Document YjjOw8VgmG4k1p92JNyY006M0

INTERNAL CORRESPONDENCE L-360 CONFIDENTIAL FROM E. E. Sandmeyer at Harraarville TO Mr. R. E. Rutherford at Pittsburgh SUBJECT CONFIDENTIAL MEMO FROM SPI OF MARCH 12, 1974 date April 23, 1974 reference 100B1-5.2.0 I have reviewed the memorandum from SPI (Society of Plastics Industries) counsel Mr. J. Heckman concerning PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and its precursor VCM (Vinyl Chloride Monomer). The protocol for proposed animal experiments appears very extensive, and the number of animals appear sufficient for a valid statistical evaluation. This may suffice to evaluate consumer safety for the PVC use as food containers, but it would not cover aspects to study occupational preventive measures in the production of such containers. So far I have not found any literature references concerning the metabolic and catabolic fate of PVC and VCM through the mammalian system. It is highly probable that low concentrations of inhaled or directly absorbed VCM are readily oxidized, conjugated and thus also rapidly excreted. Higher con centrations on the other hand, may cause oxygen deficiencies or in general decrease the rate of detoxification. Under such conditions different chemical reactions may occur and lead to the formation of potential carcinogenic or carcinogen potentiating intermediates. The mammalian system, in attempts to detoxify such products, may accumulate them in the liver and skeleton, i.e. at sites distant to the port of entry. Especially when hepatic pathways are involved, the accumulated compounds may interfere with DNA synthesis, and thus form the oncogenic basis. Similarly, during industrial processes synthetic and degradative inter mediates may be formed which could directly act as dermal, respiratory or hepatic carcinogens. However, as above, at low concentrations the mammalian system may readily metabolize, hydroxylate and excrete such products without detrimental effects. The following reaction may be postulated to occur under certain indus trial or biological conditions: ch2=ch-ci vinyl chloride CH--C1 OH HC1 high temperatures' HO \ Ace taldehyde 1-chloro, 3-hydroxyethane lower temperatures on certain biological conditions ch7-ch,, \/ 2 0 Ethylenoxide * CUSAROSS 02906 ate 4/23/74 from E. E. Sandmeyer to Mr. R. E. Rutherford sheet no 2 Acetaldehyde (dermal and respiratory irritant and sensitizer) Ethylenoxide (highly irritant to eyes, can cause pulmonary edema, potent nutagen; possible carcinogen) In order to investigate these reactions, acetaldehyde in the light of the "Meat cutter's syndrome" and the ethylenoxide and chloro-hydroxy-ethane in view of the incidence of angiosarcoma, the experimental protocol might include the study of all of these compounds. However, as preventative measures, good industrial hygiene and adequate local ventilation should prevent any health hazard. `~tJ E. E. Sandmeyer EES/sma cc: Dr. F. D. Gassaway - Pittsburgh Dr. R. L. Gibson - Pittsburgh A SUBSIDIARY OF GULF OIL CORPORATION CUSAROSS 02907