Document 6RD5k3gNkBOMQbk9L29MeRbe6

NOTICE n The following bulletin was posted in St. Louis today: "CMA/DQW ACRYLONITRILE STUDY -- The Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) has now completed an industry-sponsored chronic feeding study, begun in 1976, in which a specific strain of laboratory rats was fed relatively high levels of acrylonitrile (AN) in their drinking water. "The study, conducted under contract at Dow Chemical Company's toxicology laboratories, 'indicates AN is an animal carcinogen in this strain of rats when administered at 36, 100, and 300 parts per million (ppm) in the diet. "It should be emphasized, however, that the information contained in this study is not unexpected or new. it confirms, through more extensive testing, tentative con clusions reached in January, 1977, when an interim report from this same study was first made public. Monsanto informed all employees of the interim results' at that time. Later that year the Food and Drug Administration cited* this Interim data in banning, .our Cycle-Safe beverage containers'. ... "CMA is now in the process of`transmitting the report on the final test results to appropriate Federal regulatory agencies. This could trigger a new round of reports concerning what the presa may misconstrue as "new" information. "As a result of the Interim findings of the CMA/Dow Study, Monsanto initiated its own animal feeding studies on AN -- one to confirm the CHA/Dow results --and another, at lover levels to provide data for a better understanding of the potential risks to humans. The results of this work are expeeted by sld-1980, and will be shared with employees and the Federal regulatory agencies. '. "The Important point for all Monsanto employees to keep in mind regarding AN is that f' 3 human cancer problems have surfaced in either of the two studies known to have ueen done to determine the cause bf death among AN workers. "One of these studies was dona by Konssnto on its own workers in 1977. Three hundred fifty-two employees who worked with AN at two Monsanto locations were studied. We found that only 15 of these workers have died from any and all causes. Based on standard U. S. death rate statistics, researchers would expect to find 18 deaths In a group of this size. We then determined the cause of death in the deceased workers and found that three of the 12 died from cancer. This Is about the ratio researchers would expect, based on standard cause of death statistics for-the U.S. population as a whole. Simply stated, there was so evidence from this study to suggest that Monsanto AN workers are experiencing any unusual risk of developing cancer as a result of their exposure in the workplace. ... "As Monsanto employees, you should also know that youv company manufactures and uses AN under stringent health and safety precautions, and always has. In recent years, Monsanto has taken several significant steps in its domestic operations to further insure that employee health is protected. In 1977, Monsanto undertook measures to reduce employee exposures below the then existing standard. These exposure levels were reduced even further In 1978 and improved monitoring measures were implemented. At the present time, all domestic employee exposures are at or below the current 2 ppm 0S3A standard. Furthermore, the company meets all regulatory requirements regarding the use of AN in its products. "So, in summary, notwithstanding the CMA animal test results, we have seen no human evidence that could be viewed as cause for alarm for our employees. This is based n our own study of cause of death in former AN employees, exposed to higher levels f AN than the current standard. Obviously, we will continue to monitor the situation * .ery closely and will take any additional actions necessary to maintain a safe workplace and safe products, not only with respect to AN but with all Monsanto products and materials." 2/13/80 G. Roush Jr., M.D., Director Department of Medicine & Environmental Health RSV0022944