Document 5bvp46X1EZa12Zy3Do6v7ee4V

Open Letter to Electric Utility Customers: We are not able to be certain from our records whether or not you have in the past purchased from us electrical apparatus containing Pyranol, an askarel liquid dielectric. If you have not, there is no need for you to be further concerned with the contents of this letter, but if you have, you will find the following to be of importance. As you are well aware, the public concern with pollution is rapidly escalating. As time goes on, it can be expected to reach out to affect more and more materials that are even suspect of being potential pollutants and contaminants of the environment. Recently there have been indications that polychlorbiphenyls have been found at some points in marine, aquatic, and wildlife environments. While quantities are relatively small, it is a m a t t e r of growing concern as to their effect on some species of wildlife. Monsanto Chemical Company is the sole supplier to the industry of various grades of c hlorinated biphenyls for use as a liquid dielectric in electrical apparatus. These materials are known as askarels or by various trademarks, i n c l u d ing General Electric's registered trademark, Pyranol. Monsanto has been reviewing procedures to be sure that these materials do not find their way into land or water environment. General Electric is in receipt of a letter from Monsanto expressing concern, and a copy is attached for your information. its Although this material is sealed in electrical apparatus, there may be occasions when disposal may become n e c essary and the problem of environmental control arises. In order to aid you in solving the problem of disposal, we have made arrangements with M o n santo to dispose of scrap Pyranol. Should you have scrap Pyranol, it should be placed in closed drums and shipped, at your expense, to Monsanto's W. G. Krummrich Plant at Sauget, Illinois, attention Supervisor, Dept. 246. Monsanto has initially established a charge of 3* for each pound of scrap material returned by you. Material which is saturated with Pyranol such as fuller's earth, sawdust, rags, solid insulations taken from apparatus, etc., should be contained and stored by you pending a better solution. We intend to bring the whole disposal problem to the attention of an appropriate body in the industry with an aim to working out a long-range solution for the industry. The industry has used askarels in apparatus for over thirty years. In our experience they have produced no ill effect on workmen in close contact with them except for temporary skin irritation in certain individuals, as noted in our instruction books. We plan to continue the use of this excellent liquid dielectric and because it is used in sealed apparatus, we foresee no difficulties provided good judgment is exercised in handling and disposal procedures. Very truly yours, 774157