Document 44kVj0nZdkEVVoVd9GLp11X8x

General Notice October 8, 1974 SUBJECT: Vinylidene Chloride The following information has been released this afternoon to our plants where vinylidene chloride is used. On October 2 we received a verbal report from our suppliers of vinylidene chloride (VDCM) that preliminary work by Dr. P. Viola in Italy had indicated that he had found malignant tumors in rats exposed to high concentrations of VDCM in air. We promptly contacted the government for further information and learned that they had no more information that we had received. They told us they expected more complete data later this week. Today we received a further verbal report on the European work. It should be noted that, as far as we can learn, the experimental work apparently has not been analyzed, and that any reports so far are preliminary. The report stated that animals were exposed to very high concentrations of VDCM in the atmosphere, so high, in fact, that levels had to be reduced twice, reportedly from 400 ppm to 200ppm to lOOppm so that the animals would not die from acute poisoning. Autopsies reportedly showed that a number had abdominal tumors. The exact nature of these tumors was not given, but it appears certain that none were angiosarcoma, the type found in animals exposed to VCM. Vinylidene chloride monomer is a liquid at room temperature, and, therefore, is easier to contain than vinyl chloride monomer. However, in view of these preliminary reports, all control procedures now being used in our plants to reduce exposure to vinyl chloride and other chlorinated hydrocarbons must continue to be strictly followed in operations where vinylidene chloride is used. Recent test data indicate that our operations are currently running at 5ppm or under. Distribution: Cleveland Office TWX to Plants Sales Offices Technical Centers B.F.GOODRICH CHEMICAL COMPANY 23671001 BFG26812