Document BvG5D2x0jEm2XJGpe7rrR977X

Monsanto FROM Jack W.(NAME --LOCATION --PHONE) Molloy - WGK Plant - 1740 DATE June 30, 1987 SUBJECT DR. FRIEDLANDER TOUR REFERENCE TO M. W. Winkel - G5NG JUL 08 (El (2043) cc V. T. Matteucci - G5NR Dr. George Roush - A3NA J. P. Ryan - G5NL R. C. Shaneberger - 1740 During Dr. Friedlander's visit to WGK the subject of the Northwestern Health Study for the WGK employees came up. We were able to arrange for one of the representatives of Northwestern to join us that day and discuss the timing of a report in September. We agreed at that particular time to make plans in late August or early September for a status report type communication to our employees. The final report will not be complete for several months after September. We will keep you informed concerning our communications plans. /7 . Jack W. Molloy /cm OSW 136387 STLCOPCB4036351 COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL Final 12/2/85 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS -- NORTHWESTERN/WGK HEALTH STUDY Ql. What is the purpose of this health study? Al. The purpose of this project is to further the scientific understanding of dioxins and their effect on the human body through a comprehensive study of the health status of former and present Krummrich plant workers exposed to dioxin. Q2. Who is conducting this health study? A2. The study will be independently conducted by Chicago's Northwestern University. Northwestern is one of this coun try's leading academic and scientific institutions with experts in medical and related fields and is eminently qualified to undertake such a project. Q3. Why do a study at the Krummrich Plant? A3. Between 1938 and 1983 the Krummrich Plant manufactured or handled materials which today we know were contaminated with dioxins. Consequently, the plant has a worker popula tion of current, retired and former employees on which to base a study of this kind. Q4. How many people will be involved? A4. We anticipate that between 300 and 600 current, retired and former employees will participate. Q5. What's involved for individual participants? A5. The participants will undergo an extensive medical work-up and physical examination. The work-up involves the taking of complete medical, occupational, environmental and repro ductive histories. The comprehensive physical examinations will include a complete exam by an internal medicine specialist plus dermatologic and neurologic exams, electro cardiogram, pulmonary function tests, chest X-ray, blood and urine tests. - more - DSW 136388 STLCOPCB4036352 Page 3 of 4 Q12. Hasn't Monsanto conducted its own studies on dioxin exposure? A12. Yes, a major health study was completed in 1982 by Dr. Raymond Suskind of the University of Cincinnati on a group of Monsanto workers at our Nitro, W.Va., plant. Results of his study found no link between exposure to dioxin and cancer, cardiovascular disease or reproductive abnormalities. Also in 1979 a more limited study on employees from Krummrich's chlorophenol department was conducted. Though a number of cases of chloracne were observed, no other health effects were seen in the employees that were con sidered related to dioxin exposure. These cases were caused by the form of dioxin found in pentachlorophenol which is less toxic than the highly publicized 2,3,7,8TCDD. Q13. What products at the Krummrich Plant could have been con taminated by dioxins? A13. Chlorinated phenols and 2,4,5-T. Chlorinated phenols were manufactured at Krummrich between 1938 and 1983 and were products used in household and industrial disinfectants and cleaners, dyes, agricultural chemicals and wood preserva tives . 2,4,5-T, though never manufactured at the plant, was handled between 1963 and 1969 when the plant formulated the herbicide Agent Orange for the U.S. government. ~ Q14. How much will this cost Monsanto? A14. Approximately-$2 million. Q15. With Monsanto paying for the- study, how can it not be biased? A15. All scientific studies are paid by some entity, whether it be government, industry, not-for-profit organizations or research groups. To imply that the findings of the study will be biased in the company's favor is ridiculous. Northwestern is a highly respected university and to sug gest that the study's results will be influenced by Monsan to in any way impugns the credibility of Northwestern and members of its faculty. - more - SW A3639Q STLCOPCB4036353 Page 4 of 4 Q16. How long before Northwestern's study is finished? A16. Participants should have all of their individual examina tion results in about one month. The completed study, with all the statistical evaluation and scientific peer reviews, will take one and one-half to two years. Q17. Will Monsanto release the results? A17. Northwestern will publish the study and its results when it is completed, not Monsanto. Q18. Will Monsanto review results as study is in progress? Monsanto review, clear or approve study before it is published? Will A18. Monsanto will not have the authority to clear or approve the study. However, Monsanto will review elements of the study while it is in progress as an additional quality control check and as an aid to Northwestern, but Monsanto will not have access to the names of individuals examined. Monsanto will review the study prior to publication, as will the peer review committee. -0O0- SW 136391 STLCOPCB4036354