Document LJZ4kz7YRjOOM877NpRxLvqQw

APR 2 4 1990 IlhdDher RUCO OIVISION P. O. BOX 456^ RIVER ROAD, BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY 08016, PHONE (609) 499-2300 RJA-431-bb April 21, 1980 Mr. Joseph T. Sewell Project Administrator-Vinyl chloride Chemical Manufacturers Association 1825 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington, DC Dear Mr. Sewell, You will recall that at the last meeting of the Vinyl Chloride Research Coordinators, the subject of up-dating the EEH Epi demiological study was discussed. We're attaching a copy of a memo from our Corporate Medical Director, Dr. M. R. Zavon, putting forth his reasons for not sponsering any additional epidemiology studies. Best regards. Very , HOOKH & PLASTICS CORP. Raymo Direc iwitz lent, Health & Safety cc: M. R. Zavon R. A. Katherine attachment 4 60-01-006 CMA 012403 4 hanker April 16, 1980 TO: R. Abramowitz SUBJECT: Vinyl Chloride Epidemiology As I have reflected further on the questions raised at the recent conference I am even more skeptical about the value of additional epidemiological studies at this time. There is no questioning the asso ciation between exposure to vinyl chloride and the angio sarcoma of the liver. Some seventy or more cases have now been discovered world wide. There is a suspicion of association with tumors of other organs but the incidence is increased only modestly if at all. With the acceptance of the above I fail to see how further epidem iologic studies are going to alter our present perception of the situa tion. The argument presented to me by Maury Johnson of Goodrich that it would help in case of litigation with regard to brain tumors seems to me to be weak to the point of non-existence. No matter what is found in an epidemiologic follow-up, it is not going to resolve that question. If negative, it can easily be argued that the numbers and the length of time are still inadequate to be definitive. If positive, there are too many other substances to which these people are exposed, to be very sure that it is the vinyl that is involved. I suggest that if it is feasible, the question of support for further epidemiologic study at this time be reopened. MRZ17CCbp cc: D. A. Guthrie M. R. Zavon, M.D. Corporate Medifcal Director CMA 012404