Document M5D8J6zzekqEOZxMzdOb9m3z

Memorandum To i Chairman, Working Group Subcommittee on Pesticides President's Cabinet Committee on the Environment From : Chairman, Monitoring Panel Chairman, Research Panel Subject; Interdepartmental Meeting Concerning Polychlorinated Biphenyls 1. The Research Panel and the Monitoring Panel co-sponsored an inter departmental meeting concerned with polychlorinated biphenyls on May 22, 1970. Polychlorinated biphenyls are industrial chemicals having physical, chemical, and biological characteristics similar to the chlorinated organic pesticides. Even though these are not pesticide chemicals, they are of interest to the Panels because they can interfere with the analysis of certain chlorinated organic insecticides and must be identified in environmental samples examined for pesticides. 2. Tho purpose of the meeting was to informally exchange information on these substances that has come to light as a result of pesticide research and monitoring activities within the Federal Government. Scientists from each Government agency represented on tho Research or Monitoring Panels were solicited for participation through the panel*. Representatives from 10 agencies attended the meeting at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. 3. Although polychlorinated biphenyls are not pesticides, the Depart mental scientists concluded: (a) The toxicity of these compounds is not adequately known, (b) These compounds have become widespread in the environment, (c) The effect of these compounds on the environment or particular substrates is not known and warrants investigation to define the . limits of the problem, (d) There are no Federal regulations controlling their use, (a) Residues of polychlorinated biphenyls in foods are subject to control under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. HONS 100007 4. We believe dies conclusions warrant additional attention to this environmental problem. 5. The Monitoring Panel will include PCB's in the list of chemicals rocomnmnded for inclusion in Monitoring Programs. 6. The Research Panel recommends a concerted effort to develop standardized chemical methods for identification and measurement of these compounds and a coordinated research program to evaluate sublothal effects of exposure of animals, plants, and man to amounts that occur in the environment. R, E. Duggan Chairman, Monitoring Panel L. F. Stickel Chairman, Research Panel Z HONS 10000#