. P. Auten
61. High-strength uPVC Pipe Pipes and Pipelines International April 1980
A roof coating system of high tensile strength and resilience comprises an underlayer of coating material, an intermediate layer of woven fiber glass fabric, and an overlayer of the coating material bonded to the under; layer with the intermediate fiber glass fabric layer embedded between the underlayer and overlayer, the woven fiber glass fabric including strands of bulked yarn in a relatively loose weave, and the coating material t comprising an acrylic resin emulsion.
; 60. Japanese Patent 80 51,756. Tiles Kobayashi Bloek Kogyo K.K.
Thin tiles with high resistance against impact and : L cracking are produced from clay with addition of , ,, asbestos fibres, optionally obsidian spheres and water
i glass. The tiles are subsequently fired.
i
In recent years, the use of pipes manufactured in plastics materials has increased rapidly: in fact, it is estimated that more than 100.000 km of unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) pressure pipe alone has been installed in the U.K. Initially, plastics pipes were mainly supplied in small diameters, but current British Standards for uPVC now extend to 24-in. pipe, and diameters of 16 in. and 18 in. are regularly being used. Following some seven years' research and development. 1MI York shire Imperial Plastics has introduced a high-strength uPVC pipe (HSPVC) under the brand name "Superpolyorc". which is a development from the company's conventional "Polyorc" uPVC pipe. The new product is stronger and more ductile than conventionally-extruded uPVC pipe, despite reduced wall thickness, which also gives the benefit of lighter weight. It is designed for the conveyance of raw or potable water, or sewage. The performance of the pipe exceeds current British (BS), German (DIN), and US (ASTM) standards for uPVC.
PART 7. ASBESTOS PACKING, COATING, SEALING COMPOSITIONS
62. Sealing, Coating, Substitutes: Higher Cost, Lesser Quality Q.A.M.A. Bulletin No. 4,1980 Workshops on Substitutes for Asbestos, U.S.A.
W AAiibb,estos Bulletin
L
Mr. Eric Wormser, of Gibson-Homans, the largest U.S. manufacturer of sealing and coating compounds, was invited to review the numerous problems posed by the replacement of asbestos in various products. His
17
ASARCO ALV 0007403
analysis was based on the results of several studies and tests conducted by his company in an attempt to find and develop valid substitutes for asbestos.
According to Mr. Wormser, all the money and efforts invested in the search for substitutes have yet to give satisfactory results, particularly in the case of sealing and coating compounds for roofs. In these products, the asbestos fibre acts as a binding agent and helps to increase the cohesion, viscosity, elasticity and plasticity of the mixtures. Being inert, it is not subject to aging, and so enhances the resistance and the durability of the products.
Conclusive experiments "In spite of the tremendous amount of work that has
been done to try to find a substitute raw material that will produce satisfactory roof coatings and roof cements, to the best of our knowledge no one has found such a material. As a result of our company's vast research, by complicated formulating techniques, utilizing a variety of ingredients and techniques, we are now able to pro duce solvent base asphalt roof coatings and roof cements which do not include asbestos fibre. We do not yet offer these asbestos free roof coatings and cements for sale in the United States because they are about 15% more expensive to produce and we believe they are not as good as comparable products made with asbestos. It is difficult to justify selling an inferior product for more money."
"We are shipping considerable quantities of asbestos free coatings and cements to Sweden, where the use of asbestos fibre in such products has been banned. There fore. we are gaining experience in the volume manu facture of such products and have the opportunity to observe their performance in large scale use."
Furthermore. Mr. Wormser feels that a ban on the use of asbestos in the manufacture of roof coatings and cements would be a great disservice to the public. "Once the asbestos is bound in the roof coating and cement vehicles, it can do no harm to anyone. Therefore, a ban would not benefit anyone. On the other hand, it would
force on the public a tlood of very poor products at high prices."
Energy savings While admitting that it is possible to produce asbestos
free products, Mr. Wormser further pointed out that such production goes against the current trends in industry and government policies regarding energy consumption.
"The only method we know for manufacturing reasonably satisfactory asbestos free roof coatings and roof cements is to combine some less than satisfactory substitute fibres with a variety of mineral fillers, wetting agents, plasticizers and synthetic thixotropes."
"We manufacture about 250 different roof coatings cements and mastics. A variety of techniques must be' used to achieve acceptable results in each of these products. The end result in every case is a product that contains considerably less asphalt, tar or other water proofing oil and much more filler material than when asbestos is used. These fillers contribute nothing to the waterproofing properties or weathering of the products. To the contrary, these filler materials often detract from the desirable properties. These formulas require from 30 to 70% more energy in our plants to manufacture."
63. High-temperature Flexible Seals and Gaskets
Prefabricated flexible seals and gaskets for use in hostile environments at temperatures up to 1000C are now being manufactured from Refrasil woven amorphoussilica cloth in thicknesses of 1.0.1.6. 2.0 and 2.5 mm by the Chemical and Insulating Co., Ltd.. West Auckland Road. Darlington. DL3 OUR. The material has good chemical stability at high and low temperatures under the action of most acids, excluding phosphoric and hydrofluoric acids, but including sulphuric acid. It is a widely used replacement for asbestos and a practical alternative to glass fabrics and mineral wool which deteriorate rapidly in corrosive environments.
PARTS. INSULATING MATERIALS
64. Britisn Patent 1,562,154. Composition and Process for Forming Filled in Organic Resin Cements in Solid or Cellular Form Arthur D. Little Inc., U.S.A.
Short fibre reinforced magnesia cements are described.
65. Relation Between Strength and Moisture Content for the Products Made from Cement Shiibo, Hiroyuki Fukuoka Daigaku Kogaku Shuho 1980, 24, 37-42 (in Japanese)
The relation between moisture content and strength of autoclaved lightweight concrete and asbestos-Ca silicate boards was studied. In the concrete a rapid in crease in compressive strength was observed where the'
18
rate of weight loss was 40%. For bending strength of high temperature (110-150C) and rate of wt loss -30%, minute cracks were generated which caused further reduction of bending strength. In the asbestos board the compressive strength increased where the rate of weight loss was --30%. Reduction in bending strength was not observed accompanying a high temperature rise which was thought to be caused by the effects of the asbestos fibres.
66. U.S. Patent 4,214,032. Insulating Felts Reinforced by Fibrous Materials particularly for the Water proofing and/or Corrosion-proofing of Metal and/or Concrete Oojects Csikos R.
Asbestos Bulletin
ASARCO ALV 0007404
j An insulating felt for waterproofing and/or corrosion-
t0ofing metal and concrete objects, said insulating felt ^prising asphalt, a softener, a plasticizer, fine-grained Material and a reinforcing material is disclosed. The felt Additionally contains a pyrolytic resin. The pyrolytic 'jesin and the asphalt when admixed in liquid phase, at a : temperature over the softening point, produce a homo geneous mixture of the asphalt and the pyrolytic resin.
g7. All-round Insulation ; Financial Times Oct. 27,1980
e External and internal insulation systems have been rinnounced by Blue Circle Industries and Biltonglow. | A premixed rendering material for insulating outer twalls is based on Portland cement, expanded polystyrene | beads and resin additives, and needs only the addition of r water on site. Called Thermacote, it is applied by trowel | or spray, usually to thicknesses ofbetween 30 and 60 mm, ^dependent upon the degree of thermal insulation re quired. This is used in conjunction with Fibrocem s Blocmix and Blue Circle High Build, says Blue Circle, to
produce a thermally efficient, impact and weather resistant system which may be easily applied by any competent plasterer.
Blue Circle has also launched Thermascreed, a poly styrene aggregate concrete premix for giving thermal insulation to floors and flat roofs. It can be laid by conventional methods or. alternatively, it may be mixed and placed mechanically. When used for floors it can be surfaced with a sand cement screed, and on roofs a thin cement/sand screed to provide a surface suitable to receive most waterproof coverings.
68. Canadian Patent 1,070.789. Radiation-resistant Cable Haveg Industries Inc.
Cable consists of a conducting core sheathed with a moisture barrier layer (such as Mylar), an asbestos layer containing a saturant for heat and radiation resistance, a layer of heat-sealable polyester, and an outer, abrasionresistant braided jacket sealed to the polyester.
PART 9. REFRACTORY FIBRES
69. British Patent 1,560.110. Silicon Carbide Coated Filaments and Ribbons Avco Corporation, U.S.A.
Silicon carbide is made by depositing silicon from silane/hydrogen vapour onto a graphite fibre core. The properties of the fibres are optimized when the inner sheath is carbon-rich and the outer sheath is stochiometric.
70. U.S. Patent 4,205,032. Rigid Articles of Refractory Fibres Zirconal Processes Ltd.
This invention provides a method of rigidizing articles of refractory fibres by impregnating the woven or felted ; sheet of Alumina or Zirconia with Zirconium salt, a gellation-inducing agent, e.g. aminoalcohol and a - fellation-delaying agent, e.g. magnesium acetate.
:7S. U.S. Patent 4,207,408. HighTenacity Phenolic 1 Resin Fibres \ J. Economy, F. J. Frechette & L. C.Wohrer c Carborundum Co. J An infusible cured phenolic resin fibre has a bi: tefringence of at least 2 x 10-3 with an X-ray diffraction 5 pattern off the fibres showing an amorphous halo, j wherein at least about 50% of the phenolic hydroxyl | groups of the resin are blocked.
; Asbestos Bulletin
72. U.S. Patent 4 199 336. Method for Making Basalt Glass Ceramic Fibres Corning Glass Works
A method of producing glass-ceramic fibres having a diameter not greater than 250 microns and having a fine-grained, mixed magnetite-clinopyroxene crystals phase constituting at least 35% of fibre, comprises melting a raw materia] batch composed predominantly of a basalt-type material, forming vitreous fibres from such melt while simultaneously forming magnetite nuclei in the glass fibres, and reheating the glass fibres to a temperature between 900-1.250C for a time not exceeding ten minutes to develop the mixed magnetiteclinopyroxene crystal phase.
73. U.S. Patent 4 200 485. Method for Making High Purity, Devitrification Resistant, Amorphous Silica Fibres Johns-Manville Corp.
A double leaching process for making amorphous silica fibres having excellent resistance to devitrification at temperatures up to 2,500F is disclosed.
74. British Patent 1,562,269. Quick Bond Composite and Process United Technologies Corporation, U.S.A.
Boron fibres are resin bonded to aluminium foil, which then be stacked and melt pressed to form a composite.
19
l
ASARCO ALV 00074-05
PART 10. COMPANY NEWS, TENDERS. CONTRACTS
75. James Hardie Annual Report -- 1980
applications are found to be damaged or suffering fro2.
For the year ended March 31, 1980, Group sales for James Hardie Industries Ltd., Sydney, New South Wales. Australia, rose 57.2% to A?534-million, profit before' tax rose 48.6% to $47.8-million and operating profit before extraordinary items increased 25.6% to $27.1million. Earnings improved from 60.24 per share to 66.54 per share. In May 1980 Hardie acquired from
"old age", removal is to be recommended. Also, when old plant or buildings are to be modernized, or posjibu!
demolished, a careful survey must first be made to estah. lish the extent of asbestos lagging or surfaces which mav be present. Tltis is to ensure that before a bolt or brick is moved proper precautions can be taken to strip out all in-situ asbestos materials quickly, safely and efficiently
Turner & Newell Ltd., its 40% interest in Hardie-Ferodo Highly Specialized
at a cost of $4.4-milIion. Hardie-Ferodo and the Better
Asbestos removal is a highly specialized task and only
Brakes companies are now wholly-owned subsidiaries.
to be undertaken by highly trained operatives. If asbestos
The Fibre Cement Division makes a wide range of stories are to be found in the press today they are
building products and pipes throughout Australia and usually about "cowboy" firms and their customers
pre-fabricated building kits and panels in Western being fined for inadequate workmanship and non
Australia. This division increased sales and profit in the observation of regulations.
second half of the year, particularly in the case of pipes,
With the growing number of fringe operators, Cape
and both the building products and pipes businesses Contracts and other leading companies engaged in
achieved their objectives for the year.
asbestos removal, have recently sought to protect and
maintain the highest possible standards of procedure and
workmanship through founding the Asbestos Removal
76. Major Insulation Acquisition
Contractors Association (ARCA). In addition to Cape,
Cape News December 1980
the founding members are Envirocor Ltd. of Lichfield,
For Cape, the acquisition last October of Newalls' Merryhill Cleaning Contracts Ltd. of Romsey and insulation business means that a major objective has R.M.W.S. Group Ltd. of Rainham.
been achieved to expand the Group's already substantial
insulation interests. The deal was concluded on October 10 when Cape
Industries Limited, through Cape Insulation Limited of Stirling, acquired for a maximum consideration of 13.3m the insulation materials business operated by Newalls Insulation Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Turner & Newall Limited. An amount of
78. %m Group Effort in Arabia Cape News December 1980
A contract involving Cape Boards. Cape Insulation and Cape Contracts International, valued at some 500.000. has recently been completed in both the U.K. and Saudi Arabia.
I2.5m was paid in cash on October 10 and any balance
due will also be paid in cash following completion of an audit of Newalls' net assets as at September 29, 1980.
The assets now acquired from Newalls include free hold factories at Washington near Newcastle-upon-Tyne
79.
KUWAIT Pipe and I rrigation Works (Open to invited contractors only)
(glass fibre and calcium silicate products) and at Tender no. RDD/S/101. Supply and installation of
Middlesbrough on Teesside (rock fibre products).
transfer pipelines and irrigation systems, as part of the
These acfivities, involving some 900 employees, are Kuwait effluent utilisation scheme. Details on payment
complementary to Cape Insulation's existing manu of KD 400 from Central Tenders Committee, P.O. Box
facturing activities based in Stirling and Glenrothes. 1070, Safat. CD 18 January.
Scotland, and Queensferry near Chester.
Pipeworks
77. Asbestos Removal -- New Association Cape News Dec. 1980
Tender no. RDD/S/I03. Carrying out pipeworks, as part of the effluent treatment scheme on Failaka island. Details on payment of KD 100 from Central Tenders
Although the subject of "asbestos" has receded from Committee. P.O. Box 1070, Safat. CD 18 January.
the headlines it still remains a matter requiring special
care and attention whenever there is the possibility of
NIGERIA
exposure to hazardous levels of asbestos dust.
80. Pump and Treatment Plants
Within the asbestos manufacturing industry millions Supply and erection of pumping and treatment
of pounds have been spent to ensure a safe working plants for the Northern Ishan scheme. Details, on pay
environment and there are now strict controls on the use ment of N200, from Chief Engineer, Design Department,
of asbestos-containing products.
Bendel State of Nigeria Water Board, Benin City. CD
Even so, one of the major areas of past asbestos usage 30 January.
has been in the field of insulation and fire protection of
Pipeline Supply
plant and buildings. Today, whenever such asbestos Supply and laying of steel and AC pipelines in South-
20 Asbestos Bulletin
from < of Nig1
\ Cor.
jncilla'
for ph
Details Design Benin-
I Suf plants AgeneBenin schenv Engine Water
81. ' Tei
water ber 19 and el*
Tilt people
Tin ($9.4 five-yc to be Addit Kredigoven (IDA)
82.
Co undet equip proje* Detai ment Lusal (3)1*
83.
Fc units metre by M
Cc folio'
Asbe;
ASARCO ALV 0007406
| {rn ishan. Bendel State. Details, on payment of N200, with colour-coated metal cladding for part of the side I from Chief Engineer, Design Department, Bendel State elevations -- the remainder being cavity walls faced
I 0f Nigeria Water Board, Benin City. CD 30 January.
externally in rustic brick, and internally with insulated
P Water T reatment Plant p Construction of treatment plant structures and f- ancillary buildings, and the supply and laying of pipes
E for phase one of Northern Ishan plant in Bendel State.
e Details, on payment of N200, from Chief Engineer, f Design Department, Bendel State of Nigeria Water Board,
blockwork. All infrastructure works, roads, drains, etc., are included in the contracts.
Administration of the two projects in the south will be from the company's regional office at Portsmouth, Hampshire, and those in Liverpool from the company's Bromborough head office.
" Benin City. CD 30 January.
Pump and Treatment Plants Supply and erection of pumping and treatment plants at Warri-Effurun, Ogume, Ibusa-Okpanam, Agenebode-Ivianopodi, Aviara. Agbalokpe, Ulah-Ebu, Benin City municipal, Igueben and Ubiaja (Obhulu) schemes. Details, on payment of N200, from Chief Engineer. Design Department. Bendel State of Nigeria Water Board. Benin City. CD 30 January.
84. Myton gets 2m worth Financial Times December 15,1980
Construction of a distribution depot at Perivale, Middlesex for Countrycross. a wholly owned subsidiary of the Post Office Staff Superannuation Fund, is to be undertaken by Myton (Taylor Woodrow Group). The contract is worth 2m.
The depot will be occupied by Cadbury and will consist of a main warehouse, a goods-in marshalling area,
YEMEN (SANAA)
81. Water Tenders to be Issued Tenders for the first phase of the Dhamar and Ibb
water and sewerage projects will be available by Decem ber 19S0. The first phase comprises six tenders for civil and electromechanical works, and pipe supply.
The completed scheme is to serve more than 120.000
maintenance building and offices totalling about 6,500 sq. metres.
External walls will be of the brick and block cavity type and coloured asbestos cement corrugated sheet and profiled aluminium sheet cladding will be used. Roofing generally is to be of coloured asbestos-cement corrugated sheeting.
people.
The two projects have been allocated YR43 million
(J9.4 million) as first-priority schemes in the 1976-81
SYRIA
five-year-plan. A further YR63 million ($13.8 million) is S5. Khabour Basin studies start
to be put towards construction during the second plan. Additional finance is expected from West Germany's Kreditanstait fuer Wiederaufbau and the Netherlands government. The International Development Association (IDA) has already approved a SI2 million loan.
Bulgaria's Agrovodkompiekt is to start detailed studies on the Khabour basin irrigation scheme in the next few weeks. The studies should be completed in two years. The contract is valued at about Syr70m (517.8 million).
ZAMBIA 82. Water Supply Network. Prequalification
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
86. Sogex Wins Al-Ain Sewer Contract
Construction of a water supply network for Chipata. under three contracts. Contract (1) water treatment equipment: (2) pumping station: (3) civil works. The project is financed by the West German government. Details from Ministry of Agriculture & Water Develop ment. Department of Water Affairs. P.O. Box RW 291, Lusaka. CDs: (1) 20 November, (2) 15 December. (3) 14 January.
The Paris-based international contractor Sogex has won the M5C sewerage contract for Al-Ain. The firm was low bidder in the retender with Dh221 million (S59.8 million).
SAUDI ARABIA 87. Pipeline Contracts Awarded
Contracts to supply and lay pipeline in Jeddah and
Riyadh have been awarded to local and international
CONTRACTS
companies, consultant VBB of Sweden says.
83. 4.6m Factories by Boskalis Westminster Financial Times Nov. 10,1980
In Jeddah Jung Woo Development Company of
South Korea and Saudi Arabian Biokat, a Saudi-Greek joint venture, have won contracts to lay parts one and
Four separate contracts for the building of 63 factory two respectively of the water distribution programme's
units, with a combined floor space of about 23,000 sq. sixth stage. The contract values were not revealed.
metres, add up to 4.6m in new contractsjust announced Large pipe used for the work will be supplied by
by Merseyside-based Boskalis Westminster Construction. Smiantit Company, and smaller pipe by the local National
Construction of all the factory units will generally Marketing. Both firms have previously won contracts in
follow a similar pattern and include asbestos-clad roofs the water distribution scheme.
Asbestos Bulletin
21
ASARCO ALV 0007407
Dutch win sewerage contract Rotterdam-based Ogem lias won a SR74 million
($22.3 million) contract to build sewage and watertreatment plants and to lay a water-supply network in Dammam. The work is for the 1,664 apartments the company built for the Public Works & Housing Ministry in a 3537 million contract signed in 1977. The 32 18-storey blocks were completed in June 1979.
A further contract - to build roads -- is to be ten dered soon, probably after the Hajj. Ogem also plans to bid for this job. In the past two years the company has had few successes with civil work contracts, partly because of strong competition from South Korean
contractors.
IRAQ
88. Arab Firms Win Sewerage Contracts
Contracts for sewerage and water purification schenij. in Baghdad have been won by Iraqi and other Arab companies. The six contracts, totalling ID17.2 million (358.7 million), were signed with the municipality 0n 5 November, the Baghdad daily Al-Thawra reports.
KUWAIT 89. U.K. Firm Wins Waterfront Contract
Construction supervision and management for the first phase of the Kuwait water-front development scheme is to be provided by the U.K.'s Brian Coiquhoun 6 Partners. The contract is valued at KD1 million (S3 7 million).
PART 11. ASBESTOS HEALTH HAZARDS. PRECAUTIONS
90. Quebec Gives Boards Asbestos Assistance The Globe and Mail Sept. 12, 1980
Quebec (CP) -- The Education Department will give school boards about 31-million during the next few years to pay for repairs needed to eliminate danger from asbestos construction material in about 20 schools across the province. Georges Dahmen. an expert on asbestos for the Quebec Energy and Resources Depart ment, said yesterday that there is no real danger from asbestos in Quebec schools and the measure is pre cautionary.
91. Old Asbestos Exposures Showing Up as Casualties Alberta. Edmonton. The Moncton Transcript. July 25,1980
Edmonton (CP) -- Workers in Alberta heavily exposed to asbestos 10 or 20 years ago are showing up in govern ment files as casualties.
Officials said recently there have been 42 asbestosis claims in the last eight years. 29 between 1976 and 1979.
Tighter standards and reduced use of asbestos have lowered the hazard but officials still estimate between 2,000 and 3.000 workers in Alberta face asbestos exposure.
They include demolition workers knocking down buildings sprayed years ago with asbestos insulation, plasterers and drywallers who work with asbestos products, industrial insulators who replace older asbestos insulation, mechanics who grind asbestos-lined brake shoes and other tradesmen encountering asbestos in older buildings.
Alberta imported more than 3,000 tons of asbestos in 1978, most of it for asphalt road surfacing. There are no over-all figures for use of finished asbestos products.
Officials believe current uses of asbestos will not result in the health problems that have emerged among workers exposed several years ago.
"The great problem is in the past," Dave Gibson, director of occupational hygiene for the province, said in an interview.
He said an exposure limit of two fibres of asbestos
per cubic centimetre, safer work practices and protective clothing protect workers from asbestosis (lung fibrosis) and lung cancer.
But. he said, there is uncertainty about how much exposure will result in mesothelioma, a rare cancer with a long latency period. At least two of 21 identified cases of mesothelioma in Alberta between 1970 and 1977 involved asbestos workers.
Alberta has no asbestos mines but many workers may have had heavy exposure in mines in other provinces. There is also a high turnover among workers in the construction trades which makes it difficult to assess exposure.
Gibson said Alberta can expect the discovery of several cases of asbestos-related disease each year.
Dr. Elizabeth Kaegl. who did a study of asbestos for the government in 1979. said claims can be expected to increase because of a greater awareness of asbestosrelated diseases among workers.
Her report said up to 50 per cent of workers with significant asbestos exposure may die of cancer. Deaths from cancer in the general population are about 25 per cent.
Alberta workers' compensation board figures show 17 workers are getting pensions because of asbestosis and another nine have died. Board records also iist 11 workers with asbestosis who are not disabled.
Based mainly on her report, the provincial govern ment is preparing an intensive testing program designed to detect more cases of asbestos-related disease among workers and detect them sooner, improving chances for
treatment. The program will require medical tests on a regular
basis for workers who deal with asbestos or have in the past. The tests will be accelerated for older workers.
The government is also preparing regulations for the use, labelling and storage of asbestos and is continuing a program of reducing asbestos use in Alberta, largely by attempting to persuade industry to find alternatives.
It is considering providing alternate jobs without loss in pay for workers who have asbestosis and are not disabled.
22 Asbestos Bulletin
Unio ,Iso wa )T0Uld . symPt0! ofexpo
(
C This glass, ai
93. ^ A1
accurat enviror of Ha> industi coverir fibres a on a fc surface M88 ei
100 m
eye sti been t fibres 1
94. :
Th. phene pulmc
95.
96.
97.
Asbe.-
ASARCO ALV 0007408
Unions, mainly the Insulators and Asbestos Workers, 98. Pulmonary Function of Control and Industrially
want an automatic assumption provision, which
Exposed Nigerians in Asbestos-cement. Textile and
tfoiiM
automatic benefits to workers who show
Toluene Diisocyanate-foam Factories
Jyjnptoms of asbestos-related disease and have a history
U. G. Oleru
.5exposure.
Environmental Research 23.137--148,1980
Toxicology of Fibres P. Gross & D. C. Braun (Industrial Health Foundation Inc.) Chemtech. 10,436-437, July 1980
i This article discusses the toxicity of asbestos, fibre*fiss, and natural and synthetic organic fibres. (9 refs.).
New Asbestos Fibre Counter
A Rapid Fibre Counter specifically developed to iccurately measure the level of asbestos dust in industrial mvironments is now available from Vickers Instruments of Haxley Road, York, Y03 75D, and it will enable industry to comply with Health and Safety regulations oovering the use of asbestos in working areas. Asbestos fibres are automatically counted and results are expressed on a four digit read out in fibres per square mm of filter surface or fibres per ml of sampled air. The Vickers M88 enables a single operator to accurately count up to 100 membrane filter asbestos samples per day without eye strain and with minimum fatigue. The Counter has been demonstrated to operate in the range 0.05 to 10 fibres per ml of air. under typical sampling conditions.
94. Respiratory Morbidity in Workers Exposed to Dust containing Phenolic Resin P. J. Sparks & J. Peters (Occupational Health Program, Harvard School of Public Health. 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston. M.A. 02115, U.S.A.) Occupational & Environmental Health. Vol. 45, No. 3, 1980, pp. 221-229
The study suggests that exposure to dust containing phenolic resin had both acute and chronic effects on pulmonary function.
99. Pleural Thickening Respiratory function changes after asbestos pleurisy Wright, P. H., Hanson, A.. Kreel, L. & Capel, L. H. Cardiothorac. Inst., London Chest Hosp., London GBR Thorax 1980 35/1 (31-36)
Six patients with radiographic evidence of diffuse pleural thickening after industrial asbestos exposure are described. Five had computed tomography of the thorax. All the scans showed marked circumferential pleural thickening often with calcification, and four showed no significant evidence of intrapulmonary fibrosis (asbestosis). Lung function testing showed reduction of the inspiratory capacity and the single-breath carbon mon oxide transfer factor (TLCO). The transfer coefficient, calculated as the TLCO divided by- the ah'eolar volume determined by helium dilution during the measurement of TLCO, was increased. Pseudo-static compliance curves showed markedly more negative intrapleural pressures at all lung volumes than found in normal lung expansion despite abnormally great distending pressures. The pattern of lung function tests is sufficiently dis tinctive for it to be recognised in clinical practice, and suggests that the lungs are held rigidly within an ab normal pleura. The pleural thickening in our patients may have been related to the condition described as "benign asbestos pleurisy" rather than the interstitial fibrosis of asbestosis.
100. Alterations in the Surface-related Phenomena of Alveolar Macrophages Following Inhalation of Crocidolite Asbestos and Quartz Dusts: An Over view Miller. K. Dept. Immunol.. Nat. Res. Inst. Occupat. Dis.. South African Med. Res.Counc.JohannesburgSAF Environ. Res. 1979 20/1 (162-182)
95. Recovery of Ingested Asbestos Fibres from Gastro intestinal Lymph in Rats P. Sebastian. R. Masse & J. Bignon Environmental Research 22,201--216,1980
101. Procedure for the Detection and Identification of Asbestos and Other Fibers in Fibrous Inorganic Materials Monkman, L. J. Turner & Newall Ltd.. Asbestos Fiber Lab.,
Trafford Park, Manchester Ml7 1RU GBR
96. Clearance of Anthophyllite Fibres from Rat Lung
Ann. Occup. Hyg. 1979 22/2 (127-139)
and the Formation of Asbestos Bodies A. Holmes & A. Morgan Environmental Research 22,13--21,1980
A systematic procedure for the detection and identi fication of asbestos and other fibres in insulation and other fibrous materials is described. The need for ade
quate sampling and acid pre-treatment to remove the
97. Comparative Toxicities of Different Forms of bulk of the non-fibrous matrix of such samples is
Asbestos in a Cell Culture Assay
stressed. The method requires an initial low-power
Betti Reiss et al.
stereo-microscopic examination followed by petro
Environmental Research 22,109--129,1980
logical polarization microscopic identification of the
Asbestos Bulletin
23
ASARCO ALV 0007409
fibres. The optical characteristics required for the unambiguous identification of the common asbestos minerals are given.
102. Further Observations on the Short-term Retention and Clearance of Asbestos by Rats, using UICC Reference Samples Middleton. A. P., Beckett, S. T. & Davis, J. M. G. Inst. Occup. Med., Edinburgh GBR Ann. Occup. Hyg. 1979 22/2 (141-152)
Rats exposed to UICC chrysotile `A', amosite and crocidolite at concentrations close to 1,5 and 10 mg/m3 of respirable fibre for a total of 210 h over a 6-week period were killed in five groups at approximately monthly intervals. The asbestos retained in the lungs was estimated by infra-red spectrophotometry after ashing. The results indicated different initial fractional retentions but that the rate of clearance was independent of the type of asbestos and of the concentration during exposure deposition and clearance could be described.
103. Pneumoconioses Analysis of the cores of asbestos bodies from members of the general population: Patients with probable low-degree exposure to asbestos Churg, A. & Warnock. M. L. Dept. Pathol.. Univ. Chicago, Chicago. 111.. USA Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 1979 120/4 (781-786)
Asbestos bodies were isolated from the lungs of 21 patients who had 300 to 9.000 of such bodies/g of lung tissue, a concentration frequently found in manual laborers in the general population who are not primary asbestos workers. All of the 123 bodies examined by electron diffraction produced diffraction patterns consistent with amphibole varieties of asbestos. Electron microprobe analysis (energy dispersive X-ray spectro scopy) of 46 bodies revealed that 38 of the cores were composed of the commercial amphiboles. amosite and crocidolite. where only S were composed of the non commercial amphiboles. anthophyllite and tremolite. Review of the occupations of these patients revealed that all but one had blue-collar jobs. For many of these persons, putative sources of asbestos exposure such as construction work could be defined, but for some, the source could not be determined. One woman was apparently exposed to asbestos in the practice of her hobby of ceramics, in which she used anthophyilitecontaminated clay. We concluded that commercial amosite/crocidolite asbestos forms the cores of most asbestos bodies in manual laborers in the general popula tion and that the source is usually occupational.
104. Chemical and Photoelectron Spectrometry Analysis of the Adsorption of Phospholipid Model Mem branes and Red Blood Cell Membranes on to Chrysotile Fibres M. C. Jaurand et al. Brit.J. Ind.Med.37: 169-174. May 1980. 24 refs.
24
105. An Epidemiological Survey of Immunologfai''
Abnormalities in Asbestos Workers. I. NonoreS 2
and Organ-specific Autoantibodies
,
A. Lange
Environ. Res. 22: 162-175, June 1980.28 refs.vv
witation
krried ou it Joint
*st sur Some oth afferent '
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in asbestos workers are significantly correlated with the symptoms of lUnt
fibrosis. The incidence of ANA in asbestosis is not st
levels wen
0.05 to o ^meters
dependent. In nonasbestotic asbestos workers ANA tre ftte four
more frequently seen in females rather than in males jd existin
ANA, in asbestos workers, belong more frequently to" -ometry the IgG class and these autoantibodies are found fa fiMMF n
liigher titers in asbestos workers as opposed to the iththe o
controls. On a group basis DNA antibodies are not
significantly elevated in asbestosis. Rheumatoid factor
(RF) was found with the highest frequency in male
asbestotic cases. However, RF and/or smooth muscle 108. An
antibody (SMA) positive cases are significantly clustered
Abn
among workers with chronic sinusitis and chronic
Imn
bronchitis. Non-organ-specific autoantibodies were found more frequently in those with a vital capacity impair
A. 1 Env
ment as opposed to asbestos workers normal in this respect. Organ-specific autoantibodies are rarely seen in asbestos workers. Moreover, except for sheep red blood cells (SRBC) antibodies in women, no correlation was
found among some natural and influenza antibodies and non-organ-specific autoantibodies in asbestos workers.
A sign found in values of asbestos v controls, dcally di
106. Recovery of Ingested Asbestos Fibers from the Gastrointestinal Lymph in Rats
P. Sebastien et al. Environ. Res. 22: 201--216. June 1980. 38 refs.
[gG level; ment of the elevat workers, chitis, is
Using the transmission electron microscope, asbestos
fibers have been assessed in lymph fluid collected from
the thoracic lymph duct in five groups of rats previously exposed to asbestos fibers (by ingestion). Ten rats were gavaged a single dose weighing approximately 20 mg. Five were given pure UICC chrysotile A while another group of five had pure UICC crocidolite. All the rats of the chrysotile group were positive animals with recovery
rate values ranging from 0.9 x 10~7 to 3 x 10-5 (90% of the fibers being recovered during the first 16hr
109. Rev witl Arz Lui D-2 Int. (63
following the gavage). The crocidolite group had only
three positive animals and lower recovery rate values of
5.7 x 10"8 to 5.6 x KT7. A third group was fed a synthetic diet containing 1%, by weight, chrysotile with a majority of short fibers (90% below 4 /am). Of the
15 rats comprising this group, 13 were positive with maximum daily recovery rates ranging from 2.1 x 1CT7 to 2.1 x 10~6. A group of eight rats fed.
IARY
110. Prc Inj Ku Kli Fu
107. Exposures to Man-made Mineral Fibers in User
Industries in Scandinavia
,w
Schneider, T.
Nat. Inst. Working Environm., Hellerup DNK
Ann. Occup. Hyg. 1979 22/2 (153--162)
Results of man-made mineral fibres (MMMF) measure ments in the Danish user industry are reported. Results of a published Swedish report which also mentions
Su
As re cratic R steadily influenct This is Various case rep
ir
Asbestos Bulletin
Asbestos
r~--
ASARCO ALV 0007410
citation effects are quoted. The Danish survey was juried out using the same sampling methods as used in
Joint European Medical Research Board (JEMRB) t survey in the European manufacturing industry. JjLe other methods were added. Fibre levels during jjflerent work situations and not long-term exposure 2Jcls were determined. Fibre levels varied from less than 05 to over 3 f/cm3. Fifty per cent of all fibres had ijjneters less than I.O/um. The greatest fibre levels gtie found during technical insulation and insulation . existing buildings. The concentration and fibre jSometry of coarse fibres was determined. Work with jniMF manufactured distributions being comparable ,nth the ones found for modern MMMF.
108. An Epidemiological Survey of Immunological Abnormalities in Asbestos Workers. II. Serum Immunoglobulin Levels A. Lange Environ. Res. 22: 176-183. June 1980. 20 refs.
A significant elevation of serum IgA and IgG was found in female asbestos workers below age 36. Higher values of serum IgA, IgG. and IgM were found in male asbestos workers over age 35. when compared to matched controls. Female asbestos workers, over age 35. statis tically differ from their controls only with respect to IgG levels. Patients, with asbestosis and with an impair ment of blood oxygen saturation, contribute greatly to the elevation of serum immunoglobulin levels in asbestos workers. The asbestosis process, but not chronic bron chitis, is responsible for high serum IgA and IgG levels.
109. Review of Lung Function Data in 195 Patients with Asbestosis of the Lung Arzt, G. H.. Pirtkien, R. & Rosenthal, H. Lungenfunktionsabt., Allgem. Krankenh. Harburg. D-2100 Hamburg 90 GFR Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 1980 45/1 (63-79)
LARYNGEAL CANCER CAUSED BY ASBESTOS DUST 110. Problem of Laryngeal Cancer, as Occupation
Injury Caused by Asbestos Dust (Hung) Kup, W. Klin. ORL, Med. Akad., Berlin-Buch DDR Ful-Orr-Gege-Gyog. 1979 25/3 (150-152) Summ. in English and German
As reported by the statistics of the German Demo cratic Republic, the frequency of laryngeal cancer is steadily increasing. It is not yet clear, whether the influence of the environment plays a role in this respect. This is also valid for the cancerogenic influences of various working places. Only a few publications and rase reports are at our disposal. Two cases are reported
by the author, in whom laryngeal cancer was probably due to the influence of asbestos dust.
111. Asbestos, Dental X-rays, Tobacco, and Alcohol in The Epidemiology of Laryngeal Cancer Hinds, M. W,, Thomas. D. B. & O'Reilly, H. P. Occup. Hlth Sect.. Washington State Dept. Soc. Hlth Serv., Olympia. Wash., U.S.A. Cancer (Philadelphia) 1979 44/3
112. A Case of Laryngeal Cancer Due to Occupational Exposure to Asbestos (Germ.) Ein Fall von Kehlkopfkrebs Durch Asbestexposition am Arbeitsplatz Kup, W. Obergutachtenkommission Berufskrankh.. Zent. Inst. Arbeitsmed. DDR. Berlin, DDR Dtsch. Gesundheitswes. 1979 34/35 (1698-1700) Summ. in Russian and English
Considerably and sufficiently long exposure to a confirmed carcinogenic substance at the place of work, agreement between the place of exposure and the occurrence of the tumour and the fact that a workmate exposed in the same manner contracted the disease indicate that there is a high degree of probability that there is a causal relationship and that sufficient grounds exist for recognizing this illness as an occupational disease. The degree of disablement is calculated on the basis of the socially burdensome necessity of a per manent tracheostoma and of speech impairment. It is estimated to be 60%. The person concerned is unfit to continue working in occupations involving air pollutants.
113. Asbestos in Drinking Water and Cancer Incidence in the San Francisco Bay Area M. S. Kanarek et al. Am. J. Epidemiol. 112:54-72. July 1980. 26 refs.
Age-adjusted, sex- and race-specific 1969--1971 cancer incidence ratios for the 722 census tracts of the San Francisco-Oakland Standard Metropolitan Statis tical Area were compared with measured chrysotile asbestos counts in tract drinking waters. The water supplies serving the area have varying contact with naturally occurring serpentine. The t test for multiple regression coefficients and the t test for correlation coefficients showed significant (/?<0.01) relationships between chrysotile asbestos content of tract drinking water and white male lung, white female gall bladder and pancreas, and peritoneal cancers in both sexes. Of weaker significance (0.01 <0.05) were female eso phagus, pleura and kidney, as well as stomach cancers in both sexes. These associations appeared to be in dependent of income, education, asbestos occupation, marital status, country of origin and mobility.
Asbestos Bulletin
25
ASARCO ALV 0007411
PART 12. REVIEW OF JOURNALS
AC12 UNDERGROUND CANALISATION Published by Verlag Kramer & Co., CH 8001 Zurich. Spiegelgasse 14.
Contents
114. Paphos Irrigation Project Cyprus Why Asbestos -cement Pipes were Used
In the Paphos irrigation area about 400 km ofasbestoscement pipes were laid, with nominal diameters from 900 mm down to 80 mm. Only the main canal was constructed as an open canal and 16 km of the Western conveyor was constructed of ductile pipes having diam. 900 to 600 mm. The distribution network, however, is constructed exclusively of asbestos-cement pipe.
The decision to use asbestos-cement pipes was made by the Water Development Department partly for economic reasons and partly because of the excellent previous experience with this material regarding its resistance, tightness and its lack of need for corrosion protections.
115. Planning of a Supra-Regional Water Supply System Styria. Austria
118. 1880-1980 Central Water Supply Centenary Darmstadt, Rhine Valley
The company operates 12 water works, of which two are large, and a distribution network with a total length of 1,416 km. Whilst the oldest conduits, pa^ cularly in the urban area of Darmstadt, are principally made from cast iron, asbestos-cement pipes were, with the exception of the house connections, exclusive used for the comprehensive extensions to the distri. bution which were carried out between 1949 and 1979'
119. Asbestos-cement Pipes for the World's Largest Solar-powered Pumping Station
The French pump manufacturers Pompes Guinard who have a great deal of experience in water extraction and irrigation, have been busy on the development of pumping plant which is not only simple and sturdy in design, but can also be driven entirely automatically by available solar energy alone. The same criteria apply to the pipework coupled to the pumps -- robustness, corrosion-proof materials, low weight and simplicity of installation: so, once again, the choice has fallen on asbestos-cement pipes.
The materials shortlisted for the cases referred to in Styria for the construction of water transport and long distance mains pipelines have included asbestos-cement, ductile cast iron and rigid PVC. Almost without ex ception, asbestos-cement pressure pipes, for working pressures of up to 10 and 16 bar at diameters of 200 to 900 mm respectively, proved to be most economical. For the first stage of construction by the South-east Borders Water Association, about 50 kmof asbestoscement pressure piping (nominal diameters of 300 and 500 mm, for pressures of 10 and 16 bar) are being purchased in 1980 on the basis of public tenders adver tised in October 1979. This represents a net value of about 38 million Austrian schillings.
120, 45 km of Supply Pipeline for Industry and Agri culture Reggio Emilia, Italy
The entire pipeline will be built of asbestos-cement pressure pipes 1000--1600 mm in diameter. A first section has already been completed, and another is under construction.
121. Preventive Measures Against the Development ofa Critical Level of Sulphides in Sewage Disposal Plants. Norbert Close.
116. Drinking Water Conduit Cartagena, Columbia
The administrators of this Historically important town established a contract for the construction of a drinking water distribution network, for which asbestoscement pipes of DN700 and Reka couplings, produced locally, were used. The project, which cost ?6,000,000, was financed by the Institute for Urban Development.
117. The Principles of Thrust-Boring and Jacking Part 3.
The third and last instalment of this series of articles describes the thrust-boring process along a curved truck and demonstrates the difficulties involved in practice.
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CEMENT COMPOSITES. Edited by Dr. R. N. Swamy. The International Journal of Cement Composites. November 1980 Contents:
122. Analysis of Fracture by Means of the Fictitious Crack Model, Particularly for Fibre Reinforced Concrete Arne Hillerborg, p. 177.
123. Creep of Glass-fibre Reinforced Cement Com posites in Tension Howard G. Allen, p. 185.
Asbestos Bulletin
ASARCO ALV 0007412
. present Status on Applications of Steel Fibre Concrete in Japan Kunio Nishioka, Sumio Yamakawa. Yashuhiro
Kameda and Shigeyuki Akihama, p. 205.
126. Technical Report - Fibre Concrete Aircraft Parking Ramp at McCan-an International Airport Charles W. Jositek. p.235.
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technical Notes -- Behaviour of Plated Reinforcedconcrete Beams Subjected to Cyclic Loading
during Glue Hardening
R. N. Swamy and R. Jones, p. 233.
127. Book Reviews, p. 239. 128. News: Conference and Symposia, p. 241.
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ASARCO ALV 0007413