Document XRvMyDNwKBD5kd7r7E71kM7N4

EAST ST. LOUIS. ILL. METRO-EAST JOURNAL D. 36.4D8--S. 40,186 SI. LOUIS Ml 1 HCPOt H UN ARC A AUG 2 19"78 Monsanto careful with chemicals To the editor, A recent article h y W asbingto.n correspondents, Martha Angle and Robert Walters, took exception to the Monsanto communications program designed to create a more balanced perspective of chemicals among the American public. As a Monsanto employee familiar with this program, 3 err) concerned at the article's ` lack of objectivity and misrepresentation of the pro gram *8 objectives. Called the ``Chemical Facts of Life," Monsanto's diverse communications program was not conceived to restrict com munlcallons ocr gloss over chemical problem. What it is In ended to do is instill a better understanding <4 both the risks and benefits of chemical use The entire \ history ! Monsanto involvement with Mailbag PCBs and, I submit, the com pany's concerned posture In trying to deal responsibly with this very difficult risk-benefit problem is a matter of public and to facilitate discussions between citizens and Monsan to. . Monsanto's program does involve the use of advertising to tell pari of our message. Another element of the pro gram is a speakers* bureau composed of company employees throughout the United States. These speakers, record. . gram Include a series of Monsanto Is totally com chemical facts bulletins and a mitted to operating in a "Chemical Facts booklet exploring of in Life" detail socially responsible manner. We also care about the public's public concerns over perception of our operations. chemicals. As such, we believe strongly Mentioned in the a^tic3e were that we have a right and, in p^ychlorinated biphenyls deed, an obligation to present (PCBs) and Monsanto's alleg the risk-benefit discussion of ed hesitancy to discuss this chemicals in clear and subject In its CFOL program. reasoned manner. appearing before various local groups, have discussed a wide range of topics relating to the role of chemicals in our socie Contrary to the article's allegations, Monsanto is and has been very concerned about the environmental problems Gary F. Barton Public Relations Manager Monsanto Industrial Chemicals Co, . ty. Other elements of the pro posed by PCBs. Si. Louis, Mo. 050*6*0 STLCOPCB4044804