Document YrvmnX1a9rLNvY5wZOmdnDDrk

February 19, 1971 Mrs. Jayne Galllard 5517 Richmond Road Mobile, Alabama 36608 Dear Mra. Galllard: Your laCCar addraaaed to our New York office haa been paaaed on to me for reply. I aaauma your letter was prompted by a recent television show concerning PCB which received considerable air time on Gulf Coaat channels. Unfortunately I did not see the show snd, therefore, cannot comment on its accuracy. I can tell you of tha voluntary actlona Monaanto Company haa taken to control escape of PCB to theuenvironment. 1 hope, after reviewing our program, you will agraa our efforts reflect a responsible attitude. Let me begin by clarifying soma false reports and myths about PCB (initials for polychlorinated biphenyl) you may have read or hoard. PCB is not an lneectlcide nor is it usad in Insecticides; PCB does not cause birth defects; PCB is not widely usad in household products; PCB is not a highly toxic material -- it requires no toxicity labeling whan shipped in interstate commerce; PCB is not harmful to man or other mammals in tha quantities found in nature. In 1966, two 9wedlsh scientists in an attempt to measure J)DT in tha environment, encountered "interfering substances." They later identified theaa aubstanoes as PCB. Their work was published in 1967 and late the same year Monsanto began to review and evaluate it. Slnca tha method of correctly identifying chlorinated hydrocarbons in nature was not fully developed at that time, Monaanto began a program to oorractly identify and measure these substances. This work resulted in the development of a methodology which subsequently has bean offered to and usad by many scientists throughout the woild. mons 08835'* Mrs. Galllard 2 Fsbruary 19, 1971 PCB Is an Industrial chemical first produced by Monsanto 40 years go. In this country, nd later by other corporations In other countrise. It wee first used as a coolant In heavy duty electrical equipment. This has always been the major use, even to this day. The fluid is sealed Into an electrical transformer where It performs lta function for 20 years or more. This application Is what we cell a "closed system." . 1 In the early 1960s wa suggested -- through our product literature - that PCB could be used in other applications such as specialty paints, adhesives, chlorinated rubber, sealants, etc. These we call "open systems." Whan Monsanto became aware, from the Swedish work, PCB could be getting Into the environment, wa began our environmental control program consisting of: 1) Proper Identification and measurement of tha extent of the problem; 2) Tightening up of our manufacturing processes to control escape; 3) Alert all customers to tha potential environmental problem and Insist on proper handling and use of the material; 4) Began research to develop suitable substitutes for PCB -- acme of these have already been Introduced; 5) Discontinue all sales of PCB Into "open-system" applications; 6) Through research, look for waya to make PCB biodegradable; 7) Offer all customers a reclamation and disposal service where all used PCB la returned to us for recycling or disposal via an Incinerator which breaks It down Into harmless materials, and B) Began long-term feeding studies to accumulate extensive toxicity data and determine the long-term affect of this substance on animals. You are probably correct in saying our financial statement would not be hurt substantially if we quit staking PCB. But that Is not really tha lsaua. At present, there la no suitable substitute for PCB in electrical equipment. Previous to PCB, this equipment was cooled with oil -- a highly flammable product. You may recall reading nawa stories about flraa caused by exploding electrical transformers or other equipment. Mora Important, human lives have been lost in these disasters over the years. I know of one example from personal experience where a man waa killed In Just this way. Many state and local laws throughout our country require the use of flrs-rsslstant fluids In electrical equipment when this equipment Is used where people may be working or gathering. MONS 088355 Mr*. Gall lard 3 February 19, 1971 For Chase reasons, ws ballava Cha course we have chosen Is not only responsible, but also will provide people with the safety features PCB offers. Our action is based on evidence that PCB is a persistent chemical which builds up in the environment. It is a program we have undertaken voluntarily without pressure from legislation or organised groups. You will probably agree our program and succesa at controlling escape of PCB to the environment has been overshadowed by scare tactics and sensational reporting. That is why we appreciate the opportunity to explain our efforts to concerned individuals like yourself. I hope this letter is not too long and detailed, but it is not a simple subject to discuss. Also, I want it to convey my sincere belief that Monsanto has taken responsible action and is doing something about the pSnblem. Cordially, Edward V. John Public Relations Manager Organic Chemicals Division /stw P. S. I Just noticed the January A date on your latter and apologise for the delayed reply. Normally we try to be more prompt, but I Just received it a few days ago. EVJ HONS 088356