Document yrderR3nnGZovaEnakMemVRXD

Copy- Dec ember 19, 1951 Dr, Louis W. Spolyar, Director Division of Industrial Hygiene Indiana Stite Board of Health 13$0 West Michigan Street ' Indianapolis, Indiana Dear Doctor Spolyar: I sincerely regret that any statement of mine may have been responsible for any confusion concerning the Incidence of silicosis in the clay brick industry. The statements attributed to me in your letter of December 15, 1951 were not misquotations, but they were presented out of context. At preliminary meetings with representatives of the clay brick industry, I stated that if silicosis was not present among their workers I would like to know why, and for that reason, I suggested that an engineering survey be done, to determine the nature of the materials suspended In the atmosphere and the order of severity of the exposure. I further stated that if the engineering survey revealed the presence of adequate quantities of free silica of sufficiently small particle size, then a medical survey should be carried out to determine the incidence of silicosis. I advised that the engineering survey be done first because I had been assured that silicosis did not exist. Since no medical or even radiological survey has been done by u s , I can have no factual knowledge of the incidence of silicosis in this industry. I can say, however, that on the basis of the findings of our own engineering survey, I still cannot understand why these men have/failed to develop silicosis, if such is truly the case. The question of the protecting effect of aluminum on men exposed to silica dust was discussed, and I can say now, as I did at the time, that I know of no evidence that indicates that such combinations fail to result in silicosis. I am taking the liberty of sending a carbon copy of this letter to Mr. Ralph Weston, since I am eager that there be no misunderstanding concerning m y opinions In the situation. . Sincerely, FP:rms Frank Princi, M.D. cc: Ralph Weston R. A. Kehoe y/ k'E' 0005354