Document NGRMGZNERrwvJxK8xBBnny12D

Uxcerpt to ur. n. 5. uoraon.^ ORGAN IC DIVISION, LAW AND MEDICAL DEPARTMENTS -- REPORT ON POLYCHLORI NATEO BIPHENYLS; Prejnt; MesTrs, C. jT Smith, J. Mason, T K. Smith, H. S. Bergen, J. E. Springgate, R. E. Kelly, E. P. Wheeler, Rodney Harris, Jr., D. W. Miller, W. C. Robinson Monsanto's worldwide Aroclor bus I nes s__amoun t s to 10A M lbs./yr., 70M used In functional fluids and 3^ M in plasticizers. This represents $22 M in sales. Products range from monoch1orobipheny1 HUNS 037390 78. to decach I o rob i pheriy 1 , terphenyls, and chlorinated terphenyls. Production locations are at Anniston, Alabama, Sauget, Illinois, Newport, ll.K. and Yokkaichi, Japan. Environmental Aspects - E. P. Wheeler .' The 5 and 6 chlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1254 and 1260) have been found at limited locations in water, in birds and some forms of aquatic life. Recent indications are that such biphenyls may affect reproduction of fowl life and may be toxic to shrimp. These products are not toxic from the acute standpoint to man or fish but there is some evidence of ecological buildup in certain water deposits, in fish and ultimately in bird life. - Aroclors 1248 and lower in number are believed to be biodegradable but this has not been conclusively es tab 1 i shed as yet. Plan of Action - H. S. Bergen and J. E. Sprlnggate The availability of alternate products to satisfy customer requirements was reviewed. Main problems are that no replacement product Is available for capacitors and replacement products for other uses pose a pollution problem. In plasticizer uses, evidence is not available as to whether Aroclors escape from end products, either through leeching or by dispersal in burning. . .i . The recommended plan of for each business group assure that the loss of minimal. .. ' . . action Is to establish a tailored program and each customer market1 situation to PCB's In the environment, if any, is HQNS 037394 79- 1. Appoint a Project Manager - responsible for the overall management of the Arocior pollution problem. He would be assisted by a Task Force from members of each business group plus Medical, Law, Engineering and Manufacturing. 2. Notify all Arocior customers of PCB problem. 3. Reduce and effectively control PCB effluents from Monsanto plants. A. Educate customers on need to reduce and effectively control PCB effluents at their plants. 5. Develop and Implement new packaging systems for Arocior 125 A/1260. 6. Introduce to market, replacement products for Arocior 125A/I260. 7. Continue and expand biodegradation test program with Arocior series, particularly 12A2, 12A8 and 1254. 8. Continue toxicological test program. 9. Accelerate present analytical test program. 10. Determine feasibility and cost of eliminating 5/6 Cl in Aroclors 12A2 and 12A8. ^ 11. Study incineration products. 12. Develop business plan to offer: - Monsanto Fluid Reclamation and Recovery with Enviro Chem. (Reclamation already under-way at Findett.) Cost of this program is estimated at approximately $AOOM SARE and $700M capital to change equipment. Conclusions: In light of the recent and developing evidence of a possible threat to certain species of bird and aquatic life, wa should plan to discontinue the manufacture'of Aroclors 12SA and 1260. The Division Is instructed to develop a program to discontinue these products and report this to the Committee. The status of Arocior 12A2 should continue to be tested to determine whether it contributes to this problem. Other products which might be involved should also be examined. (Excerpt to Messrs. H. L. Minckler, Rodney Harris, Jr., R. E. Kelly, T. K. Smith.) MONS 037392