Document zzydKvxq167bnz3kawbNGLBEg

ATI-191 MUrJTIS 0? Tr.Z Al?. KIGIEKZ CaiUTTiI KEETDIG IN ATTEIEA2JCE WEE J. V/'ecer R. B. Smith J, D. Beatty 0. R. Holmes H, II. Jackson / 1, The research proposal received from Saranac Laboratory pertaining to the relationship of pulmonary cancer to asbestosis was reviewed in detail. There is increasing publicity both in the professional and popular literature concerning the relationship of asbestosis to cancer. Several articles tying the two together were cited by the committee. For example, in the Consuntrs* Reports, a popular publication of national distribution, one of the member companies reported that they currently have a workmen's compen sation case claiming that pulmonary cancer was caused by" exposure to asbestosis. It is obvious from the Saranac proposal that research into this field is exceedingly complex; that the techniques are difficult; and that a considerable length of time and a large number of experimental animals are required. ^ie Saranac proposal covered a three year period. It was the consensus of the committee that an additional proposal be obtained from another reseqrch agency and reviewed before making a definite recommendation to the Board of Governors. It was also suggested that when our thinking became crystallized, other asbestos industries, such as the asbestos cement, the insulation and asphalt tile groups, be approached to cooperate in the financing of the research 2. It was recalled that in Or. Schepers1 visit to the cosmittee, mention had been made of the carcinogenic properties of certain oils and lubricating products that might be involved in the fibre conditioners. Recommenda tion was made that further information concerning this potential hazard be obtained and forwarded to each ccmittee member. Toxicological informa tion pertinent to other materials coranonly used in member plants (solvents, degreasers, etc.} would also be obtained and dissem inated. 3, The Committee reviewed the practices and methods of maintenance and opera tion of dust control systems. Since the standard.' dust 9urvey methods are lengthy and costly procedures, it was the consensus that assurance of the effective operation of a ventilation control system could be obtained through frequent and regular checxs of air flow and pressures. It was reconjnended that an initial relationship between satisfactory dust counts and operating pressures cl the system be established. Subsequent GARLOCK INC. 00058-0090T9 ATI-191 Minutes of the Air Hygiene Committee Meeting -2- checks of the systen >n.th the manometer would indicate whether the system was operating as designed. Such a test procedure is both simple and rapid. The techniques of systematic inspection were reviewed and it was unanimous ly agreed that regularly scheduled, periodic inspection was an essential element in maintaining the efficiency of the system. A corollary of this was the preventive maintenance approach to bag, hood and pipe replacement. U. John Beatty reported an effective design of dust control at the loans* Drawings and pictures will be distributed when received. H. M. Jackson Chairman Air Hygiene Committee GARLOCK INC. 00058-009020 ATI-191 Asbestos Tei'.ile Ir: -te - Air Hygiene Committee rrccssal Asacstosis Research It is the recanmendation of t'.:e Air Hygiene Cored.ttee that tho individual Members of the Asbestos Tcr.ti' e Institute participate voluntarily in further research of Asbestosis through (1) cardie-pulmonary and (2} autopsy studies, 1, Cardio-pulmon*ry Study, Hie cardio-puLior.ary studies would be conducted by Dr. P*.A, Thecdos at the Darton Memorial Hospital, 121 South Oroad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Approximately one weeks hospitalization per patient uould be necessary for the studies uhieh would include: 1, A complete medical and industrial history, physical examination, and routine laboratory studies including x-rays of the chest and electrocardiograms. 2, Complete pulmonary function studies including measure ments of the Tentilation, degree of emphysema and the respiratory gas exchange. 3, Cardiac catheterization to determine the pressure in the pulmonary circulation and to correlate these uith the clinical features and the pul-tonary function studies. li. Lung biopsy under local anesthesia in selected cases to correlate the pathological features with the clinical and laboratory findings. It is indicated that the hospital charges would approriaate .300, per patient. The cost to the member company would, of course, include the additional expenses of transportation, wage loss, etc. A Croup Hospitalization plcn might absorb a portion of the costs. Report of all medical data for each patient would be fcrw.-rdecl to the company physician and to the frally physician, if desired. Folloidng a series of studies, Dr, Theocios uould suitT.\arize and report his findings to the Instite Membership. This type of investigation is of considerable value to each partici pating iember and to the Insuivute as a whole. The results of the study of the patient uould sndic.-te objectively the evaluation of cause and extent of disability, binee the usual case sent far this examination would be a current or Potential war',-.Men'3 ccnnensaticr. occupational disease claim, this report tjjuld assist in determining the validity of Uie clai..i and. the extent af the disability and titerefore, the liability, * 2, Autopsy Study, - The pathological and analytical studies of autopsy specimens would be i.tacle by hr. G, [[. Scheners, Saranac Laocratory, Saranac, Heir York. 'Hie study consists of reports of the pathology, the GARLOCK INC. petrographic analysis and tissue ashing, ' 00058-009021 ATI-191 Proposal far Asbest=s_s lesea Page 2 Autopsy specimens vfouid oe obtained and forwarded by the plant physician. Details :f the Medical routines, the employment and medical histories, and specimen preparation were given each doctor at the October, 195k meeting, T.eport of the study would be sent to the plant physician, taith additional, copies for the pathologist performing the autopsy and the fajiily doctor as desired. The cost of the complete study appro:lnates j200. - .>250, This type of investigation, too, is of considerable value to the participating company and to the entire Institute. The individual reports trill establish, in a manner not possible by x-ray and clinical diagnosis, the nature and extent of the disease process. This trill have important bearing on Workmen's Compensation liability for a particular case, - After a series of case studies, Dr, Schepcrs trill surmarize and report to the Institute membership his findings and observations. . While animal experimentation has contributed greatly, the autopsy studies can develop even more complete knowledge of the disease process; trhich in turn can lead to more effective medical and exposure control. Industry participation In these programs would insure advance in Wedical Knowledge regarding Asbestosis. Since the cases in any one company are so fevr, the cumulative industry experience is necessary to provide a large enough sample to produce valid data. The cost for each member is nominal and immediate value is obtained- through the case reports which provide a basis for equitable settlement of Workmen's Compensation claims. While the board of Governors has approved these programs in principle, we desire to have a direct indication from each member conpany as to whether they will participate in them. It is understood that such might require clarification or Modification of seme management policies. Would you kindly review the above proposals and indicate the intent of yo'ir company regarding them. Should general participation be agreed to, complete details, procedures, addresses, etc. will be forwarded each member for distribution to appropriate company personnel. > H. li. Jackson, Chairman Air Hygiene Committee r> v_ GARLOCK INC. 00058-009022