Document GK1BMM4kZ8NoM8LwJzK4Vv2xr

NEWS __ FOR RELEASE IMMEDIATELY 1970 Monsanto E. V. John (314) 694-2891 . PUBLIC RlLATtONH OtPMlMCHT MlMMM C 100 N.Un0ki|li OowUvirk tl. loult. Mlnouti 3ig MONSANTO CITES ACTIOS TAKEN ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE ST. LOUIS, July 16 -- Monsanto Company, sole U.S. producer of an industrial chemical called polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), today said recent political charges and sensational headlines about the chemical causing "a major ecological criBls" completely ignore voluntary actions the company has taken to restrict use of the material, "Our program began back in 1968 with the proper Identification and measurement of PCB in the environment and will conclude this year by our unilateral action to restrict its use," Howard L. Minckler, company vice president and general manager of ita Organic Chemicals Division, said. He added that Monsanto had not been pressured into ' action by any legislation or organized group. "We have taken decisive action based on evidence that PCB is a persistent chemical which builds up in the environment." -more- QSW 011906 TOWOLDMON0003446 WATER_PCB-00000468 --2 MONSANTO: MINCKLER'S REPLY TO PCB CHARGES xxx environment." Commenting on a recent report that PCB can Induce birth defect* In animals, Mlnckler said, "Monsanto is not aware of any scientific data that indicates polychlorinated biphenyls may cause birth defects. The results of comprehensive toxicity studies, sponsored by Monsanto and using the usual species of laboratory animals, have failed to produce such effects. "Scare tactics and sensational reporting do not serve the public interest nor solve ecological problems," he said. "Only a few reports have stated why PCBs were ever developed and why they are used today. Nor have the consequences of not using PCB been explained. "What should be emphasized," Mlnckler continued, "is that PCB was developed over 40 years ago primarily for use as a coolant In electrical transformers and capacitors. It is also used in commercial heating and cooling systems. It is not a 'household' item. "Anyone who lives in a large city is familiar with power failures. During periods of peak power needs, air conditioning and refrigeration fail, lights go out and commuters are stranded. If power companies were to remove PCB from equipment, we have been told that major blackouts would occur throughout the world. . -more OSW 011907 TOWOLDMON0003447 WATER_PCB-00000469 \ -3 MONSANTO: MINCKLER'S REPLY TO PCB CHARCES xxx world. "PCB is used in electrical equipment as a safety fluid. It has replaced combustible oil products which have, on many occasions, exploded and burned, causing deaths and Injury to human life. Today.state and local laws all over the country require the use of non-flammable fluids In certain electrical equipment as a safety feature. At the moment, there ere no substitutes available which equal the safety performance of PCB." Monsanto said It intends to continue selling PCB for "closed-system" uses such as electrical components and heat-transfer systems. "With rigid control over where the product goes, how it Is handled and disposed of, we believe the safety functions of the product can continue to serve society and the environment can be protected," Mlnckler said. "We are discontinuing sales Into 'open systems* -- adhesives, sealants, chlorinated rubber, specialty paints, etc. "For other uses, such as fire-resistant hydraulic fluids, where PCB cannot be strictly controlled, we have reformulated seme fluids and they are on the market. The new products contain other fire-resistant ingredients. We will continue to develop alternate formulations which do not contain persistent PCB. We will not abandon hydraulic fluid users," Mlnckler comnented, "as has been reported." -more- DSW 011908 TOWOLDMON0003448 WATER_PCB-00000470 4 MONSANTO: MINCKIER'S REPLY TO PCB CHARGE xxx reported." Monsanto has also established a new system for disposal or recycle of spent PCB. A special high-temperature Incinerator will break down PCB into harmless materials. The company also regenerates spent fluids for reuse. The Incinerator will be offered to customers who cannot otherwise destroy or regenerste their old fluids. "Although loss Of PCB from our manufacturing plants has been negligible, we have further tightened up our production techniques and installed new pollution abatement devices," the Monsanto executive aald. ,' "I repeat," Minckler concluded,, "our program was initiated and conducted by Monsanto alone. It will be concluded this year. We believe it is a position any responsible company would take." -0O0- OSW 011909 TOWOLDMON0003449 WATER_PCB-00000471