Document wppmvZkqvXvOkppOX0eQwLJo

. '* X orinternational association HHA7 AND FROST INSULATORS AND ASBESTOS WORKERS Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Building and Construction Trades Department Writer's address: 36 Ferry Lane Local Union No. 2 City: Pittsburgh 29, Pa. August 13, 1955 Dear Sir: I have and always will continue to have the greatest respect for the Mellon Institute and the really great people who staff her. And so it is with little wonder that I urgently appeal to you people for possible help, in the light of the many, many advancements made by the Institula in the examination of air pollution, that Sir Is our problem, seven of the last sine of the members of our Union, the Asbestos Workers, * (pipe eovers) have died of lung disorders, if is believed by many of us to be an occupational disease, although I am familiar with the fact that asbestosis is the number 2 occupational disease I do not believe we are Hindered to any great extent as we are not subjected to breathing in great amounts of it in confined areas. But I, as all others also be lieve that our new hazards are found in our comparatively newer mater ials all of these are fiberous they are fiberglas, foamglas and other glass type Insulations, mineral wool (the loose type wool which Has the addition of formaldehyde to it). When working with these materials in confined areas it so pollutes the air that it isemi to remain suspended la the air and visibility is not great where it is used extensively. One of the results of this action is that It slows the men down as though they were not receiving enough oxygen. These materials are also irritating to the skin of some and Itchy to all. Although 1 know the Mellon Insti tute is not*a social organization I was in deep hope that you may give us some Information and practices that we may adopt, for instance our men do not wear respirators In the application of these materials. They claim they slow them down and provide Improper breathing. We would appreciate any information you could give us on these materials and what dangers they could create. We are Interested both in a measure of prevention if any, and control of the air pollution which if ever gauged for density would most certainly be declared contaminated. I am sure that you as thoughtful human beings will help us make a deep cut in the preventable cases, by giving the proper knowledge and safety factors we may practice. Sincerely, (i) John W. Kane Corresponding Secretary 4