Document Ozydv3OrvJGoB4okZg9evw99X

PVC SAI'ETY GROUP COMMUNICAT] OMS MINTING NEW YORK, NY APRIL 2, 1930 The following subjects were discussed and actions agreed upon: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS VCM/PVC Health Symposium - March 20/21 -- Joe Hadley of Keller and Heckman is obtaining a complete transcript of this meeting, and John Lawrence of SPI will attempt to get a copy of an overall sum mary and critique being prepared by Jessie Norris, Dow Chemical Staff Toxicologist. In the meantime, Hadley is pulling together industry comments . responding to the OSHA vinyl chloride information request, and these will be ready by the deadline of May 9. The feeling at Keller and Heckman and SPI is that sufficient additional evidence has not been uncovered that would warrant stiffening the present vinyl chloride OSHA standard. PVC dust, however, is another matter and there are several studies, in addition to the recent ICI study, that give evidence of a relationship between exposure to PVC dust and pneumoconiosis. There is a likelihood of both OSHA and EPA getting into the act on this -- with OSHA con centrating on processor operations and EPA on escape of dust to communities surrounding PVC plants. Vinyl Chloride Health Hazards -- Infante,(Northeast Ohio) and Waxweiler (Pottstown, PA) birth defects studies were effectively attacked by Dr. Maureen Hatch of Columbia University. In addition, an update on a vinyl chloride birth defect study conducted at Shawinigan by Dr. Gilles Theriot of Laval University, is due shortly. The relationship betwen vinyl chloride exposure and brain tumors among workers is a potential problem area which will be addressed by the PVC Safety Group Health Committee at its meeting on April 10. COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY There was little media interest in the March symposium -- only three reporters were identified: from Occupational and Safety Health Reporter, Journal of Commerce, and C&E Mews. However, the Communications Committee recommends the following activity: S PI-08964 2- - - Develop backgrounder on PVC Dust - Update backgrounder on Vinyl Chloride and Birth Defects - Update PVC Q&A booklet - Publish two management newsletters within the next 4-5 weeks: 1. Highlights of March Symposium 2. Critique of March Symposium - Government Relations -- If, as expected, it looks as though regulatory action on PVC Dust is imminent, a political support project should be activated in order to mobilize processor support for an industry position. - Continue budget level at $6500 per month. Expenses are currently running about $2000 a month less than this, but things may pick up if the dust issue does surface. The Fire Safety Committee is scheduled to meet on April 17 and the Communications Group will coordinate to determine whether any activity is called for in this field. cc: W. C. Becker F. T. Flannery S. W. Schaefer - Diamond Shamrock J. R. Lawrence - SPI M. M. Swetonic - Hill and Knowlton R. B. Downey SPI-08965