Document 71Ky8oo3pRmY5qJROGZyjO2QV

Kay 2, 1969 Mr. Gladwin A. Hill national Correspondent Environment and Conservation The New York Times 900 Wilshlre Boulevard Los Angeles# California 90017 Dear Mr. Hill: As promised in my note earlier this week, here are some answers to your inquiry about polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). 1 presume your interest in this product stems from the February 24 article which appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle. Unfortunately, timing did not give Monsanto a chance to supply information for this story. Enclosed is a four-page statement which contains facts which should have been represented. I believe the statement will answer most of your questions. To elaborate further, in answer to your numbered questions: 1. Monsanto has manufactured PCB since the early 1930s. 2. PCB is marketed in solid and liquid form, depending upon the end use. The exact grade varies according to the degree of chlorination Involved. End uses are covered in the statement. -ttore- 20102^ qSNN STLCOPCB4052458 Mr. G. A. Hill -2- May 2, 1969 3. The production breakdown on each grade is confidential Information. 4. The total volume of PCS marketed by Monsanto is confidential data. 5. You will find a general reference to the toxicity of PCS In the statement. We can supply more specific information, of course. To keep from sending you too ouch material, could you be more specific on this toxicity question? 6. If PCB Is handled at high temperatures, proper exhaust ventilation or personal protective equipment is provided. This is similar to the precautions taken during the manufacture of many Industrial chemicals. 7. We do not have specific, final data about possible release of PCB into the environment. The statement reflects our questions on these charges. 8. We do reclaim PCB where it is used in its original form and not incorporated into other materials. See statement for details. 9. Information on our research,into the alleged appearance of PCB in the environment is contained in the statement. As you can appreciate, we are concerned about these charges. We believe many of the conclusions which have been publicised are very premature. Of course, we are not content just to raise questions, but are conducting our own extensive investigation. j DSW 201029 STLCOPCB4052459 Mr. G. A. Hill -3- May 2, 1969 Please let me know if you need anything else. Sincerely, Tom C. Ford Manager Divisional Public Relations TCF:sfh attach: position statement be: *Mr. H. S. Bergen ' Dr. W. R. Richard Mr. E. P. Wheeler NEW YORK - Mr. P. R. Wilkins OSVM 201030 i STLCOPCB4052460