Dr. Kenneth Smith to J. M. Gadway on Pulmonary Function Studies at Lompoc (1958)

A one-paragraph memo of September 5, 1958, from Dr. Kenneth W. Smith, Johns-Manville's medical director, to J. M. Gadway at J-M's diatomaceous earth plant at Lompoc, California, about resuming breathing tests (pulmonary function studies) of the plant's workers with Dr. Motley. Smith wrote that he had asked Dr. Motley not to "report to anyone until he had an opportunity to discuss this further with us," and that Hugh Jackson would discuss the reporting with Gadway and Motley in October. He closed: "I wonder if the selection of subjects can be made so that there will be no disturbing influence on your forthcoming contract negotiations."

What it shows

J-M's medical director wanted control over who saw the results of lung tests on Lompoc workers before they were reported, and raised the timing of the tests against the plant's coming union contract talks. Four months later Smith suggested what Lompoc employees should be told about the plant's dust history (January 1959 memo).

In Johns-Manville's chronology

Johns-Manville's own chronology of what the company knew describes this document as follows:

Dr. K.W. Smith memorandum to J.M. Gadway (Lompoc), 9/5/58. Dr. Smith states that he is pleased that it is now possible for Gadway to resume the pulmonary function studies of J-M's Lompoc employees with Dr. Motley. Dr. Smith states that in his previous correspondence with Gadway, he has brought up the question regarding disclosure of these study results. Dr. Smith has just written to Dr. Motley suggesting that he "not report to anyone" until he has had an opportunity to discuss this subject further with Dr. Smith. Hugh Jackson will be in Lompoc in October to discuss the reporting with Gadway and afterwards in Los Angeles with Dr. Motley. Dr. Smith concludes by stating "I wonder if the selection of subjects can be made so that there will be no disturbing influence on your forthcoming contract negotiations."