Document 85e3rMwd2dv3eQDL3nVXJ7N9K

Manufacturing Chemists Association Minutes of Meeting VINYL CHLORIDE RESEARCH COORDINATORS Crystal City Marriott Hotel Arlington, Va. April 27, 1976 Chairman Torkelson convened the meeting at 9:00 p.m. The record of attendance is: MEMBERS PRESENT: T. R. Torkelson, Chairman Z. G. Bell, Jr. W. D. Harris M. N. Johnson H. L. Kusnetz W. M. Smith R. N. Wheeler M. Freifeld The Dow Chemical company PPG Industries, Inc. UNIROYAL, Inc. B. F. Goodrich Chemical Company Shell Oil Company Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. Union Carbide Corporation MCA Staff GUESTS PRESENT: W. R. Gaffey R. V. Johnston M. W. Palshaw B. A. Schwetz P. G. Watanabe ***** Equitable Environmental Health, The Dow Chemical Company Stauffer Chemical Company The Dow Chemical Company The Dow Chemical Company Inc. ******* I. Birth Defects The article on "Genetic Risks of Vinyl Chloride", by P. F. Infante et al., which appeared in Lancet recently, (report edly identical to the article distributed to the Panel on March 17, 1976), attempts to implicate VC but its data base is very weak. Currently, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is conducting a study on this subject in Kanawha County, West Virginia. In the discussion of whether this group should rec ommend undertaking a study in this area, the conclusion was i CMA 013982 VC/RC - 2 reached that no feasible way of conducting it could be found. Hence, it was suggested that the matter be held in abeyance until the results of the CDC project are known. Dr. Schwetz felt there was no need for additional animal testing with relation to birth defects. However, he thought other test should be considered. He pointed out that the Ames test is marginally positive with VC but dominant lethal and cytogenetic tests are negative. Therefore an approach such as heritable genetic translocation studies of the type conducted by Russel at Oak Ridge might be suitable. The birth defects surveillance program of CDC was scheduled to be a major topic at a meeting April 21, chaired by Dr. E. Landau of The American Public Health Association and attended by Dr. Ken Johnson of the MCA staff. In the absence of Dr. John Herbert of CDC, who was to speak on this program, the discussion centered on a presentation by Dr. Theriault whose work is described in a paper, "Distribution of Primary Cancers of the Liver in the Province of Quebec", in CNA Journal, February 8, 1975, pages 305 to 307. Dr. Theriault sought additional funds to pursue his investigations and indicated a written proposal would be forthcoming. The Research Coordinators felt they would probably not be interested in supporting Dr. Theriault's work at this time, particularly since he did not plan to investigate birth defects. The group decided to defer any recommendations on mutagenesis/birth defects until the results of the CDC study are known. 2. Continuation of Dow Metabolism Studies The results of a letter ballot on this effort reported on by the Project Manager indicated the Panel was overwhelmingly in favor of continuing these studies. Only two of the ballots received indicated any reluctance on this score. Dr. watanabe outlined the next step of proposed studies as following the binding of VC to macromolecules including those containing sulfhydryl. Concurrently, in vitro investigations are planned to determine what happens to tissues of exposed animals. No specific recommendations were felt necessary from this group in the light of the ballot results. CMA 013983 VC/RC - 3. University of Louisville Proposal In a letter of April 20, to Dr. Torkelson, Dr. Tamburro outlined studies on immunological systems and electron micro scopic evaluation of liver tissues. This was a further descrip tion of areas the Panel previously found to be of interest. An important aim of this proposed work is to develop new diagnostic tools, (mainly based on enzyme testing), for anticipating diseases due to VC exposure. This will complement Dr. Tamburro's major effort, supported by The National Cancer Institute, for applying known, accepted methods for diagnosis and treatment. The support level requested was at about $235,000 per year but an alternate funding suggestion was at the rate of about $200,000 per year. Dr. Torkelson transmitted a sense of urgency, if indeed the group wanted to support this effort, so that Dr. Tamburro could keep his staff intact. On motion made and duly seconded to support this program at the rate of $200,000 per year for three years, the vote was five in favor and two opposed. 4. Selection of Vice Chairman Dr. W. Mayo Smith was unanimously elected as this group's recommendation to the Panel for Vice Chairman. The vacancy was created when Dr. Rinehart left Ethyl Corporation. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m. MF: ec Minutes Subject to Approval May 25, 1976 Milton Freifeld 0 CMA 013984 COMMITTEE . or MR NAME / ?l\ V< \ < V- ty -- (jdxM- Q-hsvx*^ -fald^CLUr" COMPANY - ATTENDAN SHEET tPLEASE frtlHT) DATE - $nsuJ J7. /?7f. IF NOT PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED FOR THIS COMMITTEE'S RECORDS, PLEASE ALSO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: TITLE ADDRESS TELEPHONE NO. -- ------- '/|<L jJaSi d ttufotl* Vi&c^ ^iB' * >*?& - f jfrtctufy y \ 1\ ' COmiTTEE: // or MR NAME 0 f ,' i COMPANY ATTENDANC .SHEET (PLEASE PRINT) DATE: IF NOT PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED FOR THIS COMMITTEE'S RECORDS, PLEASE ALSO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: TITLE ADDRESS TELEPHONE NO. j/O i ('w ( ]/-A Z> ^ - ,, rrs $ 1 -------------------------------------] ^3-------------------------------- / rfLo U*Ao IMH ^ !\*j,, BaMBMp