Document K61v3OJYqaYpoy8e5xRGokwzN
OUTLINE VINYL CHLORIDE PRESENTATION
' ZtiVut
.1 Scope of Health Problem: Monomer plants
Polymer plants
Fabricators
- 2000 workers - 6-8000 workers - over 100,000 workers
2. Economics:
Various estimates but in the range of $2 to $4 billion annually
3. Angiosarcoma Cases Dis covered Worldwide to Date :
Polymer plants Monomer plants Fabricators
11 1
Not studied
4. Comments on Industry Studies of Health Problems:
Acro-osteolitis Animal studies
ft ff
M ft
Human Effects
ft ft
ft ff
BFG (1966) Solvay (1970) Solvay-ICI (1972-74) MCA (in progress) Dow (1972) Dynamit Nobel (1973) MCA (Review Draft
circulated)
5. Comments on Trade Association Efforts: MCA, SPI, ORC
6. Effects on Industry Image, PR, and Union Relations
7. Immediate Impact on Industry:
Monomer Producers - led by Dow, Shell, UC & PPG Determined to survive (review strategies evolving)
Polymer producers - Still in reactive posture somewhat demoralized
Fabricators
- Pushing problems back on PVC suppliers.
ASI 000010247
i
8. Long Term Impact on Industry: Major tonnage and revenues will survive (95% of tons, 90% of dollars) Some trivial or optional uses may disappear (e.g. latex paints) Improved control in monomer plants (2 to 5% of current value additional investment) Improved control in polymer plants (10 to 50% of current value additional investment) (Some polymer plants probably will not survive) Highly restrictive work practices mandated by law. Much tighter, DOT, FDA, and EPA regulations. (Capital above does not cover these factors.) Comprehensive medical programs mandated. 1. At least annual, no omissions 2. Lifetime medical surveillance Workmen's Comp presumption that any liver disease is occupational.
9. Ripple Effects - Questions being raised about other tonnage organics
Chlorinated solvents (carbon tet now a claimed carcinogen) Fluorocarbons TDI
10. Probable Industry Reactions "Catchup" screening of important products and intermediates. Voluntary epidemiology studies will multiply. Strengthened medical programs, IH programs, better record keeping. Companies can no longer afford to conceal adverse health information.
ASI 000010248