Document 6wpy4GXVx4rKkXM4GE06Yg3n3

' 4 . J iun DRAFT COPY AGRICULTURE'S RESPONSIBILITY CCECEaiiir.'G FOB'S r e p o r t CF USDA *vl) JiCC GROUP C:i FOB'S PARCH 1972 /\ ~r~"Vr rrr^**rwyr--yrr V*'",,,r'WP* ******* 036155 U3DA AD HOC GROUP OU PCB'S The inadvertent contamination of a fish meal with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) from a leaky heat exchanger and the subsequent contamination of poultry feeds in several southeastern States resulted f in an acute awareness of the present and future problems posed by these persistent compounds. /AfbAJ Education^'established the Accordingly, the Director of Science and Ad Hoc Group on P C B 's on August 30, 1971, to address thwr^ouA^o to the problem as it relates to agriculture. The members of the USDA Ad Hoc Group arc Dr. Robert C. Riley (C3RS), Chairman; Dr. Gerald F. Combs (S^E), Executive Secretary; Dr. Theodore C. Bycrly (SiCi); Dr. Fred Dunn (C253); Dr. Calvin Golum.bic (ARS); Dr. Harry W. Hays (ARS); Dr. George Kountney (CSRS); Dr. John E. Spaulding (C&MS); Dr. Fred II. Tschirlcy (CfJ2); and Dr. Bill G. Tweedy (CSRS). This report on "Agriculture's Responsibility Concerning ICB'r." has been developed by this group. Since the PCB problem constitutes the first example of a videspreud environmental hazard from a persistent industrial chemical not classed as a pesticide, it is believed that the study of this problem may be helpful in identifying needs equally useful in coping with the hazards of other similarly persistent industrial chemicals, especially as related to the protection of our food supply. On September 1, 1971, an Interdepartmental Task Force also was created to conduct a study on P C B 's. This task force is coordinated % by the Office of Science and Technology and Council on Environmental 'Quality and includes representatives from U3DA, FPA, FDA*,* IilEKS, USDC, \ '' . Dr. Hurry V. Hays, Dr. John E. Spaulding,, and Dr. Bill G. Tweedy, The interdepartmental 6-month study has been completed and a report i compiled entitled "PCB*s and the Environment." In iconjunction with this study, the National Institutes of Environmental Health Services organized a meeting on PCB*s, December 20-21, 1971. The proceedings of this meeting vili be available in April 1972. In addition, the Hazardous Chemicals Task Force of the Council for Environmental Quality has prepared a draft report on PCB's. These sources of information have been drawn upon heavily in the preparation of this report by the VSDA Ad Hoc Group. '. * NEV 036157 ! I. Introduction The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB*s) are a croup of chlorinated 1 * hydrocarbons vidcly used as industrial compounds. The commercial l products contain $0 or more of 210 different compounds which are theoretically possible when biphenyl is chlorinated. The roost ' common Mixtures contain between h0 and 60 percent chlorine. All PCB's used in the U.S. are manufactured by Monsanto Chemical Company and are sold under the trade name of Aroclor, The complex mixture of isoaers is identified by the percent of chlorine by weight in the total product; e.g. Aroclor 125** contains chlorine. Despite the fact that PCB's have been available for U0 years, they were net detected as enviroamsntal contaminants until 1966 in Sweden and lo7 in the U.S. In the spring of lo7, Monte Kirvcn of the San Francisco Natural' History Museum was searching the Northwest for peregrine falcons. One single, unhatched egg was brought to a laboratory and analysed for DDT. The egg was found to contain 5 ng, of DDT but other related products were present, and these could not be identified. These same compounds had been present in the analysis of other species of birds and fish. Because of the importance of the peregrine falcon, an attempt was made to identify the compounds. Vldmark (1566) had reported that a compound,which contained chlorine, Birillar to DDT in identification and analysis created a problem in isolation and identification of residues of DDT. With this infor mation ar.d additional results, the unknown compounds were identified , as polychlorinated biphenyls. Subsequently, the PCB'.s have been i ^ *f* h,r^.1 in -v,- 4 ** ^, ;*r*iw rtw.n NEV 036158 bevels of 1 ppm occurred in nearly half the *poople sampled in Michigan and higher residues have been reported. One entry to man is via the birds and mammals which have fed on contaminated fish. I Another route is through residues on fool which,have been wrapped in papers and plastics containing PCB's. A third route is through mill; The contamination of mil); is currently a problem of concern. *t Such milk is caning from cows which haye been fed silage from silos coated with PCB-containing paint. The herd feeding from silage from one of these silos usually will exceed the 5 PP in milk fat * which is the guideline set by the FDA. The levels usually observed in these herds range from 5 to 10 ppm. Of course, PCD contamination in milk is diluted when mixed with unccmteminatcd milk coming from other herds. ' The exact nature of PC3 entry into the environment is not under stood, but several scientists have speculated on possible major sources. Sewage outfalls and industrial disposals into waterways arc two principal means suggested by scientists. It has been esti mated that 1j,000 tons per year entered waterways from dumpage and leakage, of lubricants, hydraulic fluid, and heat transfer fluids. In most cases contamination can be traced to some industrial area. Residues have been found in water, sewage sludge, and bottom sedi ments. bevels in water arc usually less than a part per billion; in sewage nud sediments, tens to hundreds of parts per billion; and in sewage sludge, a few parts per million. NEV 036159 7-fi 79 *^ 5** * ,: , w | >>i 'i *! f Although the rivers and streams appear to be the prinary routes into the environment, the atmosphere also appears to bo a major means of entry. It has been estimated by Adel Sarofim or PQT that \ approximately 1500 tons have escaped into the atmosphere in past 1 years from plasticiicd materials containing PCB's. Burning PCBcontaining materials results in volatization unless the temperature exceeds 930 1\ Some of the oxides ere mere toxic than the parent materials. PCB's have been found in precipitation and in airborne particulates in the United States and in snow collected in Sweden. The levels found in these studies were in insufficient quantities to determine the specific levels. At the point of manufacture and the plants where PCD preducts arc processed, they can escape through ventilation and exhaust systems. The physical properties of PCB's vary slightly with the chlorine content. Those with low chlorine content are fluid liquids and those with high chlorine content arc highly viscous liquids. The color of these lew chlorine containing mixtures is clear, but the color for those containing rjOjo or more chlorine is light yellow. All PCB's have a very low solubility in water. Volatility is low 9 and decreases with increases in chlorination. They ere stable in water and arc not easily subject to acid or alkaline hydrolysis. These characteristics lend them to be quite persistent in the environment. Because of their low flash point and inertness, they have been widely used an dielectric fluids.in capacitors and transformers, hydraulic fluids and heat transfer fluids. Since 1^6^ more th^n 50 minor use;; have boon cited in Chemical Abstracts. Those include A 03O tbO 'w ,<H T n r T r y \` plasticisers and solvents in adhesives, printing ink, sealants, moisture retardants, paints and as pesticide carriers. Of all the i uses cited, the most difficult one to replace would be their use as dielectric fluids. The best replacement would require that capacitors `be rebuilt and that the size would be 50 percent larger. All. of the minor uses in the U. S.tsuch as. in adhesives, sealants, paints, etc.. '.have been reported by Montsanto to have been replaced with other compound *i .... . -- .............. ... * , ,t The persistence.^ the PCDs in the environment can be attributed to the lech of chemical and biological degradability. This usually results in an environmental contamination and contamina tion in fish, wildlife and in some instances, domesticated pnimals ' for human consumption. Like DDT, they will enter an organism, be stored in the depot fat, and thus be transferred through the food chain at increasing concentrations. Fish, for example, can concentrate FCBs more than 100,000 times that found in the ambient solution. Since their Introduction in 1930, the use of PC3 in the U.S. * steadily increased to 34,000 tons in 19.70, but has fallen off in 1971 to 20,000 tons. The cumulative production over the years is estimated at 400,000 tons. PCBs are also produced in Europe, Japan and U.S.S.R, The manufacturers'in'foreign countries producing PCBs can be identified but their total production is unknown. In France * the manufacturer is Prodclee (Phenochlore), in Germany it Is Layer (Colphcn) and in Japan, the product is Kancchlor. ^EV 03 b 161 t nr-wr*w<i* ' ' ' Methods of analysis arc very similar to hose used for the i organochlorine pesticides and because of thic^plus:the fact that there ;' i are 'numerous isomers of the PCBs, positive quantitative and qualitative determinations arc difficult. Currently a procedure Is available (Armour and Burke 1970) to separate PCBs from organochlorine pesticides and permit separate determinations of the two groups of chemicals, .Although this method and others arc available, expertise and good. Judgement are necessary and analytical methods for the PCBsarc by no means simple and definite. Identification of the PCBs is very difficult because their chemical properties are very similar to the organochlorine pesticides and both groups occur as a multicomponent mixture. It is probable that the PCBs have been confused with the -j organochlorinc pesticides in the past, ' * There appears to be some variability in biological and chemical activities among the compounds. The PCBs containing the lower percentages of chlorines are more toxic and more reactive than the ones containing higher amounts of chlorine. Highly chlorinated PCBs . appear to persist in the environment longer than the low chlorine forms*. Recent evidence. (Hammond 1972) suggests that some commercial rcu mixtures, especially those manufactured in Europe or Japan, nay contain trace quantities of clibonzofuran or other toxic compounds. * There is evidence which demonstrates that chemical changes in the environment dooi occur. Safe and Hutzxngcr (Nature 232,041(1971) . "* shoved that 2 ,2^,4,4^,6,6* - hcxachlorobiphenyl when Irradiated at l JboV' is* he:<o;*2 i.i r.*.i..:-r.il solution:, chioriue oLor..s vote lo give rearrangement and condensation products. Hutzinger and Safe NEV 036162 v*v . recently reported that relatively large amounts of dcchlorinatcd compounds arc formed when the co:rcnercial PCBs are irradiated in vapor phase,.aqueous suspensions, hexane, methanol and aqueous diox^Lno solutions andyWith this/ films of undiluted materiel. They speculated that the degradation products were.hydroxychlorobiphcnyls and carboxylic acids* There is also evidence that the chlorodibcnzofurans are formed In the environment. Hydroxychlorobiphcnyls arc probably an intermediate In the formations of. these. NeV 036163 ffoxlcolony The chemical anti physiologics.l properties of polychlorinated biphenyls make them potentially significant contaminants of the environment. The chr-nicfl properties that make them highly desirable industrial materials are their thermal stability, strong resistance to hydrolysis, and chemical intertness. Their use has graflvially increased to such an extent tba.t they can be found in all parts of the environment. Of particular importance in considering the toxicology of polychlori-r nated biphenyls is the fact that the commercial preparations are mixtures of compounds hayin'' different decrees of chlorination. Since each product may contain many different isomers in varying proportion, they may also show very different properties. Two features common to both PCil's and orpanochlorine insecticides is their persistence and accumulation in oil and fat. This combination of persistence and accumulation during transition through the food chain can result in considerable increase in concentration of these compounds. For example, shrimp exposed to 10 ppb of Aroclor 1254 for 48 hours accumulated 1300 ppb.of PCI^s. The presence of rCB*s in wildlife was first demonstrated in 19C6, and since then considerable data have been accumulated to show that they arc present in many species of fish, birds, and mammals. Toxicity studies on birds, vising several different PCB formulations, indicate that the toxicity increases with the percentage of chlorine. Bohwhitc quail were the most sensitive, followed in turn by pheasants and mallard ducks. The oral administration of PCB's to chicks and quail produces chemical porphyria, hydroporicardium, abdominal edema, liver necrosis, and dilatation of the kidney tubules. The rate of estradiol metabolism is greatly increased in pigeons after TCS treatment which may indicate induction of hepatic hydroxylases. Poor hntchability with decreased egg production and thinning of egg shells has been observed with most of the commercial preparations. Information concerning the effects of PCB residues in fish or the possible hazard posed by such residues has not been determined. Recent studies would indicate that PCB's have a relatively lew toxicity in trout and blucpills while shellfish, oysters, and shrimp arc many ttimes more sensitive. * NEV 036164  "'. ' ,. -.`t W . r f Acute oral, dermal, and vapor exposure studies in mammals would Indicate that the acute, toxicity of PCB*s is not a significant factor in evaluating the potential he.alth hazard. The oral LD^q for products containing 21 to 6S per cent chlorine is in the range o A to 10 grams per kilogram. . Laboratory studies with rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice have shown that ingestion, skin absorption, or inhalation of PCB's may give rise to liver necrosis, hyperplasia, and hyperkeratosis of the follicular epithelium, and hydropic degeneration of the convoluted tubules* Chemical porphyria has been observed in most species. Recent studies on several commercial polychlorinated biphenyls have shown the presence of tetra- and pentachlorodibcnzofuran and hexachloronaplithalene which' presumably occurs during manufacture. A single oral dose of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg of these chlorinated dibenzo- furans produces liver necrosis and chloracne. Therefore, the evaluation of rCB*s on the basis of effects and residues in test animals is made extremely difficult bexausc of the difference in toxicity between various isomers, and the presence of biologically active contaminants. v Approxi :natcly LO casco of fatal intoxication have been retried among industrial workers who handled cr were exposed to chlorinated biphenyls or naphthalenes. histopathologic examination revealed liver necrosis and cirrhosis. In l-53, i>: hundred isrcoi.r. were poisoned in Jaren after con suming rice oil that was highly contaminated viith a polychiorirated biphenyl, Karvochlcr ^00. The clinical effects included chle.racno, visual disturbances, Jaundice, numbness, and spares, newborn infants from mothers who hud been poisoned showed discoloration of the skin which regressed after ? to 5 months. From the Japanese incident, it was cctirr-ated that the Minimum dose to produce positive clinical effects in man was 500 mgs. NEV 036165 i*IWn*wnr-f T IX. A g ricu ltu re's K cst/onsibiltty American agriculture (hiS)historically* prided itself on the production, processing, and marketing of-an ample supply of high quality foods, not only for use in this country, but in foreign countries as veil.. The successful development of American agriculture has been unparalleled in its continued application of science to achieve greater productivity and efficiency/ This has included the widespread use of fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and many other feed and food additives. The potential hazards associated with each of these have been goneraJly recognized, and suitable control measures are in effect.. Considerable attention is being .vcn to environmental pollution from pesticides and heavy metals by the Environmental Protection Agency, but little concern has been given to insistent industrial chemicals that slowly build up in the environment. Such is the case with the PCB's. Agriculture, including the entire agribusiness community, from, the producer to the consumer must be responsible for the production, processing, and distribution of wholesome food without polluting the environment. This involves the continued application of technology to solve or prevent problems. The PCB's should be no exception. Develop ment and application of appropriate technology to meet nev; problems, 'requires directed efforts in research and education, most of-which is done by land-grant institutions. The regulatory or legislative role falls on the Federal ai:d State governments. State Boards of Agriculture NEV 036166 i and the U. S. Department of Agriculture must provide technical guidance to their lavaiakcrs and inspection agencies, The USPA not only is concerned v:ith the support of research and extension activities to help agriculture develop and apply the technology needed for efficient production of high quality, wholesome foods, hut it Is also charged vith the plant inspection of meat, poultry, and egg products. The Vholer.ome Poultry Products Act of 196Q, the Wholesome Meat Act of 19&7> the Kg s Products Inspection Act of 1970, all require the respon- 99 *1 ' ii sibio agencies within the UoDA to prevent adulterated meat, poultry, or eggs from being traded in co.Tmerco. The definition of adulteration Is similar in all three acts. Each act contains, as part of the adulteration ) - ! definition, the following: "...if it (the respective products) bears or 1 contains any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it : injurious to health; but in case the substance is not an added substance, such article shall not be considered adulterated under this clause, if the i , i quantity of such substance in or on the article docs not ordinarily render it injurious to health." In the case of an industrial chemical contamina- * lion as PCB's, the determination of the level which is injurious to health J J is a pood and Drug Administration responsibility. The USDA through moni ,4 j i toring, certification requirements, or testing must bo certain these pro t ducts arc not adulterated v:hc*n offered for sale. t : j tt~ * >r*t NtV 036167 I Continued use of PCB*a in trancf ;rn:ers and capacitors should be permitted as no suitable substitutes are available. But, except for these uses., the Monsanto Chemical Company, the only PCB manufacturer in the U.S., 'I indicates that they v/111 not continue to provide these -chemicals for uses in open-system and nonelectrical applications for which suitable sub stitutes are available. PCB's, however, are also widely manufactured in Japan, France, West Germany, Italy, and Russia and perhaps other countries. Without question, a number of products imported into the U.S. can be expected to contain FCB's, This leaves a major gap in the regulatory system to deal with FOB*s and other industrial chemicals which may be potential hay-turds i the environment There is no broad Federal authority at present to restrict use or distribution, to control imports, or to collect information. Such-would be provided by the Toxic Substances Control Act now pending before the.congress. According to the Interdepartmental Tack Force Report, the Federal Government has taken several new actions to deal with the PCB problem. The Enviroamcntal Protection Agency vill prohibit industrial effluents from contaminating vatejj and a standard of 0,01 ppb is being established for levels of PCB's in rivers and lakes, iiev/ regulations will be proposed by KDA with now and more stringent action levels for PCB's in food; steps to prevent PCB's in food-packaging materials; and measures to prevent accidental contamination, of food, including animal feeds. The USDA has performed approximately 7000 assays on meat, poultry, and egg products m for PCB's; and PDA has collected data on PCB content of foods, feeds, and food-packaging materials. The Environmental Protection Agency has r> ft ? 0 -*' ErryTi V NEV 036168 *'*'*^**i'*-' .1 measured iPCB's in sewage sludge and water, while the departments or ! . Interior and Commerce have foUovjed the levels in fish and certain birds. i Although this vast effort appears to be reasonably .comprehensive, it should be recognized that almost all of it was initiated after the prob lem existed, and that even now legislative authority is needed in certain . areas of control. 3'CD's are but the first example of similar persistent industrial contaminants which can be expected. The phthal&tc esters, for example, maty well be the next candidate. Concern about the levels, of lead, cadmium, and mercury in selected arcus also would appear to be nr- Justified! Since the agricultural community must continue to produce and process our foods so as to assure safety to the consumer, it \;ould seem that the USilA should devise a better vay to identify potential problems and develop solutions for implementation before such problems reach the proportion of the ?C'Vs in the food chain. This would suggest the need for a surveillance system for hazardous substances as they relate to the technology of agricultural production. Such a:system should include central laboratories, an information exchange system, and an evaluation and coordinating group. This need by agriculture would build in information collected by other agencies and by the US))A meatpoultry, and egg products inspection programs; but more directed effort must be given to potential problems if we hope to prevent them through modified or improved technology. This is the broad responsibility of agriculture as it continues to meet the food and fiber needs of man without unnecessary pollution of the ** * * environment. NEV 036169 M W I. V r m**TM.*,*** f 1 **^r*?rpfv?7w?v*,-,T'r.***** Even .now, it appears that a Monitoring system for detection of the presence of PCJJ's in foods is needed. To establish such a surveillance system, accurate sampling procedures and'analytical methods arc required i as veil <is meaningful guidelines and a knowledge of the routes *' ***** of contamination. To accomplish these objectives a central scientific coordinating group is needed. * 'The "USDA is the agency best qualified to carry out this mission since the Department pJready has the primary role for production, processing, and distribution of vholcsorne food and other agricultural products. In addition to a knoviledge of good reliable analytical methods, detection and removal of sources of contamination of I'CH's require a thorough knowledge of how each ftod commodity is produced and handled so that judgment can be used in collecting and interpreting resultsof incidents of PC3 contamination and in removing the causes. To help fulfill this role, it may also be necessary to monitor potential industrial sources of PCB'c and to recommend levs and regulations where existing statutes do not give sufficient authority. * NEV 0361^0 y i- w j r y ".r n y >i t I? w . y ' r lw. ^ 'l l ' w v * III. Inadvertent Contamination of Foods ft The identified feed sources of PCB's has consistently been inadvertent or unintentional addition of a PCB mixture to one of the feed components or migration from a feed contact surface. The variety of possible sources of PCB's is apparent by reviewing past cases of PCB's residues in livestock and poultry for the original source of the PCB. Those have been allegedly identified as plastic bakery wrappers, heat exchange fluid, hydraulic fluid and coating # materials on silo walls. Generally, the PCB residue in the feed was lover than the residue found in the animal tissue, .PCB's are accumulated in the fatty tissue of an animal's body. Thus, birds and animals with e prolonged feeding period, such, as i laying hens, and dairy cci;o are more at risk. A review of past occurrences is valuable as it allows the pie ruling for future controls. In this instance, if the PCB problems had been carefully evaluated during the first two occurrences, later out breaks would have been predicted and possibly prevented by proper corrective action. The first occurrence of PCB was caused by transfer from silo wall coating to animal feed and then through milk, cows in the late fall of 1969 PCB's in the silo lining material migrated into the silage. Cows fed this silage excreted the PCB's in their milk. Dairy herds 4 in Ohio, YJcst Virginia, and Tennessee were involved. The next farm animal Incident did not occur until February 1971. Then laying hens and the eggs they produced were found to contain PCB'levels Judged #vJ yO *'' hiJ,n**<t ^ ^tllu Oti **`h - throe liow York counties. Tha suspected contaminated feed ingredient PI'w ^ v * uwa jinrj ^ ? 11 w NEV 036171 was "bakery "byproducts." The source of the PCB*s vas the plastic vrapping vhich had been ground vith the baked goods. The ground bakery byproducts had boon formulated into the laying mash. l In late summer, 1971, the largest of the PCB's incidents o c c u r r e d . TCB-contaminated fish meal became an ingredient in chicken feed. The fish meal had become contaminated vith heat exchange fluid during pasteurisation to destroy Salmonella. .This incident affected the entire southeastern United States poultry industry and required con trol efforts in eleven states1 While this incident vas occurring, a turkey flock in Minnesota vas found contaminated vith PCB's vhich 1 required a special surveillance program. The suspected source vas hydraulic fluid used to operate the hydraulic oil meal presses. The cost of all these incidents to the agriculture community is difficult to assess. This is because of the difficulty in accurately assessing the intangible loss caused by a customer not buying n pro duct. Kovcver, the more direct costs can be measured vith ft fair degree of reliability. The poultry Pivision has spent $30,000 for specific tests on eggs and supervised the destruction of 123750 pounds of product valued at $31,000. The Meat and Poalti'y Inspection Program has conducted 6,000 tests for an approximate cost of $200,000. In addition, it has supervised the destruction of 1,100,000 pounds of poultry vith an estimated value of $275>000. In addition to these cotimated costs, the poultry industry estimates that it has had additional expenses amounting to millions of dollars to meet regulatory requirements from pretesting and birds destroyed ca the a2..iI5 or &Vr n a C . vc*a u ** .wfrnwyr; r.|>ir w iji. NEV 036172 --w ' .3 JtV.. Specific Concerns in Agriculture .PCB's must be considered as potential contaminants in several com ponents of agricultural systems. They have found their way into animal feeds and animal food products through paints, boat transfer exchange fluids, fish meals, End cellophane. Sinqe PCB's arc fat soluble, they may be recycled in animal fats End byproducts. They are concentrated approximately 3|- times in animal wastes, paper and cardboard food-packaging materials also may be contfamir.atcd. FCB*s have been found in milk, eggs, meats, fats, and oils, and cereal products. PCB's arc known to be harmful to chickens, ducks, mink, fish, and wildlife. Synergistic effects of PCB's and certain pesticides also have been reported. Background levels being reported in.remote areas suggest that these persistent chemicals will bi of concern to agriculturists for many years to come. Some of these concerns are discussed below. \ .r.'jju,*>jr-i NEV 036173 \ l .1 I 1> A*. Contaminate on of Animal feeds The accidental contamination of animal feeds with Pen's has been .responsible for most of the inadvertent contamination of foods Just described, ,i 3PCB contamination of animal feeds has been traced to heat transfer exchange fluids, hydraulic fluid, cellophane and plastic wrappers, paints and sealants used on bilo vails and in feed troughs, and misused transformer * Xlui<ji in a herbicide spray. A number of other PCB-containing substances which may.be found i n 'or near feed plants include lubricants, cutting oil, l.ac<jucrs, varnish, polishes,, dyes, rubber, asphalt, putties, printers ink, corrosion inhibitors, flame retardants, termite control compounds, etc. Presumably, the use of PcB's in all of these will be discontinued. Quite apurt from the accidental direct contamination of animal feed ingredients, the ubiquitous nature of PCB's also causes some concern about the biological magnification as they move through the food chain. For example, fish and aquatic invertebrates have been shown to accumulate PCB's to levels 75*000 tir.es that present in water and frequently contain from 1 to 10 ppm. The levels which are reached alco depend,on the length, of the exposure to PCB's. In rats fed a laboratory chow containing 0.05 to 0.1 ppm of PCB's, a 50-fold increase in level in the edipose tissue has beer, observed. Scott et al..(l97l) reported a h-to 6~fold increase in adipose as compared to diet levels In laying leghorn hens in only C weeks. PCB's arc fat solublb and arc found in the lipid fractions of feed Ingredients and food products. Animal products generally contain higher levels than do plant products when background levels alone are considered, .* * .. peed ingredients most likely to include significant levels of PCtt's would A!-*. . ..*.* . t ...... 1* .. . 1 V ti ......... .. *, . i* 03 6V1" NfcX "11f r y 7*7*V'TT" _____ -- - At present, the Pood end Drug Administration is conducting a survey on.the !Ten .content or .unirai roods in cooperation vith the American Feed Manufacturing Association, hut this information is not yet available. The AKA lias observed a vide divergence of analytical results -when different '.laboratories have .checked the same sample, presumably due to the analysts quantitation of the results* Despite this problem, levels of PcB's in feed ingredients and mixed feeds for animals appear to not normally exceed 0,5.Ppm uxcept when accidental contamination is involved. For low fat, non-marine, non-animal origin materials, the level will usually be substan** tially less. Limited information available to us suggests that the background rCB lcvcls infeeds would be 0.2-0.f| ppm in cereals and legumes, 0.3 to 1.0 ppm in meat and fish products, 0.3 to O.U ppm in bakery products, and 0.5 to 1.5 ppm in feed-grade fats. Discussion of some of the most likely occidental causes of FC3 contamination of animal feeds follows: 1. PCB-Contaninated Silos The problem v;as identified originally vhen the Ohio State Depart ment of Agriculture detected FCB residues in milk samples froav the Cincinnati milkshsd. They traced the FCB*s to the vails of concrete stave silos which had been painted vith FCB-ccntuirjing paint. PCB'c have also been used in silo sealants. FCB-contaminatcd silos have since been reported in Kentucky, Tennessee, fiorth Carolina, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. It is probable that contaminated silos 1 * exist in some adjoining States. "Enforcement activity hap been noii t*** ^ ni NEV 036175 r y r g lf-w 1 Information collected by the Ohio Department of Agriculture , ' field studies by the University of Kentucky, as. veil ns field and laboratory studies by the Animal Science Research Division, ARS, *' provides some background on the significance of the problem vhen it occurs on individual farms. Hoviever, information is not sufficient to evaluate the significance of the problem on a nationwide basis. Prior to 19$8, one of the paints used to coat the interior of . concrete-stave silos contained Aroclor 125*1* Three ello builders have been identified -as users of this paint. In two areas, centered In Ohio and Kentucky, the associated builders coated the entire interior vails of the silos. A third company, centered in Tennessee, used the material only to seal the joints betwenn the staves. Field studies by ASRD and the regulatory experience in Ohio and Kentucky suggest that if a dairyman has a silo with the entire vail coated, the residue levels of FC3 will be in the range of 10-15 ppm in milk fat at the time silage is fed. The highest level observed ** was ?8 ppm. The FDA guideline for PCB residues in milk is equiva lent to 5 ppi in milk fat. Invariably, a dairyman with these silos ^< * will produce' milk exceeding the guideline for at least part of the year* Milk from four farms in Tennessee where only the joints were coated has been examined by ASRD. The residue levels were about 5 ppro in fat vhen silage was being fed. Thus, this situation is ,*% not as serious as the completely coated silos. In many cases, the ,i residue levels may not exceed the guideline, i w w t w uw < M .n f f f .- nv w.y f . . n NEV 036176 l fl ar-** 1 The total number of silos affected cannot bo reliably estimated. There is, however, a reliable estimate Df 300 affected silos within an area in Tennessee. The number of silos might be 1000 if it could be assumed that the:othcr two companies are of similar size and that no other companies are involved. However,.there is reason.to believe that the other companies are larger and have built many more silos than the Tennessee company. If this is the case or if other companies are involved, the number of affected silos may be as great as 4,006 or .5,000. / Routine survelliancetmethods have not been adequate to detect the individual'dairyman with PCB levels exceeding the guideline. The lower detection limit for PCB is about 1 ppm in milk fat. Thus, an individual * dairyman with a contaminated silo, on^the same pick-up route as ten other dairymen with no milk contamination, would not be detected. Unless farms are surveyed on an individual basis most PCB contamination will be undetected when surveyed in tank samples at the milk plant. Based on the results of FDA surveys, the overall milk supply docs not present a significant health hazard to the general public. There may be a possible hazard, hov/eyer, to the individual -farm family if they consume milk produced on the farm. Assuming consumption of one quart of milk per day v:ith it an average contamination of 7.5 ppm in the fat, an individual* could consume i as much as 10 mg of PCB per year. Over a 20 to 25 year period, this intake * r*< R'i'i M"**r NEV 036177 i J` \ .5 1. i : vii : 1 /;? 3r . \ 'r.'rti-wF.ill'-- a \ .1 !* would approach the intake of Japanese who exhibited acute symptoms from short term-high level intake. Whether this would present a significant health i problem depends on several factors. Generally, a long-term intake of a toxic . ~. i substance is-not as significant as a short term intake of equal magnitude. The Aroclor 1254 involved in the silos is different from the PCB involved in the Japanese problem. Thus, it may not. cpntain the specific components that caused the most severe problems among the Japanese. *. * Field and laboratory studies by ASRD indicate that the rate of dynamics of Aroclor 1254 milk secretion is identical to the residue behavior of the DDT metabolite, DDE. Aroclor'1254 is resistant to metabolic degradation and it is transferred efficiently to milk fat or to body fat. It requires about 6 to 8 v/eeks to reduce milk residues by one half after the cow is placed on \ clean feed. Ho practical method has been found for speeding up the decon*i tamination of the animal. Cull dairy animals from farms with contaminated silos could be expected to have tissue residue levels of PCB exceeding 5 ppm in the fat. In general, the tissue residue levels would be similar in magnitudeto the milk residue levels. Silage is not a significant feed for fattening cattle. Therefore, it is probable that no other class of meat would be contaminated from this source. The Aroclor 1254 residues in silage occur mainly within 2 or 3 inches of the silo wall. As one progresses down the silo it is possible to detect small amounts of PCB several feetj* from the wall. However, because PC3s are non-polar and the silage medium is polar*.the amount of migration is not * * ft significant. J*--< *jHjEg*1-11 UEV 0361?8 4 n- Practical methods for handling the contaminated silos short of complete abandonment have not been developed. A practical method would have to be effective and cost significantly less than the price of a new silo. Two temporary expedients have been attempted. Since most of the contamination is adjacent to the wall, some individuals have discarded the material within 3 or 4 inches of the wall. ASRD and the University of Kentucky have examined milk from several farms where this was attempted. Residue levels were reduced but did not consistently fall below the guideline. There arc generally two problems with an approach of this sort The first is. that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to adopt this approach to mechanical silo unloaders. The second problem is that it does not remove the PCB from the silo and one cannot be certain that the same % diligence would be exercised in succeeding years. *v A plastic barrier installed as the silo is filled shows premise as an effective temporary expedient. Very little PCB penetrates through the barrier. However, as in the case of attempting to avoid the material next to the wall, this method is impractical with mechanical unloading and one cannot be certain that the barrier will be used in future years. PCBs are quite soluble in a number of non-polar solvents. Thus, with the appropriate selection of solvent it should be possible to wash most of the PCB off the walls. Several silos in Kentucky have been washed with gasoline. This appeared to remove about 903 of the PCB from the walls * near the top of the silos. However, it was apparent that a thorough job of washing was not done on the lower parts of the silos and .seme milk residue * levels were nearly as hi oh in t'rtesc herds as in untreated her;1'*. 1Y\: should hi; studied in a more thorough manner and its economics established.' NV 0 3 6 L 79 In > Another method of removing the PCB from the silos wtfuld be sandblasting. * However,, the cost of sandblasting has been established at more than half the ii price of a .new silo and in many cases would exceed the depreciated value of the existing silo. Sandblasting also creates a significant dust problem. 'Thus., -it -is possible that one would remove the PCB from the silo wall but spread it to other areas around the farm. There are two general areas of information which are urgently required in regard to the PCB problem in silos. The number and location of the * contaminated silos should be established. The second problem is to determine if it is possible to clean up the silos or whether it is necessary to totally abandon them. . . . In' addition to paints and sealants for silos, PCB-containing paints, putties, end vator-proofir.g compounds have been used on antral feed troughs end other surfaces. In one instance where a feed trough for swine was coated with a sealant containing Araclor 125h> chips from the bottom contained 8000 ppm rca*B. Similarly finished feed transported in a newly painted hopper car contained 6.5 ppm of Aroclor 12h8. NEV 036180 1- \ Plastic and Taper Trolucts i The PCB contamination of eggs from laying hens in Hew York State, which *4 .JLcd .to the incrimination of & bakery byproducts meal used in the laying I mash, is'an example of TCB contamination fron cellophane and plastic wrappings. It appears that the amounts of these materials ground up with the bakery 'byproducts were sufficient to explain the PCB contomina- tion. The use x>f PCB as & plasticiser has been ftljnost completely replaced by the phthalatc esters* 9 ' The presence of TC3 in paper products was described at a recent meeting sponsored by the Grocery Kanufc.cturers of America, Inc. The i*rir.'.ary source of PCB was found to be carbonless paper which vas present in certain \ grades of paperstoek being recycled in the paper industry. The FC3's were .used as a component of the dye carrier in the carbonless carbon paper. In many cases, the recycled paper vas used for packaging food, thus resulting in a contamination of the food. Presumably, PCB's are no longer used in carbonless carbon paper,and recycled paper is no longer used to package food; thus, exposure from this source should no longer occur. It should be pointed out, however, that PCB's have been found in paper and paperboards that did not contain carbonless carbon raper. The American Paper Institute is currently sponsoring a study to determine levels of PCB in United States pulp, paper, and paperboard and to investigate the migration of PCB from paper- boards to foods. \ ,, ** % 036i81 3 Motvt Transfer Kxch*.ngt r Fluids .JPCB'e have been used extensively as heat transfer exchanger fluids due to their Inflammable nature or high flash points. Leahs on a hot surface or into & furnace present a fire hazard vith flammable`heat transfer .fluids. Where RGB's have been used, this clanger has been avoided in the .past, .This accounts for the videspread use of PCB'e in heating systems used to process or sterilize feed and food ingredients. "The`largest x>T thc'TCB incidents which occurred was caused by chichon feed containing imported fish meal that .had become contaminated with heat exchange fluid during pasteurization to assure Salmonella control. * Restrictions have been proposed by FU\ on the use of RGB's in food, or feed processing facilities, so as to prevent any further chance of aeci\ dental 'leaks causing contamination* In some instances, water can be used as a satisfactory substitute at moderately high temperatures. Some hydrocarbons are now being used as heat exchanger transfer fluids, but these do present fire hazards in high temperature systems. In replacing l'CB's with another material, caution should be exercised to avoid spillage and contamination of the environment where food or feed is processed. Spillage can result in heavy contamination of grease-trap fat, which sometimes is used in feed-grade animal fats. All PCB's removed from such systems should be buried or returned to the Monsanto Chemical Company where they can be burned in a special high temperature furnace which will degrade these compounds. Q3t> -r-m * JC-- y*.H *rwrV*T '-- *^ ' V HydraulS c F3.ul.ds . TCB's also have been widely used as hydraulic fluids since they have a high flash point- It is anticipated that satisfactoiry substitutes *i will replace PCB's for this use, but one should always suspect their presence in present equipment. Hydraulic systems arc frequently used on farms, in processing plants, in feed mills, and throughout the entire agribusiness complex. Leaks from hydraulic lifts on feed trucks have contaminated feed. Other leaks into the environment couldfind their way into the .food chain in a less direct way. \ NEV 036183 L*V*,  *_**' l n. f ! 5* KocLyc* lo~d1,Aln-im-u-l- JP" r1od1u- c- ts ., A number of feed ingredients are made from byproduct and waste . t materials which accrue during processing of animals for human food. These Include feed grade poultry and animal fats, poultry byproducts meal, hydrolized feather meal, meat scraps, r.ent and bone scraps, tankage, and blood meal. In theory, each recycling of such products through another genera tion of food animals will result in a slight increase in the concentration of PCB's In the food Tat. This occurs since the aniif.nl accumulates a higher level in its body fat than yas present in the diet. Expressed on the basis of dietary fat vs. body fat, however, there m*ay be no increase in ccnccntration of rcB's. Recycling of animal byproducts is not likely to result in a measurable PC3 buildup in such products unless diets containing high \ levels of dietary fat ore used. For example, carcass fat of broilers might be If*,, while the amount cf fat in a commercial broiler feed contain ing 5$ added feed-grade fat, would range from 7$. If feed conversion averaged 2,0 and 30`a of the PCB's consumed were retained in the carcass, the resulting level of the PCB's in the adipose tissue in the bird would be only one-third that in the feed expressed on the basis of feed fat, even though the concentration in the body fat would be eight times higher than that of the total feed. Though higher levels of PCB's vfould be expected in turkey roosters kept to ?h weeks, this still should not result in an increase in PC3 content of body fat vs. feed fat since they would consume only about twice as much feed per pound of gain as would broilers. Hens kept for commercial egg production and as broiler breeders would consume from 60 to 180 pounds NEV 036184 ij. TU'W ***-1** 1 1V 1 of .feed per pound of body weight before marketing and could develop four to tte'n times 'higher levels in the body fat as in the feed fat. Jloocvcr, animal`.byproduct v:astes from such sources vould not constitute a signifi cant proportion of the total supply. Moreover, most of the feed-grade .fat is used in broiler feeds. Ko buildup of PCI^s would be expected in .beef, 'lamb, or .swine .production. When high levels of PCB*s arc found in animal products, consideration should .be given to the prevention of recycling contaminated animal by product feeds, especially those high in fat. Moreover, a system of surveillance to detect residue;! of PCJVs or other fat-soluble materials should include careful monitoring of recycled animal byproduct feeds and .feed-grade fata at the feed ingredient production level. / NEV 036185 \ B. Effect of l>CBs on Animals and Transfer to Animal Food Products Poultry McCune et al. (19S2) observed that an epoxy-resin paint containing *i Aroclor 12b2 caused symptoms of "chick edema11 when chicks were placed in a freshly painted batteiybrooder. Subsequent studies with levels from 100 to COO ppm showed that this compound produced labored respiration, accumulation of abdominal fluids, enlarged heart, hydropericardium, swollen kidneys, and hemorrhage of internal organs. Mortality was severe and weight gains reduced. Further studies by Flick et al, (1965) suggested that liOO ppm were required to produce serious symptoms. They observed cream- colored pancreas, enlarged adrenals, small spleen, dermatitis, loss of feathers, low hemoglobin, low hematocrit, and reduced blood glucose. . i Rchfcld et al. (1971) have recently reported that the maximum tolerance of the chick to PCBs, containing ^8^ chlorine, is approximately 50 ppm in the diet. Symptoms observed in chicks fed PCBs included depressed weight gain, edema, gasping for breath, hyperpericardial fluid, internal hemorrhaging, depression of secondary sexual characteristics, and an' increase in liver as a percent of body weight. Several of these symptoms were present when levels of more than 20 ppm of PCBs were fed. Scott et al*. (1971) fed four levels (0.5 -to 20 ppm) of Aroclor 12l|8 to White Leghorn hens for 8 weeks and measured the effect on. egg production, egg breaking strength, fertility, hatchability of fertile f-'oi cer.su:.:;;.iicn, a.-.i FC3 c c ,, ' -gj:-- NEV 036186 adipose and other tissues. No effect was observed on feed intake, ' ' ! 1 breaking strength of eggs or fertility vhile egg production was reduced only 10 end 13# after 8 weeks when 10 and 20 ppm of PCBs, 11 re*spectively, were fed. The levels of PCBs fouand in adipose tissue and eggs after different lengths of time on diet are given in Table I. The two lowest levels of dietary supplemental PCBs, 0.5 and 1.0 ppm, Aid not 'increase the PCB content of the eggs above 0.^5 ppm. With the 0.5 ppm dietary level the PCB in the eggs plateaued at about 0.2 ppm, and with the dietary level of 1.0 ppm, the amount in the egGs plateaued at approximately 0.h5 ppm. The ratio of PCB in the eggs in comparison to that in the fat of the hens after 8 weeks on the experiment was almost exactly 1 :1 5 for both of the lowest levels of dietary PCBs. With the 10 and 20 ppm dietary levels of PCB, the ration of PCB in the eggs to that in the fat of the hens vas approxi mately 1 :12 . The effect upon hatchability vas more dramatic than egg produc tion (Table II). The lower levels of 0.5 and 1.0 ppra of PCB pro- ..- . . 7. * duced no effect but the 10 percent level of PC3 reduced hatchability In 1| weeks by 28 percent and 20 ppra level almost completely elimin ated hatchability of the eggs. At this higher level, the .embryos In eggs died during the 21st day of incubation. Egg production is reduced by about 10 percent when the PCB level of eggs approaches 3 ppn of PCB and further reduction occurs when PCB level of eggs reaches 7 ppm. The hatchability of eggs vas only about 56 percent of normal when the PCB level reached 3 ppm in the eggs, vhile a level of lj-5 ppm or more of PCB in the eggs almost eliminated hatchabi >:**.H ** ? y r*v y ***rz t qj: T NEV 036187 TABLE I. TRANSFER OF PCBs (AROCLCR 1248) FROM TIE LAYING DIET TO THE ADIPOSE TISSUES AND EGGS PCB in PCB in adipose tissue diet 1 wk 4 wks 0 wks ppm ppm ppm ppm 1 wk ppm PCB in eggs 4 wks 6 wks; 7 wks ppm ppn ppm 1 CD ppm 0 0 0 0 00 000 0.5 1.51 2.16 3.10 0.10 0.16 0.21 0.20 0.22 1 1.0 2.21 4.41 6.62 .0.19 0.33 0.42 0.45 ,0.41 10.0 10.4 22.7 37.1 1.05 2.21 2.83 3.11 3.06 20.0 ' 16.3 54.7 02.7 2.19 4.51 5.37 5.72 7.04 Data of Scott et al, (1971) NEV 0 361SS ; 1 * a *' TABLE I I . EFFECT OF , TCBs {ABOCLOH 12HB) OH JLlTCilABILITY i ' 3 PGBs In Diet 0 0.5 1 10 20 Yiecks on Diet ~ 1i-------- B~ Percentage f Fertile Eggs 89.8 91.3 88.2 65.li 3.9 90.5 91.6 93-7 50.0 2 ,1* l/ Ko effect vas observed on ~ fertility or breaking strength of egg shells. Data of Scott et al. (1971) 4 t *\ 11t i^ n r i ' v i r ** -'* *.'.'* NEV 036189 ' In this study attempts were made to deplete the tissue of the hens of TCB (Sec Table III), They used high-and low-energy diets; . hut vlth either, the rate of depletion of the body stores of PCB was slow, * .\ After the 8-week feeding test, the skin, muscle, liver, and gizzard of the hens were assayed for 'PCBs after depletion periods of 2 and 1* weeks (Table IV). The skin, apparently because of its high fat content, had the highest amount of PCBs, The PCB content of the whole fresh muscle was not very high and was quickly depleted to levels below 1,0 ppm. Values for organ and tissue levels of PCB ore shown in Table IV. Shutze ct l. (I97l)> collected data on three commercial farm flocks where Single Comb White Leghorn breeders had consumed a feed containing 27 ppm of PCBs from fish meal accidentally contamin ated with Aroclor 12^2 used in a heat transfer exchange fluid. Hatchability of eggs was less than 0.5 percent when the eggs con tained more than 2.3 ppa of PCBs. When the PCB concentration in . the eggs from flock A decreased to 1.6 ppm, a 20 percent hatch was obtained. Flock B vas subjected to 1U days of starvation to deter mine the influence of forced molting on depletion rate of PCBs. During this period, the concentration actually increased in the adipose tissue from 20.h to 38*^ ppm. A third flock vas maintained on a n 'uncontabinated breeder ration ' and PCB content of eggs and hatchability of fertile pggs were moni tored weekly. After 2 weeks, the level of PCBs in th'i eras drorred to 1 .3 ppm and hatchability was 055* After one more week, the w - `U'w NEV 036190 *1 \ TABLE III. EFFECT OF U-V/K. DEPLETION PERIOD ON LEVELS O? PC3n (AROCI.OR 12l8) IN BODY FAT AND EGGS OF LAYING HENSl Level PC3s In Diet During B-Wk. Period PPM 10 20 10 20 Wks. Depletion After 8 Wks. on PCR-Containing Diets 1 / ____ 0 Viks. 2 Wks. Viks, PPM in Body Fat m 37.1 C2.7 J)0.2 6?.0 21.2 1)3.0 PPM in Eggs 3.1 2.11 7.0 ' I1.8 i.6a 3.iio if Low-energy diet fed first 2 wks., then highenergy diet fed 2 wks. Other data failed to chow that dietary energy level had any effect. Data of Scott et al. (1971) i'T n;?n r r t * m m k m rrv.> ' M 1 3ABLE IV. PCB (AROCLOR 12U8) CONTENT OF EDIBLE PORTIONS OF THE HEN Depletion diet no. 1 2 2 63 'Initial lot no. i* S ** 5 5 V PCB content of tissues, M wks depletion Skin Muscle Liver Gizzard ppni ppm pp:r. ppm 12.0(22)* 0.42(24) 5.0 (18) 2.0(21) 28 (46) 0.87(44) 6.0 (37) 4.2(45) 13.7(27) 0.42(27) 1.16(24) 2.1(27) 21 (63) 0.35(58) . 1.7 (46) 2.0(56) 16 (26) 0.42(30) S.O (21) 3.0(25) 18 (47) 0.56(45) 12 (37) 2.0(39) * Figures in parentheses show PCB in parts per million of the extractable fat of the tissue. Bata of Scott et al. (1971) NEV 036192 TI level in ccrs dropped to 1-1 ppm and hatchabiliiy was it 92 percent. After 10 weeks of depletion on the uncontaminated diet, the level of PCBs in eggs had dropped from 2.5 to 0.72 ppm and in adipose tissue from 20.U to 8.6 ppm. * The level of PCBs required to affect hatchability in chickens is much cheater than is needed to interrer with the reproduc- tion in ranch mink.. Coho salmon containing 15 ppm PCBs caused reproductive failure when fed to ranch mink (Auerlch et al., 1971). . ; In still another flock of 10-week old pullets, PCB levels dropped from 11.2 ppm to 2,8 ppm at 19 veeks of age, Mortality, growth rate, and appearance seemed to be normal. * D&hlgrcn and Linder (1971) reported that (Aroclor 125^) PCBs fed to pheasants at 25 per week for 17 weeks significantly depressed egg production and increased the number of pips. Even though v/cckly v/eight changes of hens, fertility and hatchability of eggs, mortality of adults, and egg shell thickness did not appear to be affected by PCBs, total reproductive success was depressed. Mortality of chicks from hatching to 6 weeks of age was sig nificantly greater in the offspring from hens fed 50 mg FCBs weekly. (Shutse et al. 1971). Tucker and Crabtree (1970) observed that the acute oral LDjo's ^or Aroclor 12*i2, 125**, 1260, and 1268 in the Mallard duck were around 2000 Jng/kg or greater. SimilarlyFlatanow and Funncll (1971) found the LD50 to be about 200 to lt00*ppm in chicks when 'fed from day-old for h to 13 v ; ' NEV 036193 myff9 In chickens, Japanese quail, and rats, PUB poisoning causes u rise in porphyrin in the liver, bile, small intestine, ana bone which leads to increased excretion of fecal coproporphyrin and proto- - porphyrin. The porphyrin formation may be due to induction of AIA synthetase (Vos and Koeroan, }970). * Dairy .< Fries (1971) has studied the'transfer of PCB (Aroclor 1251) from points used on silo walls. This is discussed above. The levels found in silage have ranged from 3** to 31 ppm within 1| inches and from. 0-11 to 0.27 ppm from 6 to 2*1 inches from the vail (Skrcntny et al. 1971)* Although highly variable, the level in contaminated silage will average about 0.8 ppm of PcBs. cows fed such silage produce milk containing from 5 to 11 ppm of PCBs In the milk rat. The level of PCBs in the milk declined about 50J within 3 weeks after removal of the silage. After this, the rate of decline was 1.3i per day. Milk from cows not fed contaminated silage may contain 1 to 2 ppm of PCBs in the milk fat from back ground levels. Fries (3.971) has found that cows fed 200 mgs of Aroclor 125* daily for 60 days produced milk containing 50 ppm of FCBs in the fat. When PCB feeding was stopped, the level in the milk fat dropped from 50 to 2* ppm in 10 days. Thereafter, the concentra tion decline was approximately 1$ per day. Concentration of PcBs in the milk fat was not related to stage of lactation or level of milk production. i If one assumes an average fluid milk consumption of *50 gns, including cheese, lew ..o-:, ana butter, intakes of 1i,j :r.egs j.cr day could be obtained if all the milk fat contained 11 ppm of FC3s. NEV 03619** ' *1 I' A report by Saschenbrecker et al, (197c.) suggests that a higher percentage of PCBs Is excreted in the milk than through either ... * .I urine or feces in the study with two dairy cows. They administered *1 - 3.0 and 100 mg of PCBs per kg, of body weight and obtained levels of 6,3 and 7*J-5 ppm, respectively, in the milk one day later. Total collections of urine and feces for 7 days accounted for only 2,0 and l,h$ of the total dose, while 7 *1! and 1*.8$ was recovered In the milk over the same period. Urinary excretion was insignificant, being less than 1$ in both animals, . Charcoal appears to be somewhat effective in the prevention of * absorption when fed with PCB-contalning silage but has no value In removing body stores. D. Y/astc Disposal Animal Vaste The safe economic disposal of animal wastes is rapidly becoming a priority concern. The increased sisic of agricultural units needed for most efficient production has rendered land recycling less adequate and the possibility of recycling of certain types of animal wastes In feeds for animals is receiving considerable attention. Although much more information is needed to properly appraise the feeding value of different types of animal wastes (poultry manure, fecdlot wastes, etc.), present information clearly Indicates that such wastes can provide a significant proportion of the nutrient needs of ruminant animals. Any animal waste would require some type of processing to insure that it Is pathogen-free ' * prior to use in animal feeds, and such wastes must not contain '15 .* ..w 1,.** a lie:. tially harmful to men or animals. NEV 0 3 6 19 5 w^ *< m^iiiirirrmrfcnt---**"*" : j: ( ` \ v Studies by Yoshircura et al, (197-1), involving radiolabeled " * i1 Kanechlor given to rats, shoved that urinary excretion was limited; ii but 70# of the done vas in the feces, scene of which had been changed !i to phenolic metabolites. Depletion studies with rats (Curley et el. 197l) confirm the much greater excretion of PCBs in the feces as compared with the urine. Based on the work of Scott et al..(1971) where laying hens were fed diets containing 0.5* 1.0, 10, and 20 ppm of PCBs, the propor tion retained In body fat, excreted in eggs, and voided in the droppings has been estimated. These calculations, which involved estimates for feed consumption, body size, egg size, percent egg production, and body composition, suggest that, expressed on the basis of total PCBs consumed, from 12 to 15# was excreted in eggs; lO to 30# was retained in the adipose; leaving from 55 to 70# to be voided in the droppings. A higher proportion vas retained in adipose and in eggs when the lover levels were fed. These calcula tions would suggest that the observations with rats may be reason ably correct for food animals with rospect to PCB excretion ana that animal v;astes could contain up to 70# of the PCBs consumed. 1 In most cases, digestibility of animal feeds will approach E0# the grain and concentrate portion of the ration; therefore, if as much as 70# of the dietary PCBs is excreted In the feces which would approximate 20# of the solids in the diet, there could be as much as a 32-fold increase in concentration of PCBs in fecal wastes on a solids basis. At low levels of intake, the increase in concen- v;\V,lc:i in would be ecmcvhat loss. NEV 036196 I ' This increase in PCB concentration in animal wastes is not likely to consistute'*a problem in practical recycling for animal ) feeds where only background levels of contamination are involved, and relatively low levels are included in the total ration. Ylith ruminants where higher dietary levels of processed animal waste products can be effectively used and where longer periods of feeding arc involved, one could expect the concentrations in the adipose to be increased. Accordingly, attention to PCB con tent of such animal wastes must be considered in determining its suitability for recycling in rations of food-producing animals. In this connection, one would anticipate greater concentration in animal wastes than in such byproduct ingredients as meat scraps, poultry byproducts mealj etc. except where the byproducts are made from breeding animals fed PCB-ccntaining diets over a long period. 03bV9? \*\ Processing Kastcs *. ron'e have been traced to industrial effluents both in the United Stnteo and in Western Europe. Sewage outfalls and effluent ditches from industrial plants have been identified as PC3 sources, but there is little or rio Cocuisentntion an to the actual source of PCD within the plants* PCIT contamination of the Escambia River was traced to on * *# effluent stream from the Monsanto Chemical Company and the presumed 1 source was a leal; in the heat exchange system of the plant* Aside from the veil-publicized episodes of leaking heat exchangero in feed millsi rCD'c have been found in trace amounts in the by-products from tvo potato processing plants, one located in the Denver area and the other in Seattle, according to a PDA report* These appear to be the only instances so far where the agricultural processing industry has been the source of contamination. iron the known solubility properties of the PCB's, the refining of crude vegetable oils and animal fats should'eliminate them but they would probably be found in the deodorizer distillates. The by-prcducto from meat packing, poultry processing and rendering operations also probably accumulate PCS'e. Feed lot waste fractions and corn-nilled products from sluc^e-treated coil arc also possible sources of contculnation arising from agriculture product processing industries. NEV 0 36 19 8 Uses of Sewage Sludge Analysis of ccyage sludge at Port Collins, Colorado indicated i that 1X3- content ranges from less than 1 to 12 ppm based on air dry vcight. Bie sevage sludge samples vere taken from the drying bods -' O' f after ancrobic digestion. Arficfilop 12$h vas the primary constituent o *vith lover amounts of AryVc/ilo^s 12-'i8 and 1232. Water analyses sampled above and belov the sevage plant shoved FCB's in the samples taken primarily from beloy the setgagQ plant. Ihe PCBfs vere found on suspended particulate matter* Pried sevage sludge is frequently used on launs and golf courses* . Sevage sludge analyses could possibly be used as an indicator of PCB load entering the environment. If the uses of PCB's in open systems are indeed curtailed, one could empect a marked decrease of PCB content in sever sludge. nyrw* i NEV 036199 ;V*fU" <* I'-. * .I* \ y - .... . - . . .1 V/ildlife Preservation* FCB's, like i-any of the organoohlorine insecticides,-ere stored in the lipids of animals. They resist metabolic changes, end tend to he con centrated at ruccecdir.gly higher levels in animals higher in the food chain. The higher chlorine PCB's ere the r.ore stable. foisting date suggest that the principal route of PCB's through the environment is from vste streams into receiving waters, downstream movement in the waterways in the water and on sediment, accumulation from the water by aquatic organisms and transfer to birds and normals through residues in fish that are ccton. 'I PCB's are lothally toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates in concen' trationsof parts per billion or less. However, in simple food chains, fish to eagle? qr fish end mussels to seals, concentrations increase to thousands of times from prey to predator. The toxicity of PCB's in birds is similar to DD3. Pesi dues of PCB's in brains of chickens killed by ?C3 cosr.gc range from fco ppr. to 700 ppm, The toxicity of PCB's is greatly increased by the presence of chlorinated cibsnzofuran and chlorinated naphthalene impurities, apperent in foreign manufacture of-PCB's- The toxicity of PCB's increases when the organism in under stress. In addition, FCB exposure vili stress an animal to increase the eusceptability to other nor ballty factors. For example, mallard ducklings exposed for 10 days to a dietary dosage of 25, 50 cr 100 ppra of Arochlor 125** shoved 35 "to hk percent mortality upon subsequent ^ exposure to duck hepatilis virus, whereas mortality among birds exposed only to virus was 111 percent, significantly lover. In addition, repro ductive failures are evident in some known instances when exposed to PCU's in the diet as in ranch mihk. ?C3's induce microsomal enzyme activity in birds and normals and the lover chlorinated mixtures.have estrogenic ectivlty in rats. Kcs shell thickness of ducks, quail and doves arc unaffected by low or Moderate dietary doses of Arochlor 125^. In brown pelicans PDF residues correlcac vith thinning eggshells better than residues of PCB's. On the other hand, chicken eggshell thickness is thinned by high doses of Arochlor 125*' and by low doses of Arochlor 12^2,. 036200 nem I Dehavorinl differences have piso boon observed vith high dosages of PCB's tie in poor choices of visual cliff tests in pheasants, Migratory rest lessness vas increased in English robins exposed to PCB's. In conclusin, it is apparent that the evaluation of PCB's actual or potential effects in the e'vhironrrent is hampered by the complex nature of ihe PCB ni:.tures, by the inclusion of contaminants in the fixtures end by the interact!o.ns vith other stress factors. In addition, experilaentcl studies have been conducted vith the unaltered products and the results ray not proparly reflect the effects of the components as they exist in the environment. The evidence available, however, indicates that PCB's trust be vieved as potential problems to vildlifc. ' Byncrgistjc Effects With Certain Pesticides. Limited information is available concerning the synergistic effects Of PCB's vith pesticides. Kovcvcr, vhat information that is avail able should not be disregarded. Sublethal dosages of several Arehlors increased the toxicity of dlcldrin ana BE? to Drosophila and house flies. (Lichtenstein ct al. 19^9)* In enother investigation Arochlor 125*> increased the toxicity of carbaryl to house flies by factors of ll-to-*;2 fold. The mechanism of synergism is unknovn, but probably does not involve the inhibition of microsomal oxidase vhich is usually responsible for insecticide synergism (Plapp - unpublished). Aroclor 12l*B~althou^ih nontoxic by itself to houseflies at dosages of 10 micrograms per fly--significantly increased the toxicity of the oxygen analogs of five orgar.ophosphcrus insecticides after simultaneous topical application to houseflies. FC3s applied simultaneously vith parathion, hovcvcr, decreased the toxicity of x>arathicn to houseflies, but increased mortalities when applied to flies one-half hour after the application of the Insecticide. The PCBs apparently inhibited the conversion of parathion to its toxic activation product, paraoxon, and the breakdown of paraoxon into nontoxic compounds. {Lichtenstein 1971) If synergism related to PCB's occur vith other insecticide^and vith marmals as veil as vith insects, then unintentional ex posure to PCB's due to environmental contamination cay have sigr nificant implications to non-target organisms exposed to combin ations of PCB's and pesticides. ov 0 3 fa . / r r r r ' w!-- Problems of Ftonitorinr; the Wholesomeness of the Food Supply The total food bill (excluding alcoholic beverages) paid by the American consumer reached a high of some $128 billion in 1Q71. This figure includes purchases-for home preparation as well as avay-frorahome meals. Food purchases represent about one-third of total product purchases, making it by far the largest single category in the product purchase budget. Another way to look at the importance of food is to note that the average person consumes about 1,^50 pounds of food each year. Based on the current U.S. population, this represents a total annual consump tion of almost 300 billion pounds of food. While the number of food manufacturers has declined greatly since World War II-- from lj0,000+ in 19^7 to 32,000+ in 1963-- it nevertheless requires a very siacable and diverse industry to satisfy the needs of the consuming public. While up^to-date figures are not readily avail able on the number of companies involved in food production, one can estimate that the number is perhaps in the area of 25,000 at the present time. Another factor that has a bearing on the overall problem of food surveillance programs is the imports which represent about 10 percent of our total food supply. Looking at the total food supply and the need to maintain quality at levels and tolerances acceptable to the consumer and at the same time provide maximum assurance of a wholesome product, one can see that an inspection program is certainly confrort ed with challenge. NEV 036202 1 *: '' 1. Problems of Inspection and control The objective of an inspection program is to provide a system of defining and controlling quality at levels! acceptable to the 'consumer or buyer at a cost that is reasonable. At the same time, . materials that are toxic or otherwise present a hazard to health must be identified and eliminated to the maximum extent possible. The extent to which these objectives can be attained depends to some extent* upon the authority of the inspection agency to per form the necessary functions of food inspection and also the availability of funds and people to carry out an effective moni toring system. There are, of course, many interrelated areas of concern that must be considered in the total program such as: a. Identifying that a hazard exists ,* b. Locating source of contamination c* corrective action d. Developing an appropriate sampling procedure e. Methodology f. Disposition of contaminated product It has been suggested that the attributes of food quality fall Into two general categories; nainely, those that are sensory and are normally detected by appearance, taste, odor, etc., and those that are hidden and would most likely escape detection by the consumer's senses. This latter category is of increasing impor tance as far as the consumer's health is concerned since so many t toxic substances fall into this class. Fortunately, many of the ] u.:.;.rc j.: iw.br.V..r.ccs, cue':: :.a :*:*c . 036203 s The same is true of authorized food additives, some of which ore : known hazards and must be controlled. The most critical problem Is detecting those contaminants that creep into the food supply ; through accidental contamination from environmental sources. Our current knowledge of PCBs indicates that the principal route to .1 man through the food supply-is restricted for the most part to : fish, poultry, eggs, and milk. The problem associated with carbonless paper and recycled packaging materisl is being corrected. This then identifies certain specific food sources that warrant monitoring to protect thepublic health. -1 The type of sampling scheme utilized in the inspection program V depends to a large extent upon the purpose for which the inspec tion is made. In setting up a sampling plan, it is often customary !i to classify defects in product characteristics as minor, major, and critical-- a minor defect is one that might affect the economic value of the product but not its wholesomeness; a major defect , is one that is not injurious to health but could make the food unsuitable because of aesthetic considerations; and a critical defect is one that presents a hazard to health. Since the risks to the consumer must be minimized in the case of "critical defects," sampling procedures must be tailored to this objective. Obviously, routine market sampling would not offer sufficient protection. The most effective approach in the case of substances such as PCBs is to concentrate on the known or suspect sources and perform NEV 036204 near 100J sam pling to assu re d eten tio n o f contaminated products. This type of sampling is illustrated by a recent FDA order to sample all fluid milk in the 50 States at the "farm pickup point" * for PCD testing. \ Historically, the inspection services have been confronted with problems of methodology whenever a contaminant appears unexpect edly In the food supply. Vhen dealing with these highly toxic materials, the method must be sensitive to levels in the order of parts per million and even in some cases parts per billion. Generally, chemical or instrumentation procedures arc required as they are faster than bioassays and can be handled in many laboratories. Fortunately, the never, more sophisticated analyt ical procedures together with the input and expertise of the scientific community have cone much to improve the analytical capabilities associated with a good control program. The matter of disposition of suspect or known contaminated lots merits consideration. Those products exceeding ection levels of contamination must, of course, be removed frem the food supply. In many cases, this requires'detention of the food xending'a segregation of "good" and "bad" lots when such action is feasible and disposition of affected portions according to guidelines pre scribed by the regulatory agency. In any inspection program dealing with contaminated foods, the objective is, of course, to protect thehealth of the consumer by , * removing contaminated products from the market. A further o b je c t iv e i s t o a t t a c k he so u rce o f contam ination end e lim in a te ` it completely or invoke an appropriate surveillance program. *! This can best be accomplished by placing the control rcsFonsli tiiity to the fullest extent on the industry concerned. An example of a very successful industry-monitoring program is the pretesting for aflatoxin of all peanuts that are used in edible food products. Industry is bearing practically all-of the cost ,, and input of this program. t a * i NEV 036206 *W !. i - -V .. Two .regulatory agencies, namely the Moat and Poultry inspection Progran and the Foot! iinil Drug Administrotion are charged with maintaining a whole- :6ome ,foofl supply in the United States. The officials in these Agencies ^ end Congress recognized] that it vould offer more protection to control ingredients going into the food supply than to depend on the finished -product testing to control toxic ingredients. This is tacit recognition . that the .very volr.^D and diverse sources of the food supply to the * United States or any other nation limits finished product testing to* on assurance preguen. The short tine lapse from raw product to.the table also dictates that toxic components must be kept out of the that supply vith surveillance to assure/no toxic materials are eluded. - . t our ' fond " -- in- To meet their responsibilities in the nonK-visible toxic substance orea, both U2DA end FDA use the sane basic approach. This is prior vppr-oech of food additives and materials used indirect contact with food and laboratory surveillance programs to detect toxic residues which may be in the row agricultural product prior to processing. To minimize the danger of the raw agricultural products containing a harmful residue, any toon-modc compound used to produce agricultural products is also subject to limitations as to amount used or residue remaining in or on the raw agricultural product. i These laws on which the agencies' octions are based have been proved cap; Of allowing many turn-made compounds to be used safely in the production of t ' ' food and fiber. However, they have not provided -tawh protection, pric-r-to r 4i w v i r r v i *1 rr/i uv.iritfrnt * i vv? *:r i r . ^ NV 036207 \ industrial-type chemicals in the food supply. The last two sources of toxic agents must be suspected and then detected before controls at the source can be instigated. This creates a special problem because the analytical methods Often must be developed before tests can be performed; a toxi cological evaluation made if the toxic compound is present; a determination made of the source; and finally, practical con trol measures must be evoked- These actions take time, especially vhen an essential industrial use may be affected. A judgment factor is always inherent, therefore, in the final decision as to the hoK-and-vhcn of a regulatory action for controlling these inadvertent residues. r ftv , > . ^ v p - | T v .r r y w t**r?vtnrs~r.'<*virTj?p~ 036208 'Tl--f-IM111-"."/ I ^ II *c 1i : i i ' *i .4 Keel for Continuing Surveillance of Feeds and Raw food Products Tor Potential Hazards' ....... The need for surveilienee of 'agricultural corr.oditios and feeds depends d o the precise threat TCB ttjes to::ic substances, pose to human *i ** health end the cnvlrorownt The discussion given hero sssuraeo that i the PCB's arc e potential r.nd not an Immediate health ha sard but that the har.avd is carious enough to require continued surveillance. A major thrust should be the identification of the major points at which ?C3 enter the food chain so that surveillance procedures can be developed to back up control rjothods and regulr.lions designed to break the cycling of S'CB i:t the food chain. If, as scene likely, ?CB'c in the food chain originate mainly fron cniml, poultry and fish sources, surveillance procedures should obviously be concentrated on sa aniaal feeds and, move porticularly, on the specific ingredients of f.uch feeds. Because of the tendency, of ?C3*s to deposit in rdlpore tissue, feed ingredients derived from meat packing, poultry processing nod rendering processes are likely to bo the major sources of contamination. Adequate analytical methods will be needed for monitoring for these ingredients. " . Surveillance of the nl:;cd feed itself will not suffice because traces of ?CB could be rendered non-dc tec table by dilution in .the feed. Biological trumifie^tSe*! fr?-: FO'? *v a r l t ?!*/. :: '.V. Hpica nuiliflc r.ny atcccvt to solve the problem by dilution. NEV 036209 4 *.** * nr Fifth Aivl crus taeecri .sources of FCB'fl in the food chain, unless the fish arc produced in controlled aquaculture, can offer coca problems in n surveillance procrea because of the difficulty of affecting any control. Currently the only solution would be to prohibit the uco ' (l i of thoso parine ellipsis -that characteristically magnify ?CB levo Is . by tvenondouo orders .of nacnltude* Beside the direct Ingestion route, the entrance of PCU c in the * food chain must mainly orice*from contact of tlxs food product vlth \ cquipueuC or packages end conta inoro incorporatine or cootcd with res in which there can bo diffusion of the rC3*s into the food product. Surveillance rny be needed. in this area until currently used equipment is vithJrcva Crop use end stricter standards ore developed for ii containers and packaging Materials. .j , 2*0 pi *5 Analytical" *Meth_oJ"d~fc--ol*1o1y-,--y1 * * PCB's ern be 'detected lin the environment onfi ell foods by the same basic pnnlyticol method need to detect the chlorinated hydrocorbono. Confirmotory procedures .require the chemical-cIteration of the pesticide compounds, usually'by alkalization vhich does not affect the FCB*s present. .These highly ctoble compounds ccca^)<?^detccticn in food ond environmental were / ; samples for a long time because they were mixtures,/prerenvin low con centration, ond many of thp* individual compounds contained in the mixiuras hove the come retention tine on GLC columns cs commonly found chlorinated pesticides. However, os '.PCB's increased in the environment end mere ceneitivo detectors .become ovcilebe cn unknown contir.innnt vco suspected and proven by Jensen in 19^7 to be FC3'& '/ Identification of the PC2s hes proven difficult since the chetilcsl stonderc&are not pure compounds but comnericc.l chemical mixtures. In addi tion, PCD'e ere partially metabolised by onirv.ls ond birds, therefore, tissu residues normally differ from the provided standards. Chemical or.- lysjn hove to be Dblc to resolve analytical problems so that Qualitative identifi cation of FCB's may bo mode. Problems in. quanitntlon hove not been fully resolved. Traditionally multiple peek residues hove been difficult to accurately .quantitate on GLC. Fpcicnlly, it Is a Question of how to measure the re- . %* * ,. cordor response uhcn/norc than one peak is-involved. Some chemists prefer individual 'to Measure the oren tinder/cook a ond other chemists prefer to measure the area under oil tin peaks. Tt has bnrn proven that analytical r^nvltr NEV 0 3 6 2 H rwi ry*Hl1^'WfTpffjRTlf'W1 1*. % ; can be in reasonable agreement betvicen laboratories if analysis in both ILtiboratorics use the same extraction procedure and method of quantifying the residues detected. This allows regulatory control measures to adequately . pjotect the consumer. . `4 *.:<-->rwi;.r. i. ifr-.rfiiii ^ " '* `--- * -- -- '--- -- ^ t 0*bi\ i & ffl'> J'l' fUX 1TV ;w.*j wy.T^ .'.y T t'W-* -,-1" * IW r ' r y w s y - 1*' rCS'ls?..-o . I 4 I Background Levels In Foods and Feeds l PCB o arc now found in all parts of the biosphere, in the tissues of birds, fishy and hunnns in quantities r.nd distribution stellar to the pesticide DDE. They ore netnbolised and excreted very clovly by these.organises. 'Concentrations in tissues of wildlife and fish arc higher nearer industrial communities then In sparsely populated regions, Anlnnln end fish vary greatly in their ability to concentrate these Bubo lances* Those observations Indicate that ?CB o hove become a., ubiquitous couteuiinr.nt in the world ecosystem with background levels that will vary in different regions of the vorld* nevertheless, there n * is no piece for then in the ii.'.tio;ifc food supply. The only detailed Infruction currently available on background levels in food and feeds appears to be the resultG of surveys conducted by FDA since lovcrber 1>69 v.hcn c'HA began to analyse all raw agricultural cowaoditles canplcd under the pesticide surveillance program for PCil's ns veil ns pesticide residues. Six hundred eighty-four samples ox" flch, cheese, till.;, shell eggs and fish by-products, out of 3,505 cm.ylcs of these cortooditics, have been found positive for PCB's. The following report of results Is tal.cn from a tall; given by 11 Dr. Virgil Vodlcka, Director, Bureau of Foods, FDA. "BCD1! were encountered nose frequently in fish in 363 of the 670 styles ; ranging from trace levels to 35,29 `pa. BCD c vero detected in fresh * *L *> *'1 A > * . v * m ^ v* w * * |1 ) V , | ^nt* L v *# ^ a *. J * W * v v . species including orgies, sea L.rout, bluet ish, bon lea and sardines. %,<r* m . - m ^ r r -- * . *f * * T * NV 036213 PCB'o havo only been detectable In the shellfish at trace levels. The results of the pesticide program for ?C3 o* are as follows: f o b sicxzb roc co:ssD)iTir.s - 7/1/70 to 5/30/71 Ceucttdity Ho., of aenpleB endued Ho. of srinleo positive Persont positive PC3 I,eye1 r, (-.^n) __ !/>*. High Average - Pish 670 363 *54 T 35,29 1.07 Cheese 1344. . 91 6 T 1.0 .25 miu 941 . 69 7 T 27.0 2.27 Shell Eggs 550 ` 161 29 T 3.74 .55 Fish By-Product - 13 5 .0 1.17 TOTAL (E x clu d in g 3505 Fish Byproduct) 604 19 ` 1.14 Above results reflect both eurveiliiuice and cornlisncc canplcc. Average rcsicue levels do not include values indicated as "trace, 11 T indicates ''trace," vhich in normal analyses vould be less than ep?ro:;icv\tcly 0 ,1 ;>pm fish; 1-1.5 ppm nilfc or cheese fat; 0.2 pem 0gfl, ' '* "The FDA total diet studies representing a total of 900 composite samples analysed for the past years show 5** composite * * *. caoplos to contain ?GU residues ranging from a trace to 0.30 ?pn. These NEV 036214 positive findings were found in the meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and the grain and cereal composites. The O .36 ppm PCB value reported in the total diet study vas'found to be caused by migration of PCB from the grayboard container and dividers to packaged shredded wheat, "Subsequent information gathered on the occurrence seemed to point to the use of reclaimed, or recycled,paper in the manufacture of the 1 cardboard packaging material used for these food packages." TDA conducted a-national survey of PCB contamination of foeds from packaging materials. The results revealed that even though 6?*i of the complete food packaging tested contained PCEs at levels as high as 338 ppm, only 1$$ of the foods in these packages contained PCBs, The average PCB concentration in food was 0.1 ppm, and the maximum PCB level found was 5 ppm- In packageij infant cereal samples, 75 of the food product contained PCBs. The average PC3 concentration in the cereal was 0.3 ppm, and the maximum PCB level found was 1 ppm. The survey shom s a continuing and substantial reduction in the TCB concentrations of paper-packaging materials. Currently, 95i of recycled paperboard samples examined contained less than 5 ppm PCBj data on the same type of material manufactured during 1970 and 1971 show that only 18 of the samples examined contained less than 5 ppm. No rCBs have thus far been reported in fresh fruits and vegetables. The data available to date from an FDA program now in progress to -determine levels of PC3s in animal feeds show that of 1,27** samples of . feed manufactured for various livestock and poultry species, only h.hj *> ' were positive for PCBs (Feedstuffs, fcarch 20^ 1972). levels range from NEV 0 3 6 2 15 IT-- '1 J Ii !* ] : i l' } I \ no detectable contamination to a maximum PCB level of 0,6 ppm. it appears that complete animal feeds arc not a signif'if&ut source of PCBs for food-producing animals and that PCB contamination of feeds for ' food-producing animals can generally be attributed to avoidable indus trial accidents and practices (Federal Register 37(3*0 March 18, 1972). The proposed temporary tolerance for specific feed ingredients, such as fish meal and meat scraps, is 5 ppm. If PCB residues in finished % feeds are no higher than 0.5 ppm, residues in poultry meat should be* *. well belovi the proposed tolerance of 5 ppm in the fat. . | FDA has proposed temporary tolerances for foods and feeds as follows: PPM Milk (fat basis)------ ------------ --------- --- - 2.5 Dairy products (fat basis)----------------- ------ 2.5 Poultry (fat basis) -- ;-------------------------- 5,0 Esr.s -- .......... -.......-.......... -...........0.5 Finished e.ninal feed------- u-------------- -- -- 0.5 Animal feed components (including fishmeal) ---- 5.0 Fish (edible portion)--- ----- --------------- *^q Infant and junior foods-------------------------- o.l Food-packaging material----------------- -------- 5.0 At the conclusion of the PCB-in-fced program, FDA plans a nationwide study-of PCBs in milk by collecting milk for both'bottling and manu facturing use. A study is planned to follow this which will give specific attention to PCBs in shell eggs. ; /.* \ 1 1 nV . 036216 S u b stitu te s . 3he principal uses for the PCB's are dielectric fluids for trans formers and capacitors, heat exchange fluids, industrial fluids for C*H*cr `hydraulic .and vacuum pump uses, plasticisers and^miscellaneous uses. She FCB's are not being sold by Monsanto Chemical Co. for any of the miscellaneous uses and apparently, adequate substitutes for these uses are available.. She best substitute for FCB vhen being used for dielectric fluids is mineral oil, but the flash point of mineral oil is sufficiently low. to create a fire hasard, therefore, mineral oil as a substitute can only be used -when fire does not create a hasard. Solid state circuits greatly reduce the r.eed for capacitors and dry transformers can be r used but are much larger and more expensive, The fluorocarbon liquids can be used but the transformers require a special design. Few fluids have a comparably high dielectric constant and lend themselves as suitable substitutes. Qhc function of PCB's in the heat exchange^ a s and hydraulic is to reduce the fire hasard. Substitutes for hydraulic fluids are a chlorinated biphenyl - phosphate ester - petroleum hydrocarbon blend, a mineral hydraulic oil, and aromatic chlorides. Ihe mineral hydraulic oil increases flammability and also results in formation of emulsion. Ohe aromatic chlorides are poor substitutes for the PC3 end could also # result jn on undesirable effect upon th environment. The FCB mixture * vould appear to be the best compromise and a much smaller quantity of FCB's vould be used. \ * NEV 0 36 217 reBs as plasticizers have been replaced largely by the phthalate ii caters. These compounds appear to be very good substitutes arid are destroyed upon burning; whereas, the PCB will result in environl mental-contamination unless the temperature exceeds 9&>F. One report was given at a recent meeting in St. Louis indicating that the phthalates arc somewhat poisonous to fish but at a much higher level than PCBs. Research lieeds in Agriculture I In order to identify laboratories involved in FCB research and approxi 9 9 mate the extent of PCB research activities in USDA, a questionnaire was prepared and sent to directors of State Agricultural Experiment Stations, forestry school technical representatives, members of the Technical Committee of rcstlcide Residue Regional Projects, and to ARS. There arc approximately 10 scientist man-years and 12 support man-years In the 30 research programs reported. Most of the programs are con cerned with residue and analytical methodology. Less than half are related to field studies and of the 30 are involved in laboratory research. Approximately 20$ of the research programs are supported by ARS. The results of this survey are appended to this status report. Additional Research Heeds in Agriculture 1 * Better information on PCB content of animal feeds and animal wastes. 2. Better information on quantitative transfer from feeds to animal foods and identification of factors which may affect it. * \ \ 03i>218 \ 3- -Methods for detoxification or removal of PC3s from feeds and from food animals* ! 1*. 'Practical methods of removal of PCB-contalning paints and sealants from silo vails and other feed-bearing surfaces. 3, .Development of standard methodology for laboratory extraction and quantifying the PCB residues detected in order to obtain more nearly comparable results from different laboratories. A surveillance and monitorins program should be initiated to . -identify and prevent problems of enviroamental contamination in the future. This vili require a coordinated State-Federal- industry effort vith appropriate sampling and assay procedures directed to the detection of potential routes of contamination. lij j . mm .*M-W .?TT NEV 036219 REFERENCES *i Armour, J. and J. Burke (1970). A method for separating polychlorinated biphenyls from DDT and its analogs.' J. Assoc. Offic. Anal. chem. (in press), * Aucrllch, R. j., R. K. Ringer, II. L. Seagron, and W. G. Youatt (l97l). Effects of feeding coho salmon and other Great Lakes fish on mink rc production Curley, A., V- VI. Burse; M. E. Grim, R, W. Jennings, R. E. Linder (1971). Environmental Protection Agency. Polychlorinated biphenyls: ( Distribution and storage in body fluids and tissues of Sherman rats. Unpublished. Dahlgrcn, R, 3., and R.' L. Linder (1971) Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on pheasant; reproduction, behavior, and survival. . J. W ild life lifit. 3 5 (2 )3 1 5 - 3 1 9 . Flick, D. F., R. G. O'Dell and V. A. Childs (1965). Studies of the chick edema disease. 3* Similarity of symptoms produced by feeding chlorinated biphenyls. Poultry Scl. tyi:llt60-lti65- Priesj G.F. (1971). Polychlorinated biphenyl residues in the milk of environmentally and experimentally contaminated cows. PCB meeting, NIEHS, December 22, 1971. Hammond (1972) Jensen, S., R. G. Johnels, M. Olsson, and G. Ottcrland (1969). DDT and PCB in marine animals from Swedish waters. Nature 22h:2h7-250. ^t Lichcnstein, E.P., K. R. Schulz, T* W. Fuhrcmann, and T. T. Liang (1969) V* * * #- .,* "j * , ^ V 4 ,#,M>t t U , , * ^ Li* I* ' p * \d^ *i **' V,t'4 * *" * . w ' .w i *r * A V J. Econ. Entomol. 62:761-765* V.**,PP' '"Wiyww w -r 036220 Lichenstcin, E.P. .(1971).* FC3 and interactions with insecticides. PCB Meeting, KIFJJS, December 22, 1971. McCune, !E.L., J,, .Savagej and B. X/ O'Dell (19S21) Hydropericardium and ascites in chicks fed a chlorinated hydrocarbon. Poultry Set. * III:292-295. Plapp, F.W. (197?)-* Polychlorinated biphenyl: An envlroamental con taminant acts as an insecticide synergist. Unpublished manuscript, Texas AES*. * .. Platanow, N.S., and 21. S, Punnell (l97l)* Anto-ondrogenic-like effect of polychlorinated biphenyls in cockerels. Vet. F.ec. GS-lOp. Rchfcld, Betty M., R. L. Bradley, Jr., K. L. Sundo (1971). Toxicity studies on polychlorinated biphenyls in the chick. Poultry Sci. , 50:1090-1095. Riscbrough, R. W . , P. Riecke, A. B. Peakall, S. G. Herman, M. IK Klrven (1968). Polychlorinated biphenyls in the global ecosystem. Kature 220:1093-1102. Safe, S., and'0. Hutzinger (1971). Polychlorinated biphenyls: Photolysis of 2,k,6,21 ,U1 ,6^-hexachlorobiphenyl. Mature 232:6kl-Gh2. Saschenbreckcr, P.W., M.S. Platanow, and H. S. Funnell (1972); Vet. Rec. Jan, 22, ICO. Scott, M. h., D. V. Valera, p. A. Mullenhoff, G. L. Ramsey, and R. YJ. Rice (1971)* Results of experiments on the effects of PCBs on laying * hen performance. . Proc. 1971 Cornell Nutrition Conference, Shutzc, J, V, (1972). Postmortem on the PCB disaster. Proc. 1972 Ga. Nutrition Conference. 036221 f J s ; V ) i j i* i : i ; 1 1 i" i ' ShUtze, J. V . , 0. V. Charles, T. Harrold, and II* Johnson (1971). Case history of breeder flocks for FCB-contaninated fish meal. In press. Skrcntny, R.- F., R. W. Hencken, and H, W. Dorouch. (1971). Silo sealants as a spurce of FCB contamination of aninal feed. Bui. of Environmental Contamination and Tax. 6(5), 1971. Tucker, R- K. and D.. G. Carabtreo (1970). Handbook of Toxicity of pcsiticdes to Wildlife, U.S. Dept, of Interior, Bur. of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Resources Publ. Ko. 8k. Vos, J.G. and Koeman, J. H. (1970). Comparative toxicologic study in chickens with special reference to porphyria, edema formation, liver necrosis, and tissue residues. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 17, 656. Widmark, G. (1967). Possible interference by chlorinated biphenyls. J. Assoc. Offic. Anal. Chen. 50:1059. Yoshimura, H. et al. (1971). Studies on the tissue distribution and the urinary and focal excretion of H-Kanechlor in rats. Fukuoko Acta Medica 67, 12-19 . - NEV 036222 I survey op research IN AGRICULTURE* ; 3 APFKIDIX X R. S. Adam., Jr* .i Univ. of Minnesota *. Walter Aue University of Missouri Arthur Hevenue University of Hawaii. M, C. Bovr.ian Georgia, USr.iA-Kr.t-PCRB Walter K. Britton I i 1 Univ. of Georgia K. C. Cox Ent-ARS b. 0. Crosby Univerr.itv of California Paul A. Cairn Iowa State University Jl. Vi. Dorough University of Kentucky 1 5. C. Fish ARS-Kevrvillc, Tex. R. 1). Geer Montana State University K. A. Gunther i 1 "University of California It. C. Rail Furdue K. K. Hill Entonolory. U3T)A R. E, Johnses Co3.ora3o State University V C. Kearney ARS-U33A, Re-ltsvillo Paul Lichtenstein . 3 University of Wisconsin |m |< jctjtKoo.- o r 11**v*-*1<i*'K *whJSVi-itEr. J ( jx V Y. I 1X VX XX XX V \* 1 r-- V Xa X XX x Cv Ot 1 w c> c 1 :: c o 1 f-i X x ;> j 1 >: X 1 X x XX X V --c\ V rv 1 V *s* >dd j - J"* 1 X *1c.: iH l x !V -> I X XV 1 XXX x 2\ XV VV X f' V "i j j V V X , XJ CJ Cornell University j T. Ijakatsuf.ejna I , State* J'ni" rrit*'. v*""*. " 7. _ VV t. *1 T * Suri-ariis of active 1'C.J rust&rcii in Agriculture as of Kover.bcr j>71 n u cw r iwr.,. r n v i ' ,t ,p i. P*r r > .. r .l NEV 036^23 UEV 036224 \-i 1 1 `iu'irrnliT -"r**- ** ^-- t SURVEY 0? P.ESE\RCH III AGRICULTURE Adams' - University of Minnesota .- Looking for DDT, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and PCBs in rainwater. No concrete results at this time* JteYenue - University of Hawaii Working on analytical method to determine*residues in water and sewage* Bowman (ARS) - Tifton; Ga, Working on method to separate from DDT and DDE . m Britton - University of Georgia Studies are bci ng conducted to determine the levels of several of the PCBs'which influence hatefcability when added directly to the egg or when added to the diets of laying hens. Tissue ang egg residues arc being analyzed. Cox (Entomology, AJIS) - Beltsville (l) Developed a method vising chromous chloride reagent to distinguish toxaphene from PCBs, singly or in mixtures, in any substrate but primarily in HoO. (E) Tables of "p-valves" in several solvent pairs were determined for all visible GC peaks from 5 commercial Aroclors in order to provide an additional confirma*ti**on procedure for distinguishing pesticides from PCBs* Although different "p-valves" were obtained for 2 ,0,-DDE and % and the PC3 peak having the same GC retention time, the standard deviation of the method permitted too much overlap for reliable confirm. NEV 036225 (3) During the analysis of 111 egg product samples thought to be contaminated with PCBs, it was found that a simple hexane *% solution from a Florisil column v;ould separate PCBs from naturally occurring interfering substances in the eggs. Crosby - University of California, Davis Study the effects of sunlight on PCS when suspended in water and hydrocarbons. Pound that there is a breakdown of PCBs, Dahm - Iowa State University Several mink have been collected in the Iowa area and analysis of fat, brain, and liver for PCBs and chlorinated hydrocarbons will be made. Levels will be correlated with age. Dorough - University of Kentucky Pound PCB (Aroclor 125**) in sealant in silos. The milk from cows eating this silage contained levels of TCBs in exenm of that con sidered safe by FDA. Pish (AKS) - Kerrvillc, Texas Research is in progress on farm animals consisting of 2-year-old sheep (wale and female) and 7- to 11-veck-old chickens (male and female) at dosages of 10 to 100 mg./kg/ daily for 21 days for chickens and dosages of 25 mg./kg, daily for. 71 j 95 > &rvd 100 days for sheep, Three different types of Aroclors were used for sheep and three different types for chickens. No results to date. Geer - Montana state University % Synthesized 30 PCB isomers and they are developing a voltametric x method for directly individual PCB isomers and chlorinated compounds. NEV 036226 Gunther - U n iv ersity o f C aliforn io ., K ivcrsid e *. Studying the persistence of FCBs in various soil types vhich are incubated at constant environmental condidtions. Also working on analytical methodology. Hill (USDA) - Beltsville ' Working on methodology to separate PCEs from DDT, DDE, and toxaphenc Kearney - Beltcville Isolate microorganisms capable of metabolizing biphenyl and deter mine the effect of chlorine substitution on the rate of metabolism, Lichtenstein - University of Wisconsin Investigated toxicity of dieldrin and DDT with and without 11 different PCBs. As the chlorine content of PC3 decreased there was an increase in toxicity. When the PC3s were added to the organochlorine insecticides, there was a synergistic action, Disk - Cornell University Analyses of PCEs in newspaper and cardboard which may bo used to feed cattle as a source of cellulose. Plans arc to look at milk from cows vhich are fed recycled paper containers, Nnkatsugama - Study the phenomenon of biological magnification analytically. PCD will be used as one of the test compounds. No conclusions, at this time. f> - NEV 036227 * *W V T * " " W Newsom - Xouisiana State University - Ducks and chickens were fed a diet containing 100 ppm of PCB (Aroclor 1221) or a diet containing an organochlorine pesticide. YJben fed to chickens, PCB had no statistically significant effect upon eggshell thickness or strength, -number of deformed eggs, egg .production, or carbonic arfiydrasc activity of uterine tissue. PCB at 100 ppm had-no effect on shell thickness and hatchability when fed to mallard ducks, but did cause a decrease in shell weight (-$), calcium content of shell (-9*6$), and egg production (-0.05 e'gg/day). Olncy University of Rhode Island Surface waters of Karragansott Bay have shown residues of PC3 at the level of *1 ppb or less. To date there is little evidence of any specific Aroclor in fish, sediment-water samples from streams and_ponds of Rhode Island. Olson - South Dakota state University Studies have been carried on concerning the PCB levels in tissues and eggs of wi3d cormorants and pelicans and their foods and environment. Attempts were made to assess the effects of these compounds, mercury and chlorinated hydrocarbons, on the nesting failures of these birds. The storage and deposition of PCBs by * pheasants hn-s also been looked at and eggs were found to be an Important way of excretion. \ NEV 03622 P cakall - Cornell U niversity Determined the physiological effect on birds at 10 ppm of Aroclor .`125** 'Ko mortality vas found in the first generation but heavy mortality in second (embryonic). No eggshell thinning or shell breakage.. * Plapp, Jr. - Texas A&II Using houseflies, he demonstrated that the polychlorinated biphenyl ' mixture, Aroclor 125*1, acts as a synergist vltb earbaryl. The mechanism of synergistic action is unknown but he speculated that it involves the inhibition of microsomal oxidase which is usually responsible for insecticide synergism. T.J. Sheets - North CwMina Routine analyses of eggs from hens receiving Arcelor 12h2 in feed at dosages ranging from 0.3 to 2.5 ppm. Have not been successful at this time in separating FCB from DDT and degradation products * Stut - Utah State University Hepatic microsomal enzyme induction in rats vas evaluated using the entire Aroclor series 1221 through 1263 vith and 5M 2. The materials were fed to female rats in concentrations from 25-100 ppm for 15 days. Induction potency of enzymes was highly correlated with the percentage chlorination of the biphenyl. All the materials % except 1221, caused marked liver enlargement. v% f * NEV 036229 n T . y A - s 'o Jvt -- i-i-- rr,-- 1 ... <1 Yan Middclcm - University of Florida .. Booking at levels in t r w n pelicans and the fish consumed by pelicans. Ko results or conclusions at this time. Ware - University of Arizona Working Dn methodology. Attempting to codistill PC3s with water. Warwick (AHS) - Bcltsville Eleven PCB and PCT materials were tested to determine their estro genic activity in rats. All of the compounds containing up to 50* Cl were found to be active, while compounds containing higher amounts of Cl were inactive. PCB 12l|2 was extensively investigated in rats and Japanese quail and caused an increase in liver weight and liver lipids and lowered liver vitamin A concentration and content. Aroclor has been used in silo coatings. ...In a detailed study of one herd, the rate of elimination of PCB residues from milk followed approximately the same kinetics as DDE. Treatment with activated carbcn and/or phnobarbital did not enhance the rate of PCB elimination from cows. Willett - Ohio State University, Wooster Research objective is to eliminate PCB residues from a contaminated dairy herd by (l) covering PCB coating in silo; (2) elimination of . fat pools in dairy animals; and (3 ) centrifuging milk to remove fat-soluble PcB contaminants. Ko data o/ftliable. NfcV 036230 Virginia Polytechnic Institute Analyzed PC3 levels in diets, feces, and urine samples of prado lescent Girls fed diets typical of lov;-incc:nc families. Also checked levels in paper bags, rsarking tags, turkey fat, heavy fouls, eggs, and poultry feeds. PCDs were found in all but tv/o samples and the concentrations ranged from O.O63 ppm to lj.^6 ppm. im y . i 'f i:' rrrr.y<r ** *** r --ir: r m . t ^ r r - r ^ 0 3i>23V