Dr. Kenneth W. Smith to K. A. Gervais at Nashua on Keeping X-Ray Findings from the Men (1955)

A confidential one-page memo of July 8, 1955, from Dr. Kenneth W. Smith, J-M's medical director, to K. A. Gervais at the company's Nashua, New Hampshire, plant, "Health Program - X-Rays." Smith sends for Gervais's confidential files two lists from his X-ray review: the names of 43 men he believed had evidence of occupational lung disease, and those with doubtful readings or other conditions needing further checks, who should also have no further dust exposure. Because the films were poor, the diagnoses were "presumptive only." Smith writes: "The men themselves are unaware of the results of their X-ray examinations, and I do not believe that they should be informed of my interpretations."

What it shows

Smith asks that the lists "be retained in strictest confidence so that no one else is aware of the employees involved," and offers, once better X-rays are taken, to review the films again and help Gervais outline "a program of telling the men the results of their examinations and X-rays." A second memo the same day sorted the same 43 cases by who would probably become compensation claims (Smith to Gervais on the X-ray survey). In 1949 Smith had written of Quebec mill workers with asbestosis that they "have not been told" (Survey of Men in Dusty Areas).

In Johns-Manville's chronology

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

Dr. Smith sends information on 7/8/55 for the confidential files of K.A. Gervais (Nashua) regarding 43 cases which Dr. Smith theorizes represent occupational pulmonary disease. Dr. Smith is not satisfied with the quality of the x-ray films and wishes to review the films again when better x-rays are available. Dr. Smith says he will assist Gervais in outlining a program for informing men of the results of their examinations and x-rays. In the interim, Dr. Smith mentions that the men involved are unaware of the results of their x-ray examinations and advises that the list be retained "in strictest confidence."

Related documents

• Dr. Kenneth W. Smith to K. A. Gervais on the Nashua X-Ray Survey and Probable Compensation Claims (1955)