Document YjRN5OvKKVM0mEQ74vpJYvqVK

September 28 1970 MEMORANDUM TO: , H. P. MICHENER FROM: A. M. SALAZAR SUBJECT: PROPOSAL THAT NEMA JOIN THE MONSANTO COMPANY IN SPONSORING THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF AN AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE __________ON DISPOSAL OF ASKAREL USED IN ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT On the recommendations of a Special Committee appointed to investigate problems caused by components of askarel the Board of Directors unanimously recommended that the C&S Committee should approve the subject. The background and recommended scope for the new Committee is covered in the attached record of developments so far. For the C&S Committee's further information, the Monsanto Company reported that the presence of materials identified as poly chlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in marine environments was first noted by Professors G. Widmark and S. Jensen of the Institute of Analy tical Chemistry, Stockholm, Sweden, and reported in November, 1966. Since then, and with increasing frequency, other investigators have identified PCB in marine and animal life; and its presence has been cited as being harmful to a few specific types of wild life* In July, 1970, the Food & Drug Administration issued guide lines to its field offices, establishing upper limits of PCB content of 0.2 ppm in milk and 5.0 ppm in food. Milk or food exceeding these limits is subject to confiscation. The Monsanto Company has already taken steps to limit the availability of askarel to those uses where the fluid is essential and is contained in a closed system, such as is the case for trans formers and capacitors. With the cooperation of transformer and capacitor manufacturers, steps have also been taken to alert all known users on the problem and on corrective measures. Monsanto has also instituted a means for disposing of bulk fluids and means for idsposing of askarel-soaked waste materials, coils, insulation scrap, discarded capacitors, etc., are currently being investigated. Due to the obvious urgency of getting this activity on the way, as soon as possible, your cooperation is requested in submitting this matter, by letter ballot, rather than waiting for the Officers' next meeting. Monsanto has agreed to take the lead in this effort on the basis that a NEMA Staff Secretary will serve the Committee. NEV 02*461 EXHIBIT A