Document GKQDDe9ya3L4BzqOD6a8V0Q5r

RECEIVED BY IMP IniRqya Mfl/29'69 UNIROYAL, Inc. I gA. RUBBER n ,*7 /' iji? 7 a Je li tt 0 T t ORDER | TO ?EDLSAATESEr LEB APW C8W REH WMI ,f1 2 3 O" (Location) T r J EC PEP BM tf wfLt 9L LFM OEH May 28, 1969 *)J Mr. J. M. Poyrrter JMP X X F Painesville Plant Enclosed is the report on the Manufac turing Chemists' Association meeting held May 6, 1969 in Washington, D.C. regarding the Epidemiologic Investiga tion conducted at the University of Michigan under special contract for PVC Resin Producers. enc: cc: Mr. G. A. Anderson Naugatuck Chemical Plant i i INTERCOMPANY CORRESPONDENCE UNIR0002194 MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION 1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N. W. WASHINGTON. D. C. 20008 (202) 483*6128 Report of Meeting- May 6, 1969 PVC Resin Producers Representatives ' University of Michigan Epidemiologic Study Washington, D. C. This meeting under the auspices of the Association's Occupational Health Committee was held at the University Club. A list of representatives from sponsoring companies and the University of Michigan Institute of Industrial Health is attached. Committee Chairman, Dr. C. U. Dernehl opened the meeting with a brief outline of the project program to date, the general objectives, a short discussion of the complexity of the problem, and interpretation of the findings. He then pre sented recommendations of the Occupation Health Committee (OHC) which had considered the report in a meeting April 30. The Committee recommended the following changes in the "recommendations" which appear on page 104 of the report supplied to all producer representatives: (a) RECOMMENDATION 1 Eliminate the last sentence "Where it is necessary for workers to enter the reactor tanks, sufficient ventilation should be provided to reduce the vinyl chloride concentration below 50 ppm:" Insert in its place "Where it is necessary for workers to enter the reactor tanks adequate ventilation should be provided. Inasmuch as the etiologic agent of the disease is unknown, a level of vinyl chloride below 50 ppm should be used as an index of adequate ventilation." (b) RECOMMENDATION 3 Change word "continued" to "supported" UNIR0002195 i * 2- The OHC also resolved to make additional recommendations to the vinyl chloride and PVC manufacturers: (a) There should be pre-assignment examinations of vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride production workers. These examinations should include: I. Hand X-ray II. History - including that of Raynaud's disease, scleroderma and abnormal cold response. ' (b) There should be periodic surveillance examinations. These examinations should be given at least once a year and should include: I. Hand X-ray II. History - as above The committee recommended that manufacturers of PVC should sponsor further studies of the disease and its causes and that such studies be under the supervision of the OHC. It was further recommended that the committee chairman write to Dr. Magnuson at the University of Michigan and congratulate him on the successful conclusion of the project and on the excellence of the report. ****** Drs. Magnuson and Dinman and Professor Cook of the Institute then reported at length on this study. They included a review and explanation of many of the charts contained in the report as distributed. Errors noted in several of the charts and figures were listed and it was subsequently agreed that an errata sheet taking care of all of these changes would be for warded to all recipients of the original draft. The afternoon meeting was devoted to open discussions of the findings by the Institute and the recommendations of both the Institute staff and the OHC. Some pertinent points brought out in the discussion were: 1. On the matter of hand cleaning in the recommendations, the Committee considered this point and had the general understanding that it was the intent to get away from hand cleaning of reactors. UNIR0002196 -3- 2. On questions regarding catalysts by groups vs. cases. Prof. Cook reported that they did not find any combination of materials causing difficulty. 3. There was a further discussion of the threshold limits and the recommendations regarding monomer ' limits, particularly in connection with monomer plants. Here it was made clear that there is a condition of acroosteolysis (AOL) related to poly manufacture of PVC which the evidence suggests at this time. There was no evidence that this is related to monomer content that remained in the poly reaction. It is difficult to say that any one item is responsible although admittedly- the monomer may be the causative agent, or this may not be so. 4. For futureprotection of the workers it was suggested that they be kept from coming in contact with the reactor chemicals a short time after the reaction is completed. 5. At this time there appears to be no evidence of AOL prevalent in operations subsequent to the reactor stage. 6. AOL is a destruction of tufts of the fingers. This may be a general systemic disease in some people. 7. Several pointed out that the suggested monomer level of 50 ppm recommended by the Committee may be misunderstood. This was explained by the chairman. ****** A paper on this study was presented by Or. Dinman in a medical association meeting during the latter part of April. A second paper will be presented in the coming meeting of the Industrial Hygiene Association in Colorado. Following a discussion on the publication of the report a motion was made, that the University of Michigan be permitted to publish the scientific facts developed from this study but that the complete document now available to the OHC and the sponsoring companies not be UNIR0002197 ~4- released but held confidential for the sponsors only. On being duly seconded this was passed unanimously. At this point the secretary stated that it was the general policy of the Association to make the results of such research freely avail able and that the details of the contract with the Institute would be followed in this respect. The meeting was then concerned with further studies that might be desirable. Dr. Magnuson pointed out that patients having AOL may have bones other than the fingers involved and posed a number of questions regarding systemic manifestation. He stressed the need for continued and a more thorough follow up on X-rays, clinical history and the study of the cumulative action through X-rays. He also. recommended further etiology study: (a) To obtain a clear definition of products in the kettle including .time of flight by mass spectrometer. (t^ - tn). Also, on animal experiments better characterization is needed. (b) On this it was pointed out that current data may give additional leads. Chairman Demehl then proposed that the question of future work be referred back to the OHC for recommendations on what should be done. It was also suggested that the Committee issue guidelines or instructions for. the taking of history, physical examinations involved and frequency of follow-up on surveillance. During this part of the. discussion it was pointed out that the recommendation regarding x-rays had already been made to the companies in the questionnaire form which is included in the subject report. FHCser Enclosure May 15, 1969 F.H. Carman UNIR0002198 ATTENDANCE - MAY 6, 1969 Producer Representatives Laurence H. Ballou John T. Barr Edwin T. Biehl Harold E. Birr Prank A. Cox C.4 U. Dernehl, M.D. E. M. Dixon John E. Ertel J. A. Fehrenbach Albert W. Fuhzman H< G Glenn N. V. Hendricks George W. Ingle. M. N. Johnson, M.D. Robert W. Laundrie Sydney Lipton William E. McCormick. John L. Nelson Cal Rehfuss Howard E. Runion Harry A. Russell Arthur C. Siegel William J. Wetzel R. N. Wheeler, Jr. J. H. Wolfsie, M.D. Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. Airco Chemicals & Plastics The Pantasote Co.(Mgr. Resin Operations) Diamond Shamrock Corporation (Mgr. Delaware City Plant) Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Union Carbide Corporation Celanese Corporation The Pantasote Co.(V.P. Production)` Shawinigan Chemicals Div. Gulf Oil Canada Great American Plastics, Chemical Division General Tire & Rubber Co. Standard Oil Company (N. J.) Monsanto Company Monsanto Company General Tire & Rubber Co. Chemical Division Esso Research & Engineering Co. B. F. Goodrich Company B. F. Goodrich Chemical Company . ... Allied Chemical Corporation Gulf Oil Corporation The Pantasote Co. (Exec. V.P.) Tenneco Plastics Division RUCO Div., Hooker Chemical Corp. Union Carbide Corporation Uniroyal, Inc. University of Michigan Professor W. D. Cook Bertram D. Dinman, M.D. Harold J. Magnuson, M.D. Manufacturing Chemists Association George E. Best, Technical Director F. H. Carman UNIR0002199 -*: ** A' # ^^VAJ'T^^^honE HODSOI* 3-6126 . . Manufa g Uhemists' Association, Inc. (FOUNDED 187ft) cticut Avenue, N. W. received A/falNGTONV^D. C. 20009 SEP 201966 r/A^< $ September 19, 1966 E. S. Bft to: / \y pvcJ^es^r pProducers For A meeting will be held on October 6 in Cleveland, Ohio, ' fr the purpose of discussing a medical matter"with appropriate * Representatives of management and medical staffs of* producers of ^ " polyvinyl chloride resin. This wil^ convene^ at_9 a.ii. at "the Cleveland Engineering~Society, 3100 Chester Avenue. In the September 13 meeting of the Executive Committee of the'Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Mr. Hatry B. Warner, Vice President of The B. F. Goodrich Company, described an inter- t , .esting medica-l development of which they have become aware in ibonie .qf-'their PVC manufacturing plants. The matter has been r 1 discussed.with companies here and abroad, and it has been estab- ' iished*-'that'?at least seven of them have had a similar experience. r.- Theysihaye rfeasori to believe that the medical condition, which may . affect-- the hands of some, is related to PVC manufacture, b;ut they 'i , ida-not.-hinow. the specific cause. It was suggested that'a meeting f. -be arranged f&r all PVC'producers to permit discussion of their bliservations. y This meeting, is being, arranged under the auspices of `this Association'_s Medical Advisory Committee. We hope representa- ^^tt^OthHygai?':,feedi^al~'^t.af'f`~aiTd*'-LUp'',iuaiiagemenL Jslosely .-e< onr cerned- with PVC operatxonsPwill attend.k1 ^ -A. i'?j l . ' m a ^m ^^3 _:# 4 A* Tit 7/1 4% v ^ "t.# ^ *1 1. ^ ^ A* ^ 4^ It is anticipated theT 4- .1 r* *^`4- ^ /h,,s'"vs a J 4* 1 f a?';- :-:;-wussion will continue-through luncheon. A block of rooms has I .1-- - -* '-be' en.s_ et an Ms4idJie-- by\k. . thIkeKb SaharaC' ---- Ik --. - I~Y~nnn l1o..cK.a-- ted on Euclid Avenue at 32nd " "fjtreet in Cleveland, a short walk from the Engineering Society - building. It is suggested you make reservations directly with the .-ho;te.l at your: earliest convenience, stating that this is for a' mz meeting arranged-by the B. F. Goodrich Chemical Company. - Please complete and return the attached Reply Slip con cerning your company's plans to participate in this important meet,ing.r' Also attached- is a list of producers invited to participate. 1 '? fv5- FHC/bk ; Enclosures (2) F. H. Carman 'fci UNIR0002200 Company Date United States Rubber Company Chemical Division September ?.B, 1966 UNIR0002201 F-2S3 RE . 2:7 UNIROYAL, Inc. Oxford Management and Research Center (Location) TO: B. R. Leach Painesville FROM: W. D. Harris Industrial Toxicologist DATEH. October 5, 1971 SUBJECT: Viola Report on VCM Toxicology The report which you sent is an abbreviated summary of the paper which we have in our files. Because of the extensive use of medical terms and the numerous slides which dad not reproduce well on the Xerox, I am not sending it unless you really want it. I feel that it is probably necessary for the industry to run a dosage series to determine whether levels in the range of practical working conditions have any effect; A careful epidemiological study of workers exposed for 15 years or more should also be carried out* Oncogenic response is typically not a straight line function when plotted against concentration. It is more nearly a logarithmic response. Thus one cannot say from present data that there would be no response at 1000 or 100 ppm. Frequency of response would certainly diminish, and time for development of symptoms would increase but there is no way to predict at whit concentration (iffany) and time the problem would disappear. Unfortunately, once the specter is raised, it is almost impossible to get enough data to remove all shaddw of doubt. However, to make notattempt to develop better information would be inexecusable. A coordinated industry approach is essential. WDH:ues ccs: C. B. Westerhof J. R. Little . D. E. Dudrow L. F. Dieringer W. D. Harris, Ph.D. Industrial Toxicologist Tga I ) ( f/ i i INTERCOMPANY CORRESPONDENCE UNIR0002202 September 27, 1971 cc: 6AA - Nail?. Or. W. 0. Harris Oxford Laboratory Study of VCH Toxicology I am enclosing a copy of the Information on VCH toxicology which was sent to me by 8111 Reiter of Allied Chemical as he promised. I will be most interested In whether the In formation which Or. tfolfsle obtained Is different from the attached. When you have made An assessment of the next step In evaluating this particular effect I would like to be Informed. 8. R. Leach hak NAN Enc UNIR0002203 Plastics Division ALLIED CHEMICAL 786 Hardy Road, Painesville, Ohio 44077 Mr. Benjamin Leach Plant Manager Uniroyal Inc. 720 Fairport Nursery Road Painesville, Ohio 44077 Dear Ben: Attached herewith is the documentation on VCM toxicology we discussed on September 21. Sincerely yours WMR:d Attach. Bill Reiter UNIR0002204 CANCEROGENIC EFFECT OF VINYL CHLORIDE P. L. Viola (Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research)' Rome, Italy Presented at the Tenth International Cancer Congress Houston, Texas May'22-29, 1970 . The demonstration of oncogenic activity of some chemical organic compounds employed for the preparation of "plastics" has been widely.investigated and the limits and the effectiveness of their oncogenic power have been well defined. The present investigation demonstrates that it is possible to' obtain for some experimental models a marked carcinogenic response .to a monomeric precursor, i.e. vinyl chloride, of plastic polymers which follows a peculiar pattern for different tissues and organs of the rat. 1 Twenty-six Wistar (AR/IRE) male albino rats, of the average * weight of 150 gr. were exposed to vapours of vinyl chloride 4 hours a day far 5 days a week during- 12 months. The animals were kept in a plastic, air-tight container through which there was a constant flow of air containing 3% in weight equal to 30,000 p.p.m., of vinyl chloride. At the end of treatment the surviving animals were killed at tv/enty-day intervals, and the most important tissues and organs were histologically examined by conventional methods. Twenty-five rats of the same strain were kept aside as a control. During the period of exposure the animals were slightly soporific, but the first few months of treatment.were well tolerated and the rats showed no change in body growth or behavior and no organic alterations visible macroscopically or by radiological means. 65% of the animals developed tumors of the skin and 26% of these showed tumors of the respiratory tract exclusively localized in the lungs. Very few animals developed tumors .in the bone and in this case the tumors were localized in the metaphysical region of the femurs, and it is worthy to mention that the femurs of both posterior limbs showed the carcinogenic transformation. Tumors of the skin The skin transformation which developed more frequently in the para-aural region/ has been the epidermoid carcinoma, but we have seen also papillomas and rarely mucoepidermoid carcinomas. UNIR0002205 (iaricerog^nic Effect of Vinyl Chloride _ P. I. Viola C Tumors of the respiratory tract Even if as far as the percentage is concerned these occur in a smaller number, their morphologic appearance is mainly of an adenocarcinoma; only in one rat it has been observed a tumor of the epidermoid type. Sometimes the tumor showed an early developmental stage and consisted predominantly of cubic or columnar cells arranged as regular or irregular tubular and papillary elements supported by poorly developed fibrous stroma. Tumors of the bones ' In the metaphysical region of the four limbs a large proliferation of cartilaginous tissue arises outwardly.to the periostium and seems . to derive directly out of the osseous cortical by the growth of its cells. The cartilagenous growth is dishomogeneous as it is shown by the extension of finger-like prolongations into the boundary of , neoformed tissue. Beside the chondroblastic, chondrocytic and angiomatous areas, manifestation of noticeable growth power, there are cartilaginous zones with regressive features, as fibrosis and hya linos is. > . The results reported above indicated that vinyl chloride is an effective carcinogenic agent for the rat. As for many carcinogenesis studies, where multiple tumors arise at different sites, in different'tissues and organs, the data obtained need to be evaluated considering a more prompt positive response according to the ideal concentration of the carcinogenic. It is. noteworthy to^emphasize that the cutaneous system represents an impressive pattern of susceptibility to the vinyl chloride. . Another point to be considered is that all the cutaneous tumors developed in the same, site, i.e., the region including the area in which submaxillary and parotid gland are located. No implications to human pathology can be extrapolated from the experimental model reported in this paper. O UNIR0002206 TELEPHONE HUDSON 3-6126 PRESENT: cturing Chemists' Association ' "tWCULATlON (FOUNDED 1872) 1825 Connecticut Avenue, N. W. GEB RWS Washington, D. C. 20009 JTH MS RWK. R.-VT Meeting - October 6, 1966 PVC Resin Producers and Occupational Health Committee Cleveland Engineering Society Cleveland, Ohio RAP HGW DER LAW HAS CBW JMS ~ RETURN TO FILE i i PVC Resin Producers Allied Chemical Corporation Dr. G. B. Linden, Dir. of Operations B. A. Hallam, Mgr. of Safety, Plastics Div. Atlantic Tubing & Rubber Co. Dan Carberry, Asst. Mgr., Chemicals Div. Glenn D. Smith, Ex. Dir. of Engineering Borden Chemical Company Nathan Blackman, Tech. Supt., PVC. Dept. Cumberland Chemical Corp. Dr. P. W. Townsend, Asst, to Group V. P. J. A. Bourque, Jr., Asst. Dir., Safety Dept. Diamond Alkali Company J. R. Dogenfelder. Production Mgr. Dow Chemical Company Dr. H. L. Gordon, Corporate Med. Dir. Earl R. smith, Mgr., PVC Mfgrg. Facilities Ethyl Corporation Dr. Sidney Lerner, Med. Dir.(?) Firestone Plastics Company C. J. Kleinert, Prod. & Tech. Mgr., Chem. Div. General Tire & Rubber Co. Phillip R. Sayre, Tech. Mgr., Strd.-Products George Burkhardt, Corporate Safety Dir. B. F. Goodrich Chemical Co. Thomas B. Nantz, President A. Vittone, V. P., Mfgrg. B. F. Goodrich Company Harry B. Warner, Group V. P. Wade Miller, V. P. Dr. Rex H. Wilson, Med. Dir. William McCormick, Toxicologist, Med. Dept. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. F. A. Cox, Mgr., Niagara Falls Plant Dr. C. A. Johnson, Med. Dir. Great Amer. Chemical Corp. Albert W. Fuhrman, V. P., Chemical Div. Hooker Chemical Corp. Jerome Wilkenfeld, Mgr., Environmental Health Pantasote Company John E. Ertel, V. P., Production Shawinigan Chemicals Ltd. Dr. R. H. Stevenson, Medical Officer M. G. Lemire, Process Supervisor Stauffer Chemical Company Don Hunter, Tech. Service Mgr., Polymers Tenneco Manufacturing Co. Elwood W. Phares, Ex. V. P. Robert R. Bouffard, Mgr., Div. Quality Control Thompson-Apex Company Gordon F. Ferguson, V. P., CarIon Products Div., Cont. Oil Co. H. Mai in Union Carbide Corporation Dr. C. U. Dernehl, Assoc. Med. Dir. U. S. Rubber Company R. N. Wheeler, Jr., Production Mgr. C. B. Westarhoff, Tech.. Supt. Dr. J.H. Wolfsie, Corp. Med. Dir., Industrial Relations Dept. non-member company UNIR0002207 2 $ Occupational Health Committee W. L. Sutton, M.D. (Chairman), Eastman Kodak Company C. U. Dernehl, M.D., Union Carbide Corporation (also listed above) E. M. Dixon, M.D., Celanese corporation X. C. Haslam, M.D., Canadian Industries Limited Gordon J. Stopps, M.D., E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company J. H. Wolfsie, M.D., United states Rubber Company (also listed above) MCA Staff P. H. Carman, Technical Director P. G. Stephenson, Secretary, Occupational Health Committee *********** The discussion was opened by Dr. W. L. Sutton, Chairman of the Occupational Health Committee, giving a brief explanation of the reason for the meeting and plans for the morning session. F. H. Carman, Technical Director, briefly covered the MCA General Principles Appli cable to the Structure and Operations of Committees and the conduct of such meetings when concerned with single-class products, such as polyvinyl chloride resins (PVC). Following introductions. Chairman Sutton invited Dr. Rex H. Wilson, Medical Director, The B. F. Goodrich Company, to report on the hand condition of some workers in PVC manufacture and the investiga tions of the problem within that organization. This included some X-ray slides of hands of workers in certain PVC manufacturing opera tions . Dr. Wilson then introduced William McCormick, toxicologist in the medical department of The B. F. Goodrich Company, who gave a history of the symptoms and discussed steps taken to obtain further information on the cause, possible hazards in manufacturing operations, and their intensive investigation, including diagnosis of hand ailments by X-ray examinations. Various questions were raised during the discussion period, which included a free exchange of ideas as to the incidents of this occurrence in manufacture and steps that may be appropriate for further investigation and elimination of any hazard. It was also stressed that expert examination of X-rays was the only real clue to the existence of the disease in the hands of workers which to date appears to be found mainly among "poly-cleaners" (persons engaged in internal cleaning of PVC polymerization vessels or autoclaves) . Experts on The B. F. Goodrich Company staff are prepared to assist other PVC manufacturers by reading and reporting on X-rays that may be sub mitted. Chairman Sutton expressed appreciation for this offer of assistance, and in closing the meeting stated that the occupational Health Committee would consider steps that might be possible on behalf of the industry in their meeting which was to follow that afternoon. UNIR0002208 3 Subsequently, the Occupational Health Committee, following a full discussion of this medical problem, recommended certain steps to the Executive Committee of the Association as contained in the attached resolution dated October 7, 1966. The above-mentioned resolu tion was reported to the Executive Committee in its regular meeting October 11, 1966; and the problem was briefly discussed by Harry B. Warner, Vice President of the B. F. Goodrich Company. On his recom mendation, the Executive Committee unanimously voted that the Occupa tional Health Committee should proceed with development of the program as set forthin parts 1, 2, and 3, of the resolution, including the procedures outlined in the explanatory paragraphs for these several items. It is hoped this program can be developed in specific terms, including financial arrangement, and that these be reported to the Executive Committee in its meeting November 21 if possible. FHC/bk Attachment October 13, 1966 F. H- -Carman Technical Director UNIR0002209 ATTACHMENT A TELEPHONE HUDSON 3-6136 Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc. (FOUNDED 1873) 1825 Connecticut Avenue, N. W. Washington, D. C. 20009 October 7, 1966 TO: MCA Executive Committee FROM: Occupational Health Committee SUBJECT: PVC Resin Manufacturing Health Hazard On October 6, 1966, the Occupational Health Committee met with various manufacturers of polyvinyl chloride and discussed evidence made available by a member company indicating a possible occupational health problem associated with a step in the manufac ture of polyvinyl chloride resins. While the evidence presented is highly correlated with a specific step in the manufacture of these resins, there is need for confirmation of this by other manufacturers. Although the exact cause has not been determined and the proportion of exposed persons affected does not appear to be high, the nature of the effects are such that the Committee has concluded that the problem requires vigorous and wide investigation. The Com mittee finds that the condition may not be recognized unless special medical surveys are carried out. The clinical manifestations are such as to suggest the possibility of a disabling disease as a later development. Although there is no evidence to suggest that there is a risk associated with the use or handling of the finished polyvinyl chloride resin, it is of importance to the industry that this be documented and confirmed by studies of exposed groups within member companies. Therefore, the Occupational Health Committee recommends to the Executive Committee that a program incorporating the follow ing be undertaken promptly: (1) In-plant medical studies; - - (2) Industry-sponsored toxicological research; (3) MCA-sponsored symposium In-Plant Medical Studies Medical surveys similar to those carried out by one member ccmpany need to be extended to other manufacturers. The employee UNIR0002210 groups t.o be studied should include persons engaged in (a) the manufacture of vinyl chloride monomer, (b) the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride resins, and (c) the fabrication of polyvinyl chloride consumer products within member companies producing these products. Uniform medical observations are necessary so that the data may be combined and compared. In essence, the survey will in clude a brief medical history of the employee, and examinations and X-rays of the hands. The Committee will provide participating com panies with detailed recommendations. Industry-Sponsored Toxicological Research The Committee concludes that a cooperatively sponsored toxicological research program should be initiated in order to determine the cause, mechanism of action, and preventive measures necessary. This research program and the in-plant study program should operate concurrently. The Committee recommends that it be authorized to both contact a competent institution of its selection to establish this program and to maintain supervision of same. It is estimated that at least $100,000 will be necessary. MCA-Sponsored Symposium Up to the present, full knowledge of this condition has been ..limited to three companies in the United States. It is not anticipated that this situation will continue in light of the wider dissemination resulting from the MCA-sponsored meeting of October 6 and the proposed program of investigation. Therefore, it is the conclusion of the Committee that precise information must be made available to the scientific community, and it is proposed that an MCA-sponsored symposium under the auspices of the Occupational Health Committee be held during the summer of 1967. FGS:cm UNIR0002211 Tentative List of Attendees of Meeting October 6, 1966 PVC Resin Producers Cleveland Engineering Society Cleveland, Ohio ___________ Company Attendees Titles . . Allied Chemical Corp. Dr. R. D. Williams Vice President and Gen. Mgr., Plastics & Resins American Chemical Corp. (NON-MEMBER - NO RESPONSE) Atlantic Tubing & Rubber Co. Dan Carberry Glenn D. Smith Asst. Div. Mgr.-Chemicals Ex. Dir; of Engineering Borden Chemical Co. Nathan- Blackman Tech. Superintendent, PVC Dept. Cumberland Chemical Corp* Dr. P. W. Townsend J. A. Bourque, Jr. Asst, to Group V. P. Asst. Dir., Safety Dept. Diamond Alkali Company Dow Chemical company Escambia Chemical Corp. Dr. Richard W. McBurney-Medical Director L. E- Ice Plant Manager . Dr. H- L. Gordon Earl R. Smith Corporate Medical Director Mgr., PVC Mfgrg. Facilities. (no representative will participate) t I i, jti Ethyl Corporation Firestone Plastics Co. Dr. George Roush C. J. Kleinert General Tire & Rubber Co. Phillip R. Sayre George Burkhardt B. F. Goodrich Chemical Co. Thomas B. Nantz A. Vittone B. F. Goodrich -Company Wade Miller Dr. Rex Wilson / William McCormick Medical Director Production & Tech. Mgr., Chemicals Div. *- Tech. .Mgr.-Standard Products 4 Corporate Safety Director President Vice President, Manufacturing- Vice President Medical Director Toxicologist-Medical Dept. UNIR0002212 Company Attendees Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co- F. A. Cox Dr. C- A. Johnson Titles Manager, Niagara FallsPlant Medical Director Great American Cheimical Corp. Albert W. Fuhrman V. P. -Chemical Div. Hooker Chemical Corp. Jerome Wilkenfeld Head, Water Pollution Abatement Dept. Keysor chemical Co. (NON-MEMBER - NO RESPONSE) Monsanto Company Maurice N. Johnson, M-D. Asst. Dir., Med. Dept. Pantasote Company John E. Ertel Vice President, Production Shiawinigan Chemicals Ltd. Dr. R. H. Stevenson Medical Officer Stauffer Chemical Co, H. R. Jep.son Don Hunter' Plant Manager - PVC Tech. Serv.. Mgr.-Polymers : Tehiieco Manufacturing Co. Elwood `W. Phares Robert R. Houffard : Executive V. P. Division Quality; Control Manager' Thompson Chemical Co. Union Carbide Corp. Dr. C. U. Dexriehl R. Wheeler., Jr., Assoc. Med. Dir. Production Manager U. S... Rubber Company C. B. Westerhoff Dr. J. H.iWolfsie . Tech;.;. Superintendent Corp. Med. Dir. - Industrial Relations Dept. Occupational Health Committee (indicated ..attendance) W. L. Sutton, M.D., (Chairman), Eastiaan Kodak Company C. U. Dernehl, M. D., Union Carbide ..Corporation (also listed above) E. M. Dixon, M. D., Celanese Corporation , L. C. Haslaja, M. D., Canadian Industries Limited Gordon J. Stopps, M. D., E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company . J. H. Wolfsie, M. D., United States Rubber.Company (also listed above) M. R. Clapp (Board Liaison), The Lubrizol-Corporation MCA Staff F. H. Carman ' .TScfcv DC*.. F. G. Stephenson M C A. ; UNIR0002213 TELEPHONE HUDSON 3-6126 Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc. (POUNDED 1672) 1825 Connecticut Avenue, N. W. F. H- CABMAN TECHNICAL &ZBSCTOA Washington, D. C. 20009 January 4, 1967 TO: PVC Resin Producers GU . % H- For i 'tt'Kj* O. J We are writing you to outline plans for a cooperative study of an occupational health hazard in polyvinyl chloride manufacturing, to solicit response on participation in an epidemiological study to be conducted by the University of Michigan1s Institute of Industrial Health under the auspices of the Association's Occupational Health Committee, and to advise of a meeting of all interested participants on January 24, 1967. * In the attached you will find a discussion of the back ground of the problem, the proposed epidemiological study, the cost and conduct of the study, and a reply form regarding the January 24 meeting. v r It is desirable that participating companies send indi viduals who-will be responsible for the medical portion of the study since clinical.information will =be:'discussed.' Also> detailed planning would be facilitated if company representatives familiar with the processes could attend, in the pase' of those companies planning to be represented in. the meeting but wishing to withhold decision about participation until that time,:it is highly desir able that-: their representatives be able to indicate at- the conclu sion whether or not the company will participate. In the reply form certain information is desired t refine the cost estimates for the study (and to complete the research contract) and for maximum planning efficiency at the meeting later this month. Please return this reply form and also advise me on the appropriate assessment classification' for your company (page 3 of attachment) . Any questions- about the study and the plans may be directed to the wri^ef or to Dr. William L. Sutton, Chairman, Occupational Health Committee (Assistant Medical Director, Eastman Kodak .Company, Rochester, New York Area Code 716, telephone 32S-i2000, ext. 2868). The meeting will be held in the Institute of Industrial Health; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, beginning at 9:30 a.m. A block of rooms has been set aside at the Michigan UNIR0002214 2 Union, 530 South State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 4$104, fox the evening of January 23. Those requiring sleeping rooms are requested to write the Michigan Union direct identifying them selves with the meeting arranged by Dr. Magnuson of the Institute. Sincerely, FHC/bk * Enclosures F. H. Carman UNIR0002215 ATTACHMENT Background Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin producers were invited to a meeting October 6 in Cleveland which was held under the auspices of the MCA's Occupational Health Committee to discuss an occupa tional health problem that had been recognized by a segment of the industry. This established that: (1) There is a distinctive condition that has been associated primarily, with specific operations; (2) The condition had not been recognized by many producers, but could be present without being noticed since appro priate examinations had not been done; (3) There was inadequate information about the presence or absence of the condition among those exposed only to fabrication operations with the finished resin; and (4) The cause of the condition is unknown. As a result, the Occupational Health Committee advised a three-point program which included as the first order of business an epidemiological study to determine the extent of the problem in other segments of the industry and to obtain information which might identify the possible cause. The Epidemiological Study In conjunction with the Occupational Health Committee, the Institute of Industrial Health of the University of Michigan has developed an epidemiological plan and the MCA Executive. Committee has authorized the Committee to proceed with the project. In broad outline, it will be conducted as follows: (1) Populations to be studied will be drawn from member y xot'XtwAw company PVC manufacturers and will consist of two main groups: (a) persons working in PVC resin production and, . .(b)....per,sons engaged in fabrication of PVC articles (exposed to finished resins only); (2) The participating companies will obtain hand x-rays and completion of a self-administered health and vocational questionnaire; UNIR0002216 2 (3) The x-rays and questionnaires will be sent to the : Institute of Industrial Health for interpretation and tabulation; (4) A team of physicians and industrial hygienists from the Institute will visit the participating plants to observe tne'Operations, especially polymerization and polycleaning, and will receive confidential information on the processes and chemistry; this is essential to achieve the objectives of the study. The presence or absence of abnormalities will be correlated with process information in order to identify possible causes and deter mine whether or not there is a risk from exposure to the finished resin. Safeguards will be developed to insure that no results are f wil-h any .company. and that no confidential process information is divulged to other participants; (5) Hand x-rays on an adult population of a small Michigan com munity (approximately 4,000 persons) will be studied as a control population. It is hoped that this study can be completed and reported to the Occupational Health Committee and participating companies by June, 1967. The Committee tentatively plans to arrange an open scientific meeting in the summer of 1967, at which time the report of the study and reports by others who have studied this problem can be presented in an open meeting and, therefore, be made avail able to the occupational health profession. It is to be emphasized that neither the clinical information nor the confidential process information nor correlations between the two will be associated with specific industries or plants. The plants and participating com panies will be identified only by code letters known only to the Institute of Industrial Health. Conduct of Study and Cost The University of Michigan1s Institute of Industrial Health.has prepared a rough estimate of the cost of the study based on he plan outlined above plus the assumption that there will be approximately twenty participating companies with 35 participating plants, and a total study population of some 20,000 individuals. The cost is estimated at $75,000. This will cover the following services by the institute: (1) Planning and designing the study; (2) Conduct of a planning and instruction meeting for participating company representatives ? UNIR0002217 3 (3) Interpretation of hand x-rays submitted by partic ipating companies (two independent radiologists); (4) Design, preparation, printing, tabulation and analysis of the health and vocational questionnaires ? (5) Inspection of participating plants by a team of physicians and industrial hygienists? (6) Analysis and correlation of the data; and (7) Report of the study. I The participating companies will be responsible for identifying the exposed populations in their plants, obtaining hand x-rays and sending them to the University of Michigan along with identifying data, obtaining completed self-questionnaires from the individuals in their exposed population study group, assigning contacts to work with the Institute study personnel, and arranging with the Institute for the plant visits and for assisting the study team therein. It is difficult to estimate the cost to a participating company. A suggested schedule of capacity classifications for suspension resin and fees that would seem appropriate is shown in the following as a probable maximum and minimum required in each group: Over 20'0 million lbs./yr. Plan 1 $10,500 each Plan 2 $8,850 100-200 million lbs./yr. 6,300 5,300 50-99 million lbs./yr. 3,200 2,650 Under 50 million lbs./yr. 2,100 1,750 Under Plan 2 we are assuming participation by 21 resin producers with estimates based on published information of probable resin capacity, while Plan 1 is based on 18 participating. It is sug gested that each participating company select the appropriate classification in arriving at the probable assessment required to make up the total for the Michigan project. In a confidential letter, will you please advise F. H. Carman in the Washington office of the classification that would be applicable in your case, and this will be used in arriving at final assessments required to fund this program. UNIR0002218 4 The additional direct cost will be least for those com panies and plant locations where there is an in-plant medical service with radiographic facilities, in which case the time away from work will be short and there may not be a direct cost for radiographic interpretation. In some cases there may be a sizable number of the population to be studied who have had recent hand x-rays, in which case the cost will be further reduced. In those plant situations where there are no in-plant radiographic services and where the exposed individuals must be sent to local radiologists for hand x-rays, the direct cost of the x-rays and the time away from the job will be higher. In some locations it is estimated that the charges for radiographic examination of the hand may be as high as $10 per individual. UNIR0002219 REPLY FORM RETURN TO: F. H. Carman Technical Director Manufacturing Chemists' Association, 1825 Connecticut Avenue, N. W. Washington, D. C. 20009 Inc. (1) In addition to specific information requested (items 2, 3, and 4), the following will attend the meeting of PVC Resin Producers on January 24, 1967, in Ann Arbor, Michigan: Name Title Location (2) Company contact with whom the Institute of Industrial Health will work: Name Tittle Location (3) Approximate number of employees to be studied (population) in: (a) Polyvinyl chloride resin production ____________________ (b) Polyvinyl chloride product fabrication _______________________ (4) Number of plant locations By ______ Company Date UNIR0002220 MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION Meeting University of Michigan January 24, 1967 Attendance List atr REDUCTION CO., INC. Dr. Palmer W. Townsend / Asst, to Group Vice President Belleville, N. J. J. A. Bourque, Jr. Asst. Safety Director New York City AT.T.TRD CHEMICAL CORPORATION William M. Reiter Asst. Works Manager Painesville, Oh^o Elmer V. Demeter, M.D. Painesville, Ohio ESSO CHEMICAL COMPANY. INC. Dr. Robert E. Eckardt yDirector, Medical Research Section Esso Research & Eng. Co. Linden, N. J. Dr. N. J. Roberts Associate Medical Director Standard Oil Co. (N-.J.) New York City J. F. Haring General Manager, Project Administration Div. Esso Chemical Co. New York City ATLANTIC TUBING &.RUBBER CO. s Glenn P. Smith' / Executive Director of Engineering Cranston, R. I. J. H. Johnson ~ Industrial Hygiene Imperial Oil Ltd. Toronto, Canada BORDEN CHEMICAL COMPANY Nathan Blackman / Technical.Superintendent PVC Department , ', Leominster, Mass. FIRESTONE TIRE. &,,RUBBER COMPANY Laurence H... Ballou, M.D. Medical Director Firestone T&R (Akron) THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY Dr. H.'L. Gordon ' Corporate Medical director ,607 Bldg. (jlFdlahd? Earl R. Smith Manager PVC Production 564 Bldg. (Midland) Mr. Pancratz Production Superintendent EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY W. L. Sutton, Ml D. Chairman, MCA Occupational Health Committee George L. - Wilson Industrial Hygienist Firestone. T&R.-. (Akron) R. E. Noble Product Engineer FirestoneT&R (Pottstown, Pa.) B. F. GOODRICH CHEMICAL CO. John L. Nelson / Gen. Production Mgr. V B. F. Goodrich Chemical Co. Cleveland, Ohio William E. McCormick Mgr. Industrial Hygiene &. Technology B. F. Goodrich Company Akron, Ohio UNIR0002221 MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION Meeting University of Michigan January 24, 1967 Attendance List (page 2) B. F. GOODRICH CHEMICAL CO. Dr. Rex Wilson . Medical Director B. F. Goodrich Company Akron, Ohio (cont.) GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY C. A. Johnson, M, D. Medical Director / Akron, Ohio Frank Cox Plant Manager Niagara Falls, N. Y. ' r r. _ *,; MONSANTO COMPANY? I Dr. Willi^-Ei Nessell Plant Physician ; Springfield, Masa> i THE PAHTASOTE COMPANY." OF ./ 'fojiQ {j** ' NEW YORK; tflfc-. John E. Vice President-Production Passaic, N. J. UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION Dr. E. Q. Hull Medical Director South Charleston Plant South Charleston, W. Va.' Dr. C. U. Dernehl Assoc. Medical Director New York, N.Y. R. N. Wheeler Technical Manager. South Charleston, W. Va. UNITED STATES RUBBER COMPANY J.H. Wolfsie, M. D. ^ . Corporate Medical Director New York, tsVx'. " C. B. Westerhoff Technical Superintendent Painesville,.Ohio MANUFACTPRTMO GBEMTSTS ASSOCIATION Frank-H. Carman SHAWINIGAN CHEMICALS . 'BUlITED. R. H. Stevenson, M.D. *2 Medical Officer - Montreal ' * K ? i STAUFFER CHEMICAL-COMPANY Hans R. Jepsen y ` Jir. eiijSp.v.C. Plant Delaware City, Delaware F. s. Stephenson V'l/jVMWs THOMPSON APEX COMPANY DIV. CONTINENTAL~OIL CO. H. Malin ' !> Vice President Pawtucket, R. I. R.. D. Dugan, M.D. Medical Director Continental oil Co. Houston, Texas I \ t UNIR0002222 Q&W^JPjZsfcd ^ &t*rc*~x-<f "7^ -<AL <2a#' yf)<iyi^ U ^ ^ Juux 'sf***-*z*a <5*>t- ^ ^ /^L*> < .^/ et$ aJZvuSZe 4*... y2-C-^^.<uJk - ^-^c^2w?0 E*A C.O-*~-p&.<<'3j to fj ** ekjL*s.~ -Z2&cA, (^c<r>^ c<-^>~c>-^\.. c<*vj&&jf` ^ /UavCSi eSg^tx.J2^ CsrGe>-B&*i~<_.4Zst^ Pifc* -~X^L >. T*&*L (3^ 3h^.~4^*V a r @4U<5{ ^S&dL* i.:- -.,v>.j^: o'; A^'S -*~pi ?.; (JaM-A ia&1*&> /Ucjtii^tX. :;,;<Dfe^. ' *.JH*isT f * ,(*suJtx / v C_/ :* *?-< i \.".. ,?a-2H2flHaM>> 4ii->. . - L- , H >v.?'T`J n c;^ *- < 3 / .:;/ ' ;.: .'*, Vim; . .i^ni-*!>> o ` 7 i W V-C "j*. if*-; "' ::a,E *i `\ o"7 x.\*r . t: li riAyi j>->.i / '`*. Jo * * 7 ' IC.l. * * ^ E.:0''V ,clm . i ' ..) :. i a . ;r >jj :!::*. a jJaK I -r' ,,JnoM m<aipp. ..li.D>miD JRgmUATB IT, frlJ-V? /; ft Offs inr.L'l . "i..v, S ' tS^CoK '.^' 3" 5 V ..; ; _ ' , .; .'(f.r 3>,, _$|ajtioj ' - JP^S^'LIT .CO J.Tft >-,,-r%.-;ilri-i- - 7.1:1 1 ^>A- *0 -'f s.'-i ' '"v.- . UNIR0002223 . : 0M3* f *~~?233RW. 14S fete -A tf U|c>: OtfJX niRoya I UNITED STATES RUBBER COMPANY "1230" (Location) October 11, 1966 CONFIDENT I. AL TO: F. A. Hopkins FROM; . J. H. Wolfsie, M.D. SUBJECT': Possible Health -tafiranuin PVC Manufacture Mr# Harry B* Warner., Vice President of the B. F. Goodrich Company, called to the attention of the Manufacturing Chemists* Association "an interesting medical development" noticed by them in some of their 5: PVC manufacturing plants. MCA referred this matter to its Occupational f.! Health Committee. Accordingly, ;a meeting of this committee was held with PVC manufacturers on the morning of October 6, 1966, in Cleveland* It was agreed that all discussions would be treated as confidential, t- and there would be no written minutes of this meeting. h The United States Rubber Company was represented by C. B. Westerhoff, Technical Superintendent, Painesvilles Plant, and myself. I was also * present in the capacity of a member of the MCA Occupational Health ' i Committee. ' \ * ;*' The findings of the-B* F. Goodrich Company were presented by Dr. Rex Wilson, .their Medical Director, and by Mj% W. McCormick, their Chief of : Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. r \ i1' Krj This condition was first called to the attention of the B. F. Goodrich Company several yeurs ago by a part-time physician at one of their plants which.manufactures PVC.resins. It involved one or more, or all, of the fingers of both hands. There was noticed blanching of the fingers when exposed to cold and numbness, a phenomenon r$3enibling { Raynaudf*3 Syndrome,-a neurocitf.culatory disturbance of unknown cause. ai' , Some had nodules (bumps]! in the skin of the hands and forearms, about 5mm. in diameter, with a tendency to coalesce and noticed particularly i; over bony prominences, mostly over the proximal interphalangeal joints. Three cases had a thickening of the skin of the hands and fingers, resembling a condition Jcnown as scleroderma, with nodules along the extensor tendons of the hand, Skin biopsy, including the nodules, showed C an increase in fibrous tissue (collagen) and non-inflammatory thickening iI *-- but no specific findings. Biopsy oft the skin of those cases without the scleroderma. - like appearance did not have this fibrous thickening. ! Some had tenderness in the fingertips elicited oh squeezing.and which was mild in some. iI i* f INTERCOMPANY CORRESPONDENCE %i> ; it 'I :i i. 'ii J UNIR0002224 ;.oAd3Oxdji United States Rubber Company -2- fc. U0t*i3Q*oB * i. X rays were taken of the hands of these people and then showed bone damage in the distal portion of the terminal phalanx of one or more, or most, or all of the fingers of both hands* Dr. Wilson showed a number of X rays to demonstrate this* There was a dissolution of bone, manifested by notching, irregularity of outline, loss of bone at the tip or in a line across the shaft somewhat resembling a fracture# Some of these bones have healed with no evidence of previous abnor mality, some with varying degrees of remaining irregularity in the end of the bone and some with a flattened collar-button effect at the end of the bone* The fingertips of the latter appear shortened and blunt (photographs were shown of this#) Goodrich ultimately X-rayed the hands of all personnel working in all their United States and Canadian PVC plants* Of their five U* S. plants making PVC resins, in three of them they found these X ray changes in 1% of the plant personnel (or 6'% of those working in poly cleaning)* One of the.two plants with no cases is a new plant, and the other one has no poly cleaning* There were a total of 30 cases, twenty of whom were severe. All cases except three were in poly cleaning. One of these three was a plant guard, another a laboratory technician, and the third in PVC manufacturing but not a poly cleaner* Not all cases with blanching and numbness showed* X ray changes# It was emphasized that since these X ray changes might be subtle or, when not extensive and particularly in recovered cases, may resemble changes from previous finger trauma, it is important that the X rays be* examined by a competent radiologist who has had the benefit of studying radiograms in these cases# The term for the bone changes found on X ray is acro-osteolysis# There is nothing in the literature on this specific disease which appears to be unique in the PVC manufacturing industry* There have been 60 cases of acro-osteolysis reported in the world literature, representing familial acro-osteolysis or idiopathic acro-osteolysis, in both of which these bone changes occurred in other bones in addition to those of the fingers, e#g#, toes, skull, jaw* The most recent articles oh acro-osteolysis are: Cordier et al* Cahiers-de-Medicin Du Travail (*Fan. 1966) Sucin et al. Medicina Interna (Bucharest) 15:967-78 (Aug. 1963) Of the 1% of the Goodrich population in PVC manufacturing who showed acroosteolysis on X ray of the hands, the majority had numbness and blanching of the fingers, but some had no symptoms or signs of any hand disorder* On subsequent X rays (all have been X-rayed at least twice), some showed recovery or improvement and additional cases were picked up. No cases thus far (even those with blunting of the fingers and apparent healing of the bones) have had any permanent impairment of function. Of those with bone complaints some have cleared up, and others have gotten worse* f ` y-' ; v j. i* ifo. ij f. . . ts .:** ' *1I3-?*!!' I* ir~ > i\ UNIR0002225 United States Rubber Company -3- Goodrich X-rayed the hands of all people in a monomer plant (no PVC), which included a number of people who had had intoxications with vinyl chloride, and they found no cases of acro-osteolysis or people who had had the hand complaint^ described above. Although they have not found cases in monomer people, they suspect that exposure to monomer has been generally very low. Goodrich spoke with a number of other companies about this problem, two in the United States and three in foreign countries. One foreign com pany, which has a number of cases, feels that there is a relationship to vinyl chloride intoxication, but Goodrich has not been able tto demon strate this. One approached foreign company claimed they had no cases but, when their X rays were examined by the radiology consultants of Goodrich, three cases were found (an incidence of 1$ of the population)* Goodrich obtained an outside consultant and hospitalized twenty severe cases at a university hospital. They were investigated thoroughly, in cluding X rays of all bones, all known tests and examinations by many consultants. No bone changes were found anywhere except in the fingers, although one company claimed they have X ray changes in toes. There were no consistent additional findings .except a lag in temperature recovr ery of the hands after immersion in cold water and a lag in the esophageal reflex in some. The latter occurs in scleroderma. A few of the severe . cases had arteriograms performed, and they showed a restriction of the lumen of the finger arteries at the level of the distal crease. Four of the twenty cases had a slight elevation of blood uric acid which is not considered significant. All such cases were taken out of poly cleaning but remained in PVC manu facturing. They have all shown improvement which may be quick or slow, but in some, another finger subsequently became affected before full re covery. Some still have blanching and numbness on exposure to cold, but of a lesser degree. Some have blunting of the fingers, but it does not appear to be disabling. There has been a large variation in length of exposure, more cases appearing in the older operations, although it has been found after as little as six months in poly cleaning. All the .severe cases were bilateral although not necessarily involving all fingers. The youngest case was 24 or 26* years of age, but no age correlation was noted. All the Goodrich X rays were viewed by expert radiologists; others have missed cases. Dr. Wilson thinks these cases exist in all companies manu facturing FTC. He also thinks they may have had remissions in some affected (but not realized) cases who continued to work at poly cleaning. It cannot be proved. There are na previous X rays; they may recover with normal appearing bone; X ray findings in recovered cases are not specific and can resemble the changes from previous trauma. 'tb"* .1 r hi;; , ,.!>' i V I I3 ; * hi. I r 1 '^r Hf,' i , u'r1 .. ; ; *' r [; ,, ? $ ' ` ;,( UNIR0002226 ko4uOaxoit lotiax { United States Rubber Company -4- B. F. Goodrich Company starts PVC employe ss as poly cleaners and they later move up to operators, etc* Poly cleaners may be assigned to other jobs, but they are mainly in poly cleaning in which they may devote up to 40 hours per week. On questioning, they stated that there may be up to 1% monomer content, in the polymer on the walls of reactors and that, in poly cleaning, the concentration of monomer in the vessel air would rarely exceed 50 ppm. A statistician in Goodrich has been working on this problem, but it has been very difficult to get accurate work histories. An experiment was performed in which a monkey was placed in a chamber with his head excluded. Vinyl chloride was introduced in the chamber, in concentrations from 200 ppm to 5,000 ppm. Vinyl chloride was present in the monkey's expired air at all chamber concentrations, proving that it can .be readily absorbed through intact skin.;. This hand condition was originally thought due to local hand contact in poly cleaning (realizing that many other chemicals are present in addition to monomer), but the I "'.I results of this experiment suggested that this may be a systemic disease, It is the impression of Goodrich that more cases have appeared from the pearl type than from the emuldion type polymerization. One would expect a larger percent of monomer in the former. One foreign company, however, believes they have equal involvement from each type of polymerization. I Dr. Wilson privately showed two .sets of X rays. These were of the hands of two men who showed involvement of most of their fingers in 1964, at which time they were removed from poly cleaning. 1965 and 1966 X rays in each show improvement in most fingers, some remaining about the same, and subsequent and progressive involvement of an additional finger in each of these two men. In one case with cold hands, an unilateral sympathectomy resulted in a warm hand on that side, but both hands improved on X ray. In one plant in which poly cleaning is done with the man completely pro v.? tected, including supplied air, they had a case. MI B. F. Goodrich's Present Program in Plants: 1. Pre-employment X ray of hands of everyone hired for PVC manufacturing plant. 2. X ray of hands every 6 months of everyone working in PVC manufacturing plants. .i 3 In the first plant reporting this problem, they require gloves on those cleaning poly vessels (cotton glove,cov i ered with a PVC-covered glove). Will extend this to all their PVC plants. Currently investigating imperviousness of different gloves. OuJXl :|Mi " I l:' ] Vf ] }1 i j . ! \.y *j rM: r4- I;!' <1 ft 1 f* i;si . %f* ,31. llil [1 .13 jj ~ /ft 1 *&?!*.? UNIR0002227 iJ. . ; AdOdl 'Ott3K } United Statss Rubber Company -5- 4. All discovered cases are permanently removed from poly cleaning but not from PVC manufacture. 5. Everyone with a positive change has been told so. None were apprehensive and there were no Union difficulties. The company accepted all cases, and the employees were told that they were considered as workmen's compensation cases. The employees were told that a hand problem seems to exist in a few people, the cause is not known, and they are assisting management in attempting to find the cause. The employees in all five Goodrich PVC plants know this is associated with poly cleaning. In the twenty cases that were examined extensively, a copy of the medical report was sent to their family physicians. In summary, the B. F. Goodrich Company presented a health program in PVC manufacture involving a disease of the hands of unknown cause, principally associated with poly (reactor) cleaners, manifested in about 6% of these poly cleaners (or 1% of all engaged in PVC manufacture) The diagnostic tcol (X ray) is poor. There have been many suggestions, including Raynaud's phenomenon, a disturb;.nee of collagen, and poly merization of vinyl chloride in the tissues. The possibility of damage to collagen tissue with the creation of a systemic disease which will become apparent later on is rather disconcerting and is probably of the most concern. Consultants have advised Goodrich to conduct studies on the effects of various chemicals on collagen tissue. Dr. C. U. Dernehl, Associate Medical Director, Union Carbide Corporation, reported that they were approached by Goodrich's consultant and asked if they had any cases of Raynaud's syndrome among.-.their PVC autoclave cleaners Their autoclave cleaners do other jobs too, being mostly laborers, which also exposes them to considerable finger trauma. They reviewed the medical records of 26 men at Texas City and 18 men at South Charleston who have been regularly cleaning PVC autoclaves, up to 15 years at the latter location. They found no cases of neurovascular abnormalities of the hands (they pride themselves in having very good medical records.) They then X-rayed the hands of these employees. Among the 26 employees . at-Texas City, they found X ray changes in one finger of four men, each with a history of finger trauma within the past six months, and the X ray changes were characteristic of previous injury. However, one man, who has been cleaning autoclaves for ten years, has suspicious bone changes, but has no symptoms. Of the X rays of the 18 autoclave cleaners at South Charleston, there may be three cases. One shows a sharp line across the bone and has a very nebulous history of- recent injury. One has a tiny notch in the terminal tuft, but a roentgenologist has stated that this is not uncommonly seen in fingers. (However, Goodrich has serial X rays to show this finding -as an early lesion which may progress).^ These cases will be re-X rayed to see what may further occur. None of these, have stubby fingers or the collar-button configuration on X ray. Dr. H. L. Gordon, Corporate Medical Director, Dow Chemical Company, stated that they have no reported cases but have not looked for this condition. They have checked previous X rays of hands that were taken for fO3Xv :;J > .-I. r: l* i* r t* j' " *V;. Vji, . , , :jlrj ;? j: 1? II 'VfOf; rW'*, - f.- UNIR0002228 XQduOaOxti !; AocfOaxO United States Rubber Company -6- trauma and did not find any cases, but he admitted that some could have been missed* He further reported that Dow did toxicological work on vinyl chloride, that it is readily identifiable in expired air and that the concentration is proportional to the degree of exposure. I was called upon to report and stated that we were not aware of any ; problem but had not specifically looked for it. Mr. Dan Carberry, Assistant Divisional Manager - Chemicals, Atlantic Tubing and Rubber Company, reported that they had a Workmen^ Compensa tion case about 1 to l years ago, which was diagnosed as Raynaud1 s disease of the hands. This man started as a poly cleaner and is now a foreman. He lost no time from work and seems to have recovered except his fingers still look whiter than normal. He had been working for them for 7 to 8 years. Dr. C. A. Johnson, Medical Director, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, reported that they selected for hand X rays 40 people at their Niagara Falls plant who should have had the most exposure. - Some had 15 to 20 years service. They were mostly poly cleaners hut also include some laboratory personnel. Their workers are not on poly cleaning continuously. They rotate so that they have a total of one to two months per year of poly cleaning. Dr. Johnson stated that their X ray study found nothing (1 finger showed a notch). Histories were negative. Mr. Robert R. Bouffard, Division Quality Control Manager, Tenneco Man ufacturing Company, reported that about 15 to 20 years ago, when he was with Shawinigan Chemicals Ltd., he knew of one or two cases of blanching of the fingers in the cold but doesn't know how many cases there were in all. These worked in a vinyl chloride unit but doesn't know whether they were involved with reactor cleaning. No X rays were taken. On the afternoon of October 6, 1966, Dr. Wilson and Mr. McCormick, of Goodrich, met with the Occupational Health Committee to discuss the matter in more detail. On October 7, 1966, the Occupational Health Committee formulated recom mendations to the Board of Directors of ^CA, which read essentially as follows: The Occupational Health Committee met with various manufacturers of PVG on October 6, 1966, and discussed evidence by a member company indicating a possible* occupational health problem associated with a specific step in the manufacture of PVC resins. While the evidence presented is highly correlated with a specific step in the manufacture of FVC resins, there is need for confirmation of this by other manufacturers. Although theeexact cause has not been determined and the proportion of exposed persons effected does not appear to be high, the nature of the effect d^slsuch that the committee had concluded that the problem requires vigorous^ industry-wide ,, investigation. The committee finds that the condition may net be recognized unless special medical surveys are carried out. i- T ' - tv*.<>- 4, / 5 n&j! 1 'I < jiff; m :sl- . ?*$3!1* ! * ? *` L Mf UNIR0002229 TdOd| on*f .lAortfOoOx | United States Rubber Company -7- . w^ r-* 'l r*A| i. f-jf.: I l?p\ The chemical manifestations are such as to suggest the possibility of a disabling disease as a later development. Although there is no evidence to suggest that there is a rfsk a ssociated with the use or handling of the finished FVC resins, it is important r to the industry that this be documented and confirmed. I Therefore, the Occupational Health Committee recommends to the Board of Directors a program incorporating the foilwing be undertaken promptly, 1* In-Plant Medical Studies 2. Industry-Sponsored Toxicological Research 3* MCA Sponsored Symposium In-Plant Medical Studies Medical surveys similar to those carried out by one member company, need to be extended to other manufacturers. The groups to be studied should' include persons engaged in a.) the manufacture of vinyl chloride monomer, b.) the manufacture of PVC resins, c.) the fabrication of PVC consumer products. Uniform medical observations are necessary so that the data may be combined and compared. In essence, the survey will include a brief medical history and an examination and X ray of the hands. The Occupational Health Committee will provide the companies with detailed recommendations. -uvPl*. jyjUir. Industry-Sponsored Toxicological Research The committee concludes that a cooperative s ponsored toxicological research program should be initiated concurrently with the in-plant medical studies. In order to determine the course, mechanism of action, and the preventive measures necessary, the committee recommends that it be authorized to contact an institution of its selection to estab lish this program. .One hundred thougand dollar^ ($100,000) will be t needed to initiate the program. The Occupational Health Committee will maintain supervision of this program. MCA Sponsored Symposium IHii 'C$lf Up to now, full knowledge of this problem has been limited to three . ' ; *1 t*;- ,*ti, zf1. companies in the United States. It is not anticipated that this sit i?. f ! uation will continue in light of the wider dissemination resulting s.from the MCA sponsored meeting of October 6 and the proposed program of investigation. Therefore, it is the conclusion of the committee that precise information shall be made available to then scientific community. 'It is proposed that an MCA sponsored symposium, under the ft'i UNIR0002230 X'tool ouax i United States Rubber Company -8- auspices of the Occupational Health Committee, be held in the summer of 1967. JHW:dcw cc!s: F. D. Chittenden D. E. Dudrow E. S. Ebers y J. M. Poynter L. M. White E. H. Worcester it, n* .r^'5 , 't1 UNIR0002231 TELEPHONE HUDSON 3-6126 Manufacturing Chemists' Association, In (FOUNDED 1872) 1825 Connecticut Avenue, N. W. Washington. D. C. 20009 January 30, TO: PVC Resin Producers In the meeting on January 24, 1967, at Ann Michigan, the plans for handling the epidemiologic study on the occupational health hazard were discussed at length. An outline of the immediate program to be undertaken by the University of Michigan's Institute of Industrial Health will be sent you shortly. For the information of both you and the Institute, the following listings are enclosed: (1) those present in the January 24 meeting; (2) company contacts with whom the Institute of Industrial Health will work; and (3) those producers who have indicated intention to participate in the program. As indicated in the January 24 meeting, we are still awaiting information from certain members regarding approximate number of employees to be studied in vinyl chloride polymer production and in product fabrication, the number of plant loca tions, and the annual capacity classification that will assist the MCA in arriving at a proper assessment. As a result of the discussion of the study, if any company desires to revise its figures on number of employees that should be covered in the study, we would like to hear from you at your earliest convenience. Dr. Magnuson of the Institute indicated they would be getting the study under way and the designated company contacts will hear from him direct. The contract for this work has been sent to the Institute for final clearance, and the first phase of the program can be started shortly. It is hoped the afore mentioned report to be supplied will include a statement from the University regarding the handling of confidential information on the processes and chemistry. Sincerely, FHC/bk Enclosures (3) F. H. Carman Technical Director UNIR0002232 Manufacturing Chemists'Association, Inc. Enclosure 1 The following were present in the January 24, 1967, meeting at the University of Michigan: AIR REDUCTION COMPANY, INC. Dr. Palmer W. Townsend Asst, to Group Vice President Belleville, New Jersey FIRESTONE TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY Laurence H. Ballou, M.D. Medical Director Akron, Ohio Joseph;. A. BourqUe, Jr. Asst. Safety Director New York City George L. Wilson Industrial Hygienist Akron, Ohio ATLANTIC TUBING & RUBBER CO. Glenn P.. Smith ' Executive Dir. of Engineering Cranston, Rhode Island ' BORDEN CHEMICAL COMPANY Nathan M. Blackman Technical Superintendent PVC Department Leominster, Massachusetts THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANYHarold L.' Gordon,M.D. Corporate Medical Director . Midland, Michigan Earl R. Smith Manager PVC Production Midland, Michigan R. E. Noble Product Engineer Pottstown, Pennsylvania B. F. GOODRICH CHEMICAL COMPANY John L. Nelson General Production Manager Cleveland, Ohio William E. McCormick Manager - Industrial Hygiene & Technology The B. F. Goodrich Company Akron, Ohio Rex H. Wilson, M.D. Medical Director The B. F. Goodrich Company Akron, Ohio EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY W. L. Sutton, M.D. Rochester, New York Chairman, MCA Occupational Health Committee GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY C. A. Johnson, M.D. Medical Director Akron, Ohio BqSO CHEMICAL COMPANY. INC. Robert E: Eckardt, M.D. Director, Medical Research Sect Frank A. cox Plant Manager Niagara Falls, New York Esso Research & Eng. Co. Linden, New`Jersey . James F. Haring General Manager, Project Administration Division GREAT AMERICAN PLASTICS COMPANY Albert W. Fuhrman Vice President Chemical Division Fitchburg, Massachusetts New York City UNIR0002233 Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc Enclosure I 2- ' - GULF OIL CORPORATION Howard.E. Runion Director industrial Hygiene Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania UNITED STATES RUBBER COMPANY J. H. Woifsie, M.D. Corporate Medical Director New York City MONSANTO COMPANY William E. Nessell, M.D. Plant Physician Springfield, Massachusetts THE PANTASOTE ;.COMPANY John E. Ertel Vice.. PresidentProduction =i == Passaic, New Jersey . SHAWINIGAN CHEMICALS'..LIMITED :. R.. H. Stevenson, M.D.Medical Officer ; ^hawin-i'gan; .Quebec,:*.Canada* . C. B. Westerhoff Tech. Supt.. - Chemical Div. Painesville, Ohio UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN (Ann Arbor) Harold J. Magnuson, M.D. Director Institute of Industrial Health Dr. D. B. Dinman Professor W. A. Cook ' Professor p. Moor STAUFFER CHEMICAL . COMPANY ' r " :: n Hans' Ri' Jepsen, 'Jr. ,- Mgr' Delaware City. P.V. C. P-lant Delaware City, Delaware THOMPSON > A`PEX COMPANY DIV. CONTINENTAL OIL? CO. Herbert Malih". Vice President Pawtucket, Rhode Island . >= MANUFACTURING' CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION F. H. Carman ` .. Technical Director F. G. .Stephenson Se'cretary, MCA Occupational Health. Cptmnit tee Robert R. Dugan, M-D-v . Medical-Director" " ''-* Continental Oil Company Houston,, Texas v:v' -,Y UNION CARBIDE. CORPORATION C. U. Dernehl, M.D. Associate Medical Director New York' City ` E. Q. Hull, M.D. Medical-Director South Charleston, West Virginia R. N. Wheeler, Jr. Technical Manager South Charleston, West Virginia UNIR0002234 -Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc. Enclosure 2 The following is a list of company contacts with whom the Institute of Industrial Health will work: Allied Chemical Corporation Plastics Division Hardy Road Painesville, Ohio 44077 William M. Reiter Assistant Works Manager Air Reduction Company, Inc. Airco Chemicals and Plastics Div. P.O. Box 217 Calvert City, Kentucky 42029 Edward J.. Se.rwan Plant Manager Atlantic Tubing & Rubber Co. Mill Street Cranston, Rhode Island 0290$ Glenn P. Smith Executive Director of Eng. Borden Chemical Company 6P Elm Hill Avenue Leominster, Massachusetts 01453 Nathan. M. Blackman Technical Supt. - PVC Dept. The Dow Chemical Company 607 Building Midland, Michigan 48640 Dr. Harold L. Gordon Corporate Medical Director Standard Oil company (N.J.) (for Esso Chemical Co., Inc-.) 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, New York 10020 Dr. N. V. Hendricks, Asst. Dir for Environmental Sciences, Medical Department Ethyl Corporation P.O. Box 431 Baton Rouga, Louisiana 70821 Dr. R. C. A. Bock Firestone Tire & Rubber Company 1200 Firestone Parkway Akron, Ohio 44317 Laurence H- Ballou, M.D. Medrcal Director The B. F. Goodrich Company 500 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 Rex H. Wilson, M.D. McCormick Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Box 460 Niagara Falls, New York 14304 Frank A. Cox, Plant Manager Great. American Plastics Company Chemical Division 650 Water Street Fitchburg, Massachusetts 21420 Albert W. Fuhrman, Vice President Gulf Oil Corporation Gulf Building Pittsburgh; Pennsylvania .15219 Howard E. Run ion*. (tentative) Director - Industrial Hygiene Monsanto Company .. 800 N. Lindbergh Boulevard St. Louis, Missouri 63166 M. N. Johnson, M.D. Medical Director The Pantasote Company of fJew York, 26 Jefferson Street Passaic, New Jersey-07055 ........ : John E. Ertel Vice President - Production Inc. Shawinigan Chemicals Limited P.O. Box 330 Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada H. A. Norton Works Manager Stauffer Chemical Company Delaware City P.V.C. Plant P. 0. Box 320 Delaware City, Delaware 1^706 Hans'R. Jepsen, Jr. (tentative) Plant Manager li UNIR0002235 Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc -2- Tenneco Plastics Division P.O. Box 2 Piscataway, New Jersey 08854 Elwood W* Phares Executive Vice .President. Thompson Apex Company (Div. Continental Oil Co.) 505 Central Avenue Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02861 Herbert Malin Vice President Union Carbide Corporation 270 Park Avenue ... New York, New. York 10017 C. U. Dernehl, M.D. Associate Medical Director United States Rubber Company Industrial. Relations Department 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, New. York 10020 J. H. Woifsie,7 M.D. `- Corporate Medical Director Enclosure 2 UNIR0002236 Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc. Enclosure 3 At this writing, the following is the status of producers' intention to participate in the program.as indicated informally during the January 24, 1967, meeting and/or in writing to the MCA office: Allied Chemical Corporation Air Reduction Company, Inc. Atlantic Tubing & Rubber Co. Borden Chemical Company The Dow Chemical Company Esso Chemical Company, Inc. Ethyl Corporation Firestone Tire & Rubber Company B. F. Goodrich Chemical Company Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Great American Chemical Corp. Gulf Oil Corporation Monsanto Company Pantasote Company Shawinigan Chemicals Limited Stauffer Chemical Company Tenneco Plastics Division Thompson Apex Company (Div. Continental Oil Co.) ,, Union Carbide Corporation United States Rubber Company YES YES r YES YES YES YES PROBABLY YES YES YES PERHAPS PROBABLY YES YES QUESTIONABLE PROBABLY PROBABLY YES YES YES UNIR0002237