Document Mo7yQVGkB2enpXGvxJdjdY6e9

' Ban on coolant chemical to Be sought, in Oregon SALEM, Ore. (AP) - State Rep. Roger MerUn, R-Lake Oewego, said today be wonld introduce legislation in Oregon to ban the use of Pgr toxic_chwemAdfaca'l used' as a cwiam. PCB stands for polychlorinated biphenyl, a chemical produced in the United States since 1929. Martin, owner of an electrical supply store, said a primary use of PCB Is as a coolant for transformers and capacitors; as lubricants; containers for pesticides; waterproofing chemicals and on carbonless duplicating paper. the chemical does not break down in the environment. He said PCB has been linked to cancer and abor tion* in experimental animals. Martin said Ruaaell Train, di rector of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, hat warned aninit the use of PCB, but he Hid the EPA has no power to boo It. In a news conference. Martin held op a Jar of the brownish PCB liquid. The chemical has a high burwinf point and Is used near flammable materials When It is burned, PCB ie broken up hut not destroyed and i produces chlorine ,as. Martin said. ' Cereal manufacturera have I p"p*r jWTM*WASH- He said he could not document my harmful effecta in Oregon, but "We SEJSS&** ta "* D. 23,000 O__E__C _2 4. _8__7__5 Martin said ho would Introduce the bill at the neat regular &&_ , | legislative leesion, or In a apodal l held. at the request W 1 of the Oregon Electric Ctof, , no^tupjfllers, utility* -iw - -----------involved with Uw : electrics! Industry, i' His bill, Martin said, woold stipulate how PCB could bo atumd. He said there is a disposal elta at an abandoned mletlle silo in Idaho where PCB is stored in heavy con crete vaults. "Rascarch indicatts that in in- creaslng concentrations, they lava an effect on fish Ufa and wildUfe, especially ocaan feeding birds, and SS* this th*..SV.l!*,fLln wildlife has Uvl#er"yTosteimmsilaofr effects to the buildup of DDT" Martin said. "In addition, there Is medics! indication that concentrations of PCBs in humans may lead to a wtdo rajye of harmful effecta." Martin m Japan,".he said, "over f.000 people suffered an epidemic of diaflguiing skin disease, which was traced In a buildup of contaminated rice oil they were wh|. . "Ilw Japanese suffered from ab dominal pains and disturbances Hr the liver function." HONS 033242