Document wgjZrj26B1JqRzDyKNrNXZONo

E. B. Katz.enmeyer, Jr. 0. S. Kurtz ;j *'IILlOO *C NST. x"J3**'**T*.. & .-3 f Akron, 0/0020, B/5-H i*to sc s" c* or & 3.:; *,r i Brecksv?lie R & D Center, 0/8506 Mov. 16, 1976 In September we received two bulk samples from your department to be analyzed for free silica and asbestos. These were handled under our Log .?I83 si89. One sample was from the Union, WV plant and the other from Orange, TX. We found no free silica or asbestos in either sample. However, a routine survey by x-ray fluorescence revealed the unexpected presence of arsenic in the talc from Union, WV. We asked for and received from you a second sample of talc from the plant to confirm these findings. The concentration of arsenic was estimated to be between .2 and 2% by x-ray fluorescence and about 0.51 by wet chemical methods. In addition to the possible industrial hygiene problem this may also involve a potential water effluent problem. cc: P. M. Zakriski C. H. Lufter J. W. Lewis R 6 0 Files 22446001 ' ' . .. . BFG20949 0AOM1 E. B. Kat2enmeyer, Jr. [ Akron, D/0020, B/5-H ^iilo mint an o*r. a iwas. mo, 0. $. Kurtz uajtcT Brecksvilie R ( D Center, 0/8506 TMie uarran Nov.17, 1976 Your department sent some-scrapings from the exhaust tube of a heat welding machine at Cohasset. This was examined in our laboratory under Log 0222. We found that the material is not organic. jb cc: P. M. Zakriski R S D Files _Q. _j6* 0. Sue KurtzY 22447001 -*< 7.i* um; ; BFG20950 Inter organisation Correspondence TO CPSC Members FROM M. E Schmiederer sue.ec T FIELD PO'NT OF* OEPT. G. 0LDG. NO. FIELD POINT OP D6PT. & BLOG. NO. D/5428 Consumer Product Safety Committee Friday, November 12, 1976 Present: Absent: R. B. Downey J. R. Goots D. L. Kent J. F. Malone R. D. Savage M. E. Schmiederer F. E. Krause J. P. Morrill Y B.FGoociri< h ^ DATE voufl tBTTCB DATE THIS LETTgP 11-17-76 1. Toxicity: (a) R. Savage reported that N10SH was studying the Maltoni data on effects of low level vinyl chloride exposure. It was reported that Maltoni would publish results in October. We expect to know more of these results within the next two weeks. Mammary tumors reported at low levels of vinyl chloride exposure may have serious Implications for women. (b) R. Savage informed the group that California Bill S1678 for regu lating carcinogens Is being investigated by F. Voke, N. Garvin, E. Bean and Keller & Heckman. We believe there is a good case for exclusion of PVC processors. F. Voke is seeking out the writers of the regulations. (c) PVC package labeling is still under review. J. Malone indicated that retention of labels is favored by the legal group from the stand point of protection on product liability grounds. The present recom mendation is to remove the labels from compound only. A final decision is not expected for at least 2-4 weeks. Labeling is seen as a defi nite deterrent to new business. (d) The APCA Toxic Substances Conference had approximately 75 attendees, half of whom were students. The report by R. Downey was discussed. W. C. Holbrook's introduction to his paper stressed the tentativeness of conclusions of medical studies reported and the positive changes that have occurred in the vinyl chloride work environment. The only press coverage evident was a reporter for BNA's Environmental Reporter. It was agreed that our preparation for the "worst possible situation" was prudent under the circumstances. 22448001 ltt-4161-C rni LlTHO uu continued BFG20951 Page 2 (e) M.`Schmiederer reported that an angiosarcoma victim at Louisville is failing fast. A Louisville bulletin board notice and possible press release have been prepared. J. Malone feels that the market ing group ought to be Informed of any new developments. (f) R. Savage indicated that SPI has obtained a 30-minute presentation spot on the program of the "Getting Along Without PVC" conference in Milwaukee on November 18. G. Cohan will speak. It was agreed that he ought to represent SPI as an Industry spokesman as opposed to being a BFG spokesman. J. Malone felt legal representation was needed. John Lawrence of SPI is evaluating the needs for legal representation. * (g) R. Downey reported that Len Zahn, a Hill & Knowlton staff member was going to attend and report on the NRC Occupational Cancer Symposium on December 2, and 3. (h) Dan Kent indicated that Maytag had requested worker safety infor mation on processing flexible PVC. Vorkers are complaining of respiratory problems and stomach cramps. We will have W. Bachtel talk to the Maytag Company and possibly visit their Iowa facility. J. R. Goots suggested that letters drafted to Crane Plastics and Andersen Windows could serve as form letters. J. Summers and J. Dorsch are conducting a program of measuring gases evolved during the extrusion process. 2. Combustibility; (a) Representatlvesof the SPI PVC-VCM Producer Group reacted favorably to the BFGCC proposal to form a group whose mandate is PVC fire safety. R. Savage will report to the whole group on November 30. (b) D. Kent showed the Factory Mutual report on non-metallic conduit testing that was sponsored by the steel conduit section of NEMA. The conclusion is that non-metallic conduit, primarily PVC should be eliminated. Vander Vort of Carlen is submitting a rebuttal report. D. Kent stressed the importance of getting good (favor able to PVC) representation at the next NFPA meeting. (c) D. Kent has arranged for Steve Packham to conduct a meeting on combustion toxicity testing on November 22 at Avon Lake Technical Center and on November 23 at BFGCC headquarters. ** (d) R. Downey requested approval for release of Polymers and Fire to Science Screen Report for overseas distribution. (e) D. Kent alerted the group to J. Davidson's proposal for four new combustion films. Recommendations as to funding and distribution will be made after D. Kent circulates the script proposal. **BFGCC headquarters seminar has been canceled. *We were informed on November 15 that the conference has been postponed to January 10th. Less negative publicity was promised. continued................... BFG20952 w