B. Lewis to R. Batson on the Use of Amosite and Crocidolite (1988)

A two-page Manville internal memo of March 30, 1988, from B. Lewis to R. Batson, answering Batson's request for information "on the use of amosite and crocidolite as opposed to chrysotile": how they were used, why, and Manville's share of the market. Lewis says the research "is for the benefit of the trust."

What it says

Manville's share. "Manville used in its own manufacturing operations approximately 25% of the chrysotile, 23% of the amosite, and 62% of the crocidolite consumed in the United States." Manville also supplied other manufacturers with 26% of the chrysotile consumed in the country, "but none of the amosite or crocidolite."

Crocidolite. "The vast majority of all crocidolite used in the U.S., both by Manville and other manufacturers, was for making asbestos cement pipe." Manville was the largest maker of asbestos-cement pipe, which Lewis gives as the reason for its large share. "Crocidolite was simply superior to all other fibers in pipe manufacture," and attempts to replace it with chrysotile "resulted in a poorer quality product and increased production costs." Its other uses were chemical filters, acid-resistant packings and gas filters; Lewis knew of only one Manville insulation product that used it, Thermomix 810.

Amosite. Amosite went mainly into insulation, "particularly in the lightweight insulations required by the Navy," because it made "a stronger, lighter, more efficient insulation than a comparable product made from chrysotile," and it cost less than comparable chrysotile grades. Lewis quotes R. T. Land, a government consultant, in 1941: amosite "is essential for bulky lightweight insulation." Playing "Devil's Advocate," he gives three other reasons Manville used it: a shortage of suitable Canadian fiber (one of Manville's Inspection and Control reports gave this reason for trying amosite in 85% magnesia), a price comparable to or better than long-fiber chrysotile, and a better product with fewer rejects.

Lewis says he enclosed an excerpt from Manville's Claims Court appeal on the Navy specifications issue and documents on amosite and crocidolite use, some of which "would have been very supportive of Don's testimony." The enclosures are not in this copy.

About this copy

Two pages on Manville "Internal Correspondence" letterhead, signed "Brad" beside Lewis's name, with the number "92-00038" handwritten at the top of the first page.