Document V37EpKa998Ypovv0m9a8LgqXq

F'.] e_ _ I'9Str v 'dm " January 23, 1969 Mr. Joseph J. Sllversteln Vice President The Ore-Lube Corporation 126-06 18 Avenue College Point 56, Mew York . Dear Mr. Silverstelni We have the following information concerning the alleged difficulties in Japan with chlorinated biphenyls* "December 4, 1968 -- Xt was only last month that a ' serious accident happened at an edible rice-bran oil manufacturing plant in Kitskyuahu, where Kaneclor in use leaked out into edible oil through stainless steel piping* The authorities investigated the whole plant and found out cracks of the Kaneclor circulating stainless steel pipe. As many as 12,000 people suffered from toxicatlon in addition to a great number of ohlckens fed with the oil died. The Ministry of * Welfare shut down the plant. The sensation was caused. The investigation Is still going on but It is certain that 5*000 to 7,000 PPM of Kaneclor contained in the food oil caused taxication*" Further, we have received copies of newspaper aoeounta of the incidents in the Japan Times of Mov. 3, 7 and 17* < Copies of these Items are enclosed* Ve are currently attempting to determine the facta in this incident as well as the current status of chlorinated biphenyl usage or prohibition in Japan* Zn correspondence with our representatives there we have pointed out that the chlorinated biphenyls are not poisons or drugs as the newspaper items would indicate* There are a number of * ~ DSW 020195 STLCOPCB4008124 Mr* Joaaph J. Sllversteln -2- January 23. 1969 definitions In the U. S. relating to the claaaif1cation of industrial chenlcala and houaahold products. Included are definitions of the Interstate Oommerce Commission, the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Aot, the National Safety Council recommendations, eto. Bach of theae establishes levels of toxicity and polscn categories by the results of speoiflo animal tests* The ohlorlnated biphenyls would not be olasaed as "poisons'' by any of these definitions. They would be considered toxic" but no more so than many common industrial chemicals and, as a matter of fact, many formulated products used around the home. In connection with formulations of oil containing Aroolors, we have always pointed out that in animals at least the chlorinated blphenyla appear to be more toxic than when administered to the animals undiluted. X do not have data for a formulation of 35ft Aroolor 1248 in a petroleum oil* Wo would dlsoourage the marketing of such a product If It were intended to be used as the common lubricating oils for automobiles are used. For example, if there were thousands * of garage mechanics around the country exposing their hands, forearms, etc* a number oi hours daily to an oil containing Aroolor we believe the people would experience difficulties. On the other hand Industrial-type oils Including extreme pressure lubricants fall in a different category, we believe* There are not many people working in Industry today who do not have some appreciation for the possible hazards associated with many Industrial chsmloals. Secondly, there is a greater appreciation for the warning labels and texts on formulations used in Industry* If Monsanto were to market a produot such as you describe we would lnolude the following warning statements on our labelai "CAVTZOMl Contains Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors or mists. Avoid contact with eyes or prolonged oontaot with akin. If skin contaot ocoura, remove by washing with soap and watar. Following aye contact flush with water. If olothing becomes soaked with fluid, launder before wearing again." DSW 020196 STLCOPCB4008125 Mr. Joaeph J. Sllvarateln -2- January 23, 1969 Whether or not we actually claaaifled the formulation aa "toxic" would dapand on tha data from animal toxicity atudlaa and whether or not the product waa intended to ha uaad In auch a faahion that It would fall within tha Jurladictlon of tha Federal Hazardoua Subatancea Labeling Act. Motor olla or lubrlcanta for farm machinery use do fall under thla act. Vary truly youra. EPVieJa coi Mr. Paul Benlgnua Snoloeure Slmer F. Wheeler Manager, Environmental Health DSVt M197 STLCOPCB4008126