Document ykk0rMQZMkqDv20w07B3dZgvE

ATI-172 ~ ,,< < GAR ooo!4;' ASBESTOS INFORMATION ASSOCIATION/NORTH AMERICA Board of Directors Meeting September 12, 1973 The williams Club Hew York City. Minutes ' A meeting of the Board of Directors was held pursuant to notice on September 12, 1973 at 9:30 a.a. at the Williams Club, Hew York City, Hew York. The following directors were present: George Barge S. D. Weaver Martin Sendseki (Proxy) A. R. Hooker Joseph Hall P. J. Solon, Jr. C. A. Neuman George P. Vogel J. X. Whittaker S. C. Brett J. H. Marsh Xurt Schwarz William Thurber Atlas Asbestos Company Cement Asbestoa Products Company Congoleum Industries The Flintkot* Company GAF Corporation Johns-Manville Corporation Keatlle Floors Incorporated National Association of Filter Mfgs Hicolet Industries, Incorporated ,8. X. Porter Co., Incorporated Raybestos-Manhattan Supradur Manufacturing Corporation Union Carbide Corporation Also present: William Fassuliotis, GAF Corporation; John Meyers, Onion Carbide Corporation; Robert B. Mereneas, Executive Director, AXA/NA; Katherine Kinaella, AXA/NA; Eugene teff, Cadweleder, Wiekershea a Taft; Matthew M. Swetonic. Bill t Xnowlton, Inc.; David Mallino and Theresa Seely, Government Research Company. Mr. Marsh, the President, presided. After opening remarks by the President, attention wee invited to the minutes of the Beard of Directors Meeting held on May 10, 1973. On motion, the minutes were approved as submitted. By-Laws The President reviewed the by-laws of the Association recommending title of Executive Director for the principal paid staff member and assigning to him the positions of secretary and treasurer of the Association. Definitions of these responsibilities were offered for inclusion in the by-laws along with certain 100319 2 minor changes in the wording of tht by-laws. Waiver of prior notice to the Directors for recommended changes to tht by-laws waa made by affirmation and the changes ware adopted by unaminous vote aa submitted. Copies of the revised by-laws with the changer were distributed. Presentation by M. M. Swetonie . . Nr. Swetonie presented a report on "Asbestos and Health in 1973.* He noted the continuing controversy within the medical community as to the seriousness of asbestos as a hazard to health, safe levels of asbestos exposure, etc. He discussed epidemiological studies citing statistical data prepared by Or. Irving Selikoff. Mr. Swetonie discussed the challenges to industry, stating that the industry must recognise the problems, face the possibility that "research may find things that many of us would prefer not to know" and conduct inquiry of its own "to know where we stand." A discussion followed. Mr. Swetonie stated the statistics he presented were not thoroughly scientifically reliable, but did represent best statistical averages. He said his statistics had been reviewed by Dr. Pelnar of the Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health in Montreal, an imminent authority in the field. Mr. Marsh pointed out that most studies have been oriented to the 1930-40 period when there was poor dust control; that it is difficult to find "cohorts* for reliable statistical analysis; that without a minimum of 30 years experience there is no thoroughly valid data. Old Business A. Federal Government Affairs Mr. Marsh introduced Mr. David Mailino and Miss Terry Seeley of Government Research Corporation for comments on pending governmental actions. OK3A Miss Seeley reported that OSHA plans to renew the asbestos standard sqm time next year. 0S8A was under no obligation to form aa "outside" advisory committee. A discussion followed as to whether the Association should voice its concern in having an Advisory Committee on which it would be represented. It was agreed that a IS person Advisory Comsittee would be desirable to properly include industry, the scientific community and labor. The President directed that gap position should be communicated to OSHA. Miss Seeley stated that there is no 100320 ATI-172 indication that N30SH plans to develop a new criteria document on asbestos at this time. Hr. Fassuliolis spoke of public disclosure of asbestos monitoring (Fed. Aeg. Aug. 30). Mr. Marsh stated this was a matter for consideration by the Technic. Committee, that A2A would respond. Workmen's Compensation Mr. Mellino and Miss Seeley reported the workmen's com pensation issue will be on the egende for the next session of Congress end the reform effort will focus on the Williams-Javatt (S.200I) epproech which is supported by the AF1-CIO. The Wlllleas-Jsvette bill defines oceupetienel dieeese to include asbestosis, taleosis, mesothelioma end lung cancer. The Ftelinghuysen bill (B. X. CIOS) provides federal benefits for asbestos end mesothelioma. Mr. Marsh stated that the Associatio: must keep in mind publicity that might generate from the hearing: on these bills end the enormous expense that could ultimately be borne by tbe industry. Zt wee stated that it eould be two years before reformed workmen's compensation measures might become lew. Xasarvs Mining Trial `. The government's ease against the Reserve Mining Company opened August 1 end will lest for several months. Sr. Selikoff end members of his staff ere scheduled to testify. Though contaminants in the water is the current issue, air pollution will follow in the B.P.A.'s esse, Petition to FTC Mite Seeley reported that the Center for Science in the Public Interest presented e petition in March to the Faderel Trade Commission to provide inventory of ell asbestos products on the market end require labeling of ell consumer products containing asbestos. FDA Mr. Vogel reported that the FDA has been reviewing the usee of asbestos end has been petitioned by the Environment Defense Fuad to ben the use of asbestos filters. The FDA will publish tbe petition is the near future but will take no position.' Mr. Vogel suggested that AXA be more aggressive in relationships with the PDA. Mr. Solon stated that he was advised tramolite in talc will be banned by the FDA. Kiss Seely said there is a tandancy to treat asbestos and tale as the seme. 10032. ATI-172 < epa Mr. Swetonie spoke f the Arthur D. Little itudy being prepared for EPA. The study is based on the effect of the proposed water effluent standards on the asbestos industry. Cements have been requested from members and will be evaluated for inclusion in the study. Department of the Interior Mr. Swetonie reported a tightening of health end safety standards for metal and non-metal mines is being proposed by the Department of the Interior. The Mining and Enforcement and Safety Administration published a proposed asbestos standarc on August 29, 1973 which would limit asbestos dust exposure to t time weighted everage airborne concentration of five fibers per milliliter. There ie no information at the present time that the agency will hold public hearings on this standard. Mr. Swetonie suggested that interested member companies send eoraents on the proposal to the Department of the interior. I. State and Local Government Affaire Connecticut Searings Mr. Weaver reported on the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection hearings he attended on duly IS in Hartford, Connecticut. He stated that any State, with federal approval, can promulgate its own set of environmental health standards, so long es the standards art "as effective as" those promulgated by the EPA in Washington. hiA and State Regulations A letter of September 7 from Mr. Richard Carter of JohnsMenville to Mr. Marsh recommending that A2A monitor state laws and regulations pertaining to asbestos was submitted, Mr. Marsh stated that A2A should consider recommendation to each state to follow Federal regulations. Ie asked for written comments on the means and feasibility for AZA to monitor the proceedings of states for regulations on asbestos to be forwarded to the Executive Director. Be said the Carter report and member recommendations would be considered at the next Executive Com mittee meeting (October 18). 1003 ATI-172 5 C. Medical Affairs Selikoff-lewinsohn-Stender-AXA Latter exchange Mr. Marsh and Mr. Swetonie reported on a minor problem the developed with Dr. SeliXoff concerning Dr. Lewinsohn's letter defending the two fiber theory' which the AXA sent to the Deportment of Labor. - Or. Selikoff has demanded an apology from AXA for failure to ask him for comments before transmitting the letter. lorrow-Klanh Study Mr. Marsh reported that AXA had sent a check for $2,500 toward a IS,000 grant sponsored by AXA to farther research into William Klenk's electromotive theory of carcinogenic activity is asbestos. The experiments are continuing, wo positive resul were available to report. New Business A. Program for the Coming Tear - Mr. Marsh stated that AXA was expanding its executive Committee and would be holding more freguent meetings. Be also advised he would seek better organisation and response capa bility of the Technical Committee, and closer relationships with asbestos related associations, domestic and foreign. 1. QSBA Compliance Manuals Mr. Swetonie reported that OSHA Compliance Manuals were completed in first draft and would receive a 'second look* by the ad hoc committee as expeditiously as possible, preparatory to publication. C. AXA Washington Office Mr. Mereness reported that the AXA office in Washington (1MQ L Street WW) would be fully operative by October 1, at which time the New fork office would be closed. D. President's Wemarks , Mr. Marsh presented tokens of appreciation to Mr. Swetonie and Miss Xinsella for their outstanding work with the Association since its inception. Be welcomed Mr. Mereness as the new executive Director. Members were asked to provide Mr. Mereness 1003 $ with background information sueh as annual reports, promotional material, ate., to assist him in a broad understanding of ths industry. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12t00 noon. 100c