Document z1R51YvwmExZ1raJ3528q1v7

FILE NAME: Newport News (NN) DATE: 1986 Apr 18 DOC#: NN001 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Memo Tm. 26-1 (3321126) 33-323 NEWPORT NEWS SHIPBUILDING AND DRY DOCK COMPANY FILE NO---- NEWPORT NEWS. VIRGINIA April 18, iy66 MEMORANDUM For M r. W. K . B a x t e r Reference: Your memorandum "Chemical Analysis for Thermobestos Pipe Covering Manufactured by John Kanvllle"* dated April 14, 1966. In response to your query contained in reference memo randum concerning the undesirable properties of thermobestos from a medical viewpoint, please be advised as follows 1 From the analysis presented, thermobestos Is a hydrated ferrous magnesium silicate comparable to Amosite. It has been recognized for many years that Amosite may cause a disabling and fatal fibrosis of the lungs, a condition termed "asbestosls". It has also been established, since 1955/ that patients with asbestosls have a high Incidence of bronchial carcinoma. Since 1962, and particularly since 1964, there has been an accumulation of evidence to suggest that certain pleural and peri toneal tumors (mesothelioma) may be associated with exposure to asbestos. In view of the fact that recently three shipyard employees have been shown to have had mesothelioma of the pleura (tv/o of them have died and the third was operated upon three months ago) and that in each instance asbestos bodies were microscopically demonstrable within the tumor, a more extensive memorandum is in process of pre paration In support of a recommendation that a more benign, nonhazardous material be substituted for asbestos wherever possible. DJC/np-3 oe: Mr. H. Nordstrom File D. J. Cracovaner, M.D. Medical Director F ^ G M T iAU 1 NNS-MOR-000240