Document NekGx3MaJj0Lar19Lm5ynK6zE

RALPH L-. HAKDIK'G. JR. rUCHDtKT May 1 r --* TO: Voting Representatives // RE:/ VINYL CHLORIDE MONOMER This is a status report about the v monomer oroblem:- chlcrice Several weeks ago SPI was requested by the PVC resin producers -to take an active leadership role in assisting them in their activity with OSHA. Previous ly, they had been working through the Manufacturing Chemists Association conducting inhalation studies. Evidently, MCA policy does not permit MCA to act, in a representative capacity before OSHA '{although it is continuing sponsorship of the inhalation work) and, therefore, SPI was asked to assist and we agreed to help. Since the PVC resin producers are acutely aware of the problems, this communication is directed to the processors and compounders of PVC. On April 22, OSKA's temporary standard 1910.93q became effective. You have received information about the standard which applies to processors. Oversimplify ing the standard requires that workers not be subject to exposures of' VCM in excess of 50 ppm. The standard calls for monitoring for VCM and record-keeping. We have been contacted by a number of processors asking how they can comply and- they* have - asked us for assistance. We are in the process of contacting compan ies who manufacture air monitoring devices. The method ology for conducting the monitoring will have to be established. EID10857 'v'i M m- T9 A smecial ad hoc commattse has seen estaoaasned ho coordinate VCM acrivauies. As para of ahis committee's 1. develop the methodology for monitoring VCM. 2. Conduct, through a consulting firm, a survey of a number of large fabricators to obtain epidemiological data. (Historical medical information about human reaction to exposure of VCM). 3. Obtain information about the results of any VCM level measurements in processing plants. 4. Conduct, through a consulting firm, a study of the economic impact of a proposed permanent standard setting a zero level. For the time being, we recommend that you contact any one of the air equipment manufacturers shown on the attached list to discuss your situation with them. As more surface, wre wTill' advise you. Depending on the proposed final standard, v?e are not in a position to give you any other recommendations. We are aware of your situation. We will do all we can to assist you, i.e., should processors be included in the final standard w-hich may require extensive testing, we will try to arrange programs with various testing laboratories. Both Jerry Heckman and Tom McGrath, who is the staff man responsible for administering this latest crisis, are extremely busy and I urge you, if at all possible, to please not call them. I will keep you advised of the situation as it develops. Should any member have information about levels, if any, of VCM in their plant, please send this information and any type ox information von consider relevant to Tom McGrath. . EID10858 J A C Vr ] tY