Document 2jr84zVXdzBmRMz9KNzq97dy7

ANNOUNCEMENT r On Wednesday, January 20, the "Valley Advocate" published what It stated was the second in a three-part series on the "Monsanto Company's Springfield Operation." Predictably its authors Bush and Michak have cleverly woven together a rehash of past news, questions out of context, misrepresentations, innuendos and informa tional errors purporting to demonstrate Monsanto Is conducting a conspiracy of silence to keep important information from its employees concerning worker health and cancer. It specifically attempted to link vinyl chloride exposure to alleged employee health problems ignoring a comprehensive study by the University of Pittsburgh which shoved no such connection. As you know, Monsanto has consistently and in a timely manner, advised its employees, local union officials, and appropriate government agencies of the results of any health studies it conducted or had conducted by outside impartial professional organizations. None of these studies has conclusively shown a causal relationship between cancer and a particular workplace exposure. For your reference, the attached prior bulletin board notices openly summarize previous studies, checkpoints and results which indicate the facts of the matter end refutes the alleged cover-up claim. Our actions In handling employee health studies have been as follows: 1. Monsanto has always cooperated with governmental ageneles requesting data on workar health evidenced by a joint KOnsanto-NIOSB health study completed In 1976. 2. Monsanto has communicated frequently and truthfully on the status of its health study results to all employees and to other concerned parties (see attached notices). 3. The health studies either conducted by Monsanto or by the University of Pittsburgh School of Publle,Health have been designed with the best statisti cal approaches and historical Information. A. Hcnsanto has always been and will continue to be concerned with worker health and safety. Our continuing environmental and Industrial health programs are evidence of this concern. It'e obviously Impossible for aet In this communication, to answer every Issue raised la the "Valley Advocate*' article. However, If anyone has any additional concerns cr questions, please feel free to contact me or Paul Bureau. ' 1-22-82 AtC. J. t. Shrlver, Plant Manager n 9E2 cn coOon r January 29, 1982 Dear Retiree: I'm sure most of you have sees or heard about a current Article concerning Monsanto's approach to employee health in the Valley Advocate. There is always a risk of lending credibility to outrageous publicity by attempting to defend against it or to worry families of employees. Nevertheless, 1 cannot and will not have our organization or myself accused of Insensitivity to employee health, evasion of the lavs of the land, and even "getting away with murder" without a response to this so-called "Journalism." The article in the Advocate was lengthy and constitutes the latest in a long series of attacks upon this plant by its editors, reporters and behind the scene supporters. These articles have been Incorrect on many important points and conclusions. For that reason, 1 have attached to this letter the latest in a n series of bulletin board notices over the last 5 years which summarizes the facts. We have communicated with you on this subject numerous times in the past and will continue to do so every time new information becomes available. I hope you will carefully review this and further communications on the subject. In the last analysis, however, each of us has to assess the quality of the orga nization for which we work and determine whether we believe we are properly protected. If 1 had any reservations about that with respect to Monsanto, I would have left years ago* Few corporations have even begun to approach the commitment and investment in Medical and Industrial Hygiene Departments, En vironmental Health Labs, protective equipment and safety support services that we provide at Monsanto. We are not perfect in employee health or any other corp orate activity. But I believe that we are years ahead of most other organizations In the effort to safeguard our employees. No amount of innuendo, biased reporting or sensationalism can change that. I appreciate your taking the time to acquaint yourself with the facts in this matter. Please contact myself or Paul Bureau, Personnel Manager,, if you have any questions relating to this subject. /aim :ate R&S159502