Document 4va20ZgmG5eEymOv44jOOZN2j
10/29/69
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PCB POLLUTION
PROBLEM:
Contamination of ecosystem with polychlorinated biphenyls. (PCB)
PROBLEM DEFINITION AND TIMING:
Professors Widmark and Jensen of the Institute of Analytical Chemistry at Stockholm, Sweden in Nov. 1966, announced and confirmed finding PCB In fish, birds, and eggs. Subsequent findings were made in 1967 in Great Britain. Problem was first presented in the U.S. by Professor Risebrough of the University of California in a published article in the San
Francisco Cronicle in February, 1969. Monsanto confirmed PCB's in mid-1969 and confirmed the adequacy
of work by Widmark and Jensen and others -- a world wide ecological problem.
CONFIRMATION OF FINDINGS:
Analysis indicates presence of 5 and higher chlori
nated biphenyls (similar to Aroclors 1254 and 1260).
Other Aroclors may contribute, but have not been
identified yet. In the last six months, PCB's have
been reported present in waters in Lake Michigan,
fish In Connecticut, and seafood along the Gulf Coast,
also waters outside Monsanto plants.
.
SERIOUSNESS OF PROBLEM:
1. Fish - Marine or aquatic species concentrate PCB in the fatty tissue. Toxic In small quantities
(down to 5 ppb) to sensitive marine life such as
shrimp.
2. Birds - Predatory species feeding on the marine
or aquatic life can further concentrate PCB to
possible harmful effects. Specifically in birds,
PCD can effect the calcium metabolism leading to
egg shell imperfections which prevents proper
hatch of the young.
1
MONS 036710
019599
WATER PCB-SD0000047045
2-
3. Wan - There is no harmful effect known to man or other mammals after 40-years of production.
4. PoliWca^and Public notion - PCB's linked to `EKrbecauBe_FCBTs sfiow up in analyses for DDT. Linked with other permanent chlorinated hydro carbon pesticides.
EFFECT ON MONSANTO?
1. Business potential at stake on a world-wide basis:
Fluids
Plasticizers
Total/Year
0 H Lbs.
34 H Lbs.
!16 H 6-8 K QP
*6 TT
$2-3 H QP
2. Legal responsibility.
104 ft Lbs. $22 H $8-11 H Gross Profit
3. Public image.
4. Effect on other product areas.
\
EFFECT ON CUSTOMERS AND ULTIMATE CONSUMERS?
1. Affects entire electrical industry - capacitors and transformers.
2. Affects food processing.
3. Affects die casters and other "hot metal" working Industries.
4. Affects wide range of plastics_and adhesive
applications.
"'
5. Affects wide range of paints and coatings.
EFFECT ON OTHER PRODUCERS: There are at least six other producers of PCB'c ex-USA, Monsanto has discussed problem with two in Europe. No great concern there yet.
MONS 036711
019600
WATER PCB-SD0000047046
3-
MAIN SOURCES OF POLLUTION;
_.
Difficult to define, but Aroclor 1254 and 1260 are used in electrical devices, heat transfer, plastics,
adhesives, coatings, and industrial fluids. Other
Aroclors contain minor percentages of 5 and 6 chlorine
ring structures. Manufacturing plants also a
vulnerable contributing factor, but less significant Tn "quantity than customer' or end user loses.
POSSIBLE CONTROL OF CONTAMINATIONs
- Eleotrical and heat transfer - possible to control with effort and reclamation.
- Industrial fluids, plastics, coatings and adhesives are very difficult, if not impossible to control.
Substitute products needed.
' MONSANTO OUTSIDE STATEMENTS:
- Letter sent to electrical customers regarding problem.
- Monsanto Public Relations statement attached.
MONSANTO FUTURE ACTION;
. Presentation to CDC reviewing subject and future plan
of action by November 17, 19&9 This will define a
program to determine what is necessary in various
product areas to meet the problem. ~i
' .
1. Research and Engineering needed and cost.
g. Plant and customer "clean-up and control" required and cost,
3. Biodegradability of Aroclors.
:
t
I ' HONS 036712
i
019601
WATER PCB-SD0000047047
Toxicity studies.
Alternative routes.
Recommended approach. .
Appropriation request to cover capital and expenses required. .
HONS 036713
............. .......................
019602
......`WATER PCB-SD0000047048