Document J3kxRrn9akM1XRbj9deXJ1ne2

March 4, 1971 Mr. W. C. Ballard Sales Engineer, Utility Sales Ontario District Canadian Westinghouse Company Limited 840 York Mills Road Don Mills, Ontario 404 Canada Dear Mr. Ballard: Your letter dated January 18, 1971 was forwarded to me for response because I have the responsibility for studying the Aroclor environmental pollution problem. I wish to emphasize that the Aroclors are not highly toxic or hazardous materials, therefore, no precipitous actions are justified. Some of the polychlorinated biphenyls in Aroclors have been found to be resistant to degradation therefore can persist in the environment for a long tine. Some studies have shown that some species of wildlife, such as fish-eating birds, can accumulate the3o persiGtent materials in their bodies and eventually levels are reached which arc high enough to affect the egg laying and reproduction process. This effect is similar to the one observed for DDT. To avoid this material from building up in the environment every effort should be made to prevent Aroclors from entering any water disposal systems. In the event any spills occur the material should be quickly contained and segregated for disposal. Disposal Is preferably accomplished by incineration at temperatures exceeding 1600 F. If no high temperature incinerator is available, an alternate mode of disposal is the use of a properly operated landfill not located near any water. Aroclors have not been shown to be acutely toxic to humans. If any is spilled on the skin, the skin should be washed in Continued DSM 019583 STLCOPCB4007516 2- Mr. W. C. Ballard March U, l$7l the usual manner with a soap solution. I have enclosed copies of literature describing toxic properties and industrial hygiene practice recommended for handling Aroclors, I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry, I hope this information is helpful to you and if I can bo of further service, please let me know. Sincerely, /lse Attachments W. B. Papageorge Manager Environmental Control bcc: T. W. Oneson - Montreal C DSW 019584 STLCOPCB4007517