Document 6XLdXBk8ke4wv2MBV6jGpK7E
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REPORT OF MEETIMG WITH BAYER, LEVERKUSEN 15th JANUARY, 1970
Present for Bayer For Monsanto
D. Scabell
. KnustI1 E. Martin
- Director Organic Intermediates..
- Askarela Technical Service Manager.
- Askarels Product Manager.
Copies to :-
SUMMARY
Prior to our visit it seemed evident that Bayer were
not particularly worried about the PCB residue problems.
Apart from some concern immediately following the
original Swedish findings nothing had occurred to
involve them directly.
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Following our discussions, they! now appreciate the
fuller extent of the problem and the implications it
will have for all PCB producers!. Our approach was
welcomed and they offered full bo-operation, but could
not develop any detailed plans Until after further
internal discussions amongst the departments concerned.
They would like another meeting;, if possible before mid
February, when plans for co-operative work can be
agreed - particularly in the technical area.
HONS
DEPOSITION EXHIBIT
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Detail
1) We reviewed the historical developments, commercial
and technical, leading up to todays situation. Our
conclusions were that it was a-serious problem that was
here to stay and one that would! affect all PCB producers,
though Monsanto's position as the sole producer in the
U.S.A. and the U.K. perhaps made our situation in these
markets more sensitive.
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2) Without going into too much detail we outlinedcur plans for the immediate future, including the intention to write to all U.K. customers for Arcelor and it's derivatives before end FebruaryL It was appreciated
this would inevitably have repercussions on the Continent. We agreed to give Bayer a copy of our letter and they will begin drafting their own version.
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3) The need for education of all users was essential,
and this could best be done through the co-operation of
all major producers. Apert from government agencies,
commercial interests were now becoming concerned and we
mentioned Unilever's investigation of PCB residues in
herrings.
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Scabell has sales responsibility for Askars!s, hydraulic
and heat transfer fluids, though sales in the latter two
areas are very small. Plasticizer sales come under Bueb
and his department will be represented at the next meeting.
5) Following .P.Wheeler'a visit last May, Bayer have completed detailed clinical examinations on thirteen operators from their PCB plant.j The time worked on the
plant ranged from four to nineteen years with an average of eleven and a half? ages of the operators ranged from thirty-seven to fifty-nine with an average of fifty-two.
Only one man (fifty-six years old and fourteen years on
the plant) showed a slight indication of some liver disorder
and this need not be connected with exposure to PCB*s.
Results on all other operators Were negative. Bayer's
conclusion is that there is no hazard under normal operat
ing conditions.
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6) Their incinerator is available for all factory effluent
(liquids only ?>~, not just PCB'is, and is supposedly operat
ing at 1000 C - well above the cracking temperature for PCB.
They could not quote operating costs, but they charge
customers DM.20 per 100 kilos (about 2.5 cents per lb.)
for disposal of their waste PCB., carriage to Leverkusen
for customers' account.
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ACTION ''' '
HND -
DSC -
i i Confirm date of next meeting.
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Send them copy of customer letter when drafted.
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DSC/ec 20.1.70
0NS 034228 I
WATER PCB-SD0000007547