Document e78RraxdjvyRMgXqk7w2GvmbE

be: Mr. "Hr. Mr. Mr. H. S. Bergen- HBF.RG . P. Wheeler - *WHKE W. R. Richard - WRICH E. V. John June 13, 1969 Mr. Robert A. Moving Booth Newspapers, Inc. 515 National Press Building Washington, D.C. 20004 Dear Mr. Moving: Enclosed is a statement from Monsanto which should help in your consideration of whether there Is a story on the alleged effect on the environment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Since you work for nine newspapers In Michigan, I presume your Interest arises from the mention of PCBs at the recent DDT pesticide hearings In Wisconsin. This matter first arose In the United States when the San Francisco Chronicle ran a story late In February based on the work of s scientist in California. The deadline of that writer did not give us time to submit our side of the story. The enclosed statement contains facts which should have been presented. It seems FCBs have come "into the picture" as a result of the controversy over DDT -- since PCB and other substances do Interfere with exact analysis of DDT residues. The charge by some writers that PCB Is a threatening contaminant Is out of perspective. PCB is not a pesticide and is used in highly specialised and restricted ways. We find It difficult to see how that much PCB could be showing up in the environment. It's kinds like saying that "not only does the exhaust of your car contribute to air pollution, but also the hydraulic fluid in your brake system." more* MUNS 090764 Mr. Robert Hovlng Booth Newspapers Washington, D.C. -2 June 13, 1969 PCB Is not highly toxic. It would make a lousy pesticide. One measurement of this Is the lethal amount It takes to kill a rat. DDT will do the Job with 120 milligrams of chemical per kilogram of the rat's weight. For PCB, It takes 5,000 to 10,000 milligrams per kilogram of weight. The Ban Francisco Chronicle story also said that, "No tolerance limits (lor PCB) have been Bet for human food supplies and their cancer-causing properties remain to be determined." This Is technically correct, but highly distorted. One could also say It has yet to be determined if PCB might not prevent or fight cancer. In the food area, the fight over DDT revolves around those who say four parts-per-milllon, etc., of DOT In food Is perfectly safe -- and those who disagree. To date nobody has even reported finding PCB in food. Even the alleged damage to wildlife seemR to be In question. At the Wisconsin hearings, the California scientist: (a Dr. Risebrough) was quoted as testifying that PCB was not the cause of thin egg shells for birds -- that the amount found was too small and DDT was the cause. I do not know If he was correctly quoted, but am enclosing these newspaper reports. We do not brush aside these Initial reports on PCB. We are Investigating the matter on a worldwide basis and, In fact, began work well before Dr. Rlsebrough's report. But the entire matter has been grossly distorted. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us. My phone is (314) 694-2887. Although I will be on vacation through July 4, any inquiry will be handled in my absence. Sincerely, TCFtmw Enclosures Tom C. Ford Manager Divisional Public Relations / MQNS 090765