Document evLqxq7GKRKOy1Xb61p5gD0Xg

-Pfc-- -s'/J~3'7 * MAR 151976 March 8, 1976 The attached was assembled by Dr. Richard Me Barney of Diamond Shamrock and is reproduced for your information* mar J. R. Lees , RSV 0000040 i ETHYL CORPORATION, 451 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, La. 70801 504-387-4971 I. 1 have prepared the following data aa general Information baaed on scientific fact. Zt deala with the health effecta of vinyl chloride ooooMr and cancer In general. 1. Vinyl Chloride Monomer - Cancer At high levels and long term exposure causes a cancer of the liver (angloaarcome). Cases now in U.S. 1JS, World 2, Totnl 38. Diamond workers presant and past show no cancer caaes nor do we feel their present health is other then that of unexposed workers. The low levels in our plants now are recognized as safe by oat health authorities. 2. Infant Abnormalities or Cancer of the Central Nervous System in Ganeral Population near VCM-FVC Plants based on research internally at Diamond and by scientists at the Federal Center for Disease Control there is no evidence linking vinyl ' chloride exposure and either birth defects or cancers of the central nervous system in the OHIolcommunities studied. 3. Increased Abortions In Wives of VCM-PVC Exposed Workers - Firestone. Pottstown Study Ve doubt the reliability of this study. Based on s small number of exposed workers at Firestone's Pottstown plant the workers were asked by several Interviewers if they remembered any miscarriages in their wives. The study has questionable scientific validity. Whlla not dlreotly applicable, a study by Dow has shown VCM is not terstogenie in threa species of experimental animals. However, if true the Firestone study does clearly demonstrate that at the low level of exposure now present such effects could not taka place. RSV 00000*1 ETHYL CORPORATION, 451 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, La. 70801 504-387^971 i -2- 4. Cancer In the World & United States a. There is no overall increase la cancer mortality recea la the United States If the national cancer mortality statistics are ** adjusted for the growth la lung cancer, 90% of which experts believe Is attributable to smoking, end for the Increased length of life of the population. Source - "76 Cancer Pacta and Figures" American Cancer Society* ^ b. The United States la not a world leader in cancer deaths but ranks 19th of 44 countries In deaths from cancer per 100,000 mala population, and 18eh for woman. Source - "76 Cancer Pacta and Figures" American Cancer Society. c. The overall mortality rata of cancer has increased In recant decadee for nan but nee for women. Death rates from all types of cancer par 100,000 population (age adjuseed) declined 11% <yong woman between 1947 and 1970. The rata Increased 18% among man. This la mainly due to a large increase la lung cancer which American Cancer Soeleey says la due to cigarette smoking. Source - "76 Cancer Pacts and Figures" American Cencer Society d. Over e period of time, cancer has become a major cause of death ranking second behind cardiovascular diseases. Most of the Increase would appear to be due to the increase in the average life span by cure or prevention of once-coeuon "killer" diseases. To a smaller extant It may also be due to changes that have taken place In the living habits, diets and other environment*! factors. Source - "76 Cancer Pacts & figures" American Cancer Society RSV 0000042 ETHYL CORPORATION, 451 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, La. 70801 504-387-4971 ,> - 3- e. Cancers known to be related to chemicals or "occupational" form a relatively snail proportion of all cancer* (less chan 111. according to John Hlgginson, Director of eba Incarnaclonal Agency for Research on Cancer. The major types of cancer (lung, breast, colon-rectw) nay be associated with various aavironmantal factors such as sacking, diet, and cultural practices, but cannot be accounted for by more than a ainor degree by occupational exposure#. Source - '76 Cancer Facts and Figures" American Cancer Society Dr. John Higgison - Essays in Toxicology (In Prase) f. There Is no clear evidence that industrial activity is linked to the Incidence of cancer In the general population. Some lesser industrialised countries have higher cancer death rates than eertaio acre industrialised countries,. Source - "Leading Cause of Death in Selected Areas of the World" 1972 Report, Senate Coanittee on Labor and Public Welfare. * g. Claims that the types of cancer most prevalent in the general population are tied Co Industrial occupations cannot be supported statistically. Source - Congressional Research Service Memorandum January 23, 1975 from P. A. Fredlund Science Policy Research Division h. Age-adjusted male end female cancer death rates by sites, United States, 1930-1973 ere duplicated. With the exception of lung cancer most trends are*downward or stationery. Source: U. S. National Center for Health Statistics CA - A Cancer Journal for Clinicians - Jon-Feb 1976 ETHYL CORPORATION, 451 Florida Blvd.( Baton Rouge, La. 70801 #504-387-4971 RSV 0000043 r r> i ETHYL CORPORATION, 451 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, La. 70801 504-387-4971 c -5- . 1. Mo Mjor or obvious alterations la nationwide ieortallty data can now be associated vlch the period of onset of aajor use of aodern pesticides. Source - National Research Council Report - February 5, 1976 S' RWM:nk February 26, 1976 1. V. M:Burney, H.D. RSV 0000045 ETHYL CORPORATION, 451 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, La. 70801 # 504-387-4971 i