J. B. Jobe to D. L. Hinmon on Labeling Asbestos Products to Lessen Claims (1964)

A one-page memo of February 25, 1964, from J. B. Jobe of J-M's Industrial Insulations Division to D. L. Hinmon, following Dr. Kenneth W. Smith's letter of January 27 on labeling. After "quite a study of the advisability of labeling" products whose fiber was released when they were handled, cut or machined, Jobe wrote: "In view of the importance being given to this subject by the Asbestos Workers Union it is our belief that we should take advantage of any items which could lessen our exposure to claims for health damage." He proposed labeling Thermobestos, magnesia, asbestos cement and other products, and asked that the move be reviewed with the senior officers, since it might affect products sold by other divisions.

What it shows

In the company's own words, the reasons for the caution included the attention the Asbestos Workers Union, the insulators' union, was giving the subject and the chance to "lessen our exposure to claims." Smith's letter of January 27 is not in the file.

In Johns-Manville's chronology

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

Letter from J.B. Jobe to D.L. Hinmon dated 2/25/64 states: "In view of the importance being given to the subject by the Asbestos Workers Union it is our belief that we should take advantage of any items which could lessen our exposure to claims for health damage."