Document 99xMydN5g9Zwj2N9XqMME901e

f no ALLIED CHEMICAL CORPORATION MEMORANDUM February 22, 197^ MEMO TO FILE SUBJECT: NIOSH Meeting - Cleveland, Ohio, February 12, 1974 Agenda of the meeting is attached. After complimentary \ introduction of Goodrich, MCA and the Labor Union in their leader ship in a serious situation. Dr. Key Introduced Mr. Rose who proceeded to discuss the VC-PVC industry in some detail including number of plants and monomer and polymer production, number of personnel involved in these and internally in fabrication, polymeri zation processes (including kettle cleaning), protective equipment, natural background VCM from leaks, VCM from off-gasihg, odor threshold 260 ppm etc. He then discussed the NIOSH recommended work procedures as attached to letter of 1/31/7^ from Dr. Key to Mr. Best of MCA, copy attached. It would appear to the writer that these procedures are directed almost exclusively to the polymerization process and to the handling of highly contaminated (with monomer) polymer stocks stored around the plant which would appear to contribute significantly to the background VCM conclusion. Copies of these procedures have been sent to Mr. Quinn and to Mr. J. Freeman for review. These are NIOSH first thoughts on monitoring and control procedures and subject to major revision if deemed desirable. The only place where our monomer operation would appear to be grossly concerned is the V Respiratory Protection which may be required in tank car loading at the plant. Dr. Henry Falk reported that the angiosarcoma originally reported has been confirmed in all four cases by Dr. Thomas at NIH and by Dr. Hans Popper, eminent liver pathologist from Mt. Sinai Hospital ASI 00009892 1 Page 2 NIOSH Meeting February 12, in Cleveland Ohio The lesion appears to be accompanied by non-alcoholic cirrhosis. Four additional possible cases at B. F. Goodrich are under investi gation; no definite similarity with the angiosarcoma has yet been reported. Dr. J. Wm. Lloyd discussed a maze of classification systems with respect to lesions of the liver which makes evaluation of prior experience extremely difficult. They have, however, ah'estimate of 20-30 deaths annually from angiosarcoma in the total population. Dr. Donald Lassiter briefly reviewed toxicology of^vinyl chloride. He stated that approximately 100-150 papers were on vinyl chloride in the literature, more than the usual percent of which are in a foreign language. NIOSH will proceed to translate as rapidly as possible and requests that any translation in the hands of industry be transmitted to them at the earliest convenience. He mentioned the ongoing studies by MCA and stated that Dr. Maltoni's results would be discussed at the OSHA hearing on Friday. In the afternoon NIOSH/CDC actions and proposals were discussed. Mr. Vernon Rose first discussed an Interim standard which would probably take the form of work practice rules rather than establish ing vapor limits. A meeting of NIOSH industry and Union representatives was to follow an open meeting to discuss this question. Drs. Leinhart, Wagoner and Lloyd discussed intended action with respect to medical procedures and epidemiology. With respect to the latter, it is the NIOSH intent to survey plants older than 15 years and those making only homopolymer. This will be a morbidity study to cover all employees starting with the duration of their employment. This decision has been made because there Is a strong ASI 00009893 Page 3 NIOSH Meeting, February 12, 1974 Cleveland, Ohio Q finger pointing to vinyl chloride per se and the thought that any exposure, l.e. as In copolymerization would unnecessarily complicate the factor and probably defer reaching a definitive result. Dr. Heath's work will somewhat dovetail with morbidity studies of Dr. Wagoner. They will look up all cases of liver cancer (some 3,000 in the U.S.) and particularly look for any precancerous lesions such as cirrhosis which may be evident. It is recognized that screening tests for liver functions are not too good. They will organize a panel of liver experts within the next*3-4 weeks to discuss what liver function tests might be most applicable for screening of employees. Dr. Fairchild stated that they would shortly gather a panel from other HEW units and from NCI to devise protocols for animal toxicity studies. They will review protocols used by Dr. Maltoni and by Industrial-Biotests (for MCA) but have no preconceived ideas as to how tests will be conducted. One Union representative asked*" whether NIOSH would cover its own toxicity tests or except those from MCA,-- apparently distrusting any teste which have been conducted in industry. There were no unusual outbursts at the meeting, but Drsc KT SelisSToff and Epstein made comments to the effect that the unfortunate occurances should have been anticipated and Union representatives each made a pitch for being kept informed. WAK/nm ASI 00009894