Document gamG7marv96JB3pGJz0gV7mXV

RECEIVED BY FEB'13 1974 kJ. QUINN February 12, 1974 MEMO TO: Mr. A. J. Kaiser FROM: E. W. Callahan SUBJECT: Health Effects of Vinyl Chloride It is my understanding that Don Houghton, Business Editor, Louisville Courier Journal, called today to ask what changes Allied Chemical has made in our vinyl chloride operations and what kind of health checks we make on our employees to protect them from vinyl chloride exposure which may be a cause of cancer. Please respond to Mr. Houghton as follows: Allied Chemical Is aware of the recent reports of cancer occurring in workers manufacturing polyvinyl chloride. Although producing only vinyl chloride monomer, Allied Chemical has been one of the sponsors of chemical industry studies which are designed to clarify the health status of workers in the various segments of the industry, including vinyl chloride monomer production. The studies are not yet complete. Allied Chemical operates a vinyl chloride monomer plant in Baton, Rouge, La. It is of outdoor construction. Worker exposures are extremely low and generally noa- de tec table. r,fo health impairment has been observed in plant personnel who are thoroughly examined on a regular basis. AS I 00023444 Mr. A. J- Kaiser -2- February 12, 1974 Allied is cooperating with the governmental agenices studying the problem; EWCrmd cc: Mr. J. E. Bowler /Dr. E.: M. Dixon J Mr, J, M. Quinn E. W. Callahan AST 00023445