Document YrVOwj491JzyeXj475nOV7gB0

To: From: Cc: Bcc: Received Date: Subject: Royall, Sven S SC-CBAR-SR <Sven.S.Royall@SHELL.COM.SG> Sullivan, Nancy NE SCC-CBAR <lO=SHELLlOU=MSXSCC/CN=RECI PI ENTS/CN=NS196769> Young, David K SC-CBAR <David.K.Young@opc.shell.com>; Hill, Patsy PM SCC <PH197432@MSXSOPC.SHELL.COM>; Mallett, Anthony AK SC-CHSE-TM <Anthony.K.Mallett@OPC.shell.com>; Draper, Joe J SC-CHSE-JFD <Joe.J.Draper@OPC.shell.com> 2000-06-1322:36:29 GMT Benzene Task Force Participation - China Study (Action Required by early July) Sven, Patsy Hill attended a meeting of American Petroleum Institute members to discuss the formation of a consortium to investigate the incidence of benzene induced leukemia and other hematopoietic diseases in a population of occupationally exposed workers in Shanghai, China. This study is of interest because 1) the sample population is felt to be large enough to provide statistical significance and scientifically-based learnings that otherwise would be difficult to obtain, and 2) would provide scientific evidence addressing some of the conclusions and allegations published in a series of papers by the U.S. National Cancer Institute in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Preventative Medicine (which have been seriously questioned as to scientific basis). While API is taking the lead to obtain commitments from various companies to participate (with an estimated cost of $1 00-150M/yr. for 5 years per company if 10-12 jOin/total study cost estimated to be $6.5MM over 5 years), the learnings from the study would be useful globally as well as for both our Chemicals and Oil Products businesses. Thus, I'd like to ask OP to join us if we choose to participate and share the costs accordingly. Given the magnitude of HSE issues surrounding benzene as well as the litigation claims we continue to see, I believe it would be worthwhile to participate. Patsy agrees. I'd appreciate your thoughts on participating as well as how we can best work together with OP on this as well as other common benzene issues. Warmest regards, Nancy E. Sullivan Aromatics Business Manager - Americas OSP 1966 9/80:A (P) (713) 241-3084 (F) (713) 241- 8540 e-mail: nesullivan@shellus.com SH ELL-MCCLU RG-060499