Document xz9n63OGmJRVMeeXQQj2gZXD0

I - * \ iy * w 1 | s*jioo ' 00l\/o SNFH & 0^Stfdeifai ^P*eahc& a-nd S^/i-mycMffr ts//czSe/rta/& 14f4 EAST LINDEN AVENUE. SMFMA Technical Committee 3, Levine A.b?9tosPray T. Stumof - CSMP H. Wilson 32H Re: Statement an Claim that Sprayed Tiber is a Health Hazard Attached hereto is a guide statement to be used in reply to in* quiries concerning job health hasarda problems of sprayed asbestos fiber. This was prepared by John Boyer. It is a good statement; reasonably concise, covers all the pertinent facts and projects our Association as constructively interested in the problem* If you have any suggestions for modification or other comment, let's have them* hi* Lie# cc: J* P. Verhaiea John Boyer'- T ,>1?. T^ntn _ TlMfffl ea*w SPRAYED MINERAL FIBER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Statement on Claim that Sprayed Fiber la a Health Hazard Publicity has appeared recently in certain media concerning the possible effects of exposure to asbestos fibers. A number of medical investigations in this area have been conducted and are continuing, but research has not determined what the effects are, if any, of occasional exposure to asbestos fiber as it is applied today. Thus, none of the completed studies relate to the conditions en countered in applying the sprayed mineral fiber products being produced by members of the Association. Association products are specially treated during processing with dust control agents Dust concentration is further minimized by the introduction of atomized water sprays as the fiber leaves the hose. The likelihood of any serious concentration of dust particles would be only in the Immediate vicinity of the spray gun. For that reason, we caution applicators to wear approved dust masks,?since they may be working under these conditions over extended periods of time. Our Association members seriously doubt that any significant hazard exists for other workmen on the Dune___ 83NAS onnr. same Job site not actually spraying fiber. There La no medical evidence to our knowledge indicating that anyone sprayLng, U3ing Association products- or exposed to dust in areas adjacent to the spraying have been afflicted with respi ratory or other ailments caused by Association fibers or processes. A number of research projects are now in progress. The sprayed fiber industry, together with other industries dealing in asbestos products, are cooperating with respon sible research projects under way in the laboratories of the Division of Occupational Health of the Public Health Service and the Industrial Hygiene Foundation of America in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. These research efforts have not been concluded. Statements indicating conclusive knowledge of the health aspects of sprayed fiber products, applied under today's conditions, we believe, are prema ture. Many have been seriously misleading. The Association Is taking every effort to assure that workmen applying the products of the Association are adequately protected with respiratory masks. If a parti cular workman operating in areas adjacent to the spraying of mineral fibers is sensitive to dust, he should also \ wear a protective mask. -2- T>ATTt5-------- ------- The Association would be pleased to furnish any other 'information available to it on this subject. Sincerely yours, SPRAYED MINERAL FIBER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, INC. By. .... ........... -r. -3-