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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PCB POLLUTION
10/23/69
PROBLEM:
Ccntaainaticn of ecosystem with polychlorinated biphenyls. (PCS)
PROBLEM DEFINITION AND TIMING:
Prsff^nrs-y-i&rjTV- end Jensen of the Institute of
Analytical Chemistry at Stockholm, Sweden in Nov.
IS66, announce* "*
..Tnd<ng erw in fish,
birds, and eggs. Subsequent findings were made In
1367 in Great Britain. Problem was first presented
in the U.S. by Professor Risebrough of the University
of California in a published article in the San
Francisco Croniele in February, 1969. Monsanto
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'confirmed PCS1* In mid-1969 and confirmed the adequacy \
of work by Vidsark and Jensen and others -- a world- J
wide ecological problem.
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CONFIRMATION OP FINDINGS:
Analysis indicates presence of 5 and hither chlori
nated biphenyls (similar to Arodors 12J4 and 1260}.
Other Aroelors say contribute, but have not been
identified yet. In the last six months, PCS'a have
been reported present in waters In Lake Michigan,
fish in Connecticut, and seafood along the Gulf Coast,
also waters outside Monsanto plants.
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SERIOUSNESS OF PROBLEM: *
1 Fish - Marine or aquatic species concentrate PCS
in the fatty tissue. Toxic in will qangic-?a
(down to 5 ppbj to sensitive marine life such as
ahri^.
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2 - Predator? species feeding on thm marine
or aquatic life can
PCS to
possible harmful effects. Specifically in birds,
Pt3 can effect "the calcium metabolism leading to
egg shell imperfections which prevents proper
hatch of the young.
5 PLAINTIFFS 1 EXHIBIT
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3. Han - There la no haraful effect Iciovn to nan or other nasnals after 40-years of production. .
4. Political and Public Eaotlon - PCS'a linked to 1ST because pcs'* show up~In analyses for DDT. Linked with other peminent chlorinated hydro* carbon pesticides.
ZPFECT ON MONSANTO:
.
1. Business potential at staJce on a world-wide basis:
Plaids
Plasticizers
Total/Tear
104 F Lbs.
2. Legal responsibility. 3. Public Image. 4. Effect on other-product areas.
EFFECT ON CUSTCMZF.S AND ULTIMATE CONSPMZF.S:
1. Affects entire electrical Industry - capacitors
and transformers.
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2. Affects food processing.
"3. ~ Affects die casters and other "hot natal* worldng Industries.
4. Affects wide range of plastics and adhesive
applications.
5. Affects wide range of paints and eastings.
EFFECT ON OTKZH PRODUCERS:
There are at least six other producers of PCB'a ex-USA. Monsanto has discussed problem with two In Europe. No great concern there yet.
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mix SOURCES 07 POLLUTION';
Difficult to define, but Aroclor 125^ and 12o0 ire used in electrical devices, heat transfer, plastics, adhesives, coatings, and Industrial fluids. Other Aroclors contain minor percentages of 5 and 6 chlorine ring itruetures. Manufacturing plants also a vulnerable contributing factor, but less significant
la quar.cit7 than customer' or end user loses.
POSSIBLE CONTROL OP COXTAMIXATIOX:
- Electrical and heat transfer - possible to control with effort and reclamation.
- Industrial fluids, plastics, coatings and adhesives
are ver7 difficult. If not Impossible to control.
Substitute product* needed.
MONSANTO OUTSIDE STATEMENTS:
Letter sent to electrical customers regarding problem.
Monsanto Public Relations statement attached.
MONSANTO FUTURE ACTION;
Presentation to CSC reviewing subject and future plan
off action by Hovember 17, 199. This will-define a
program to 'determine what Is necessary In various
product areas to meet the problem.
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1. Research and Engineering needed and cost.
2. Plant and customer "clean-up and control" required and coat. '
3. Bidegradability of Aroclors.'
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Toslclty studies. Altama.tiTa routas. Xacomaandad approach Xppropriation rarest to cover capital and expanses raqulrad. .
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