Document aJ2wNMBX6EbDDd3Yab1O41MbB

Monsanto COMPANY 800 N. Lindbergh Boulevard St. Louie, Missouri 63166 014) OXford 4-1000 ORGANIC CHEMICALS DIVISION December 12, 1969 Mr. Kevin P. Shea Environment Magazine 438 N. Skinker Blvd. St. Louis, Missouri 63130 Dear Mr. Shea: We appreciate the opportunity you have extended to provide information in conjunction with a paper Environment is planning to publish in January, 1970, on "environmental contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)." As you suggested, we have attempted to keep our statement up-to-date as new scientific data comes to light, and I am sending the most recent copy to you in the event you wish to use it in connection with the article. In lieu of arranging an interview in the short time remaining to your deadline, I would like to take this opportunity to comment on as many of your questions as possible. Please feel free to use any of the information as you see fit, of course, attributing it to a Monsanto spokesman rather than myself -- which is standard practice. Aroclor polychlorinated biphenyls were first produced in this country in 1929 by the Swan Chemical Company which later became part of the Monsanto Company. We believe this preceded the manufacture of PCBs in Europe and Japan by about ten years, although I was not able to specifically tie down this historical data. -more- 016<i881 PCB-ARCH0743781 Mr. Kevin P. Shea 2 December 12, 1969 Supplies of the bulletin you requested have been exhausted for several months, and it is in the process of being / ' reprinted. 1 have been able to secure a draft copy of-the * new bulletin and am attaching it for your review. Please understand that this bulletin covers only the plasticizer applications, many of which are only suggested applications. To our knowledge, Aroclor PCB is not used in all the applications suggested in the bulletin!' Primary markets are chlorinated rubber and ^polypropylene, styrene-butadiene copolymers and polysulfide secKLanfrsT Aside from plasticizers, the principal market for polychlorinated biphenyls is in electrical applications where the insulating fluids used in transformers and capacitors are completely sealed. In another major market, heat-transfer applications, the fluid is used in closed systems. In the United States, Monsanto presently manufactures its Aroclor products at plants located in Sauget, 111., and Anniston, Ala. Extensive efforts are in practice at these plants to prevent PCB losses to the environment. These practices have been in use for many years and controls are continually being improved. Controlling practices are also in effect to prevent loss in those manufacturing operations where Aroclor is incorporated into other Monsanto products. In the more than 40 years of manufacturing Aroclor products by Monsanto, we have had no instances of injury or adverse effects which could be associated with either the manufacturing or handling of these products. Your letter requested additional information such as scientific reports. Our research department summarized some of their work and rather than try to incorporate their observations into this letter, I am making it an enclosure. -more- 016*1882 PCB-ARCH0743782 Mr. Kevin P. Shea 3 December 12, 1969 Again, thank you for the opportunity to participate in your article. We will look forward to reviewing a draft copy you offered to send. If the paper suggests other areas where we could provide beneficial comment, we will try to do so before your deadline. Sincerely, EVJ/stw Enclosure Edward V. John Public Relations Manager Organic Chemicals Division PCB-ARCH0743783