Document MyZgKRGXkwE2ggoGZen9Zwyx

STATEMENT FROM: MONSANTO COMPANY ST. LOUIS, MO. ' Oct. 17, 1969 Late in. February, 1969, a West Coast newspaper carried a major feature about "a menacing new pollutant11 found in the San Francisco Bay area. The article was based on marine life research carried out by Dr. Robert Risebrough of the University of California. The article stated that residues of pesticides (DDT and DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) were threatening the welfare of certain birds and posed a long-term threat to humans. Monsanto manufactures polychlorinated biphenyl and markets it under our Aroclor trade name. (There are other manufacturers in Europe and Japan.) We, therefore, would like to present some additional facts. The work done by Dr. Risebrough dates back to earlier research by other scientists who, while analyzing pesticide residues in wildlife, soil and water, encountered unknown or "interfering" substances in the parts-per-million range. -more- DSW 433586 STLCOPCB4086714 2 MONSANTO COMPANY Several years ago, two Swedish scientists at Stockholm University's Institution of Analytical Chemistry, Professor Gunnar Widmark and Soren Jensen, reported they had identified these other substances. They said some of the materials were polychlorinated biphenyl or PCB. Since PCB's are not "broadcast" or spread around the land as are pesticides, the scientists theorized that the source must be the industrial wastes of PCB users In addition to the work of Dr. Risebrough and the Swedish scientists, there have been other studies which indicate the presence of PCB's in the environment. As yet, the source or sources of these materials have not been pinpointed. Monsanto is concerned over the situation and is cooperating with these studies. The common uses of commercial PCB would not normally lead to its release into the natural environment. A principal market for PCB is in electrical applications where they are used as insulating fluids for transformers and capacitors. In this use, the chemical is completely sealed in metal containers. Another market is for heat-transfer applications where the PCB fluid functions in a closed system. more DSW 433587 STLCOPCB4086715 I --3 MONSANTO COMPANY PCB's are also used ' . - ral applications where the chemical is incorporated into - ^oly^ar as an integral part of the solid material. Such ;o';,^rs are vised in highly specialized applications as an - d'-.-./e, elastomer or surface coating. Polychlorinated biphenyl s ere not sprayed or dusted on crops, woodlands or any other r .-as, as are pesticides. To our knowledge, they are not used vo tires, house paints, hous ;hold products^epoxy resir major vinyl plastics, as has been charged. Therefore, conclusions to the source of PCB found in the environment are aifficul ake . Some qualified scientists, using the latest Irk 'tory equipment, have correctly identified the substances as be` h?B. However, most scientists are not yet willing to indict co vc 1 ally P reduced PCB as a pollutant. . It has also been implied that polychlorinated biphenyls are "highly toxic" chemicals. This is not true. Just like other Industrial chemicals and home products now in widespread use, PCB's are not hazardous when properly k;cdlod and used. During more than 30 years of U.S. production red use, cases of any toxic erfect have keen extremely rare -- and then only where the simple precautions recommended for use ware not followed. -more 0S\N 433588 STLCOPCB4086716 MONSANTO COMPANY Monsanto has research programs under way to identify the compounds, reported to be PCB, and locate their source. The programs involve precise analysis of environmental samples of water, air, soil and wildlife, including metabolic studies. Also under way are studies to determine the biological effects of deliberate dosage of PCB's^ on fish, birds, and mammalian animals. Special emphasis is being paid to endocrinological effects, mineral metabolism and reproduction physiology. Very early results of chronic toxicity studies confirm that PCB's are not highly toxic. In 90-day studies on rats and other normal laboratory species, there nave been no adverse effects when feedings of up to 100 parts-per-million were administered. Monsanto has always cooperated on a regular basis with federal, state and university laboratories in their analysis of chlorinated hydrocarbon residues. We will continue to do so. Additionally, Monsanto will continue to exercise the'highest degree of control in its manufacturing, shipping and storing of PGB -- as we do with all products. In the functional fluids market, we have carried out a program for several years for the reclamation of used PCB's to reuse these valuable materials. The source of the marine life residue identified as PCS is not yet known. It will take extensive research on a worldwide basis, to confirm or deny these initial scientific conclusions. IV -0O0- \ STLCOPCB4086717 & STLCOPCB4086718