Document mqq7LjZ7eOr6E8bG39MDYv0N0

/A_' trff / y -</ '-//- , /V DRAFT For Bock Speech -- Oct. ' Two years ago, Monsanto Company found itself in the center of an unusual environmental problem. . vi'M ,>yd, > First, we were in the position of being the sole U. S. producer of a chlorinated hydrocarbon which appear/ed to be persisting in the environment. At the same time, we were fortunate in having had the opportunity to solve a so called "classic" environmental problem. I refer to pblychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) . which Monsanto has marketed for nearly 40 years under the tradename Aroclor. PCB was first developed as a fire-resistant fluid to cool electrical equipment such as transformers and capacitors. In the early 1960's, we developed other uses -- for example, as a plasticizer in sealants, speciality paints, chlorinated rubber, adhesives, etc. _ In 1966, two Swedish scientists, in their search for DDT in the environment, encountered "interfering substances". They were able to Identify the substances as chlorinated hydrocarbons similar in construction to DDT. More important, the substance appeared to be persisting in the stf.'hTi onvironmant along with DDT. We became aware of thSTSwedish work in 1967. I must admit our first reaction was one of ~ilaf.xM?e-r We seriously doubted the accuracy of analytical techniques available at that time. Our doubts du us rail HONS 037052 Our actions have been based strictly on the fact that PCB, in higher chlorinated forms, is a persistant chemical. It does not break Sown easily in the environment. It is important to know that PCB does not cause birth defects in animals, it has not killed wild birds or fish, it is not a highly toxic chemical and, so far, it has not harmed man -- these have been reported as "facts" in some leading rtn.VIy newspafwwa, , 0^" 1,1 1 Today, this so called Hxnrisax "classic" environmental problem is being solved by voluntary actions taken by Monsanto. In my opinion, a responsible company must take these kinds of actions now and in the future. In some cases, it may mean a temporary loss of business. But long range, it challenges the expertise / of management to turn such problems into opportunities. HONS 037053 / Initiate a program,% which we are proud to say will be completed this year. 1'he program incorporates controls and restrictions over the use of PCB which will ( assure no further build-up inws environment. We can also assure the continued safe use of this valuable chemical .t * where its advantages to mankind far outweigh any possible environmental hazard. Our program began with the proper measurement and identification of PCB in nature. We itoade a major contribution to development of analytical techniques which have v-'-a1 verified its presence. We tightened up our manufacturing processes, and'issiisE alerted our customers /> take similar precautionary steps. Our R&D people have developed new and safer formulations and are looking at ways to make PCB blodogradeable. We have also made some serious business decisions. We decided to get out of those markets where we believe*^ the predict could not be controlled and contained. We decided to"*3'remain in the "closed system" electrical uses because^sS^believe, as does the electrical industry, that PCB Is a great benefit to mankind. Its safety and reliability have saved human lives in the past. In fact, safety fluids are required by state and local laws throughout the country. . MQNS 037054