Document MJaEmvG4aKkg3bkN6QdZ0yGO9

1803 Building May 23,1994 RESTRICTED FOR USE WITHIN DOW S. Hearn G. W. Olsen cc: Epidemiology Group V. T. May, 1803 R. L. McCreedy, 2020 W. J. Stearns, 2020 C. E. Nuila, B2234, Freeport G. G. Bond, 2020 W. C. Hayes, 2020 G. S. Dillon, 2020 J. Y. Domaradzki, 1803 TRIP REPORT - MEETING OF CMA VINYL CHLORIDE RESEARCH COORDINATORS On Thursday, May 19th, I attended for the first time the meeting of the Research Coordinators group of the CMA Vinyl Chloride Panel in Washington, D.C. The purposes of this meeting are outlined below, but were primarily to forward plans for an update of the industry-wide cohort mortality study, to hear a presentation by Dick Reitz on PB-PK modeling for vinyl chloride (VCM), and to discuss plans for anticipating EPA and ATSDR research agendas for VCM. My trip expenses were paid for by Environmental Affairs, C&PP. The group endorsed the scope of work for the updated epidemiology study drafted by Greg Bond and myself and our list of suggested potential contractors. A few questions lead to some minor improvements of the scope of work, which I will incorporate into the draft and return to CMA this week. The group also discussed possible cost-sharing formulae, and decided to assign shares of the cost of the study based on 1993 nameplate capacity for VCM. The group also endorsed the concept of an offset of Dow's share for the value of the sweat equity expended and to be expended by Greg Bond and me (in my capacity as project manager for the update). Dick Reitz's presentation was very good and well-received. His work at Dow and now as a consultant on the uptake and metabolism of VCM are helping to clarify the differences between laboratory animals and humans, in terms that will explain the differences between the carcinogenic risk in humans as predicted by animal models and the actual risk as observed in exposed worker populations. R&S 144797 J The ATSDR has designated six critical data needs in their on-going risk profiling of VCM. The EPA intends to address two of these (multigeneration reproductive toxicity via inhalation, 2-species developmental toxicity via inhalation) by rule-making under TSCA. The group explored the possibility of locating existing data (if any) which might address these two issues proactively. I agreed to identify all available Dow study data which might be applicable and briefly review it for the group. I will work with our H&ES repro/developmental people on identifying any such papers or data. The group discussed an article which appeared in Time magazine on April 25th and mentioned vinyl chloride as a risk factor for lymphoma (in a table, with no discussion in the text). The source for the Time article was given as the American Cancer Society's publication Cancer Facts and Figures. It turns out that the ACS does include VCM as a possible risk factor for lymphoma in one of its summaries. The results of the most recent update of the industry wide cohort study do not support this, and Sir Richard Doll found little support for the VCM/lymphoma hypothesis in his 1988 review of VCM epidemiology. D. Penney from Vista volunteered to draft a letter to the ACS intended to be sure that they are aware of the current data and their interpretation. The group will review the draft letter and comment in a conference call to be held next month. Finally, the group elected me the new chair of the Research Coordinators group, to replace Greg Bond. My term as chair will extend through June of 1995. I appreciate the confidence placed in me by the group, and I will do my best to follow through. Should you wish to discuss any of this material in more detail, please feel free to call me at the number below. Jonathan M. Ramlow, Ph.D., M.P.H. Epidemiology, H&ES Phone (517) 636-1276 FAX (517) 636-1875 R&S 144798