Plans not formalized on overseas profiles
Angie DeRosa's article [``AAMA mulls controls on China profiles,'' Jan. 26, Page 1] misrepresents the American Architectural Manufacturers Association's position regarding participation of China-based profile producers in the AAMA PVC Profile Certification Program.
The article indicates that ``[We're] proposing to have the certification revoked until they can create a mechanism for unannounced plant inspections.'' This statement does not indicate the source of this proposal, which creates the opportunity for a reader to attribute this as an official AAMA position. Furthermore, at this time, no formal votes have been conducted within AAMA to revoke the certification of any PVC Profile Program licensee.
AAMA's position regarding international participation in the PVC Profile Certification Program is that more discussion and investigation is necessary to qualify overseas profile producers. AAMA is concerned about the ability to conduct unannounced audits of Chinese plants, because visa procedures in communist countries require long lead times and the knowledge of itineraries becomes widespread. The potential for lead contamination is a legitimate concern in Chinese PVC window profiles - and this concern must be eliminated to maintain the integrity of our program. AAMA is considering all the factors that influence this decision and is seeking a resolution that yields the best result for the industry.
For more details, read the January VMC newsletter on the AAMA Web site, www.aamanet.org/news /vmc_whats_new.htm.
Rich Walker
AAMA
Schaumburg, Ill.
Plastic Man story covers many layers
I just wanted to thank Frank Esposito for the terrific article he wrote on the Plastic Man comic book character [``Plastic Man, Is he the shape of things to come?'' Jan. 5, Page 1]. As a 26-year worker in the plastics industry and a 44-year collector of comic books (over 60,000 comic books threatening to buckle the floor of our attic), I was able to enjoy it on both levels. So often, articles on comic book characters are written by authors who treat the subject with derision and little respect. That is why I was astonished to find Esposito's article not only treating the subject seriously but researched to the point that I found it more informative than most articles I find in comic book trade magazines!
I have the same figure of Plastic Man displayed on my monitor in my lab and the next time someone asks about it I'll just whip out Frank's article. Well, I have melt indexes to run, but today I will be smiling as I watch the plastic come stretching out of the bottom of the unit. Thank you, Mr. Esposito!
John L. Montero
Ticona
Summit, N.J.
