Document jNmrJ8Rzev2BMd9eVm6YrYkRZ

ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC C0-0ITERATION AND DEVELOFxENT Environment Directorate ADDE'TDUII IV in relation to Item 7 of Agenda (NR/ENV/72.8) for 3rd mooting of the Group \v Poris, lAth March, 1972 * To : Members of the Sector Group on Unintended Occurronc of Cheuicels in the Dnviroir.xe Copy to : National Delegation. , . Or. Bigl* ' ' 'SECTOR GROUP OH UNINTENDED OCCURRENCE ; OF CHEMICALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT / ' ' Polvohlorlnatod Diphenyls - Note by the Secretariat - Further to the proposals presented in Addendum III to the agenda of the 3rd Meeting of the Sector Group on Unintended Occurrence of Chemicals in the Environment, this document attempts to call attention to the questions that may have to be considered before recommendations in respect of control measures for the use of PCBs can be developed. - The document also contains the national reports submitted by tho United Kingdom, Sweden and France in response to the request " by the Sector Group for information.on PCDs. It is suggested that tho delegates report on measures or contemplated in their countries to control the use or - dispersal of PCBs. % .51925 NEV 036269 Addendum IV to Itom 7 of HR/ENV/72,8 - 2- , Polychlorinated Biphenyls .1 I. It has been estimated that 44,000 metric tons of PCBs are A Produced annually In the world. PCBs are usually high oiling point (low vapour pressure) liquids of high dielectric constant, soluble in organic media rather than water, extremely inert, stable to oxidation, to heat and to attack by acids and alkalis. They are used mainly in tho elootrioel industry in transformers and capacitors, but also in heat transfer systems, hydraulic fluids, and as additives in pesticides, plastics, resins, rubbers, edheslvos, waxes, paints, printing inks, carbonless carbon paper, etc. 2. Tho amounts of PCBs produced in OECD Ilembor countries are not laiov.ii, pertly because of tho difficulty of obtaining production figures from a sole producer (e.g, Honsonto in the U.3.A.). Other producer countries for which no figures are available are the U.IC,, Japan and Spain. - j For some countries production and use have been specified ` (see Table)-* 3 , PCBs have been used since 1930, but their occurrence in the environment was not detected until 1966. Residues are now being found throughout the biosphere, particularly in the aquatic environment, but also in air, various speclos . of animals, and men, 4. Tho biological significance of PCBs ,1b not well understood, but certain effects, both chronic and acute, have been observed. Although the toxicity of PCBs is not generally considered*to be high, impurities, such as dibenzo-furons that may develop during the manufacturing process, are known to be acutely toxic. 5. The question of toxicity is complicated not only by the exlstenoe of impurities, but also by the largo number of different compounds - theoretically 210 - which are more or loss chlorinated end may have different toxlcitles. The highly chlorinated biphenyls are the most persistent : a molecule containing four or0nore chlorine atoms requires a temperature of at least 000 C to be destroyed. 036270 : -3- Addendum IV to Item 7 of HR/BIV/72.1 i 6 . Important research projects ere under v/cy In many countrios to study the toxicItles of FCBs and to develop analytical techniques to distinguish between the various compounds. 7* Despito the incomplete knowledge of the effects of PCBs, steps havo recently been taken by both governments raid Industry to reduce their use or dispersal. lionsonto Chemicals, tho only manufacturer in the U.S., Canada and tho U.K,, have decided (August 1970) to limit their > production to usa inclosed systems only, l.e. for use In transformers, capacitors, boat transfer systems end hydraulic fluids. For the latter two categories, the PCBs are also being replaced)allegedly by polychlorinated terphenyls. The replacement is estimated to be only about lOjf more expensive according to Monsanto Canada, Ltd, The replacement of FCBs as plasticisers and in paints do not signifieontly increase tho cost of tho products. B. Bayer, A.G. in Germany has followed the oxoaple of Monsanto,. ..but there is no information as to whether similar measures will be token by manufacturers in Italy, Spain or other ..* unidentified producers. The responsibility of the distri- 1 butors is not known. 9. The measures taken give rise to a number of questions that .. the Sector Group may wish to discuss : - Hoy/ does the manufacturer ensure that tho products sold are used strictly for their Intended use in closed systems 7 * 9 How are leakages and spillages guarded against; -whet .. measures are token in case of accident ? .- ,;How often do the FCBs in closed systems need to be replaced 7 ' - Is the used product always* returned to the manufac turer 7 , - How does the manufacturer dispose of it 7 - How Is the disposal problem solved in countries whore there is no manufacturer ? t Nev 3 t i 7l I *  i Addendum IV to -k Item 7 of NR/ENV/72.0 \ \ \ 10. \ Action has also been token by some Jlembor governments. \In Norway, for example, PCBs con now only be used with .. 'special permission. It would bo appropriate for the delegates to the Sector Group to report other measures that may have been taken or are contemplated, 11. In the national report from the United Kingdom (Anne:: I), attention is drawn to the danger of creating international trade difficulties through unilateral action, for example by a government decision to ban FCBs, including the import of PCB-containing products. This raises the question of what manufactured goods contain rCBs, end to what extent this Is kno\/n. At the ad hoc noeting on "Pesticides and Other Related Chemicals", which was convened by the Environment Committee In January, 1971, the Finnish Delegation submitted the following informa tion : "Some new regulations are under consideration in Finland. When these come into effect, the use of : PCB-compounds v/ill be allowed only when it is impossible to replace them by less dangerous compounds. According to the plan, the products containing FCB-eorapounds must have a special label indicating the FCB-content. The users of these compounds must be informed about the possible harmful effects causod by FCB-compounds in the environment. The disposal of waste products contai ning PCB-compounds v/ill be allowed only by certain methods. This plan covers both Imports and products made in Finland. In tills context it would be useful to study whether the Ilember countries would be* interested in creating a uniform system of warning labels to be used in the trade of these products". 12. The Sector Group may wish to consider this proposal, bearing in mind that such a measure would not solve the ?roblem without being accompanied by a method of collec- ion end disposal of. the waste products. In this context two examples (from the u.S. and Sweden) may be quoted : _ a) Recommendation by a Sub-Council of the U.S. NcHonaI"P51IuEIon~Con5r5I"CouncII~TJune"I971) "In view of the suspocted ecological hazard presented by state-of-the-art formulations of polychlorinated biphenyls, it is recommended that the electrical Industry employ the following guidelines in the manufacture and servicing of electrical apparatus : NEV 036272 'p m - 5- Addendum IV to Itoj:3 7 of HR/EUV/72.8 \ \ \(JL) Provision is to bo node for qualified destruction V of PCD veste materials, such that thcro will be no \ release of materials to the atmosphere or to ground or surface water significant from the standpoint of toxicity or adverse ecological impact. Initially, the only process which oppearB to meet these requirements is incineration under carefully control led conditions, liith proper adjustment of temperature residence tine in the incinerator, and other parameters, products of combustion will be limited to BC1, CO end H-0 (in the form of st^ca.). Tho hydro chloric ocid may'bb absorbed in a scrubber and.the resultant solution noutralisod with 1 1 :.u to form calcium chloride solution, Cr.Clv In tho procoss moceril:od, tho only effluents to tho unviroiuient will lo a piuca af stum, carbon dixido, end brino. thG discharge'of which must be held to regulatory limits. (11) All liquid waste is to be held In impervious containers pending disposal. .(ill) Solid wastes contaminated by FCBs ore to be held in impervious containers pending disposal or purging, Purging may be accomplished by cleaning with proper fluids. The resulting contaminated liquids may be incinerated as above. As the result of programmes undertaken since the industry was first alerted to indications of ecological harm from FCBs, the industry has progressed, a long way toward,the implementation of these recommendations. At least two enterprises are accepting liquid wastes for incineration; facilities are being prepared for the processing of contaminated solids; and a committee of the American national Standards Institute has been authorised to consi der v/hot standards may be appropriate". V b) New Mothod for Pispoeel of PCBs (Sweden 1971) "Recently the Swedish industrial group SUPRA presented a method for PCD disposal YJhich shovm great promise. * FCE disposal is a by-product of on arrangement for re-usc of waste oil which SUPRA put into operation at the ammonia production plant in Kvarntorp in central Svreden. The ammonia production uses large amounts, of heavy mineral oil which is converted mainly to carbon monoxid-; end hydrogen. This is done at extremely high temperature (1,400 degrees centigrade)... NEV 0363 73 f . Addendum IV to Item 7 of NR/EUV/72.3 - 6- \ C\ t i \ The extremely high temperature used in converting' oil into process gas results in breakdown of many of the contaminants of waste oil. The National Unvironuent Protection Board Research Laboratory has made careful analyses of the waste products and of process gas at various steps. They discovered that PCS was one of the substences that had been broken down. Recycling and Disposal-in One Package In co-operation with a firm of consulting engineers, Terra Bone, an Inventory of waste oil in central Sweden was carried out. The results shoved that largo amounts would bo available if a suitable organisation for collecting the oil could be organised. This has now been done. The organisation, Reel, delivers oil to SUPRA under contract. V'aste oil is collected from industries, garages, municipalities, etc.. A system which permits collection of quite small amounts from each individual subcontractor has boen organised. Oils and waste products containing PC3 are collected and added to the process. The method seems to show groat promise as a model for solving several serious environmental problems in an economically attractive way" 13. In relation to the problem of PCBs, It Is suggested that the Sector Group : a) arrange for available information on the effects of PCBs to be summorised (see Addendum III to the agenda for the 3rd meeting, MR/33HV/72.8); b) discuss in what way recommendations for concerted aotlon could best be.developed, 14. In view of the extensive control action already talien in respect of PCBs, it may be possible to draft recommendations for a polioy without further delay, in order to develop such recommendations, and tr ensliro rapid action, the Sector Group might consider convening a special meeting together with the major manufacturers of PCBs. As a basis for dis cussion, the Secretariat could prepare an assessment of the measures already taken, including the technical questions posed In para. 9, i *-* *-r* w NEV 036274 iW t 7 - Addendum IV to Item 7 of i'Ju/ElTV/72.3 The mootins could then review ; the costs of banning, replacing, ro-using anddisposing of FCBs and,PCB-contcining products; the possibility of restricting ell production to certain uses; the feasibility of labelling PCE-containing products; the administrative machinery needed to implement measures for the control of FCBs; the question of who should bear the cost of return and destruction of used products; other compounds in use that ore related to FCBs, such as the polychlorinated terphenyls or the rlnated biphenyls, etc.. Following this discussion the special meeting should formulate proposals for concerted action in Member countries for submission to the Council of the OECD, - 7S**!T' i NV U36275 1 II i1 PRODUCTION AND USE OF PSBs IN SOKE OECD COUNTRIES (netrlc tons) remany(l) Canada 3) U.S.A. Finland 2) France 1) Italy Norway 2) Sweden 1) i driuc2 Production Transformers/ Capacitors 4 f5003 ^ 2,260 i \ 5,0005 ) 200 3,000 \ 1,500 - j j )400 i Heat Transfer systems -j /2,500^ ; Hydraulic . 1,000 /5,0006 ) ; \ 3-9 i 1 <1 -10 ^ 4C0 Fluids 1Paints ,Plastics 1.50O3* adhesives etc.. i )!i 30-40 r J 25 1 l 80 ! j i 1) Figures froni 1970 2) jlstinatcd annual inport .1 ! 5) Sales by Boyer AG 2 4) Seles In Canada TM -- 5) Bstlmate based on consuner Information 6) 0-90M sold to Eloctrieltd de France o i o N J O' I I t - 9- Anne;: I to Addendum IV to Item 7 of Ka/KHV/72.i \ \ Amox i coirrnoL o f p o l y c h l o r i n a t e d b i f h u h y l p o l l u t i o n IW THE UNITED KIHODOII Introduction In 1966 J e n s e n ^ established that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were present in pike (Esox lucius) and 0 white-tailed eagle (Heliaeetus clbicilla) in Sweden. This discovery, largely arising by chance during studies in progress on DDT. and other orgcnochlorine insecticides, was the first intima tion that tills group of synthetic organic chemicals may have become widely distributed in the environment. Immediately, .following their Identification in Sweden a programme of res0arch was started in the United Kingdom to ascertain if the previously widely observed but unidentified compounds in wild animals in the British Isles, vere identical with PC3t. Tills work not only confirmed that they wore, but also that they were geographically widespread. Konsento Chemicals Ltd., the sole manufacturer of PCBs in the United Kingdom, announced that from 1st March 1971 they would accept no further orders for PCBs except for "certain specified controllable uses", '.This paper gives an account of the investigations carried out in the United Kingdom to deal with the PCB problem, in the .hope that the experience gained may help other countries which may be faced with this typo of problem arising from the manufacture and ueo of these and other similar synthetic organic chemicals which are now being manufactured In increa sing amounts In many parts of the world. Manufacture and use . The manufacture of PCBs was first started by Monsanto in the United States of Anerlca in the early 1930s and, in .the United Kingdom, at one plant in Monmouth in South V.'ales, in the early 1930s. Prior to 1951 all .the PCBs used in the United Kingdom were imparted. Initially these compounds were used almost exlcusively in electrical transformers- and then later also in capacitors. Because of their outstanding properties as a cooling end heat transfer fluid, combined with extremely low combustability, their principal use has remained in the electrical industry where they replace the more com bustible oil products. The position before the control neac.\re were Introduced in 1971 was that although the major uses NEV 036277 ' Anno:: X to Addendum IV ; \:I to item 7 of Kr;/r.iiv/72.i5 - 10 - l \ i\ bf PCBs sold In the United Kingdom were in the electrical industry, a substantial proportion was boin^ used as additives in plastics, resins, rubbers, adhesives, ; paints and in heat transfer systems and hydraulic fluids. Thera vraa also latterly some use on an oxtrouoly srjnll scale in vacuum pumps and in speciality lubricants. Properties and Analysis The PCBs are a series of chlorinated biphenyl compounds, the differences stemming from the degree of chlorination and the large number of possible homologues end Isomers which can be formed. These different homologues nnd isomers nc.y have different properties. Commercial product;* contain large numbers of different compounds in varying proportions. PCBs are very stable chemical compounds resistant to degradation by oxidation both chemically-and biologically. They are relatively insoluble in v:ator but are miscible with natural oils and fats. Only limited information is available on their toxicity. The acute ID 50 value to rats, using a commercial product containing 42JS chlorine, was found to be about 4m'g/kg. In other testa on small mammals levels of 1-10 ug/kg in feedstuff had no significant toxic cffoots, but at 100 ng/kg thero were some indications of long-term effects'^. The estimated dose rate for 50?o mortality at 56 days feeding Aroclor 1254 to the Bengalese finch (i.onchura striata) has been shown to be 254 ng/kg/day, suggesting that in this species this particular PCS has only 1/13 the toxicity of DDT(5), in the aorino brown shrimp (Crangon crangon) the IC 50 for acute toxicity in 46 hours proved to be O.J.Og/kg for Aroclor 1248 compared to 0.003 tag/Icg for D O r W . . it has also been shown that at low levels PCD, like DDT, can induce sterioid lwdroxylating enzymes in the liver of pigeons (Columba llvia) and so may affect their breeding cepability(S). / * The PCBs thus have many of the physical and chemical properties of the organochlorlno insecticides and appear to produce similar toxic effects in a number of animals, although generally apparently having a somewhat lower toxicity. It should bo appreciated, however, that because of the large number of PCB compounds, and combinations of these, that are now available the toxicity of different types may vary considerably owing to the varied nature of the oomponent parts. I i 1 jI , ; ,, ...................................... . . ............................# NEV 036278 , ................. . m <1 - 11 - Annex I to Addendums IV to Item 7 of KTv/^lTV/72.8 Analysis for PCBs has been, by use of gas chromatography, using electron capture detection vith occasional iden tification and structure confiri'jr.tion by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Because of the need to measure PCBs et extremely low levols (e.g. 1 in 10'or less), and the similarity of thoir chemical structure to that of the organochlorine insecticides which were frequently also present in the tissues of wild animals undergoing analysis, great care was needed in the development of & reliable standard teclinique that could be employed by separate laboratories to give comparable results. This v/cs cchieved In the United Kingdom by close liaison between the labo ratories of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland; tlio Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; the Government Chemist; and the nature Conservancy (natural Environment Research Council). This close liaison between the analytical chemists engaged in the .. investigatory work and the early establishment by then of agreed methods to be followed, was a ma3or factor in the rapid confirmation and subsequent surveillance of the distribution and levels of PCBs in the British Isles (It is emphasized however that the results obtlned are only-indicative of the order of the amounts present rather than being quantitatively accurate). Distribution As they are persistent end fat soluble the. PCBs, like the organochlorine insecticides, ere 'retained in the tissues of animals. It was decided therefore that a good' indication of the extent to which they had become dispersed in the British Isles could be obtained from an examination of fish, marine Invertebrates and predatory birds (predators, because of their position in the food chains and because their diets Include a wide rango of different organisms, con be used to indicate whether or not organochlorine compounds ere present in a very vide range of organisms). t ... Another factor v/hich Influenced the type of surveys under taken was that work was already in progress in several of the government laboratories to investigate the levels of orgaioehlorine insecticides present in fish and predatory birds. It was, therefore, a relatively straightforward matter to extend the analytical procedure to include the PCBs. During the late 1960s over 500 predatory birds and thoir eggs, together with large numbers of fish and inver tebrates from many parts of.the British Isles were examined for FCB residues, PCBs were found to be present in most NEV 036279 <9 4 i <9 Annex I to Addendum IV to Item 7 of HR/tfW/72.8 - 12 - of the specimens examined from a vide variety of localities, including remote mountain regions of Vales and Scotland as veil as industrial areas. The amounts present were not found to ho correlated with any particular geographical locality but with habitat, the larger residues being present in aquatic species - both freshwater and marine. Thus the amounts present in the tissues of the essentially freshwater fish-feeding heron (Ardea cineria) included one specimen with 0.900 mg/kg of PCBs in the liver, the arithmetic neon of PCBs in the livers of 16 adults examined being 93 ng/kg, The levels present in 101 eggs of this species ranged from those in which no PCBs v/ere detected, to a maximum level of 80 mg/kg - the erlthenotlc mean being 5 mg/kg. Similarly, the fish-eating Great Crested Grebe (Podlceps oristatus) and Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) contained up to A0 ag/kg. In contrast the level in tissues of omnivorous and herbivorous terres trial species rarely exceeded 5mg/kg, with the.bird-feeding terrestrial predators coping between the t w o W , Further confirmation of the presence of PCB compounds in the sea was obtained in tne autumn of 1969 during an investigation into the mass mortality of over 12,000 sea birds in the Irish Sea. Vhile no single cause for these deaths was established, the report of the Incident concluded that "one of the most striking finds of the analytical programme was the presence in the livers of most of the dead guillemots (uria aalg of unusually high levels of PCBs", During this investigation the level found in seawater (53 samples) was <0.01/'g/1; in zoo- plankton (7 samples) 0.01 - 0.03 mg/kg; in mussels / (whole, lees shell, c 100 specimens) 0.01 - l.B mg/kg; and in 11 specimens of I!orv/ay lobster (Nephrops) <0.01 - 0.1 mg/kg. The levels in the livers of fish and seabirds went up to 2.6 mg/kg in herring (Clupea hnrongus) : 271000 in whiting (tferlonglus merlongus); 50 mg/kg in cod (Cadus raorhua) and up to 800 mg/kg in guillemot wJ, During the sane period an investigation was carried out off the Cornish coast in the south-vest of England into the deaths of about AO grey seal (Kallchoerus grypus) pups. Th'e PCB levels in 11 specimens examined were found to be relatively high (17-90 ng/lcg in the liver and.11G-187 mg/kg in the blubber), It was concluded however that PCBs were not a contributory cause of death, which was attributed to normal Juvenile mortality17), a later more extensive Btudy(6). which included both the common seal (Phoca vitulina) and the grey seal, has demonstrated that conside rably higher residues of PCBs (mostly exceeding 100 mg/kg), are found in the blubber of adult seals from the coast of southemBritain (southwest and east England and Vales) than are found in seals from the coasts of northeznBngland NEV 036iao i 1 iI i ii | - 13 - Arms:: I to Addendum IV to iton 7 of iin/;;nv/72.c and Scotland, in .the extreme north of Scotland the PCS residues did not exceed 30 ng/kg. Also in the seals iron southernBritain, the FCB levels greatly exceeded the total DOT concentrations. Tlie opposite was found to be the case in seals from the Gulf of Ct. Lawrence in Worth America where industrialization is not so intensive. Pollution and Manufacturing These discoveries led to consideration as to how the residues of PCB were getting into the environment. The high levels being found in freshwater and marine species suggested that contamination of Inland waterways and direct contamination of the soa must be major factors. The most obvious ways in which this could come about are through pipelines from factories, as a result of atmospheric pollution following inefficient lnclnoratlon (the FCB residues eventually being washed out with rain and again ending up in vatorwavs and the sea), and ins&roge sludge dumped into the seat-9), The results of the surveys of the distribution of PCB residues however gave no indication as to which, if any, of these particular sources may have been' primarily responsible for the existing pollution of the British Isles ,and while higher lovels have been found in the estuary of the river Clyde and off the south west coast of Scotland generally*, there is no outstanding use of PCB products In this area to explain this. The residues most commonly found in azilmal-tissues have, been of the highly chlorinated typo, it should not be concluded from this however that there has been a greater use of this form of FCB and thus by using less chlorinated types pollution by PCBs oould bo avoided. These results are more probably a reflection of the pattern of decomposi tion. of PCBs once they enter tile natural environment and probably all the PCBs contribute to environmental pollution. % The manufacturing process of PCBs is "dry11, so that aqueous effluent is not a by-product. Contamination of waterways from industry nust therefore have come about as a result of carelessness or accident, or possibly because until recently those concerned were unaware that these compounds could result in environment contamination ond so made no special provision for dealing with wastes containing PCBs. Provided that sufficient care is token to contain spillages end leakages during manufacture, and after manufacture during handling e.g. when the PCBs are being loaded into drums or tankers, losses into drains ond waterways can be avoided. The installation of sumps ond interceptor pits in the factory drainage system, coupled with a regular monitoring of all effluent, should enable any loss from factories to be kept at on absolute minimum. Complete destruction by incineration can be achieved if a temperature of 000 C is maintained for at least 10 soconds. 036281 C i (g Annex I to Addendum IV - 1A - to Item 7 of IR/2&W/72.6 The Control Measures Following the discovery of FCBs In the environment, the Monsanto Company Itself is believed to have spent well over half a Billion pounds on its own programme of research into methods of analysis, identification and measurement of PCBs. Fron the beginning the company maintained close liaison with the Central Unit on Environmental Pollution of the Department of the Environment, the natural Environment Research Council of the Departaent of Education and Science, the Laboratory of the Government Chemist of the Department of Trade and Industry, the Ministr; of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Agriculture end Fisheries in Scotland - the Government Departments most directly concerned with the control of environmental pollution end for conducting research into environmental problems. In addition Monsanto staff visited the laboratories of these Government Departments end other industries where the actual analytical work was being carried out. They also maintained contact with voluntary bodies, such as the British Trust for Ornithology and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, who helped with the field studies and with the collection of many of the epeoinens. In this way they were able to discuss progress and methods with the scientists engaged in the work and keep themselves informed of tho development end progress of the investigations. An important result of all this liaison was that they were able to draw conclusions from the results at an early stage. The need for some form of control became apparent once it had been demonstrated that the PCBs were widespread in the natural environment and that the concentrations present, particularly In certain aquatic species, had reached the point where undesirable effects may be oxpected. Because of their stability and their miscibility with natural oils and fats, it could reasonably be concluded that continuation of their use, even'on the present scale, would result in further increases in the levels present in a wide range of animals, including some used as food by man. The fact remained however that because of their industrial properties, particularly their low inflammability, they stil had some Important (possibly vital) uses In industry, for example in certain electrical equipment coverod by safety regulations which require the use of non-flammable fluids. A sudden complete withdrawal for all uses, in the absence of suitable replacement products, could therefore have serious consequences to industry end to human safety. ** vrr - NEV 036282 j t ; i '"ilI * 1 I - J I I ` i - 15 - Annex I to Addendum IV to Item 7 of .S/HHV/72,3 Fortunately, for Dost uses of this type, the FCBs can be enclosed in sealed systems. This, coupled with the fact that by exorcising caro during manufacture and transport, losses could largely be avoided and also that satisfactory methods of disposal have been developed, led to the conclusion that a partial ban affecting only non-controllcbl uses would be sufficient to safeguard the environment. Accordingly from 1st March 1971 Monsanto, without any directive from the UK Government, introduced a voluntary ban on all uses where FCBs were not confined to a closed system. Recognising the problems of disposal of FCBs, Monsanto have undertaken to malee arrangements whereby collection and disposal facilities are available in the UIC. Discussion The initial discovery that the environment was becoming polluted with FOB residues ccue about largely as a result of chance. Until Jensen's discovery, nobody had suggested or evon suspected that these compounds may be a possible source of environmental pollutionand had the research on the orgnnoclilorine insecticides - during the course of which the discovery of the FCBs wes mode - not been in progress, it is most probable we would still not yet be aware that a PCB problem exists. As the manufacture of FCBs Is now undertaken in a number of countries,, this leads to the questions: Vhnt other countries have a PCB problem 7 This question can only be answered by.an eppro- ?riate scientific investigation. To carry out an invostlgc.*- ion of this type is on elaborate procedure, involving . the employment of highly trained scientists end expensive, complex apparatus. Evon when and where these are already available there is the need to develop a new analytical and evaluation procedure, which must then be agreed end adopted by different laboratories so that their results can be compared. In the UK the relatively rapid manner in which the Investigation of this problem was accomplished was very largely due to certain existing circumstances. Those included the fact that (a) investigations into similar problems involving the organochlorine insecticides were already in progress in several Government laboratories,, with the important result that ohemlsts and appropriate apparatus were already available; (b) a liaison committee representing analytical chemists In the UIC was already in existence, so that suitable nothode for analysing the FCBs were agreed at an early stage; and (c) there woro existing arrangements for the collection of suitable biological material for analysis from a large nuubor of different geographical localities. Without theso circumstances, even en industrialised country like the UK would have had to undertake extensive tlmo-consumlng end expensive procedures before investigations could be started. In the case of a de veloping country tho task would be formidable. . .. NEV 036283 X l I\ $ ( t Annex I to Addendum IV J to Item 7 of HH/JBKV/72. G 16 Other important fact ors in the UK epproach to the problem Included the close cooperation that exists between Industry end Govemnent (rejecting the responsible attitude of industry in Britain to pollution problems), and the well informed public attitude that exists which provides support end understanding for measures Introduced to help combat pollution. In this particular case Monsanto were able to take Independent and effective action at a much earlier stage than would have been possible had the necessarily protracted nego tiations had to be undertaken with Government Departments, if it had been decidod that legislation was necessary. A complicating aspect is that ns long as PCBs are manufactured in other states, including both Western and Communist countries, the possibility exists of lionsonto1s voluntary restrictions on sales of PCBs being undermined by imports. Their action in the UK was only practicable because they were a monopoly manufacturer. A further complicating factor in this question of imports on exports could arise because PCBs are .often Incorporated in electrical and other goods. If a country banned the use of PCBs, including their importation, this could have the result of disqualifying a whole range of products from being imported into that country. Discussions have already been held between some of the international manufacturing companies and in Britain the Government is watching the situation. But the trade Implications of this speoifio problem, and the possible creation of non-tariff barriers if Governments find it necessary to Impose statutory controls, merit discussion at intergovernmental level. OBCD has already instituted, for a trial period,an uSarly Warning System for control or restrictions ins tituted by Governments on the sale or use of certain ohemleals, although this does not cover unilateral action by industry unsupported by statute* The UK would, welcome & discussion with other member Governments of the PCB problem, and a consideration of whether the 'Tarly Warning" scheme could usefully be extended to this type of Industrial polioy. The UK would'also welcome discussions about the economic aspects of this limitation of sales of PCEs by Monsanto. A similar restriction has also'been Imposed by Monsanto in the USA and it seems likely that other manufacturers may follow Monsanto1s example or some .* Governments may conteaplat e the introduction of legislation. ,: . Nv 0 3 6 * 8 4 Vr-' r ----- -17- tS^vsfWjaitofriTo (1) Jensen, S. (1966). "Report of a new chemical hazard". New Scientist, (32) 612. (2) Lidgett, R.A. & Vodden, H.A. (1970)."PCB - The Environmental Problem1'. Report of the National Environment Protection Board, Sweden. (3) 'Prestt, X; Jefferies, D.J. & Moore, N.V. (1970). "Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Wild Birds In Britain and their Avian Toxicity" Environmental Pollution, (1) 3-26, (4) Portaann, J.E, (1971) "The Toxicity of 120 substances to Marine Organisms". MAFF Shellfish Information Leaflet No.19. (3) Risebrough, R.W.; Riecho, P. ; Peeliall, D,B.; Hermann,S.G. & Kirven, M.N. (1968). "Polychlorinated biphenyls in the Global Ecosystem". Nature, London, (220) 1096-102, (6) Holdgate. K.W. (1971) "The 3eabird Wreck in the Irish Sea Autumn 1969"* The Natural Environment. Research Council Publications (London) Series C, No.4. (7) Bonner, V.N. (1970). "Seal deaths in Cornwall Autumn 1969". The Natural Environment Research Council Publications (London) Series C, no. 1. (8) Holden, A.V. (in press) "Monitoring Orgonochlorine Contamination of the Marine Environment by Analysis of Residues in Seals". Proceedings of FAO Technical Conference on Karine Pollution and its Effects on Living Resources and Fishing, 9-18 December 1970, to be published by Fishing News International. (9) Holden, A.V. (1970) "Source of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Contamination in the Marine Environment". Nature, London, (228) 1220-1221, NEV 036283 \ Annex II to Addendum IV to Item 7 of NR/rtfV/72.0 - 10 - a h h s x ii PCBa (POLYCHLORINATED BIPH5HYLS ) IN SBEKBM In 1966 some unknown substances were discovered In Sweden which Interfered with the analysis of chlorinated pesticides. They were Identified by Dr. S. Jensen to be polychlorinated blpnen/Ls., The history of the PCBs started In 1929 more than fifteen years before the introduction of m o d e m chlorinated pesticides. Polychlorinated blphenylB were Introduced by Industry for use as highly Inflammable oils in electric transformers, capacitors end in paints. PCBs ere not manufactured in Sweden. They are Imported for use in Swedish industry mainly from USA and Great Britain (Monsanto)i Germany (Bayer) and France (Proddlec). Furthermore there Is an Import into Sweden of PCBs as conatituents in various industrial products manufactured abroad. A new Swedish law was adopted on Juno 18, 1971 which will give the authorities in Sweden the power to forbid the use of PCBs or state conditions for their use, if a specific field of application constitutes a danger to the environment. Sources The annual consumption in metric tons of PCBs in Sweden is divided between.the following industrial usages (approximate figures r d a t i n g to 1970) t ` 1. capacitors 375 (about 250 tons are reexported in industrial products) 2. transformers 25 (about 150 tons have altogether been distributed in about 175 transformers In Sweden) 3. paints 35 4. doint pastes 40-45 5. hydraulic oils 8-10 .6 heat transfer media a 7. other (plasticisers, ? insulating ma terial in elec trical equipment,oto) NEV 036286 "HC* .... . - 19 - Annex II to Addendum IV to Item 7 of t?n/k:HV/72.G \ \ The 'Aotal consumption in Sweden o PCBs in 1970 thus exceeded 405 metric tons. This does not mean that the total'amount has heen available as a source of environmental pollution. In fact, no Sv/edish data are as yet available which can Indicate how such is released into the environ ment from each individual field of application. It seems to be clear,however, that FCBs used in the capacitor industry mainly contains three chlorines per ICBnoleculo7 while PCBa with five chlorines ere generally found in the environment e.g, in the Baltic. This fact seems to rule out the possibility that the 125 metric tons of PCBs annually used In capacitors operating inside Sweden constitute a major source of environmental pollution. Furthermore, data from transformer refilling operations in Svfeden indicate that at most n few kilograms of PCB are lost annually from this source to the environments In conclusion, usages other than that in the electrical industry seems to be the main source of environmental pollution with PCBs. Distribution FCBs are almost insoluble In water (oa Img/ton), On the other hend it is highly lipophilic. The transport of PCBs in the aquatic environment end the distribution in organisms is, therefore, thought to be intimately interrelated with lipids. No actual data, however, are presently at hand in Sweden to elucidate the overall distribution (routes from the sources via food chains Into the higher trophic levels) of FCBs in the environment. Occurrence '. . . PCBs have been analysed in certain Swodish food products. In butter, margarine and a number of vegetable oils the PCB concentration in no instance exceeded 0,1 p.p.m. In cow1a milk the PCB concentration in fat never exceeded 0.5 p.p.m., while in mothers'mill: 50 percent of the samples shovfed levels between 0.6 and 1.0 p.p.m. In a number of food products of animal origin - meat from chickens, pigs, lambs, cows, etc. - the PCB content on a wet weight basis very rarely exceeded 0.1 p.p.m. NEV 036267 V Annex II to Addendum IV to Item 7 of IiU/L'UV/72.9 \ \ In'\ierringB from the sea outside the Sv/edish west coast the \PCB concentration on a fat weight basis ranged, from 024\to 1*50 p.p.m., with on average of 0*75. In the Celtic, on the other hand, approximately ten tines more of FCBs is found in the herrings (range, 0.5-23 end average, .. 6.G p * p * ) PCB content in fresh water fish has also been studied in a Swedish lake. In 49 pike from Lake Bolmen the FOB concentration varied between 3*5 and 40 p.p.m. on a fat weight basis. Among Swedish birds it seems as if predatory birds have the highest concentrations of FCBs. The average concentration in ten ospreys v/as found to be 13G p.p.m. (extractable fat basis). On the other hand, in analyses from fieldfares and yellow wagtails the concentrations of FCBs ranged between 2.1-12 end 0.64-0.92 respectively. The highest concentrations have been found in white tailed eagles. The averago PCB level in four eagles amounted to 14*000 p.p.m. on a fat weight basis (100 p.p.m. on a fresh weight basis). Significance The survival of roe from Swedish salmon kept for breeding lias been drastically impaired during the lost decade. The PCB oontent varied between 16 and 34 p.p.m. on a fat basis in roe which exhibited a mortality between 50 end 100 percent. In roe from wild salmon the PCB concentration was appreciably less, 7-9 p.p.m., and the corresponding .* mortality vms conspicuously lov/or, 16-34 percent. Robins in southern Sweden have been experimentally fed with PCB (55-65/ig per bird) over a period of two to three weeks, and' their nocturnal migratory activity has been studied. FCB-loaded birds were significantly more active than control birds. The PCB content in breast muscle of the treated robins was 164-467 p.p.b. (wet weight), that of control robins 51-120 p.p.b. . Since it has been shown elsewhere that the migratory activity of certain birds Is correlated with the distance botv.'eon the breeding end winter quarters,the above mentioned PCB' offoot on robins may have great eoologloal significance. 036288 % ' . . : ' . ' .... .. if ( I1 \ l Jt j j |* ; 1 ! - .71 - /.:'j:c 71 to .'idmif'T IV to item 7 of ;i;;/\u//72.o # A reduction of eggshell thickness In Swedish and Finnish ospreys (Fandlon hallatftus) has been observed during the lost two decodes. This phenomenon has been tentatively correlated with increased output of certain chlorinated hydrocarbons in the environment (e.g. PCB and DDT). Similar observations have been made in other countries. No studies concerning the effects of PCD on humans have been made In Sweden. However, cases.of severe poisoning of humons by PCD have been reported from abroad. . ' Alternative substances, methods or other ways of preventing Kft pollution of the environnent As a consequence of the new Swedish PCB law, the use of PCBs will be regulated in various ways In order to curtail pollution. The exact administrative procedure under tho new lav: has not yet been determined in Sweden, but some tentative measures are listed below : Capacitors . . - the main use of PCBfe Is concentrated to fairly big units dolivored to a few consumers. Destruction of used-up material will bo left to certain authorized destruction plants. Transformers - filling, draining and other handling will be subjected to special regulations. Paints - in those cases where PCB has a poetic idol function It will be replaced by other agents. Plasticizers - ' ... hydraulic oils - .new plasticizers under development will substitute for PCBs in paints and joint pastes. I - PCB oil vill bo replaced by other fire-proof oils NV 036289 Annex III to Add. IV to iton 7 of irr;/;-iiv/72.8 - 22 - Ain-nsx h i Tins CHLORINATED BIPHENYLS 1. The PCBb appeared on the world market In 1945 and have been found in the environment since 1966. 2. They have three major uses : they serve as additives in hydraulic circuits, and are used in certain transformers. This Is their main use in France; "they ore also used as plasticisers in polyvinyl chlorides and acetates, nitrocellulose laquers, polyester resin3, paints, varnish, packaging materials etc.; ** - they are further used as additives in organochlorine pesticides in order to prolong their time of action by impeding their degradation. An increase in toxicity of certain pesticides (lindane, DDT) has been noticed In the presence of those products. 3 In France two companies at present manufacture FCEs ;under the names i - Phdnocolor by PROGIL Pyrel&ne by UGIHE-KULHHAHN .. both are morlceted by the firm PROD73LEC. 4; In 1970 these two companies provided PRODELEC v;ith about 8,000 tons. Dbcport accounted for about 3,200 tons with the remainder (about 5,000 tons) for use in Franco, 80 to 90/ of which was sold to the Electricity de France. \ 3 FCBs are Insoluble in water and are resistant to acids and alkalis; they are, however, soluble in fats. There is little or no knowledge of their biodegradation. NEV 036290 j < i i4 - 2? - ;r.ner. Ill +? Add. 17 tu Itoa 7 of ir.l/-..iV/72.G -% 6* \ Environmental contamination Is Belloved to be duo \essontlally to the highly chlorinated compounds lienorally resulting from : - leaching from soils treated with organochlorlno pesticides containing PCBs, and subsequent conta- . . ,mination of aquatic organisms, with accumulation in the food chains; waste from Industries using PCDs. In Franco further , . enquiry is needed on this point, but it seems that the manufacturers incinerate their residues; . - waste from hydraulic fluids and draining of trans formers. An investigation.of the fate of drainage products and leakages from installations Is one of the first steps to bo taken; - residues that reach waste deposits and emit toxic " vapours during incineration. 7* Toxicity studios have shown that these products are toxio to birds by induction of liver enzymes, to shrimps, eto.. In man it is primarily the liver and the sltin that are affected. 8. Toxicological research is therefore essential to establish acceptable levels In foods, particularly thoso sold under plastic wrapping. # t 9. This quostion nay be referred to the liinistry of Public Health. The food section of the Conseil National Supdrieur d*Hygiene, which is charged with the study of the problem of plaetioieers that may come in oontact with foodstuffs, could study their effects on the human organism. 10. It Is pertinent here to call* attention to the research agreement that has been made with the Institute of Applied Chemical Research within the Joint programme for water under the 5th Plan, to identify and measure the concentration of micro-pollutants by liquid liquid extraction with chloroform. These studies are directed towards water delivered for consumption. For the samples supplied by IRCHA, the Centre d'Etude et de Reoherches des Charbonncges de France has usod a method of oomblnod gas chromatography-mass spectro metry for the qualitative analysis. Although the final report is not yet available, it appears that PCBs have not been detected in drinking water. NEV 036291  Annox IIT to Add. TV_ to Item V .'iv// i - 24 - 11. Gas chromatography is not sufficient in itself to Srovide indisputable results. Combined experiments avo shown that the peeks obtained for certain PCBs mask those obtained for organochlorlne insecticides. 12. In 1971 the CERCHAR will be given the task of making an investigation of FCBs, their use and disposal; this study will include analytical techniques presently used, and the development of a specific . method of combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. 13. In the framework of the European Scientific and * Technical Co-operation (the group COST-Hulsances), France Intends to collaborate in a study on advanced techniques for detecting this type of product. N6V 036292 beet W. B. P a p a g o r g t G J. t e v i i w k u Kovber 7# 1975 fir* Michael Nodan lUniMTiJteAtUMLj -jRdnoril Ilectric 0oapafiy^6o^>One FlMtioi Avenue Pittafield, Mass* 01201 Deer Mlkei X enclose the date concerning polychlorinated biphenyl which you dlecueeed with Dr* Bichard. The enclosed data consists of the following documents 1) Toxicity Information on Aroclor 1016. X) The Degradation Of Polychlorinated Diphenyl Dy Micro-organlens- R. h Baxter# P* I. Ollbert# R. A* Lldgett, J* ! Mainprise and I. A. Voddea. X) Identification of chlorinated dlbensofurans in Aaerlcan polychlorinated biphenyls** R* V* Dlsebrouh 4) Polychlorinated Biphenyls * storage# Distribution, Bxcretlon end Beooveryi Diver Morphology After Prolonged Dietary Ingestion - Virlyn V. Burse, Senate D. Kiobroui, Ilian C* Villanueva, Balpb M* Jennings# Salph B* tinder, 0, Wsyne Sovocool* |) Laboratory Model Scotystea Studies of the Degradation end Pate of Sadiolabeled Tri, Tetra# and Pentachloroblphenyl Compared with DOS - Sobert t* Metcalf# J a m B* Betfeorn, Po-ltang Xm and Donald Bye* 4) A Cooprtive Study of Two Polychlorinated Biphenyl Mixtures (Aroclore 1141 and 1014) Containing 42K Chlorine on Induction of Bapatie Porphyria and Drug Metabolising Knayarns NEV 036267 D r , Michael M o d a n - 2 November 7, 1975 7) Biodegradation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls - e . Scott Tucker, Victor W. saeger and Orville Hicks. 8) Tissue Residues Prom Subacute Oral Feeding of Poly chlorinated Biphenyl Dielectric Fluids - Robert G. Kaley, Orville Hicks, William M. Mees, E. Scott Tucker, James P. Mieure, Frederick R. Johannsen and George J. Levinskas. 9) Migration of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Soil Induced by Percolating Water - E. S. Tucker, W. J. Litschgl, and W. M. Mees. 10) Acute Toxicity Studies with MCS (Aroclor) 1016. 11) Presentation To The Interdepartmental Task Force on PCBs, Washington, D. C. - Monsanto Company. Yours sincerely, /deb Enclosures David Wood Market Manager Dielectrics NEV 036268