Document wg2QDG0m54RKoD8YDXJ3RopGB

CHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION April 29, 1985 Dr. Michael Alavanja National Cancer Institute Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program Room 4C03 Landover Building Bethesda, MD 20205 Dear Dr. Alavanja: In response to your request for information on titanium dioxide, the following reports on CMA sponsored activities are enclosed: 1. "Feasibility Analysis for an Epidemiological Study of Titanium Dioxide Workers," prepared by Tabershaw Occupational Medicine Associates (TOMA report) 2. "Audit of Report From Tabershaw Occupational Medicine Associates, 'Feasibility Analysis for and Epidemiolgical Study of Titanium Dioxide Workers'", prepared by SRI International (SRI report) 3. "Report to CMA Titanium Dioxide Panel," prepared by Consultants in Epidemiology and Occupational Health, Inc. (CEOH report) The CMA Titanium Dioxide Program Panel has been trying to resolve the issue of a feasibility epidemiologic study of TiO, workers for quite some time. Even though the TOMA report concludes that an epidemiologic study of the mortality experience of TiO, workers is feasible, it does not address the basic issue that if an increased risk of death form any cause were found, that risk could be attributed to titanium dioxide. Both the SRI and The CEOH reports also point this out. We hope that your feasibility study can be aimed at answering this basic question. As we have discussed in our prior meetings, inadequate smoking histories on workers, a continuous exposure to asbestos, and mobility within the work force tend to confound the outcome of a study. DuPont's ongoing Formerly Manufacturing Chemists Association--Serving the Chemical Industry Since 1872. 2501 M Street, NW Washington, DC 20037 Telephone 202/887-1100 * Telex 89617 (CMA WSH) CMA 101745 epidemiologic study at two of its plants may shed some light on these issues. After you have reviewed these reports, please call me at 887-1192, if you have any question or would like to discuss any of the issues in these reports in greater detail, I wish you good luck in your endeavors with titanium dioxide. Sincerely, Hasmukh Shah, Ph.D. Manager Titanium Dioxide Program Panel Enclosures cc: Titanium Dioxide Program Panel Dr. Barry Miller CMA 101746