Document wrEM9yXR2oK7LKvVqYQRRg6o6

In Attendance: Minutes BOARD 0? GOVERNOR'S M.S2TING Asbestos, Textile Institute Barbizon-Plaza Hotel,New York City October 8, 1964 S,J, Peele,Jr., - United States Rubber Company J.->. Bettes,Jr., - Raybestos-manhattan,Inc. J.A. Brown,Jr., - " "" J.T. Griffis - E.K. Porter Cooanp.Inc. W.S. Hough - Johns-Manvllle Corporation J.L. Rainey - American Asbestos Textile Corp. Ted D. McCluskey - Tallman-McCluskey fabrics Company Jay Flocken - Cadwalader,Wickers ham : Taft (Legal Counsel) H.Ji. Sunbury - Asbestos Textile Institute (Secretary) I. The meeting was called to order by President ?eele,who noted that Mr. J.L. Rainey and Mr. Ted D. McCluskey had been properly accredited by their respective companies to serve in the absence of Messers J .V . Weber and T.C. McCluskey. 2. The minutes of the last meeting were presented for reading.7t was moved by Mr. Bettes,and seconded by Mr. Griff is,that the minutes be accepted without reading.Agreement was unanimous. 3. The financial Report as of September 9, 1964,was presented by Treasurer J.A. Brown. Mr. Peele stated that he had received a letter from Mr. Charles W. Briggs,Jr., of Raybestos-fianhattan,Inc.. dated October 2, 1964,' in which Mr. Briggs reported that he had examined the books of the Institute for the year ending Sept.9,1964 and the Financial Report as presented by Mr. Brown "presented fairly the financial position of the Institute on that date." It was moved by Mr. Hough,and seconded by Mr. Griffis,that'the report be accepted as read, and made a part of thee minutes. So agreed. 4. President Peele brought up the subject of the coming Conference on "Biological Effects of Asbestos" to be held under the auspices of the New York Academy of Sciences,Oct.19-21,1964. He asked what further action,if any,should be taken in respect to the position of the Institute towards this conference,as adopted at our last meeting,in view of the publicity which appeared in many newspapers on October 6th, in which asbestos was cited as a possible cause of cancer. This adverse publicity, relaeased by Dr.Selikoff and his associates, is based on very limited background information, as compared to that of the asbestos industry, but is very harmful to the entire industry. There was a lengthy discussion as to ways and means of combating this unfavorable publicity. The question was raised as to whether those who have Issued the publicity could be warned of the gravity of their charges, and its unfavorable effect on the entire asbesto- industry, without giving the impression that an attempt was tt'.r.z made to suppress or intimidate the medical profession. Legal Coun sel was subsequently asked draft such a letter,(copy is attachec' and it has been submitted to eac:-Member for approval, before belr. sent to Dr. Selikoff, by Mr. Reycraf-t. -- ALV 0009900 Minutes - Board of Governors f19/1 Page -2- 4. (continued) There was general agreement that the possibly serious economic repercussions of this bad publicity for asbestos should be brought to the attention of Member Companies top manage ment, and they in turn, should advise the Institute their wishes as to course of action desired, and extent of financial support *jhat might be given* 5. It was agreed that the recently published pamphlet entitled ,:Method for Determining Asbestos Dust Concentration" should be priced at 50 cents each to members and associate members, regard less of quantity ordered. For non-members,%>1.00 each.with first copy free. 6. The proposal introduced in our meeting of June 4th lasc.to amend the Constitution of the Institute to make, provision for Legal representation at all meetings,was brought up for flnn.1 action. Written notice had been given all members prior to tnis meeting. The Amendment would be added as a new Paragraph .4,of Artlc-le IV, as follows: "4. At all meetings of the Institute and at all meetings " of the Board of Governors, Legal Counsel shall be present. Mr. Hough moved,and Mr.Erown seconded,a motion to amend the Constitution as proposed. Agreement was unanimous. 7. The Budget for the year 1965 was presented in suggested amount of 17825.00. Mr. Hough suggested that the items of Secretary's Travel and Exhibit -xpense be increased to 5,400.00 each,Instead of 5*250.00 each as originally presented. V ith this change the total budget for 1965 amounted to 18125.00. Mr. Griffis moved,and' Mr. Brown seconded,a motion of approval. Agreement was unanimous,and the budget as adopted is made a part of these minutes. 8. President Peele read a letter from Mr. Reycraft,which had beer, recived after the budget was prepared, in which he asked for an increase of 51500.00 per year in the legal retainer fee. This would make the new fee 5 3000.00 per year instead of the 5,1500.00 currently paid. Mr. Griffis felt that the higher fee meant an excessively high hourly rate for the actual hours spent on Instit ute matters by Mr. Reycraft.or other personnel with v lckersham, Cadwalader & Taft. Further that the budget for 1965 had been pre pared without foreknowledge of any increase in legal fee..Mr.Peel a suggested that ha and Mr. Hough discuss thla matter with Mr.P.eycraft at an early date. Mr. Bettes made a motion to that effect, it was seconded by Mr. Rainey, Agreement was unanimous. 9. Mr. V..S. Hough,Chairman of the Nominating Commit tee, report ed that he r.3d canvassed the center Cor.paies to ascertain who would represent them on the Board of governors for the coming year,ar.d was Informed that the following win serve; V.r.J.A. Brown, Jr., - Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc. ; Mc.J.T. Griffis,for H.K. Porter Company;-Mr.. .S . Hough,- Johns-Manvll] e Corp. Mr.T.C. McCluskey, - Tallmar.-McCluskey Fabrics Co.,;-Mr. S.J.'?e'for U. 3. Rubber Co.jane Mr.J.f. zatr.ey for American Ast. Tex . 1 c: r . ALV 0009901 Minutes - B.Qard of Governors meeting Page -3- 10. Mr. Rough, as Chairman of the Nominating Committee, then offered the following slate of officers to serve the Institute in the coming year: For President: - J.A. Brown,Jr.,of Rsybestos-"anhattan,Inc. For Vice. Pres; - J.L. Rainey of American Asbestos Textile Corp. For Treasurer: - . A. Schuman of Johns-Manyille Sales Corp. It was moved by Mr.J.T. Griffis,seconded by Mr. Ted D. McCluskey, that the nominations be closed,and the proposed slate of officers be approved. Agreement was unanimous, and the above named gentle men are the new officers of the Asbestos Textile Institute. 11. In regard to Committee Chairmen,it was agreed that the men now serving as committee chairmen should continue in that capacity for the ensuing year. 12. Mr. Hough brought up the question of asking' Garlock,Inc. to join the Institute. Sr. Bettes suggested they be approached a little later inasmuch as their Mr. Houghton was expected to attend the General Meeting on October 9th,and it would be better to let a reasonable period of time elapse. 13. Mr.Bettes, Chairman of the Twentieth Anniversary Celebration, exhibited an attractive silver tray, approx, size 7^ x &" .en graved "ASBESTOS TEXTILE INSTITUTE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY 1944 - 1964 He stated that one of these trays would be given to each person attending our Twentieth Anniversary Meeting on October 9th. All agreed that the tray was very attractive,and most appropriate for the occasion. 14. Date and location of next meeting. Mr. Peele said that he and Mr. GrifTis had been appointed at our last meeting to investig ate a southern location for the February meeting. They recommended the Carolina Motel,in Pinehurst, North Carolina,which had been discussed tentatively at our June meeting. Mr.J.A. Brown made a motion that we hold the February meeting in Pinehurst,N.C.-seconded by Mr.J.T,. Rainey. Agreement was unanimous. The date of the meeting is February 10-12, 1965, the place is The CAROLINA HOTEL. It was suggested that we might possibly plan to arrive Tuesday evening,February 9th,hold committee meetings on V. ednesday,and General Meeting on Thursday,arranging same to give as much time as possible for recreational activities. 15. There being no other business to come before the meeting it was duly adjourned. _ F.espectfully submitted, ALV 000990? A1 terr.ate copy for Paragraph 4._ Notes of Discussion by the board of Governors In rsspect to the publicity release,on October 6, 1S64, b7 Ir. Belikoff and associates concerrlns asbestos as a possible causa of cancer. This was widely published In'newspapers. President Pesle asked what further action. In view of this adverse publicity, should be talcen In respect to the position taken at our Jun3 meeting In regard to the upcoming Conference: "Biological Effects of Asbestos" to be held Get. 19-21, 1964 at the Waldorf-Astoria. Vr. Griffis remarked that it was probable there would be a conflict of opinion by the medical profession, and it wa3 tine to consider where e stand, in view of the recent unfavorable publicity. "r. Bough thought it most dssirable to arrive at sons conclusion n3 tc cur institute viewpoint for the benefit of executives of member companies. The question of whether these who have issued tho publicity on asbestos as a possible causa of cancer,could be warned of the gravity of their charges and its unfavorable effac.t on the Industry. Jay Ploeken doubted that a legal warning could be used, as it would give the irrr.pr esuion that an attempt was being mads to suppress or intimidate tho medical profession. 2u;T,gestsd as an alternative that a qualified medical nan within the Industry could rsbut the charges, hr. Srov.n thought we should publicise our efforts- to protect paople from any harmful affects of handling asbestos. Br. flockon agreed that the positive approach to show precautions being taken,was best. hr. Peels said that ho ::ad talked with Ur. J.H. ?olfsie,Medical l irector of United States 5 utter Company about the adverse publicity, and that Lr. V.olfsie felt there was very little ws could do,immedi ately. In talking with his office prior to the meeting,-'-r.Poele said ho learned that one concern who marufucturea ironing board covers from asbestos cloth,had reported several cancellations of orders for sane by his customers because of the publicity cf Get.6th,linking ostostoo and cancer. Be suggested that wo mifiht have to coordinate various company doctors thru one central man. vr. Bettes surgested that we night have f.o have a Radical Committee, and vr. Peele suggested that medical men namix from each member company moat prior to the Oct. 19-21 st Conference and decide. 'It was agreed thut the Board of iovernors wishes that I r.'-'-." , Cmith of .:ohns-*'r.nvllie Corp.,undertake to coordinate tho nodical mon from onch member company, and sos If It Is possible to doc id a upon a common approach. Primarily we expect that doctors from mamber comp anies vi'.; be at the Coni' oe to i *later.,and to rofute if the opportunity occurs, to whatever or. t out is consistent with their own 07.ceriur.c0, this never so public it. . vr. VI ocher, felt that v.-j shoulc know rhat our doctors would any, before v- e authorized them to speak for the Institute, hr. ainy stated that papers to bo presented nt the coming Con ference hnd boor, screor.ud nbout p v. eok ago by the m.ur.anem r.t of tr. v.'om'orer.ee, nr.u presumably unacceptable papers would be o-lttod. 'r. Li ethos said his compn: y hac air o*idy rocoivee pro-prints of the moors to bo given nt the 'orfsrar.ca. r. Brown nakod if wo v. ero yninv to consider the possiblity of asking tho cooporntion oi' other' s erks of tho asloutos 1 r.c'u try t a combnt this advorso pub 1ic1ty , a a they would V o powerful a 111 os , a r*". ii combi reel of fort code. bo uc:. -or > effective. ALV 0009803 Notes of Discussion -(continued) 'r.reole raised question If we s ould ask company doctors to speak for the Institute, and Mr. Hough and r. Kainey felt we should not. %r. Dettes felt that the doctors could not speak for the asbestos industry, tut could spsak for the Institute. Mr. Drown said he agreed with Vr. F.ainoy. r'inall7 it was a-treed that company doctors should be prepared to speak on behalf of the i Asbestos Textile Institute. .".r, Or iff is su.-gsstac the possibility that our Air hygiene ; `--g. Committee might recommend the formation of a Public relations Conra- ittss.anc osk the Prosident to appoint one at the General Meeting, It was ag:rood that in this even t,he would refer the request to the Board of Covernors. -- Vr. ilough suggested that this matter of the adverse publicity on asbestos should to called to the attention of top management for each member company,*hich might lead to a broad program involving all segments of * the asbestos industry, with the objective oT combating adverse publicity. r.Peele agreed,thatnihex and said the serious economic repercussions of this bad publicity should be pointed out to top management, and they,in turn, should express tack to A.T.I. tholr wishes as to corse of action desired, and financial support that might be given. The Hoard coneirred with, :.;r. reels*s suggestion, anu agroed that it should be done, p , _ ftLV 0005S04 *a^4 a ^r The Board of Governors of A.T.I. requested Attorney Reycraft to prepare a. letter to be sent to Dr. Selikoff on behalf of the institute, and the letter as drafted by" Mr. Reycraft,follows: Dr. Irving J. Selikoff Dear Dr. Selikoff: Our client,the Asbestos Textile Institute,has requested us to concunlcate to you the grave concern which all member companies share over the possibly misleading implications of recent articles carried in many local and national newspapers on your report and news conference concerning mesothelioma. The linking together of asbestos and mesothelioma in a cause and effect relationship is clearly made xh an article which appeared in The New York Times of October 7, 1964. But in addition to*describing your comments on possible occupational hazards, that article also ascribes to you and to Dr. Hammond statements and inferences that go beyond the confines of the studies which you actually conducted: " The worrisome feature,Dr. Hammond and Dr. Selikoff said, is the evidence that asbestos, once taken into the body,stays there. Thus even a single heavy exposurecould conceivably produce a cancer after a latent period of 20 years or more,they said. " This idea, for which they said there is some experimental a9 well as epidemiological evidence could expand the risk from simply those occupationally exposed to virtually anyone who might only occasionally encounter asbestos dust." Again, that article 9tated: "The specialists who gave the report expressed worry that the danger might not be entirely restricted to a limited occupation group, but that it might be more general and possibly of considerable importance. There is no direct evidence to substantiate this,they said, but some of the available findings hint that this may be the case." It is common knowledge that developments in the field of cancer and*possible causative factors or possible preventative and curative measures are subjects of very great and vital public concern. It must be recognized,however, that only the most careful and dispassionate efforts in presenting the results of limited researchin this field to the public can avoid misinterpretation, oversimplification,and exaggeration. This is particularly tru9 in discussing with members of the press such limited and tentative conclusions as those suggested by your studies. Unfounded inferences and hints of danger, though sure' of receiving wide distribution, contribute nothing to public under standing. Nor do they aid intelligent action by anyone,whether at the individual or group level or in private or public agencies The health and welfare of workers in the asbestos and related in dustries,no less than the general public, in part of course rests upon wise,careful,and practical utilization of scientific know ledge. Innocent but unwise treatment of research data in pub1, is discussions or leaving it to laymen to appreciate the careful'? phrased limitations and qua 1 if i cat i-or.s , can caustr reactions t '-t are not justified by the state of scientific knowledge. fr" ". ALV 000S305 Letter to Dr. Selikoff, continued - Page -2- The efforts by members of this association in the'ir own scientific work and medical programs and in cooperation with studies by such groups as the Public Health Service amply demonstrate the willingness of this part of the asbestos industry to act responsibly and intelligently in matters involving the health and safety of its employees and the general public as well. These companies welcome all responsible efforts along these lines4 The Asbestos Textile Institute urges no restraint upon independent medical inquiry or research - indeed it earnestly desires expansion of existing knowledge in this field. Nor does this Association seek in any way to discourage the right to discuss the results of such efforts. Eut it does urge cacti.cn in the discussion of these activities to avoid providing the basis for possibly damaging and misleading news stories; The right to study and to discuss these subjects is clear,of course. But-the gravity of the subject matter and the consequences implicitly involved impose upon any who exercise those rights a very-high degree of responsibility for their actions. Sincerely, CADWALADER, WICXZRSHAM c taft . ftLV 000550 * . KURJTBSt ASBESTOS TEXTILE INSTITUTE f TIBER TESTING CGtiilTU OCTOBER 8, 1964 Meeting bald at the Barbieon-Plssa Hotel* New York City* Is attendances I. Barnett* Chairman 0. Chlldera J* U. Hawkins E. A. Farrell R. Dodds~Hshron G. F. Jenkins T. T. Tigert J* Vronski B* Lincoln V* F. Arober Johns-Wanville Produeta Corporation H. K* Farter Caaqjany* Ins. Reybestoa-Manhattan* Ino. Lake Aabeatoa of Quebec Ball Aebeatos Hines* Ltd* Aabeatoa Corporation* Ltd* Casaiar Aabeatoa Corporation Raybestoa Manhattan* Ino* Turner and Bewail* Ltd. Canadian JohnsHanville* Ltd. ,9f-Ifgjfc8-Birtfr..lPTigtCTWB^ BE-BrcLilgB ! Magnetic Rating Teats a. Magnetic Force Method - Raybestos-Manhattan r Sub-coanlttee beaded by Mr. Hawkins reported that the standard saaplaa prepared by R/M were at B. K. Farter for the purpose of calibrating their equipment. Mr. Vronski will prepare additional calibration saaplaa far other members to expedite the study. The set consists of ten sanplss of aagnatlte in sine oxide in tbs range free 0.001 to 8.0 per cent. b. gfridariJSiH.,Hofori (MiWl) - QAMA QAMA here prepared draft of revised test proeedure adopted on May 4* 1964. Copies will be distributed to ATI members for vote prior to our February assting. e. Modified Hanes - Turner and Hawaii Mr. Lincoln daaonetrated the T/H nagnatle analyser and distributed a draft of tbs teat prooedura. Everyone present agreed that the equipaent appeared to be a considerable improvement over the standard Mapes equipaent in eoapaotness in design, ease of operation* and aost important, the sensitivity. The unit baa four ranges and will read to 0.1 per oant. Bell have a unit and Casaiar are having one delivered to them froa Turner and Newell. Our ATI sub-committee will study this equipaent relative to sensitivity and reproducibility. Mr. Vronski will send Mr. Lincoln some standard magnetite samples anf*fiber teat samples. ,, ftLV 0009910 MINUTES: ASBESTOS TEXTILE INSTITUTE FIBER TESTING COMOTTEE OCTOBER 8, 1964 2 2* Sutrmbb_OoBb Teat - Gassier The revised procedure contains an alternate Method deploying fiber grippers sod head eoab as applied by Turner Asbestos Fibers, Ltd., Manchester, England. A formal approval has been held in abeyance pending delivery of this apparatus to scmb Members. Bell can now supply this upon request. Frictional Properties - Jobna-Hanrlll* ~ Since this test will not be coopleted prior to publishing the - revised Manual of Test Procedures, the discussion was given a low priority. Difficulty is still being experienced in developing a technique for anchoring the test samples in the equipnant under study. As a result, reproducibility has been poor. Report on ASTM High Hodulus and Inorganic Fiber- There was very little activity to report frao Sub-coenltte* III, Asbestos end Naturally Occurring Fibers. Both the ATI and QAMA are following the work of this eub-coanlttee very closely. EltBg.JgTLSgytgiM-tbs_Mp|Mil.9f.JfB.V, frCSKHEM. The tentative plan of revising the annual as outlined in the minutes of the June.Meeting was acceptable in general. Final approval ia axpected by tha February 1965 meeting of ATI. Sos of the additions or revisions to the plan that were decided upon at thle Meeting were: 1. Keep the siae of the printed page the sane at preaent. 2. Include a yearly date aa part of the teat number. This ie found in ASTM numbering eystem. 3. Provide larger left hand Margin for punching tha pagea. 4. Consider e different color for cover. 5. Simplify the index and table of contents. 6. Issue aa a separate publication the contents of the Manual with a brief description or scope of each test. Respectfully submitted. Irvin Barnett, Chairman ALV 0009511 MINtfTHS SALES PROMOTION COMMITTEE October 8, 1964 .IN ATTENDANCE: J.A. Brown J.A. Bettes, Jr. J.T. Griffis V.S. Hough S.J. Peele, Jr. E.A. Shuman J.W. Christenbury Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc. Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc. H. K. Porter Co. Johns-Manvllle Corp. United States Rubber Co. Johns-Manvllle Corp. American Asbestos Textile Corp 1. In September of 1963, our display wae shipped to Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Later, It was moved to the University of California at Berkley. In May, It was trans ferred to the Redpath Museum at McGill University In Montreal. This committee would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Paul A. Fllteau for his assistance. He has been Instrumental In furnishing an informative folder on the Quebec asbestos mining Industry to visitors viewing the ex hibit. 2. The present Inventory of Asbestos Textile Institute handbooks Is sufficient to take care of anticipated requirements. 3. Continued effort is being made to keep abreast of Imports of foreign asbestos textiles. 4. A recent Associated Press news release alleging a connection between asbestoB and cancer was reviewed. The affect of such reports on sales were discussed. 5* Various news Items concerning Soviet expansion In fiber production were discussed. The Sale6 Promotion Committee will be especially interested in any comments Mr. George Jenkins cares to give us on this subject. Respectfully submitted, J. W. Christenbury, Chairman Sales Promotion Committee ALV 000881S