Document 15Op4Q1Oje2gD9KJNqXvXjeqX

Mr, David Wood 'Monsanto states intention to'' phase out production of PCBs ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Monsanto Co. here has announced Its inten tion to phase out productioo of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) dielectric insulating fluids, the nonconductors of direct electrical current necessary in moat power generating equipment. Monsanto manufactures 27 mil lion lb of PCBs per year, which it sells to less than 40 domestic ca pacitor and transformer manufac turers. PCBs hsve been linked to severe humsn ailments, including ehlorsene, a skin disease, and liver problems. The fluid is resistant to degradation by natural force*, and thus presents a major con* lamination problem. Its advantages include ehemleal stability, fire resistance, and elec trical Insulating properties. Monsanto does not have a time table for the phaseout yet. but said U "will be in planned and orderly manner." The company alao aa*c it will eloae Ita PCB manufacturing unit in Sauget, 111., "as aoon as we are satisfied that the electrical power supply industry's needs for oaable, acceptable alternate dielectric fluids have been met." In 1970, Monsanto voluntarily topped selling the chemieali to all but those manufacturers of . closed electrical systems, for I which a viable alternative did not exist. That move reduced Its an nual PCB production more thnn AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION itlEWS February 2, 1976 It has also instituted controls In its manufacturing to minimise n* virve mental impact, and hae been wurtung tut number of years on non-PCB products to replace PCB flulde io capacitors and trans formers. TV iuUMvus ere currently lie**! evaluated by electrical man ufacturers in the U. 8. In related developments: * Dow Chemical Co. and Me- Graw-Edlson Go. have developed "an environmentally and electri cally acceptable capacitor fluid," Dow XFS-4169L, or butylated monochlorodiphenyloxide, for use (n high voltage power capacitors. That product ie alao being eval uated by the electrical Industry. The Michigan State House of Representatives passed, by a 101-2 vole, a bill which will even tually halt manufacturers' aalee of PCBs for uses that state offi cials say would lead to water pol lution. These uses include wax cxsling in the automobile industry, and hydraulic heating systems for apartments, factories, and office buildings. Electrical industry anplicalions~are exempt* fronTtnt MGNS 032484 i