Document 82d7027exrJz6J3JyedjN6qq5

BCC D. F. Smith - St. Louis i November 30, 1961 Hr, Bruoe Smith General Eleotrlo Company Evendale - Building 700 Clnoinnatl, Ohio Dear Mr. Smith1 Mr. 0. W. McKinney of our Clnoinnatl office haa asked me to forward data and consents concerning the toxlolty of our industrial fluids Pydraul P-9 and> Pydraul_ A-200. Btoloeed are two sheets summarising the animal toxieity data and known human experience with these fluids. Mr. MoKinney mentioned that you were interested speolfloally in the toxlolty of the vapors of these fluids and secondly, in the possible hasards resulting from skin contact. As indicated in the enclosures, exposures to high concentra tions of vapors for a short period do not oonstltute a serious hazard. At normal temperatures, the vapor pressures of the fluids are sueh that little vapor is present in the atmosphere. When the fluids are in a system under pressure and at elevated temperatures, eoonamloel and effiolent use or the fluids dic tates minimum leakage be allowed during normal operations. In the event of a system failure sueh that the fluid is sprayed as a mist, either into the atmosphere or against molten metal or hot surfaces, the toxieity hazard is not serious since the concentrations of the mist, vapors and/or decomposition products would be discomforting to the degree that workmen would not voluntarily expose themselves for sufficiently long periods to experience a serious toxie effeot. In regard to skin contact, the possible reaction following pro longed and repeated skin exposure is more apt to be one where the fluids tiave acted as a good solvent, much like a common paint thinner or remover. Like many organio liquids, these MONS 091137 Mr. Bruco Smith - Page 2 - November 30, 1961 fluids can dissolve the natural oils and fats on the surfaoe of the skin, leading to drying and craoklng. For this reason, we reoommend that prolonged skin oontaot be avoided. Although we have not made a oomplete chemical analysis of the decomposition products when either fluid is thermally decom posed, the survival of animals in suitable exposure chambers to massive concentrations of vapors, smoke and decomposition produots Indicates that phoBgene Is nob a major component of ouch decomposition produots. Depending on the conditions of pyrolysis or decomposition, the produots lnolude carbon mon oxide, carbon dioxide, viator vapor and aldehydes, suoh as one would expect with the decomposition of any complex organic compound. The only significant additional product would be hydrochlorio add. This may add to the aorld and irritating properties of the decomposition produots and may be accountable for ita discomforting or unpleasant effeot on the noae and throat. For praotieal purposes, this could be considered an advantage In that the irritation llraite the amount of exposure that any person would experience. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know. Very truly yours. Elmer P. Wheeler Assistant Director Medical Department EPWjdh Enclosures 2 oo Mr. Gordon W. McKinney Monsanto Chemloal Company 2330 viotory Parkway Cincinnati 6, Ohio MQNS 091138