Document kD8VEkQMqpQedEz0dkBXK1mOn

Ca\Iv^ (\AcCcuuji2id U j u 2w ^ lU^ "Vd >1 j>Cs. TUcu(^Ui'\ w su a U ~ ^ p , tpu uoOoJ2^ ^2- Lu J iaj2j J^ .^ 0 . CONFIDENTIAL fOM i NAME - LOCATION - h h ONE S. G. Collins - A3ND - 4-3860 July 29, 1982 cc: G. D. Ingenthron - A3NB SUSKIND STUDY "CFCRENCC CONFIDENTIAL . T O J. F. Hussey - A3NB J. T. Nolan - DlA Dr. Raymond Suskind reviewed his completed study of the 2,4,5-T Nitro Workers last Friday. There were no dramatic changes from the preliminary review he held last winter for members of the Nitro Task Force. In the final report: - Suskind says that chloracne, the hallmark of TCDD dioxin exposure, can persist for as long as 30 years and is associated with the degeneration of the elasticity of the skin. (This loss of skin elasticity also is a result of aging.) - He says there is suggestive, yet inconclusive data, indicating an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal ulcer in the exposed 2,4,5-T workers? an association between the exposed workers and the density levels of blood lipids; and an association between exposed workers (both smoking and non-smoking) and abnormal pulmonary function. - According to the Suskind report, there is no evidence of long term effects on the cardiovascular system, liver, gastrointestinal tract or peripheral nerve function. Also, there is no indication there was a greater risk for miscarriages, stillbirths, or birth defects among families in which the male parent was exposed. - Additionally, in the final study, he says there is no relationship to 2,4,5-T exposure and Peyronie's disease, a condition that adversely affects the male reproductive organ. (Earlier this 'winter, he was unsure of his opinion on exposure and the disease.) This October, Dr. Suskind plans to make the first public pronouncement on his study during a scientific symposium in Salzburg, Austria. He has agreed to go down to Nitro, brief our employees and talk to the media after the Salzburg conference. I didn't have the opportunity to discuss the details of his Nitro visit at Friday's meeting but will do so within the next few weeks. Also, I need to find out if UAL C07473 IN-1 120 *>* Suskind plans (or is agreeable) to have the University of Cincinnati press office issue a news release on the study. I think it would be appropriate for the University to do so. Further, I would recommend Dan Bishop attend the symposium for Public Affairs. His attendance would give us the opportunity to report on Suskind's talk as an observer and to base whatever PR communications Monsanto issues on the public, scientific presentation. Critics of the Suskind report will contend Monsanto paid for it and obviously influenced the results. Therefore, it is important to keep an arm's length association between Monsanto and the study. It is Suskind's work not Monsanto's and in communicating the study's findings, we should emphasize and support this fact. I'll keep you informed as details of the Nitro visit are finalized. :cm C0747i