Document 91ezqMMD4y1NDOZBDajv04kDV
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EXECUTIVE SUKMAR? PCS POLLUTION
10/23/69
PROBLEM:
Contamination of ecosystem with polychlorinated biphenyls. (PCS)
PROBLEM DETTNITIOH AND TIMING:
Proff^nrs-V-ldrjTV- end Jensen of the Institute of
Analytical Chemistry at Stockholm, Sweden in Not.
IS66, announce* "*
Prw fn fish,
birds, and eggs. Subsequent findings were made in
1367 in Great Britain. Problem was first presented
In the U.S. by Professor Risebrough of the University
of California in a published article in the San
Prancisco Cronicl* in Pebruary, 19^9. Monsanto
\(
'confirmed PCS1! in mid-1969 and confirmed the adecpiacy \
of work by Vidaark and Jensen and others -- a world- ]
wide ecological problem.
------- '
C0N7IRMATI0N OP FINDINGS:
Analysis indicates presence of 5 and higher chlori
nated biphenyls (similar to Arodors 1254 and 126c).
Other Aroelors may contribute, but hare not been
identified yet. In the last aim months, PCB's have
been reported present in waters In Lake Michigan,
fish in Connecticut, and seafood along the Gulf Coast,
also waters outside Monsanto plants.
.
SERIOUSNESS OP PROBLEM: *
1 Pish - Marine or aquatic species concentrate PCS
In the fatty tissue.. Toxic in email guantlcl^s '
(down w p ppbj to sensitive marine life such as
ahri^.
'
2 Binds - Predataiy species feeding on
marina
or aquatic li^c en
PCS to
possible harmful effects. Specifically in birds,
Pt3"can effect the calcium metabolism leading to
egg shell imperfections which prevents proper hatch of the young.
z PLAINTIFFS
1 0
EXHIBIT
**
CO (P5~
z
WATER PCB-SD0000017456
3. Han - There la no harsful effect loiown to nan
oF"other
nassals
afte.r
40-yeara
of
production.
h. Political and Publie Esotlon - PCS1 a UaJcad to
bur bacausa PCS'a anew up IE analyses for DDT.
Linked with other p erasntht chlorinated hydro
carbon pesticides.
ZPFECT ON MONSANTO:
.
1. Business potential at stake on a world-wide basis:
Plaids
Plasticizers
Total/Tear
lOt ft Lbs.
2. Legal responsibility 3. Public lsage. h. Effect on other-product areas.
EFFECT ON CT5TCMZP.S AND ULTIMATE CONSDMZP.S:
1. Affects entire electrical Industry - capacitors
and transformers.
'
2. Affects food processing.
3. Affects die casters and othar "hot natal" working Industries.
4. Affects wide range of plastics and adhesive
applications.
5. Affects wide range of paints and coatings.
EFFECT ON UThEM PRODUCERS:
There are at least six other producers of PCS'a ex-USA. Monsanto has discussed problem with two In Europe. No great concam there yet.
SIR 018892
WATER PCB-SD0000017457
KJLZX SOUHCIS OP POLLUTION';
Difficult to define, but Aroclor 125^ and 12o0 are used In electrical devices, heat transfer, plastics, adhesives, coatings, and Industrial fluids. Other Aroclors contain minor. percentages of 5 and 6 chlorine ring structures. Manufacturing plants also a vulnerable contributing factor, but less significant In quantity than customer' or end user loses.
POSSIBLE CONTROL OP CONTAMINATION:
- Electrical and heat transfer - possible to control with effort and reclamation.
- Industrial fluids, plastics, coatings and adhesives are very difficult. If not ir^ossibl# to control. Substitute pj-oducts needed.
MONSANTO OUTSIDE STATEMENTS:
- Letter sent to electrical customers regarding problem.
- Monsanto Public Relations statement attached.
MONSANTO PUTORE ACTION;
Presentation to CSC reviewing subject and furore plan
of action by November 17, 199. *r^ will-define a
program to 'determine what Is necessary In various
product areas to meet the problem.
'
'
_
1. Research and Engineering seeded
cost.
2. Plant sad customer *clean-up required and cost. '
control*
3. Bidegradability of Aroclors.'
ST
WATER PCB-SD0000017458
Toslclty studies. Alternative routas. Recommended epproadi. Appropriation request to cover capital and expenses required. .
WATER PCB-SD0000017459