Asbestos Magazine, 1939

Johns-Manville's notes

1. Jan. 1939, pp. 12-16 summary p. 81

   Census of Manufactures compares 1935 and 1937 asbestos figures (set out, but too voluminous to quote in this summary).

2. Jan. 1939, pp. 24-25 summary p. 81

   J-M's chairman, W. R. Seigle, dies at age 59.

3. Jan. 1939, p. 26 summary p. 81

   ASTM to hold regional meeting - several papers to be presented, one by H. H. Rinehart of J-M's Research Lab entitled "Methods of Testing the Physical Properties of Pre-formed and Plastic Thermal Insulation."

4. Jan. 1939, p. 36 summary p. 82

   A lecture given before the British Institute of Marine Engineers dealt with the sound - absorptive value of asbestos materials, particularly in ships.

5. Jan. 1939, pp. 36-38 summary p. 82

   Asbestos Importers Association formed in Tokyo to handle licenses for imports and allocation of quotas to consumers.

6. Feb. 1939, pp. 10-16 summary p. 82

   Road improvements should improve moving asbestos fiber from mine to market. Recently, Globe fiber was used by G.E. in the generators at Boulder Dam, and about $50,000 worth was shipped to Germany in 1937.

7. Feb. 1939, p. 24 summary p. 82

   J-M elects Lea as V. P.

8. Feb. 1939, p. 36 summary p. 82

   J-M - personnel changes.

9. Feb. 1939, p. 37 summary p. 82

   Asbestos Contractors' New England Association held its annual meeting.

10. Feb. 1939, p. 38 summary p. 82

    J-M announces establishment of new plant in N. Billerica, MA to manufacture Marinite and Marine Sheathing for ship construction. Marinite is also being adapted for other uses. Plant occupies 2-1/2 acres and will employ 75-100. Long-term lease has been signed.

11. Feb. 1939, p. 38 summary p. 82

    J-M published 12-page booklet on Decorative Asphalt Tile Flooring (contains asbestos).

12. Feb. 1939, p. 40 summary p. 82

    Asbestos-containing toothpaste has been designed to relieve toothache - an old remedy.

13. Mar. 1939, pp. 2-4 summary p. 82

    "Benjamin Franklin and His Asbestos Purse" - told in his autobiography. Obtained in N. America (probably Canada) - purse now resides in the British Museum.

14. Mar. 1939, p. 4 summary p. 82

    Asbestos wigs made for Fred Astaire to wear in his new movie (about Irene and Vernon Castle) for a scene where his hair is to catch fire.

15. Mar. 1939, pp. 8-10 summary p. 82

    Recently the U.S. Army and Navy Munitions Board listed three classifications of materials considered essential to national defense - Strategic, Critical and Essential. Asbestos listed as Critical: "essential to the national defense, the procurement problems of which in war, while difficult, are less serious than these of strategic materials because they can be either domestically produced or obtained in more adequate quantities or have a lesser degree of essentiality, and for which some degree of conservation and distribution control will be necessary." "Those of us who remember the World War will recall the service performed by asbestos … from the insulation used on heating pipes, in the cantonments and in the ships … manufacture of munitions … mittens and gloves …."

16. Mar. 1939, p. 13 summary p. 83

    Imports into U.S. of fiber from Rhodesia and South Africa are exceptionally large. Demand for spinning fiber has fallen off.

17. Mar. 1939, pp. 34-36 summary p. 83

    ASTM published new Index to Standards and Tentative Standards (870 total).

18. Mar. 1939, p. 40 summary p. 83

    Tea for the British during WWI was kept hot in an asbestos-covered tank.

19. Apr. 1939, p. 3 summary p. 83

    ASTM Committees met on standardization and specs.

20. Apr. 1939, p. 6 summary p. 83

    Mining and Metallurgical Society of America published Bulletin No. 250, and sent to the President, a list of 45 materials considered Essential Minerals for National Defense. Four categories were discribed, A-D. Asbestos was listed in B and D. "B - Minerals existing in abundance, but requiring a higher price than the internationally competitive to develop maximum production of them." "D - Minerals that do not exist with us, or that exist only in immaterial quantity, and for which we must continue to be dependent upon foreign sources."

21. Apr. 1939, p. 8 summary p. 83

    J-M appoints H. E. Manville Chairman of the Board.

22. Apr. 1939, p. 13 summary p. 83

    Russia and Poland have signed a trade pact which will increase, among other things, asbestos exports from Russia in exchange for certain Polish goods.

23. Apr. 1939, pp. 20-22 summary p. 83

    Market Conditions - Raw Fiber. "Only financial restrictions imposed by European Countries and the Far East prevent shipments of asbestos from Canada from making a banner year."

24. Apr. 1939, p. 24 summary p. 83

    J-M announces new castable refractory - Light Weight Firecrete.

25. Apr. 1939, p. 30 summary p. 83

    BuMines issued Mineral Market Report M.M.S. 716 giving asbestos figures.

26. Apr. 1939, p. 36 summary p. 84

    J-M's Jan.-Feb. Power Specialist contains article "Transite's a Pipe for Pulp" re: paper mill use.

27. Apr. 1939, p. 36 summary p. 84

    "A Magic Fiber in Modern Industry - Asbestos" appears in the United States News (Story #61).

28. Apr. 1939, p. 37 summary p. 84

    Asbestos Importers Assn. (Japan) - report indicates that members will monopolize future imports of asbestos.

29. Apr. 1939, p. 37 summary p. 84

    J-M's Board of Directors reappoints all officers.

30. Apr. 1939, p. 40 summary p. 84

    American Standards Association maintains a library of 20,000 standards, specs and related material.

31. Apr. 1939, p. 40 summary p. 84

    "Time" Magazine contains article on Lewis Brown, and his picture appears on cover.

32. May 1939, pp. 2-8 summary p. 84

    Asbestos at the NY World's Fair - (pictured: The J-M Bldg. at the Fair) Fair using: over 6,000 ft. of a-c pipe, thousands of feet of a-c corrugated sheets, $75,000 worth of insulation, 3 million sq. ft. of asbestos roofing felt, a-c wall tile, asbestos paper, millboard, ebony switchboards and panels, theatre curtains, blankets. Lists what each asbestos company supplied.

33. May 1939, pp. 14-16 summary p. 84

    Asbestos Exhibit at the Golden Gate International Exposition - J-M has exhibit displaying its products and assisted the CA Bureau of Mines in its exhibit. J-M also built a Guildway Model Home utilizing its products. Many asbestos products were also used in constructing the buildings at the Fair.

34. May 1939, p. 20 summary p. 84

    Market Conditions - Raw Fiber - imports into U.S. considerably improved. "Probably the war scare is partly responsible for large imports from South Africa."

35. May 1939, p. 30 summary p. 84

    "Asbestos in the Dead Sea" - recent book states asbestos is being extracted. (See July 1939, p. 39 for correction/ clarification.)

36. May 1939, p. 40 summary p. 84

    Chicago Eye Shield Co. has new 48-page catalogue listing a variety of goggles, respirators, masks, etc.

37. May 1939, p. 40 summary p. 84

    BuMines publishes Foreign Minerals Quarterly - covers asbestos figures 1936-38 in several countries.

38. June 1939, p. 12 summary p. 84

    BuMines to publish 1939 minerals year book, containing chapter on asbestos.

39. June 1939, p. 14 summary p. 85

    Asbestos mentioned in 1626 map of Tartary: "In this country is a Hil out of which they dig earth called by Pliney terra asbestus, having fine veines like grasse which being spun and weaned yeeeld cloth that will nut burn in the fire." (sic)

40. June 1939, p. 15 summary p. 85

    J-M Building at World's Fair took two years to plan. Theme is "Asbestos - the Magic Mineral."

41. July 1939, pp. 2-6 summary p. 85

    Uses of asbestos cement products in the tannery industries. ASTM has new method of publishing standards in three parts: I - Metals, II - Non-metallic Materials, Constructional (includes thermal insulation) and III Non-metallic Materials, General (including asbestos yarn, cloth, and electrical tape).

42. July 1939, p. 10 summary p. 85

    Joint Committee on Materials and their Testing (London) is organizing a Heat Insulation Conferences.

43. July 1939, pp. 36-37 summary p. 85

    1937 U.S. Census of Manufacturers now published, covers asbestos.

44. July 1939, p. 39 summary p. 85

    Asbestos from the Dead Sea - refers to May 1939 (p. 30) article. It is probably potash rather than asbestos being extracted.

45. July 1939, p. 39 summary p. 85

    J-M and Keasbey have a-c pipe demos at convention of American Water Works.

46. Aug. 1939, pp. 20-21 summary p. 85

    Market Condition - Raw Fiber. Imports to U.S. far in excess of needs - "attributed to war scare." "During the last World War, Great Britain commandeered all Canadian Asbestos, and would no doubt do so again immediately upon outbreak of war. In such an event, Great Britain would no doubt allocate a reasonable tonnage for American needs. Another World War would make it far more difficult for the United States to obtain Asbestos from South Africa and Rhodesia, not only because of transportation difficulties, but because these large producing Mines are owned by English Companies who themselves manufacture Asbestos Products of all kinds and would naturally desire to safeguard their own manufacturing requirements before offering any Asbestos to American buyers."

47. Aug. 1939, pp. 24-25 summary p. 85

    Wage Rates for Asbestos Workers (pipe coverers) set out by City. Figures will appear in every Aug. issue of Asbestos.

48. Sept. 1939, pp. 2-8 summary p. 85

    Use of asbestos in air conditioning industry.

49. Sept. 1939, p. 12 summary p. 86

    Commentary on the war and the Asbestos Industry.

50. Sept. 1939, pp. 18-20 summary p. 86

    Sets out tabulation of World Consumption of Asbestos 1934-37.

51. Sept. 1939, pp. 22-23 summary p. 86

    Market Conditions - in commenting on the war and speculating as to what this means to the industry, one correspondent relates the events surrounding WWI: Practically all U.S. asbestos products contained Canadian fiber. Arizona fiber was used for electrical purposes. Before WWI, no Rhodesian fiber was used in the U.S. Blue and Amosite were unknown. Our friendly relations with Great Britain assures us of our asbestos requirements, but "asbestos is a commodity practically controlled by Great Britain."

52. Sept. 1939, pp. 38-39 summary p. 86

    J-M - H. E. Manville, Sr. and George Whitney resign as Directors. Lewis Brown to be CEO.

53. Oct. 1939, pp. 2-8 summary p. 86

    "Prices, Production and Uses of Asbestos During World War." Sets out chart of prices 1912-20, tables on asbestos production by country 1912-20, exports from Canada 1912-20, imports to U.S. from Africa 1912-20, domestic fiber marketed in U.S. 1914-20, Rhodesian production 1912-20, and So. Africa production 1912-20. War uses of asbestos: pipe insulation; packings; gaskets; insulation for locomotive and ship engines and industrial plants; millboard for fire protection in cantonments, shipments, etc.; electrical insulation for cable terminals, transformers and other electrical devices; airplanes, tanks and trucks, including packings, gaskets, brake linings; mittens/gloves for machine gunners; submarines; etc.

54. Oct. 1939, p. 12 summary p. 86

    J-M introduces new asbestos-containing acoustical material - Spongecoustic.

55. Oct. 1939, pp. 18-20 summary p. 86

    Editorial on the effect of war on price of asbestos. Canada no longer supplies 90% of the world's needs. Russia is now large producer and will probably supply Germany's needs. South Africa will supply to the Allies as long as the ships can move. It is predicted demand in U.S. will exceed supply. Unless Gvmt. sets price limits, they will advance.

56. Oct. 1939, p. 20 summary p. 86

    Canadian govmt. assumes complete control of exports, including asbestos. Explains laws, needed permits, etc.

57. Oct. 1939, pp. 22-24 summary p. 87

    Market Conditions - Raw Fiber. Imports of blue and amosite are exceptionally large. Canadian imports into U.S. running smoothly, but Canada refuses to sell through NY brokers without proof of ultimate destination. No shortage exists in U.S.

58. Oct. 1939, p. 31 summary p. 87

    U.S.S.R. - estimated production 1937-38.

59. Oct. 1939, p. 31 summary p. 87

    U.S. Minerals Yearbook for 1939 available.

60. Oct. 1939, p. 38 summary p. 87

    Lewis Brown chairman of NY chapter of American Red Cross.

61. Oct. 1939, p. 39 summary p. 87

    Diamond Jubilee of asbestos celebrated in Waukegan by J-M and Chamber of Commerce.

62. Oct. 1939, p. 39 summary p. 87

    Pacific Coast Asbestos Assn. to hold 1939 annual meeting.

63. Nov. 1939, pp. 8-12 summary p. 87

    "Asbestos - How does it Serve Humanity?" - relates historical and present uses.

64. Nov. 1939, pp. 13-14 summary p. 87

    The Vermilye Medal in recognition of outstanding contribution in industrial management was awarded to Lewis Brown.

65. Nov. 1939, pp. 16-18 summary p. 87

    Diamond Jubiliee - many firms are "getting the public talking about asbestos." Oliver Bowles of BuMines to lecture.

66. Nov. 1939, p. 18 summary p. 87

    "Dust Respirator made in England uses asbestos as filtering component (20% asbestos, 80% merino wool).

67. Nov. 1939, p. 20 summary p. 87

    Market Condition - Raw Fiber. Imports into U.S. very good. Would be better if more steamers were available from South Africa.

68. Nov. 1939, p. 20 summary p. 87

    Market Condition - Textiles - Increased by rather large purchases by the U.S. Navy for insulating materials, blanket insulation and packings.

69. Nov. 1939, p. 21 summary p. 87

    Market Condition - Paper/Millboard - Better demand than normal for millboard, which is used largely in shipbuilding.

70. Nov. 1939, p. 31 summary p. 87

    1939 issue of ASTM Standards - Textiles issued, covering roving, yarns and tape.

71. Nov. 1939, p. 32 summary p. 88

    A. B. Cummins of J-M's Research Lab has had his article "Fillers - Asbestos and Diatomaceous Silica" printed in the Oct. Issue of Modern Plastics.

72. Nov. 1939, p. 36 summary p. 88

    J-M will be an exhibitor again next year at the NY World's Fair.

73. Nov. 1939, p. 39 summary p. 88

    In 6,000 years when Oglethorpe University's Crypt of Civilization is unearthed, J-M a-c pipe will be found protecting the contents.

74. Nov. 1939, p. 39 summary p. 88

    Asbestos gloves for barbeques, fireplaces, etc. are a new Christmas item appearing in department stores.

75. Nov. 1939, p. 39 summary p. 88

    U.S. Biennial Census of Manufacturers will be taken in 1940.

76. Dec. 1939, p. 20 summary p. 88

    Market Condition - Raw Fiber. Lack of ships only obstacle in even greater exports from Canada and South Africa. Exceptional business at present time.

77. Dec. 1939, p. 26 summary p. 88

    Diamond Jubilee update. BuMine's Oliver Bowles gave speech "Asbetos - Silk of the Mineral Kingdom."

78. Dec. 1939, p. 34 summary p. 88

    Pacific Coast Asbestos Assn. held annual meeting, 26 members being present. A. W. Knight of J-M elected Secty.-Treas.

79. Dec. 1939, p. 35 summary p. 88

    Canadian J-M has installed Cottrell Electrical Precipitation dust collector in an effort to control asbestos floats.

80. Dec. 1939, p. 35 summary p. 88

    J-M's Insurance Dept. Manager, A. M. Schmidt, elected President of Risk Research Institute.