Document 5bZqr7bMNeGZG8Dkp1oV1ogYV

8270 RUBBER i PLASTICS NEWS LO.W. 12.500 NOV 5_ 1975 fcufKD ny 1 lbacons) It , Rubber A Ptsslks Nun, Nofwbw 3, 1978 Could lead to legislation v' PCBs still found in fish \ \ By RFN Washington Newt lama WASHINGTON, DC. --Mounting evidence in reosnl months of continued high concen tration! in fish of polychlorinated biphenyls--a widely-uied group of industrial chemicals considered a tource of poeeihle birth defects when ingested by human! and animal!--hai prompted gov ernment-wide concern, raising the possiWitty of new regulatory controls on the use and, in particular, the disposal of such ehendoolt. Polychlorinated biphenyls--or PCBs-- are moat commonly used es insulating fluid in eieetrieel devioes, such as transformers and oondsnsers. They art also used as hydraulic fluids, lubricants, heat transfer fluids end as plastieiaers in such things as adhesives, sealants, priming inks, coatings and waxee. Sole U.S. producer of PCBs ts.Monsanto Chemicals Co., although some is imported Trom~foreign manufacturers. In 1972. the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), acting on the strength of a special govern mental task force, won an agreement from Monsanto that the firm would limit PCB sales solely to manufacturers of so-called eleeed electrical devices, such as trans formers, thereby hopefully reducing en vironmental contamination from "open" sources. EPA NOW says, however, that despite the 1972 action, high concentrations of PCBs have persisted in such common edible fish as salmon and striped bam in a number of U.S. waterways including the Great Lakes, the upper Mississippi, the Gulf of Mexico and (he Hudson River. In an effort to explore possible further metbode to oombet PCB contamination, EPA will host a special conference at the Pick Congress Hotel in Chicago, November 19 to 21. A number of other agencies, including the Department of Health, Education and Welfare end the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will participate along with state end local eftncia and representatives from private sector ictoace and industry. The conference will also focus ou the health hazards of PCBs sad is expeeled to have serious impact on both commercial and sport fishing. Persons interested in attending ahauM write: Franklin A. Ayer, Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194. Research Triangle Perk, North CaroHna 27709./ MONS 033333