Document 2NvMJ20k5BOO1JbNXgw5gbGDa

July 23, 1969 Nr, A. Bruo Pyle Assistant Bursau Chief Department of Conservation and Xoonomio Development P. 0. Box 1809 Trenton, New Jersey Dear Hr. Pylei In connection with your reoent request for more speoific information on FCB, J have enolosed several items that ay be of Interest. The first is a table showing the physical characteris tics and properties of our Arodors, the trade name for our polychlorinated biphenyls. The numerical designation of these materials is mean ingful. The 1200 series are biphenyls chlorinated to the extent indicated by the last two numerals. For example, Aroclor 1242 is biphenyl chlorinated to the extent of 42j(f Aroclor 1254 is biphenyl chlorinated to 54*. The 5400 series are terphenyls ohlorlnated to the extent of the last two numerals. Thus Aroclor 460 is terphenyl ohlorlnated to 60*. The 2500 and 4400 materials are mixtures of biphenyls and terphenyls ohlorlnated to 650*; We have typed on the bottom of the table the results of apute toxloity atudles. These indicate the approxi mate lethal dose in rats when administered orally and the minimum lethal dose when the samples were applied to the unbroken skin of rabbits. Tou will note that the samples were administered undiluted or as various con centrations in com oil depending on the physical form and solubility of the sample. OSW 018509 i: STLCOPCB4005053 Mr. A. Bruce Pyle July 23. 1969 Pag# Two The seoond enolosure refers to tha only published data that we now have concerning possible toxicity to fish. This enolosure la a 1957 report from the U. 8. Pish and Wildlife Service showing the results of studies to determine the possible effeots of chemicals to larval lampreys and fishes. Tha enolosure lnoludes a copy of the title page, the page explaining the table and that portion of the table which Indicates that four of the Aroolors have no effect on trout, bluegill and larval lampreys at a concentration of 5 ppm In a 24 hour test period. The only chronic toxicity data that we have refers to the Inhalation of vapors of Aroolor 1242 and 1254. Enclosure three is a reprint describing the chronic inhalation studies and enolosure four is a Hygiene Quide published by the American Industrial Hygiene Association whioh prescribes sate handling techniques for the use of these materials In industry. Based on available data, manufacturing and use exper ience. we do not believe the polychlorinated biphenyls to be seriously taxlo. At the same time we have also recommended precautions to avoid repeated and prolonged skin contaot and secondary avoidance of inhalation of vapors when the materials are heated. As indicated by the distillation ranges in enolosure one. these products have extremely low vapor pressure and thus present little vapor inhalation hasard at ambient temperatures. I don't know that X oan add a great deal to your ques tion to the use of these materials without repeating the comments in the statement whioh Tom ford sent you. Their dieleotrlo characteristics lead to usage as Insulating fluids for transformers and capaoltors. Transformer application is in slses applicable to sub-stations rather than the small transformer on lines for reducing voltage for household use* The plasticiser type application PGB's are incorporated into a polymer as an Integral part of the solid material. This is the oase whether the polymer is then used .as an adhesive speoial elastomer or individual surface ooetlng. Contrary to some reports from the press, the FOB'S are not used in rubber tires, lipstick, or the oommon plastlo containers or films used for industrial or house hold packaging. 01851 STLCOPCB4005054 Mr. A. Bruoe Pyle July 23, 1969 Page Three We have a considerable research effort underway to determine the toxicity of several of the FOB'S in rats and dogs. We are also including three genera tion reproduction studies in rats. Also underway are studies with fowl to determine the possible ohronic effeot on the birds themselves, egg else and production, hatchabillty of the eggs and via bility of the chicks. We will also do studies to determine any possible effeot on egg shell thickness and oalclum and phosphorus metabolism. We have attempted to establish a program for deter mination of the possible biodegradation of the polyohlorlnated biphenyls but research of this type is not yet underway. Jle-emphasising a point we attempted to make in the statement Tom sent you, we are unable at this time to oonoelve of how the PCB's can beocme wide spread in the environment. Xt is certain that no applica tions to our knowledge have been made where the PCB's would be broadcast in the same fashion as the chlor inated hydrooarbon pestioides have been. X am sure there will be muoh more research undertaken to olarlfy some of the questions that early research efforts have raised and you may be sure that we will partici pate in a number of these. Xf X oan be of any further assistance after you have reviewed this letter and the enclosures, please let me know. Slnoorely, srwtju Ilmer P. Wheeler Manager, environmental Health OSW 018511 t; ' -j* STLCOPCB4005055