E. R. A. Merewether, A Memorandum on Asbestosis, Part 3, in Tubercle (1934)

The complete January 1934 issue of Tubercle, carrying the last part of Dr. E. R. A. Merewether's "A Memorandum on Asbestosis." It describes British preventive measures, the "dust datum" (the dust from flyer spinning without exhaust under good conditions, taken as a safe working level), the Asbestos Industry Regulations of 1931, compensation for asbestosis since 1931, reports of the disease in other countries, and the outlook. Merewether set out the maxim that "every translation of fiberised asbestos in the factory produces dust which, if not controlled, is dangerous."

What it shows

Britain had made asbestosis a compensable disease and required dust suppression and yearly medical examinations of exposed workers. Merewether thought that if dust were kept to the dust datum level "the outlook is bright," but noted "one cannot be dogmatic on this point as yet." The memorandum began in the November 1933 issue and continued in the December issue. See also Dust Control.

In Johns-Manville's index

Johns-Manville's attorneys indexed the Sumner Simpson Papers. Their index describes this document as follows:

Tubercle. Relevant article is a continuation of Merewether's "A Memorandum on Asbestosis." Defines dust levels arising from flyer spinning under good conditions as "dust datum" or safe level of exposure for working life. Discusses British Code of Regulations established in 1932 and 1933. Purpose of code to abolish risk of asbestosis by enforcing high standards of ventilation, dust suppression and physical examinations.

Related documents

• E. R. A. Merewether, A Memorandum on Asbestosis, Part 1, in Tubercle (1933)
• E. R. A. Merewether, A Memorandum on Asbestosis, Part 2, in Tubercle (1933)

About this copy

This is document 01940-02000 of the Sumner Simpson Papers, as numbered in the collection's index.