Document b5jYXNMZaav3Q7rZm1Xne3Goy

Monsanto ,1 (pee / -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OCPARTUCHT or UCO1C1NC a [HVWOHUt HTAI. HCAt.ru Monstnlo Compmy 800 N. lindbogh Boul*v*rd St. louts, Missouri 63168 Phons: 014) 894-1000 December 14, 1976 Mr. C. J. Pugsley 419 North Park Street Fairmont, Minnesota 56031 Dear Mr. Pugsley: I am replying to your letter of November 15 in which you question whether your use of a transformer oil could have any possible effect on your hypertension. I assume you are referring to the dielectric fluid which is used as an insulating fluid in many transformers. To begin, hypertension is characterized by heiffg variable from one time to another and this variability ha^riot , been explained. Second, not all dielectric fluids cont?\nPCD^/ The following comments are based on the assumption that the oil you have been using does contain PCB's. A great deal of study has been done on the PCB's to determine the biological properties of these chemicals. In addition, we have seen workers who have pro duced these chemicals over a long period of time. Both the ex perimental studies and the occupational experience would not suggest that they would have any relationship to hypertension. As a matter of fact, based on my understanding of hypertension, I would not expect there to be a relationship. And, finally, since the PCB's have a low vapor pressure, I would not suspect that you would have a very significant exposure to the chemicals or, to make the statement positive, I would suspect your exposure to the PCB's is quite small. In summary, I believe that I can reassure you that your use of transformer oils, and, more particularly, the PCB's, would not have any relation to your hypertension. I should also point out that dielectric fluids, used as insulating fluids in transformers, which contain PCB's are intended only for that specific use. I hope this satisfactorily answers your question. GR/ln DSW 018955 STLCOPCB4005499