Document QJKgw7LaJR21eMDwy3pRVRoZ4

s T A N J: O K D R E S E A R C H J N S T I T U 'I* II MI'.NIO I'ARK, CAl iror.N'lA v*;02 5 May 3, 19GS Dr. V/illlar. H. Hunt Medical Department Monsanto Chemical Conpeny GOO North Linclborg Street St. Louis, Missouri G3166 Dear Dr. HuntJ During a visit with the staff of the Manufacturing Chemists Association in Washington a iow months ago, Hie issue of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds confusing pesticide residue analyses of fish and game came up for discussion. The problems that these compounds can create in the analysis of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide residues is well known to you, I am sure Y.'o woro stimulated to investigate the biological activity of ' PCD's because of the possible rolo they night play in environmental health matters. Tho paper by Holmes, et al., published in Naturo [210, No. 0112, page 227 (1967)] presented data on tho levels ol iVLf:s xouna in Driti*h ilau ud wildlife. Mr. Hicks of your Organic Chemicals Division in Santa Clara, California, was kind enough to supply us with Aroclors 122, 1248, and 1254 a few weeks ago. V.'c also requested a supply of Aroclor 5460 which we assume will arrive in the near future. Y.'o have studied Aroclor 1242 and found it to have an LD50 of 68 ppm (34-99 ppm) to goldfish at 15C in a 96-hour exposure period. At hlghor water tomporatures, this Aroclor is considerably moro toxic. Other studies are in progress at present. In studios with Japanese quail, Aroclor 1242 was included in a practical diet for nine days, but caused no toxic signs at levels >'e had expected to be lethal. At tho end of the feeding period, control and treated birds were studied to determine if there was a -difference in barbituate sleeping times. To our surprise, iliorc was a marked decrease in the sleeping time of treated birds as compared to controls. This suggests to us that Aroclor may NEV 031097 780635 have stimulated cn/.yno induct Jon Jn Iho cliclot JcaJ ly treated bird Olid that the Aroclors arc not biologically Inert as may have boon previously assumed V/o are suggesting for your consideration, that this work be expanded along the following lines: It Dotcrniino the I.D60 of Avoclor 1242 to fish at several temperatures to find the extent of its acute toxicity variability. 2. Obtain LDt0'c (9G-hour exposuro) with goldfish *t 15C for other Aroclors, namely 1248, 1254, and 5460. 3. Obtain dietary LDt0 valuer. (7-day oxpoauro) on Japanosc quail for those four compounds. Investigate the enzyme induction activity of Aroclors 1248, 1251, and 54G0 by the barbituate sleoptime technique and conparo their relative effoct with that of 1242. We would prefor to undertake the type of work suggested hero in cooperation with Monsanto rather than seek government support. Since government agencies aro already concerned with Aroclors and investigating them with regard to fish and wildlife hazards, we could offer you comparative data. , You -are undoubtedly familiar with the publications from oar labora tory involving the use of Japaneso quail in pesticide stucics. Our experience with this bird goes back quite a few years. Tie feel competent to conduct not only growth, but reproduction and tissue analyses with these birds, if you so desire. We are currently expanding tho facilities of our fish toxin research laboratory so that' it may be of benefit to both government and Industry in the establishment of hazard information. Last week J spent a day with Dr. Donald I. Mount, Director of the new F.VPCA- Frosh V/atcr Quality Laboratory in Duluth. This is an active research contor. Mount is directing studies which I am suro will produco important information for industry, determining the quality criteria not only of of fluent water which comes from plants into public streams and rivers, but also the quality of inflowing industrial water. T will.be on tho East Coast May 23rd and 24th, but could stop by to seo you and Dr. Emmett Kelley if you desire to discuss our work and suggestions. Otherwise, we await with interest your reactions to the suggested investigations outlined here. With kind personal regards, cc: J. Glenn l!ic! Gordon Y.'. Newell, Chairman Department of Agricultural and EnvJroumental Toxicology NEW u 310^ 780636