Document g2egBOVedbBXJkynjv5O0w6xG

M onsanto MMSS 'MONSANTO MESSAGE SWITCHING SYSTEM) OCF Type IFO R O U TGO IN G ____'See lr-srnj.: * ons S E N D E R S A C C O U N T NO -- T . V X T E L E X NO or CA3l address 3A T 3 02-000-721.02 Book Message_____________________ 2/19/85 I S T Q P H E B E w h e n U S I N G 12 P I T C H 14 IQ 3 Name Title Company Street City i Dear Name2: i Monsanto Company has recently completed analytical tests on Tetra thal tetrachlorophthalic anhydride. As a valued customer, we would like to share with you this information and our assessment of it. Our analytical testing of Tetrathal detected extremely low but measurable levels of certain polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) isomers among unwanted impurities in several product sam ples taken from the Tetrathal unit at our Delaware River Plant. Occupational physicians, industrial hygienists and toxicologists from Monsanto's Department of Medicine and Environmental Health have reviewed these test data. They have concluded that when Tetrathal is handled properly the presence of these low level impurities is not a risk to Monsanto employees, our customers and the general public, nor is it a hazard to the environment. How ever, in view of the notoriety and controversy surrounding the general dioxin issue, we think it appropriate that we inform our employees and customers of our analytical findings. I The analysis showed that Tetrathal flakes contained penta-, hexa-, hepta- and octa-chlorodibenzodioxins in the 5-530 parts per billion (ppb) range. It is important to emphasize that no 2, 3, 7, 8 - tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was detected in any of the samples. Monsanto tested Tetrathal because it is made by a process judged by our technical personnel to have the possibility of generating PCDDs. The Tetrathal samples were analyzed at Monsanto's EPA accredited laboratory in Dayton, Ohio. According to our medical department, Tetrathal is known to cause allergic skin and respiratory tract reactions in people who are particularly sensitive to it. However, Monsanto has observed no cases of chloracne in the Delaware River work force. This skin condition is considered to be the hallmark, or first clinical symptom, of toxic exposure to the PCDDs and other chlorinated aromatics. II I Co r, l cij Co ri ^ W// IF m o r e t h a n o n e p a g e s t a p l e c l i p HERE - r NOT AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE Monsanto MMSS (MONSANTO M ESSA G E SW ITCHING SYSTEM ! OCR TYPE SH EET FO R OUTGOING M ESSAGES I See instruct ons on 3.ic<> SENDER'S ACCOUNT N0 ,, TWX t e l e x no o r c a b l e a d d r e s s 02-000-721.02 Book Message z.S T O P H E R E W H E N U S I N G 12 P I T C H T Y P I N G e l e m e n t --------------------------- = ! 2/19/85 PAGE 5 f = -L-o Monsanto has established, for our owrj internal use, workplace I airborne exposure limits of 0.5 mg/m (0.(J4 Parts Per million), | 8 hour time-weighed average, and 1.0 mg/m (0.08 parts per million)] 15 minute time-weighed average. These limits are achieved by good . j manufacturing practices, including dust control and ventilation. ! Also, we require workers to wear full-faced respirators and other | protective equipment during dusty operations such as flaking the I j product and during bagging. | We are convinced that, with the proper handling of this product (see attached Material Safety data Sheet), no health threat exists with the continued production or use of Tetrathal. We believe Tetrathal remains a viable and useful commercial product for Monsanto and our customers. 1 ! I Monsanto is ready to discuss this information with you. Please j contact us if you have question. i I I | i I I I j ! Sincerely, . j i ii /ni ' Attachment ; i **** Charles P. Farley Manager, Product Acceptability Specialty Chemicals 1 I | i! I j 1 I I I I I I I I G-4 4 Q0 (R ev. 1 '841 II IF MORE THAN ONE PAGE STAPLE/CUP HERE _ r NOT AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.