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Beyond the Factory Gates examines the issue of asbestos and health in the USA between the early 1900’s to the mid-1970s. Areas covered include the emergence of medical concern about the three fatal diseases related to asbestos (asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma); the actions of the US Navy (the main consumer of asbestos-based insulation products); the response of the federal government before and after enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970; and the roles of organized labour and the asbestos industry.

The book provides an important insight into occupational health and its regulation in twentieth century America, and is original in several ways. First, there is no satisfactory history of asbestos, health and medicine in the USA – a major gap in the literature. Second, no previous publication has examined the asbestos issue ‘beyond the factory gates’ in a non-manufacturing context and explored the complex interactions between organised labour, the US Government, business corporations and the US navy. Finally, Beyond the Factory Gates avoids the one-sided, anti-business interpretations that predominate much of the existing literature. It accepts that the history of asbestos is in many ways a human tragedy, but it rejects simplistic, universalised arguments that this has been a tragedy with a cast only villains, dupes and victims.

Tree bark and core samples were collected from areas surrounding the asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mine in Libby, MT. These samples were collected to provide preliminary data in support of a proposed study to determine if trees can serve as reservoirs for amphibole fibers and to determine if there is a potential for exposure to those that harvest contaminated wood in the Libby mine area, specifically during firewood harvesting and commercial logging. Initially, three sets of samples were taken both within and directly outside of the EPA restricted area surrounding the mine site. Based on the results of the initial samples, a follow-up sampling program was conducted both in the town of Libby and directly outside the city limits.

Gravimetric reduction of a tree core sample did not indicate the presence of amphibole fibers. However, transmission electron microscopy analysis of bark samples collected near the vermiculite mine yielded substantial amphibole fiber concentrations ranging from 41 million to 530 million fibers/g of bark. In addition, a bark sample collected approximately 7 miles west of the town next to a railroad line had concentrations of 19 million fibers/g. A conversion of these mass-based concentrations to areal concentrations (to reflect surface area contamination) revealed concentrations in excess of 100 million amphibole fibers/cm^2. These preliminary results suggest that trees in the Libby valley and along vermiculite shipping corridors can serve as reservoirs for amphibole fibers, and that a potential for exposure exists for those who harvest contaminated wood.

When Jack D. Ruda wa diagnosed with a rare form of cancer his prognosis was bleak. With no effective treatment available, his physician gave him only two years to live at best with a zero chance of going beyond that time. Faced with the terrible reality of a terminal illness, Jack began a positive program that would enhance the life that was left to him. His first plan of action was to remove all source of stress from his life. Jack is now entering his 8th year. This book tells of his personal experiences, his sense of humor and strategy for survival. He is an inspiration to all who suffer a terminal illness and the loved ones who help them through it.

About the Author
A Rochester, NY native, Jack has been involved in theatrical productions since the age of 8 when, during WWII, he was producing shows to raise money for the American Red Cross. He became interested in performing magic at an eary age and to this day continues to perform. After graduating from Syracuse University’s School of Communication, Jack became a consultant, producing and directing industrial stage, film, and video production. He is called upon today by many organizations to give motivational speeches on a number of topics.