Document 4vv7wOkBEyG3JaOa49YrRe1RN

BFG RESTRICTED December 6, 1985 P. C. Ross Activities Report - November 1985 Health & Environmental Services Division Environmental Health 1. R. K. Hinderer visited Southwest Research Institute to review the progress of the Vinyl Institute studies of hydrochloric acid (HC1) and PVC. Biopsies of the respiratory tract and mid-lobe removal were conducted on some of the baboons which had completed the one year post-exposure period. Although HC1 produced acute respiratory effects in the baboons, no pulmonary impairment has been noted at three months. Pre liminary data at six months and one year for the 5000 ppm baboons has suggested that some decrease in pulmonary function may exist; however, the histopathological evaluations have failed to reveal any significant lesions. 2. The initial panic over diethylhexylphthalate (DEBP) caused by the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) report appears to have subsided somewhat. Both SPI and CMA have issued position statements on DEHP in consumer products. Both criticize the CHAP report and conclude that DEHP does not pose a serious human health hazard problem. At least one of our suppliers (Eastman) does not intend to label DEHP as a carcinogenic hazard. 3. The department is being inundated with material safety data sheet (MSDS) requests. Our efforts have been severely hampered by Battelle's failure to provide the proper software "Special Report" program for our Basic computer system. The corrected program is scheduled to arrive this week. 4. The department assisted our Carbopol unit in providing toxicological information to the Procter and Gamble detergent group. R. K. Hinderer provided an overview of the data and discussed benzene-related health issues. Both P&G and the Carbopol unit were pleased by the presentation. BFG28420 23875001 2- Activities Report - November 1985 Health & Environmental Services Division - contd Medical Center 5. It appears that the Medical Center will be able to provide the usual daily services despite the reductions in professional and clerical staff. However, all services may not be available at all hours of the day, necessitating waiting or a return at a later time. This is not expected to be a major inconvenience, and emergency service will always be provided. Richard A. Guyton, M.D cc: J. D. Ong L. Carter R. A. Eisentrout L. V. Triggiani bcc: H. E. May, M.D. H. W-^ni m + r. r -Mr-n BFG28421 23875002