Document mBk7KykYVM7dvdyg3Rj0woJXb

V BCCC:: Mr. J. T. Nolan Mr. J. K. Clerk Me. V. L. EveJoff Ms. S. C. Kelly Mr. B. J. Wander ' [VIGu^iuO MonaAAlo Company 800 N. Undt*gh Boulavard St. louij. Miaioufi 63186 Pttonr 014) 694*1000 February 17, 1978 Dr. Barry Commoner Center for the Biology of Natural Systems Washington University St. Louis, Ho. 63130 ' Dear Berry: Ever since you mentioned to us that Monsanto knew back in the 1930s that PCD# caused skin disorders, we have been searching the records and contacting former managers for a response. We believe we now have the facts In perspec tive end vent to there them with you. Here is whet we found: Although PCBs were tested repeatedly by Monsanto for nearly half a century, the materiel wee never convicted of causing akin dieeese. In fact, seelr seat si*mbit irritation attributed to PCBe was traced to (correctable) impurities In the manufacturing process. In 1933, when e akin disease began appearing among Swann Chemical Company worker* in the FCB pilot production facility at Anniston, Alabama, the company immediately launched a medical investigation. It wee determined from the etudy chat the skin eruptions were related to impurities in the intermediate steps of the manufacturing process and not to the final product (PCBa). As a result of this investigation, steps were taken to eliminate the impurities, end the manufacturing process was changed to a closed system In which all chemical reactions occur In sealed pipes end * vessels. ~Th1 gpermanently alleviated the problem. Patch teats eeedmatad witfe FOBS ' (then-and later) mover produced any evidence of Irmltatlom. The outeomo of this study was made public by two Atlanta, Georgia, dermatologists who had served aa consultants during the Investigation. ("The Archives of-Dermatology and syphilogy," Vol. 33, p. 1027, 1936) . Monsanto, which later purchased Swann, did not experience any cases of skip disease among PCB workers during more then 60 years of PCB manufecture. However, over the years Monsanto continued to sponsor animal studies with PCBs. The results of these teste helped us determine safe exposure levels inside the plants. MOWS 0038#1 Dt. Barry Commoner -2- February 17, 1978 In the late 1940s end early 1950s, outbreaks of skin disease oeeurrad on board ships that used PCBs in insulating capacities. However, studies of these Incidents again traced the problem to other materials. You might also be interested in having the attached copy of the New Scientist report of identification of PCBs In fish and birds. We believe this is the first published record of the PCB environmental saga. Trust you are managing to endure St. Louie' ski lodge weather. Best wishes. Sincerely /ab Attachment Jem . i Jr. Director of Public Relatione HUNS 003888