Document ymnBQ1OZYrn4d1NXOkGJbyQwn

/hex ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL Memorandum August 5, 1986 TO: Tony Leung - FPD-Winchester FROM: Lowell G. Wessa SUBJECT: Talc/Tremolitic Talc and MSDSs of H.,T. Vanderbilt and Southern Talc Company I am not sure where we stand on this. Some time back (late June) you sent our office the above two mentioned MSDSs on talc. One of our concerns was the mention of tremolite or tremolitic talc on both. One immediately associates this with asbestos. The latest date shown on the Vanderbilt MSDS is 5/16/86. This MSDS is m good order (follows the revised OSHA MSDS format). I called Vanderbilt to discuss the term "tremolitic" talc and its general association with asbestos. As explained to me there are several different types of talc, but most industrial talc is "tremolitic" or made from tremo lite. Tremolite itself, even fibrous, is not considered acceptable for use as asbestos or in asbestos products. As a fiber, however, it is considered a carcinogen. Saying this another way, fibrous tremolite does not make an acceptable industrial asbestos product; however, m fibrous form it has all the health hazards associated with asbestos. Mr. L. Harv^, whom I talked to at H. T. Vanderbilt (203/853-1400) stated their "tremolitic" talc is fiber-free and can be con sidered non-asbestos form. Their talc has undergone studies for fiber identification, minerology, etc. at the University of Maryland and toxicology/epidemiology by their own lab. They (Vanderbilt) will stand behind their research and have legal backing. The Southern Talc Company MSDS received from you is another story. It is not dated and on the outdated OSHA Form 20. I called this company and talked to the receptionist. She indi cated they had no chemist or lab to answer my questions but would try to put me m contact with the plant manager or sales representative. I declined this offer after I mentioned one of my questions was on their outdated MSDS. She said they had revised it recently, but not all of their customers had received it as yet. I received their revised MSDS recently and have attached a copy. It is greatly improved but still lacking. They have eliminated the word tremolite and stress SPNY 005812 SCF-ABEX-2900