Document Z44q5O7zKaXaJJnoDqZZb4Grd

fifi, fili _ V-l 20 000212  R A S - 2V-/6 Additional informt ion for supervision A 1976 report^1) indicates that the blood serum of the general population in the U.S. contains trace quantities of fluorine in both o and inorganic form. The concentration of inorganic fluorine has been to be related to fluoride ion in water supplies (natural and added). There is no ready explanation for the presence of organic fluorine. A recent study by the 3H Company of their workers who manufacture and handle fluorosurfactants and their intermediates has revealed orga fluorine levels in their blood plasma in excess of those not engaged i these-operations. 3M reported that a preliminary review of the medica histories and current health status of affected employees has not reve any unusual health conditions. A more detailed epidemiological study 3W workers has been in it ia t e d . 3M has identified two probable key sources of employee exposure i their operations. These are associated with (1) e le c t r o l y t i c c e l l s ir which key intermediates are manufactured, and (2) (packaging operation' involving powdered products. The spec i f i c products implicated in the 3M study are not manufactured nor used on the Chambers Works. Different fluorosurfactants manufactured on Chambers Works ii^theCJiemicals and Development Manufc fng areas and are sold under t h e J p H H f l | trademark. The Chambers Worl processes do not involve e le c tro ly tic fTubrtnation and the products at handled throu ghout in liquid forms and are also sold in liquid forms, Despite the dis im ila r it y between the Du Pont and. 3M technology, a l l he 1ng procedure s for fluorosurfactants and interiaediates , should be reyj< for adequacy. Assistance may be obtained from/ A special mdical program will be Initia te d for a l l employees currently engaged in fluorosurfactants operations. This program will not be extended to personnel who have previously worked with flu o ro surfactants, but who are no longer involved, unless the results of th: i n i t i a l program indicate that necessity. Sim ila rly, Engineering Depai ment, Environmental & Service Department and General Analytical Labor< employees will not be included in the i n i t i a l program though they shot be advised of the program*. The i n i t i a l special medical program will include (1) a review of .the medical records of the employee, and (2) special blood analyses a time of the employee's regular physical examination. This program is concerned only with f 1uorosurfae^antsand their intermediates. Other f 1uojinated subs tances such as W& fluorocai and f 1uoropolymers {e. g. , ftK(tK* e t c *) ar^no^im p icated (*) tf. S. Guy, e t .a l;, Proceedings Amer. Chem. Soc., Fluorine and Biological Chemis Symposium, Chicago, 26 August 1975, Paper 7, page 117. C "* .ny Sanfeed. Does no,cm taln re cA ^ 000213