Document LK6xj6zvN3wjn4bmKa5Ljm5dw

f u REPORT OF MEETING WITH BAYER, LEVERKUSEN 15th JANUARY, 1970 Present for Bayer For Monsanto D. Scabell E. Knust E. Martin Director Organic Intermediates. Askarels Technical Service Manager. Askarels Product Manager. Copies to :- CONFIDENTI A L SUMMARY Prior to our visit it seemed evident that Bayer were not particularly worried about the PCB residue problems. Apart from some concern immediately following the original Swedish findings nothing had occurred to involve them directly. Following our discussions, they now appreciate the fuller extent of the problem and the implications it will have for all PCB producers. Our approach was welcomed and they offered full co-operation, but could not develop any detailed plans until after further internal discussions amongst the departments concerned. They would like another meeting, if possible before mid February, when plans for co-operative work can be agreed - particularly in the technical area. DSV\f 201568 STLCOPCB4059635 Detail 1) We reviewed the historical developments, commercial and technical, leading up to todays situation. Our conclusions were that it was a serious problem that was here to stay and one that would affect all PCB producers, though Monsanto's position as the sole producer in the U.S.A. and the U.K. perhaps made our situation in these markets more sensitive. 2) Without going into too much detail we outlined air plans for the immediate future, including the intention to write to all U.K. customers for Aroclor and it's derivatives before end February. It was appreciated this would inevitably have repercussions on the Continent. We agreed to give Bayer a copy of our letter and they will begin drafting their own version. 3) The need for education of all users was essential, and this could best be done through the co-operation of all major producers. Apart from government agencies, commercial interests were now becoming concerned and we mentioned Unilever's investigation of PCB residues in herrings. 4) Scabell has sales responsibility for Askarels, hydraulic and heat transfer fluids, though sales in the latter two areas are very small. Plasticizer sales come under Bueb and his department will be represented at the next meeting. 5) Following E.P.Wheeler's visit last May, Bayer have completed detailed clinical examinations on thirteen operators from their PCB plant. The time worked on the plant ranged from four to nineteen years with an average of eleven and a half; ages of the operators ranged from thirty-seven to fifty-nine with an average of fifty-two. Only one man (fifty-six years old and fourteen years on the plant) showed a slight indication of some liver disorder and this need not be connected with exposure to PCB's. Results on all other operators were negative. Bayer's conclusion is that there is no hazard under normal operat V ing conditions. 6) Their incinerator is available for all factory effluent (liquids only ?), not just PCB's, and is supposedly operat ing at 1000C - well above the cracking temperature for PCB. They could not quote operating costs, but they charge customers DM.20 per 100 kilos (about 2.5 cents per lb.) for disposal of their waste PCB., carriage to Leverkusen for customers' account. DSW 201569 STLCOPCB4059636 ACTION HND - Confirm date of next meeting. DSC - Send them copy of customer letter when drafted. DSC/ec 20.1.70. DSW 201570 STLCOPCB4059637