J. P. Woodard to Vandiver Brown on Publication of Saranac Test Results (1950)

A one-page memo of November 10, 1950, from J. P. Woodard to Vandiver Brown, headed "Publication of Test Results - Saranac." Woodard refers to Brown's mention of "the problem we have always had in connection with Saranac's publishing test data which we think should be kept confidential, at least for a longer period of time." Because the Quebec Asbestos Mining Association was about to enter an arrangement with the Saranac Laboratory, he asks Brown to outline a proper agreement, and quotes a model clause from Dr. Lanza's files: research results would be kept confidential, and any paper would go to the donor at least 30 days before publication "for its comments or criticism."

What it shows

The model clause also provided that the donor company would not be identified, nor its product names used, without its consent. The memo answers Brown's complaint of November 7 that Vorwald's new proposal gave J-M only a right of review (Brown to Woodard), and drew Brown's reply on why J-M had wanted approval (Brown to Woodard, November 15, 1950).

In Johns-Manville's chronology

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

Woodard memorandum to V. Brown dated 11/10/50. In preparation for the drafting of an agreement between QAMA and Saranac regarding a study of the asbestos-cancer link, Woodard solicits comments from Brown on what type of agreement would be appropriate regarding the publishing of test results. QAMA wants the authority to approve publication of test results. Woodard quotes a section from a standard form agreement on this subject from the files of Dr. Lanza.

Related documents

• Saranac Laboratory, Proposal on Asbestosis and Pulmonary Cancer to the Quebec Asbestos Mining Association (1950)
• Vandiver Brown to J. P. Woodard on Dr. Vorwald's Aluminum Hydroxide Proposal and Publication Rights (1950)