Document dYBnJnKdnJ1VJMX5gQpNXpqaq

INDUSTRIES To: General Sales Managers Regional Sales Managers INTER-OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE Date: March 21, 1977 From- J . L. MacMillan Location' G. 0. , 19 North Subject: VDCM Toxicity Attached is a copy of the letter which was sent to our VDCM customers on March 18, 1977. This is the follow up which was promised in our original letter dated January 28, 1977, describing the details of Professor Maltoni's studies. /tt&C \J. L. MacMillan 7kf cc: Z. G. Bell F. C. Dehn W. R. Harris G. J. Lazarchik. E. A. Schneider F. J. Trunzo Attachment FORM 503-A REV 6-1 70 RECEIVED MAR 2 4 19/7 Environmental Affairs SL 073694 p INDUSTRIES PPG INDUSTRIES. INC./ONE GATEWAY CENTER/PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15222,/aREA 411/434-2515 March 18, 1977 JOHN L MocMILLAN Vice President, Seles end Distribution Industrie! Chemical Department Chemical Division In January, 1977, I wrote you concerning vinylidene chloride monomer (VDCM). In my letter, I mentioned a letter dated January 17, 1977 from the Manufacturing Chemists Association (MCA) which informed PPG of new preliminary information developed independently by the European Study Group for Vinylidene Chloride Toxicity. The information that PPG received was not detailed; however, it was reported that some of the test (Swiss) mice exposed to VDCM developed kidney tumors while test rats and hamsters did not. The European Study Group further announced that Professor Cesare M. Maltoni, the Study Group's principal investigator, would present his preliminary findings at the Technical Association of the Paper and Pulp Industry (TAPPI) meeting in Hamburg, Germany, on January 26, 1977. Since being notified of Maltoni's preliminary findings, an attempt has been made to obtain additional details. Professor Maltoni did not provide a formal written report of his findings at the Hamburg meeting; therefore, information thus far obtained by PPG is subject to further confirmation and verification. Our current information is that Professor Maltoni exposed (via inhalation) groups of 30 mice of each sex to 1, 10, 25, and 50 ppm for four hours per day, five days per week. At 50 ppm, the mice had a high mortality incidence. There fore, a second group of 120 mice per sex was then started on exposure to 25 ppm. Hamsters were exposed to 25 ppm, while groups of rats were exposed to o, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 150 ppm 073695 sb PPG INDUSTRIES C H L: M I C A I. DIVISION ONE GATEWAY CENTER PITTSBURGH, PA. 15222 VDCM. At the 82nd week, there were no kidney tumors reported in the hamsters or the test rats. Male mice exposed to 25 ppm were reported to have a kidney tumor incidence of approximately 10 per cent, while only one female mouse was similarly affected. The tumors in the male mice were unilateral (one kidney) while the one female kidney tumor was bilateral (affecting both kidneys). The mice exposed to 10 ppm were not reported to have kidney tumors in either sex. Professor Maltoni also had placed on test, rats that were receiving VDCM by oral gavage. Dosage levels ranged as high as 20 mg/kg/day. After 24 months of dosing, there were no reported increased incidence of kidney tumors. The preliminary verbal report by Professor Maltoni should be put in proper perspective. The exposure level used for mice was near the lethal level, was toxic to the kidney, and was administered to a strain of mice that is inherently susceptible to a high incidence of spontaneous kidney disease. Professor Maltoni recognized that further research should be undertaken using another mouse strain that has a low incidence of kidney disease. On February 22, PPG learned that Professor Maltoni had also given his preliminary VDCM report at a meeting held in New York City. Dr. C. Hammond, officer for the American Cancer Society, called a press conference where this informa tion was released. On February 23, 1977, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Daily News and The New York Times carried the story and I am enclosing copies of these articles. In further developments, PPG has received a tentative agenda of a conference on Comparative Metabolism and Toxicity of Vinyl Chloride and Related Compounds to be held in Bethesda, Maryland on May 2-4, 1977. This Conference is being conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health and Safety (NIEIIS) . Both Professor Maltoni and P. L. Viola are on the tentative agenda. Since VDCM is to be one of the chemicals discussed, PPG contacted the NIEHS Associate Director, Dr. Hans Falk, to suggest that the MCA VDCM industry-sponsored toxicity research also be included on the conference agenda. We are optimistic that NIEHS will favorably consider the industry request. SL 073696 pik; i n i)11st i< i i;s chi-.mica'i. division ONE GATEWAY CENTER PITTSBURGH, PA 15222 T n summary, PTf, produced cancer mice. VDCM has to the liver of does riot have any evidence that VDCM has in humans or any aminal species except Swiss been reported to have minimal toxic effects rats at 25 ppm in the MCA study. PPG continues our recommendation that concentrations of VDCM in the work area be maintained below 10 ppm at all times. It is also recommended that the eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration be maintained as far below 10 ppm as practical. As more information becomes available to PPG, we will continue to keep you advised. The above information should be passed on to your employees and customers. Yours very truly, John L. MacMillan Af Attachments SL 073697 .O nil WM 1 SI KM- I JOIKNM . I ** W rilMisila y. I i*l l I, 1**77 Sltuly Say\ (Jicmu.al Used in hood Wrap Gave Mice Tumors Kimlmtjs by Italian Scientists Raise Concern Over Effect Mr Moore 9 opinion stems from an msti tote study of a BASF Wyandotte Cnrp plant Of Substance on Humans 4 In South Kearny, N J, The company was alarmed at the results of a 1975 screening of liver functions It had done on 46 employes it By CJ aii* Rkonhun St-i/> Hi port* f nf Tn r * au. St h kkt Rm h n * i, NEW YOKK Italian ^cWmtWln h.*vifound that vmylid'-nc chloride uxrd In pins tic pa< Waging* nf food, causes kidney cancer In certain glrains of mice The Initial study knew to have been exposed to vlnylldene chloride In the past Last February workers rrquested the Institute to study the situation further NH>SH official Hobby f'rafl said by glenints found ''moderate liver rlmngp;i ( among workers) but we don't know the sig nificance yet " results arouse concern tint the chemical Hygienists examined 235 workers at the may possibly cause human cancer plant, which no longer produces vinyhdene Vmylidene chloride Is a chemical used in chloride The Institute plana to do a mortal combination to make many plastic. wraps ity study of plant workers In the next few and plastic containers used largely In food months parkagtng The chemical la mnlecuiarly re* laled in vinyl chloride, used In various household plastic products, which was deter mined to cause human liver cancer four years ago The study conducted at the University of Boiogna bv Or Cesare M Maltom. found that ?)'' of 120 male mice subjected to life time inhalation of vlnylldene chloride, at 25 ppm (parts per one million pari? of am, de veloped kidney cancer In higher doses the animals died before they could develop can cer, Saul K Cuyler Hammond an American Cancer Society officer who presented Dr. Maltom s study at a news conference No Federal Standard Although no federal standard exists for the chemical, an unofficial organisation of industrial hygienists recommends maximum work exposures of 10 ppm Ur MaKonl s study also subjected mice to Inhalation of the chemical at 10 ppm for twn years and they suffered no III effects In studies of Uhinese hamsters and rats expo sure to vinyluienc chloride causes no III ef feels f)r Maltom is testing other strains of mice and hamsters Despite these scant findings, both the fed eral government and private Industry are assiduously studying the possible cam emus BASF Wyandotte Is a division of BASF AG. the West German company that spon sored Dr Maltoni's work Dow Chemical Corp s Europe division. Imperial Chemical Industries of Great Britain, and Soivay of Belgium also contributed funds to the re search along with the Italian government Record of Employee Dow Chemical is the largest domestic producer and user of vinyhdene chloride, primarily In its plastic Satan Wrap Dow said It has records of 138 workers since L&44 who have been exposed to the chemical, at anywhere from 10 ppm to 70 ppm The com pany hasn't found any visible Ul effects among this group Dow said worker expo* sure in its Freeport. Texas, plant, where the chemical Is made, and in Its Midland, Mich , plant, where Saran Wrap la made, la under one ppm Dow Chemical inhalation studies in rats m 20-ppm and 80-ppm doses didn't result in any tumor growths A Dow spokesman said there was a "mild dtscernable effect on the liver * of rats given dosea at 80 ppm The company is conducting Ingestion and repro duction studies in rats A major concern among health officials 19 transference of vlnylldene chloride from effects of the chemical because of Its simi plastic packaging to food. Dow Chemical lanty to vinyl chloride Dr Maltoni's results said Its Saran Wrap contains up to 10 ppm of are considered significant by some because the chemical hut that it hasn't found any mi "he indmod a cancer In mice which Is gration of vmylidene chloride to food when rarely formed spontaneously," says Df7 studied at the most minute levels. John F Finklen director of the National In* The Food and Drug Administration said stifutc of Occupational Safety and Health. / the agency is conducting studies to deter Nationwide Mortality Study mine to what degree, if any, vlnylldene The institute began a nationwide mortal chloride remains In plastic wrap after man Ity study of workers exposed to vmylidene ufacture and If It transfers from the plastic < blond*- last year "We are alerting all in to food dustries and appropriate unions about Dr PPG Industries Inc in Pittsburgh Is the M iMoni s dala " says lloscoe M Moore the second largest producer of vlnylldene chlor Institute s chief of te< hmcal evaluation "We ide A spokesman said that In seven year* It are writing to all (company) medn al direc hasn't seen any health problems among Us tors In get any data they have on employes' workers Imperial Chemical. Solvay and liver or kidney disfunctions Although the nn< e formed kidney tumors, we believe It may show up as liver earn er in humans BASF officials weren't Immediately avail able (or comment 073698 SL NEW YORK DAILY NEWS February 23, 1977 Links Food Wrap Chemical to Cancer iiy HIK.'H WYATT A ch'-mical used in the mam fartiue f'f eertain plastics, incltr inn cleat' plastic fnoil wrap has 1 icon found to cause hidne < ancor in mile mice, i>ew fin linn I kind" to humans, a Mount Sinai Medical I Center scientist said. | The research was done by Dr Cej s.ne Malloni. the diierlor of the Insti tute of Oncology and Tumor Center at | the University of Bologna in Italy. Me | s.ud his conclusions were based on two er Hammond, the chief epidemiologist of the American Cancer Society, and Dr. Irving Sclikoff. the director of Envi ronmental Sciences and Laboratories at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, inter preted most of Maltoni's findings,-The visitor spoke mainly in Italian, by an Italian research scientist yr.us of studying the 'effect of the Asked about the possible effect* the revealed yesterday. i hemic.il on mice, hamsters and rats. chemical would have on humans, Sclik The cliemir.il, known as vmvlnline During this pcnod. some of lhe ani chloitdr. is i elated to vinyl chloride, mals were fed the chemical tluough ( stomach lubes and others were made to which ahendy as hcen proved to have i inhale it in gaseous form, he said. Only off said, "It is not known whether any danger of any kind exists. This information Is new and we have no cancel causing pioperties under certain the male mice developed kidney cancer. (other) information." circumstances, . , I . , Malloni made lus findings known,gt. r.The.Food and-Dime Administration-, But it is not known whether vinyliv I the New Vprk Academy of Scifuce, .at 2 said it was studying MattonTs findings dine chloride poses "any danger o any I. ,-,G3d St. Twp, Arnericaiu,, >r. E. Cuyt-, - and would issuer report.fater............. , , 0736" NKW YOUK TIMI'.S 2/23/77 Cancer Experts Warn of Dangers In Some Plastic Wrap Chemicals By MNF F BRODY lh finding by a lading Italian, re- J Maltoni s findings. Dr Hammond, a vice seairher. that a ' bemirnl used in mmf president of the American Oncer Soci piaslir fond wr.ipi run reuse cancer in ety. and Dr, .Selikoff, director of environ mirn prompted two American cancer fi mental meriu me at Mount Sinai Medical peril vestetday In alert the public mil Ceriler, said lliey saw no leason lor Hie Government agencies to the need for public to stop using saran product*. But rinser scrutiny of this end related chemi Dr Hammond suggested that industry cals might try to remove residual vinylidine Al s news conference at the New York chloride from the finished plastic before Ai ariemy of Sciences, Dr. E. Cuyler Ham it came into contact with food. mond and Dr. Irving J, Sellkoff laid that the chemical, called vmylidine chloride, They said that Dr, Maltoni's ftndtnk warranted further examination hy the Food and Drug Administration, the Na was closely related to two other cancer- tional Institute of Occupational Safety causing chemicals, vinyl chloride and tri and Health and the National Institute of chloroethylene Environmental Health Sciences, However, researchers at the Dow ( hemiral Company, the leading manufac In a related development, the Natural Resources Defense Council has asked the Food and Drug Administration to recall turer of vmylidine chloride, said the. Ital existing stocks of Coca Cola in plastic ian finding was of questionable signif bottles made from acrylonitrile, also icance and ciled a two-year. $L million called vinvl cyanide and another chemical study sponsored by American Industries that showed no cancer-inducing effect of vmylidine chloride in rats. In addition, Dow researchers said that relative of vinyl chloride. In response in a suit brought hy the council In 1375, the drug agency last Friday rescinded its approval of market tests of the plastic soda bottles studies of foods wrapped in plastics made from vinylidme chloride had jhowed that none of the chemical migrated from the wrapping to the food. The test would have disclosed such contamination If d The agency's decision was based on recent findings lhat acrylonitrile causes birth defects and tumors in lest animals and that small amounts of the chemical leach out of (he bottles into the drink exceeded 10 parts of vmylidine chloride in one billion parts of food. In the Italian study, oonducted by Dr. r>sare Mallonl at the Institute of Oncolo- gy in Bologna, rats, hamsters and mice were exposed to vinylidine chloride gas at much higher levels--starting at Id parts per million--for up lo one year. Kidney earners developed in ahom 20 percent of the male Swiss mice, but In none of the other animals Three years ago, Dr. Maltoiu's studies of vinyl chloride, another plastics rhemi * cal, showed it to cause cancer in ral.s . and mice Shortly afterward the chemical i was pinpointed as the cause of a rare, i fatal liver earn er in exposed workeis Dr. j Maltom'* atudies of vmylidin*. chloride. weie heguo at the behest of foua^ Euro*, / pean producers. } Vinylidine chionrie Is a gaseous cheml ral that, when polymeiir.ed with vinyl rhlonde, makes up Satan Wrap, a Dow product (Other packaged plastic wraps are made of polyethylene ) The vinylidine chloride vinyl chloride copolymer--called saran--Is also used in wrap commercially I prepared meals and cheeses. A Dow SL . spokesman said that ahoul one-tihird of (he flexihle plastic packaging for food in grocery stores Ls saran, representing an annual market nf hetween 150 and 200 million pounds of plastic. In announcing their enneern about Dr. 073700 I Jif Ui INDUSTRIES To: General Sales Managers Regional Sales Managers INTER-OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE Date: March 21, 1977 From: J. L. MacMillan Location: G. 0., 19 North Subject: VDCM Toxicity Attached is a copy of the letter which was sent to our VDCM customers on March 18, 1977. This is the follow up which was promised in our original letter dated January 28, 1977, describing the details of Professor Maltoni's studies. y&tAi /J. L. MacMillan i Af cc: G. Bell F. C. Dehn W. R. Harris G. J. Lazarchik E. A. Schneider F. J. Trunzo Attachment FORM 503.A fttV. 6*1*70 RECEIVED MAR 24 1977 Environmental Affairs SL 073701 INDUSTRIES PPG INDUSTRIES, INC./ONE GATEWAY CENTER/PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15222/AREA 412/434-2515 March 18, 1977 JOHN L. MacMILLAN Vic* President, Seles end Distribution Industrial Chemical Department Chemical Division In January, 1977, I wrote you concerning vinylidene chloride monomer (VDCM). In my letter, I mentioned a letter dated January 17, 1977 from the Manufacturing Chemists Association (MCA) which informed PPG of new preliminary information developed independently by the European Study Group for Vinylidene Chloride Toxicity. The information that PPG received was not detailed; however, it was reported that some of the test (Swiss) mice exposed to VDCM developed kidney tumors while test rats and hamsters did not. The European Study Group further announced that Professor Cesare M. Maltoni, the Study Group's principal investigator, would present his preliminary findings at the Technical Association of the Paper and Pulp Industry (TAPPI) meeting in Hamburg, Germany, on January 26, 1977. Since being notified of Maltoni's preliminary findings, an attempt has been made to obtain additional details. Professor Maltoni did not provide a formal written report of his findings at the Hamburg meeting; therefore, information thus far obtained by PPG is subject to further confirmation and verification. Our current information is that Professor Maltoni exposed (via inhalation) groups of 30 mice of each sex to 1, 10, 25, and 50 ppm for four hours per day, five days per week. At 50 ppm, the mice had a high mortality incidence. There fore, a second group of 120 mice per sex was then started on exposure to 25 ppm. Hamsters were exposed to 25 ppm, while groups of rats were exposed to o, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 150 ppm SL 073702 PPG INDUSTRIES CHEMICAL DIVISION ONE GATEWAY CENTER PITTSBURGH, PA. 15222 VDCM. At the 82nd week, there were no kidney tumors reported in the hamsters or the test rats. Male mice exposed to 25 ppm were reported to have a kidney tumor incidence of approximately 10 per cent, while only one female mouse was similarly affected. The tumors in the male mice were unilateral (one kidney) while the one female kidney tumor was bilateral (affecting both kidneys). The mice exposed to 10 ppm were not reported to have kidney tumors in either sex. Professor Maltoni also had placed on test, rats that were receiving VDCM by oral gavage. Dosage levels ranged as high as 20 mg/kg/day. After 24 months of dosing, there were no reported increased incidence of kidney tumors. The preliminary verbal report by Professor Maltoni should be put in proper perspective. The exposure level used for mice was near the lethal level, was toxic to the kidney, and was administered to a strain of mice that is inherently susceptible to a high incidence of spontaneous kidney disease. Professor Maltoni recognized that further research should be undertaken using another mouse strain that has a low incidence of kidney disease. On February 22, PPG learned that Professor Maltoni had also given his preliminary VDCM report at a meeting held in New York City. Dr. C. Hammond, officer for the American Cancer Society, called a press conference where this informa tion was released. On February 23, 1977, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Daily News and The New York Times carried the story and I am enclosing copies of these articles. In further developments, PPG has received a tentative agenda of a conference on Comparative Metabolism and Toxicity of Vinyl Chloride and Related Compounds to be held in Bethesda, Maryland on May 2-4, 1977. This Conference is being conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health and Safety (NIEHS). Both Professor Maltoni and P. L. Viola are on the tentative agenda. Since VDCM is to be one of the chemicals discussed, PPG contacted the NIEHS Associate Director, Dr. Hans Falk, to suggest that the MCA VDCM industry-sponsored toxicity research also be included on the conference agenda. We are optimistic that NIEHS will favorably consider the industry request. SL 073703 PIJG INDUSTRIES CHEMICAI. DIVISION ONE GATEWAY CENTER PITTSBURGH, PA 15222 In summary, PPG produced cancer mice. VDCM has to the liver of does not have any evidence that VDCM has in humans or any aminal species except Swiss been reported to have minimal toxic effects rats at 25 ppm in the MCA study. PPG continues our recommendation that concentrations of VDCM in the work area be maintained below 10 ppm at all times. It is also recommended that the eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration be maintained as far below 10 ppm as practical. As more information becomes available to PPG, we will continue to keep you advised. The above information should be passed on to your employees and customers. Yours very truly, John L. MacMillan /kf Attachments SL 073704 I 8 Jilt WAI1 VIKthl JOURNAL, WrdncMl.iv, I cU 2.1, 1477 Study Says Chemical Used m Food Wrap Gave Mice Tumors i # Findings by Italian Scientists Raise Concern Over Effect Mr Moore's opinion stems from an insti tute study of a BASF Wyandotte Corp plant . Of Substance on Humans In South Kearny. N.J. The company was alarmed at the results of a 1975 screening of liver functions it had done on 46 employes.it By Gail Bkonsun Stott ffrpurtrr of TlllC WALt. StRKKT JdlTHNAI, NEW YORK - Italian scientists have found that vinylidene chloride, used In plas tic packaging* of food, causes kidney cancer In certain strains of mice. The initial study results arouse concern that the chemical knew to have been exposed to vinylidene chloride In the past. Last February workers requested the institute to study the situation further. NIOSH official Bobby Craft said hy gienists found "moderate liver changes (among workers) but we don't know the sig nificance yet." Hygienists examined 235 workers at the may possibly cause human cancer. plant, which no longer produces vinylidene Vinylidene chloride Is a chemical used in chloride. The Institute plans to do a mortal combination to make many plastic wraps ity study of plant workers in the next few and plastic containers used largely In food months packaging. The chemical Is molecularly re* BASF Wyandotte Is a division of BASF lated to vinyl chloride, used In various AG. the West German company that spon household plastic products, which was deter mined to cause human liver cancer four years ago. The study, conducted at the University of sored Dr. Maltoni's work. Dow Chemical Corp's Europe division. Imperial Chemical Industries of Great Britain, and Solvay of Belgium also contributed funds to the re Bologna by Dr. Cesare M Maltoni, found search along with the Italian government. that 207( of 120 male mice subjected to life Record of Employes time inhalation of vinylidene chloride, at 25 ppm (parts per one million parts of ain, de veloped kidney cancer In higher doses the animals died before they could develop can cer. said E. Cuyler Hammond, an American Cancer Society officer who presented Dr. Maltoni's study at a news conference. No Federal Standard Although no federal standard exists for the chemical, an unofficial organization of industrial hygienists recommends maximum work exposures of to ppm Dow Chemical Is the largest domestic producer and user of vinylidene chloride, primarily In its plastic Saran Wrap. Dow said It has records of 138 workers since 1944 who have been exposed to the chemical, at anywhere from 10 ppm to 70 ppm. The com pany hasn't found any visible ill effects among this group. Dow said worker expo sure in its Freeport, Texas, plant, where the chemical is made, and in its Midland. Mich., plant, where Saran Wrap Is made, is under Dr Maltoni's study also subjected mice one ppm. to Inhalation of the chemical at 10 ppm for two years and they suffered no ill effects. In Dow Chemical inhalation studies in rats in 20-ppm and 80-ppm dose* didn't result in studies of Chinese hamsters and rats, expo any tumor growths. A Dow spokesman said sure to vinylidene chloride causes no 111 ef there was a "mild dlscernable effect on the fects. Dr. Maltoni is testing other strains of liver" of rats given doses at 80 ppm. The mice and hamsters company is conducting ingestion and repro Despite these scant findings, both the fed duction studies in rats. eral government and private industry are A major concern among health officials assiduously studying the possible cancerous is transference of vinylidene Chloride from effects of the chemical because of Its simi plastic packaging to food. Dow Chemical larity to-vinyl chloride. Dr. Maltoni's results said Its Saran Wrap contains up to 10 ppm of are considered significant by some because the chemical but that it hasn't found any mi "he induced a - cancer In mice which is gration of vinylidene chloride to food when rarely formed spontaneously," says Dr? studied at the most minute levels. John F Finklea. director of the National In-; The Food and Drug Administration said stitute of Occupational Sarety and Health. & the agency is conducting studies to deter Nationwide Mortality Study mine to what degree, if any. vinylidene The institute began a nationwide mortal chloride remains in plastic wrap after man ity study of workers exposed to vinylidene ufacture and if it transfers from the plastic chloride last year "We are alerting all in to food dustries and appropriate unions about Dr PPG Industries Inc. in Pittsburgh Is the Maltoni's data," says Roscoe M. Moore, the second largest producer of vinylidene chlor Institute's chief of technical evaluation "We ide. A spokesman said that In seven years It are writing to all (rompanyl medical direc hasn't seen any health problems among Its tors In get any data they have on employes' workers. Imperial Chemical. Solvay and liver or kidney disfunctions. Although the BASF officials weren't immediately avail mice formed kidney tumors, we believe It able for comment. i may show up as liver cancer In humans " SL 073705 I 'i NEW YORK DAILY NEWS February 23, 1977 Links Food Wrap Chemical to Cancer Uy HUGH WYATT A chemical used in the manu facture of certain plastics, includ ing some dear plastic food wraps, lias been found to cause kidney rancor in male mice, new fin lings kind" to humans, a Mount Sinai Medical er Hammond, the chief epidemiologist Center scientist said. of the American Cancer Society, and The research was done by Dr. Cesare Malloni. the director of the Insti tute of Oncology and Tumor Center at the University of Bologna in Italy. He said his conclusions were based on two- Dr. Irving Selikoff, the director of Envi ronmental Sciences and Laboratories at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, inter-- preted most of Malloni's findings. The visitor spoke mainly in Italian. by an Italian research scientist years of studying the 'effect of the Asked about the possible effects the revealed yesterday. chemical on mice, hamsters and rats. chemical would have on humans, Selik The chemical, known as vinybdinc chloride, is related to vinyl chloride, which already as been proved to have During this period, some of the ani mals were fed the chemical through stomach tubes and others were made to inhale it in gaseous form, he said. Only off said, "It is not known whether any danger of any kind exists. This information is new and wc have no cancer causing properties under certain the male mice developed kidney cancer. (other) information." circumstances. , , . . . Malloni made lbs findings kpown.gt, V-Tho.FQod. and- Drug Administration', * But it is not known wbethor vinyliv the New Yqrk Academy of Science, at .2 said it was studying Maltoni's findings > dine chloride poses "any danger of any. fy(63d St. Twp. Americans,. >r. . Ciiyl-. and wo(ild issuer report Jater. ,,,. * SL 073706 NEW YOHK TIMES 2/23/77 Cancer Experts Warn of Dangers In Some Plastic Wrap Chemicals ByJANE F-. BRODY Thi* finding by * leading Italian, re Maltom's findmgs. Dr. Hammond, a vice search er. that a chemical used in some president of the American Cancer Soci plastic food wraps can cause cancer in ety, and Dr. Selikoff, director of environ mice prompted two American cancer ex mental medicine at Mount Sinai Medical perts yesterday to alert the public and Center, said they saw no reason for the Government agencies to the need for public to stop using saran products, But closer scrutiny of this and related chemi Dr. Hammond suggested that industry cals. might try to remove residual vinylidine Af a news conference at the New York chloride from the finished plastic before Academy of Sciences, Dr. E. Cuyler Ham it came into contact with food. mond and Dr. Irving J. Selikoff said that They said that Dr, Maltoni's finding warranted further examination by the the chemical, called vmylidine chloride, Food and Drug Administration, the Na was closely related to two other cancer- tional Institute of Occupational Safety causing chemicals, vinyl chloride and tri and Health and the National institute of chloroethylene. Environmental Health Sciences. However, researchers at the Dow Chemical Company, the leading manufac In a related development, the Natural Resources Defense Council has asked the Food and Drug Administration to recall turer of vmylidine chloride, said the Ital existing stocks of Coca Coia in plastic ian finding was of questionable signif bottles made from acrylonitrile, also icance and cited a two-year, $1 million called vinyl cyanide and another chemical study sponsored by American industries relative of vinyl chloride, in response lo that showed no cancer-inducing effect of a suit brought hy the council in 1975, the drug agency last Friday rescinded its vinylidine chloride in rats. approval of market teata of the plastic in addition, Dow researchers said that soda bottles. studies of foods wrapped in plastics made from vmylidine chloride had showed that none of the chemical migrated from the wrapping to the food. The test would have disclosed such contamination if It The agency's decision was baaed on recent findings that acrylonitrile causes birth defects and tumors in teat animals and that amail amounts of the chemical leach out of the bottles into the drink. exceeded 10 parts of vinylidine chloride in one billion parts of food. In the Italian study, conducted by Dr. Cesare Maltonl at the Institute of Oncolo gy in Bologna, rats, hamsters and mice were exposed to vinylidine chloride gas at much higher levels--starting at 10 parts per million--for lip to one year. Kidney cancers developed iti about 20 percent of the male Swiss mice, but In none of the other animals. Three years ago, Dr. Maltom's studies of vinyl chloride, another plastics chemi cal. showed it to cause cancer in rats and mice. Shortly afterward the chemical was pinpointed the cause of a fare, fatal liver cancer in exposed workers. Dr. Maltom's-studies of vmyiidina. chloride, were begun at the behest of fott^,Euro|t pean producers. Vinylidine rhiotide Is a gaseous dieml- caJ that, when prilymei i*ed with vinyl chloride, makes up Saran Wrap, a Dow product. (Other packaged plastic wraps are made of polyethylene.) The vinylidine chloride-vinyl chloride copolymer--called saran--Is also used to wrap commercially prepared meats and cheese*. A Dow .spokesman said that about one-third of the flexible plastic packaging for food m grocery stores la saran, representing an annual market of hetween 150 and 200 million pounds of plastic. In announcing their concern about Dr. SL 073707