Document ZnmQpYbp4VQQXkp36z1pnbYKV

t\ November A# 1971 Mr. Edward L. Unab Manager of Materials Engineering Transformer Division, Bldg. 11-223 Gone rr1 Electric Company Pittsfield# Massachusetts 01201 . Da or E<1# I apologise for my overdue response to the questions you asked of Paul Bonignus soveral weeks ago. I have attached copies of summaries of the acute toxicity end chronic toxicity studies Monsanto has sponsored. As you con sec nothing new has been revealed from what v,-c have known for soma time. An you probably noted in the FDA press release information 1 sent you# Dr. Albert Kolb ye of FDA concurs with our opinion that PCB'o are not tin imminent hazard to humans or domestic animals. The latest information wo have on the Japanese incident is wall summarized in the FDA release. Dr. Kolbye indientad the FDA wets sending representatives to Jaorcn within two weeks to cliecur>3 the incident in depth with the Japanese authorities. In the meantime we have requested from our Japanese partners help in securing and translating appro-' priate decumants concerning the incident. The biogradability studios at Rusbon, Wales continue at thoir normal Blow pace with no now information. Tho studies continue to confirm that the lower chlorinated biphenyls can be degraded fairly easily* tho higher chlorinated iBoaters are rasist-nt. In the United Kingdom# Monsanto# which is the sole producer# is following the same marketing policy wa have set for tho U.S. There is no government ban nor do we expect one. WATER PCB-00049412 Mr. Eelwnrcl l>. Knab Hove mb or 4, 1971 Page 2 Other then the nows roleanen wa issued in April and July, 1970 wo hr.VQ not prepared my to combat the recent adverse publicity in the press, Right or wrong it has boon our feeling that v/o should not bo constc-ntly reacting to every untrue statement which appears. Our discussions with employees hrvo been conducted by the supervisors and foreman in a vary informal Connor, there fore we have no formal manuscript to send you, be have bean following our policy of being open and candid with cur people. In every instance the response ha bean one of relative unconcern, primarily because their personal experience with tho PCD ' o ha a not indicated that runy pro blem exists. I hooo this information is useful to you, X again ppologiee for tha delay and Z hope I did not cause any serious in convenience. Sincerely, V<* B, Puoagoorge, Manager Environments! Protection KBP/bt Attachment cc* Mr, P, B, Benignus Mr. T. h. Gossage Mr, C, Paton NeV 003846 703084 WATER PCB-00049413