Document mqrMzZrNoDZDQB9YgjRNQxeGJ

17 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT JOURNAL July/August PCBs--In Perspective Walter L. Bouchard PCBs are very stable compounds which do not break down readily in the environ ment, but instead concentrate as they move up the food chain. Their effects on the environmental species and humans vary due to a number of factors. Walter L. Bouchard, M.P.H. is an industrial hygienist for the Arizona Public Service Company, Phoenix, Arizona. PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) have received much attention recently because of the public's con cerns over their potentially damaging effects on the environment and human health. These concerns have prompted a search for answers to questions about PCBs and how their effects can be controlled. This article will broadly outline the PCB problem with emphasis on PCBs in the United States. What are PCBs? The term polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, refers to a class of organic chemicals introduced into United States industry in 1929-1930. A 1979 report by The National Academy of Sciences 1 listed Monsanto In dustrial Chemicals Company as historically the only important U.S. producer of PCBs. Monsanto's plants were located at Anniston, Alabama and Sauget, Illinois, where production -of PCBs ended in 1970 and 1977, respectively. PCBs have also been produced, imported or ex ported by a number of other countries. Some pro ducers are Italy, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, Austria, Czechoslovakia, the Federal Republic of __ Germany, Spain, and the U.S.S.R. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), countries which have imported PCBs include Finland, New Zealand, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Coun tries which have exported PCBs include France, Italy, and the United Kingdom (EPA 1976). It is important to be aware of the chemical struc ture and nature of PCBs because it is a critical prere quisite to understanding their toxicity and control. PCBs are man-made compounds manufactured by chlorination of a biphenyl molecule. The biphenyl is composed of two six-sided carbon rings in which one carbon on each ring has joined together. This leaves ten sites for chlorine atoms to join the biphenyl molecule. The number of chlorine substitutions on the molecule corresponds to the ten possible chlorinated biphenyls which may be formed. These are monochlorobiphenyl, dichlorobiphenyl, trichlorobiphenyl, etc. Within each of the ten possi ble chlorinated biphenyls, the chlorine atoms may join the rings in various configurations creating many isomers. DSW 074835 STLCOPCB4022588 rmgfgg.1 IS. HMMJ --July/Aug. 1980 Typically, the PCBs are sold as mixtures of the various possible chlorinated biphenyls. Commercial PCB mixtures typically contain various con taminants, including polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated napthalenes. These contaminants have been implicated as being partly responsible for some of the toxicity observed from PCB mixtures. The chlorine content of the mixture is used as one method of describing it. For example, some common PCB mixtures are sold as AROCLOR^ 1248, 1254, and 1260. These contain 48 percent, 54 percent, and 60 percent chlorine, respectively. PCBs are very stable compounds which do not break down readily in the environment, but instead concentrate as they move up the food chain. Their effects on environmental species and humans vary due to a number of factors. The effects of PCBs on environmental species and humans vary due to a number of factors. Use and Distribution of PCBs A 1976 report by Versar, Incorporated, for EPA 'summarizes the various uses and distribution of PCBs. PCBs have been used extensively in many in dustrial applications, but primarily in "closed" or FIGURE 1 PCBs In The U.S. 1930-1975* MILLIONS PERCENT LBS. STATUS 3.9 20.7 10.7 53.4 0.6 55 290 150 750 8 10.7 loao. 150 -L.4Q.3_ Degraded or incinerated Landfills and dumps Free in the environment Currently in use in Capacitors and transformers Other than electrical uses, e.g., heat transfer, carbonless copy paper, hydraulics, lubricants, plasticizer uses, and other miscellaneous industrial uses VS. exports Total U.5. commercial production/ sales 'Condensed from EPA (1976) "semi-closed" systems such as electrical transformers and capacitors, heat transfer systems and hydraulic systems. Much of the PCB marketed to U.S. industry is still in service, primarily in electric equipment. A significant portion has entered the environment and persistently remains, while the remainder has either degraded in the environment or been destroyed by man. Figure I describes estimates of PCB production, use and gross environmental distribution between 1930-1975. Evolution of Concern over PCBs 1929-1975 Over the years since their first introduction in the U.S. in 1929-1930, the effects of PCBs have become better known. Reports as early as 1936 described choracne among persons occupationally exposed to PCBs. Later observations noted possible liver effects associated with some human exposures.-* In 1968, an outbreak of "Yusho" disease occurred in Japan following accidental human consumption of rice oil contaminated with Kanechlor 400, a PCB manufac tured in Japan (48 percent chlorine). The total number of "Yusho" patients exceeded 1,000. They exhibited a variety of effects which included increas ed eye discharge, acne-like eruptions, hyperpigmen tation of skin and nails and various nervous system effects. Other studies of PCBs showed that they per sist and accumulate in the environment and may cause damage there as well as to humans. By the late 1960s it had become apparent that, while PCBs generally show relatively little acute tox icity, they do show chronic toxicity after accumula tion in the tissues of many biological species, even when exposed to very low concentrations. Some researchers have reported significant widespread PCB contamination in U.S. foodstuffs, human tissue, and throughout the general environment. Industry and government have responded to con cerns over PCB contamination and its effects. By mid-1971, Monsanto voluntarily stopped sales of Arochlors (PCBs and polychlorinated triphenyls (PCTs)) for uses other than closed electrical systems. They also offered incineration service for waste li quid PCBs and ended production of the higherchlorinated Arochlors. During 1972 and 1973 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed DSW 074836 STLCOPCB4022589 PCBs in perspective 19 rules to control PCBs in food. In 1975 a national con ference on PCBs was held in Chicago. Between the years 1929 and 1975, a span of 46 years, PCBs were controlled mainly through volun tary industry efforts which evolved in intensity and scope. An example of this control is ANSI Standard C107.1-1974 which outlines an American National Standard Guideline for Handling and Disposal of Capacitorand Transformer-Grade Askarels Containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls. The year 1975 is a convenient break point in the discussion of PCBs because, in 1976, Congress and the EPA changed the PCB picture radically through broad new federal regulations. These changes will be described later in this discussion. Environmental Distribution and Occurrence It was menh'oned earlier that a substantial amount of PCB has found its way into the environment. Some methods of entry may be through air, water, and land discharge during manufacture and handling of PCB mixtures; PCB equipment manufacture; spills and leaks during final use of PCB-containing pro ducts; and through leaching from disposal areas. PCBs become widespread through certain natural and man-made mechanisms and may be found at various levels and locations in the soil, air, and water. PCBs become widespread through certain natural and man-made mechanisms and may be found at various levels and locations in the soil, air, and water. Agricultural soils rarely show detectable PCB levels, however, urban soils do. Soils within city limits show higher levels than suburban soils. Nineteen cities were sampled between 1971 and 1974 in the National Soils Monitoring Program, EPA. Twelve cities showed detectable PCB levels in soils. Many sites were sampled in each city. Typical numbers of positive findings ranged from 0.5 percent--6.3 percent of total samples. Levels of PCBs detected generally ranged from 0.09--3.33 parts per million (ppm). One sample showed 11.94 ppm PCBs.4 PCB contamination in urban air has been reported at levels in the range of 100 mg/m3.5 Some U.S. waters and sediment also show PCB contamina tion.4 7 PCBs are found at various levels in biota. One na tional study conducted between 1970 and 1974 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service showed PCB residues in various freshwater fish, mallard and black duck, and starlings.* A 1972-1974 study of three Lake Michigan fish species taken in the eastern part of the lake showed mean whole fish concentrations ranging from 5.24-5.66 ppm in bloaters, 10.4-12.2 ppm in Coho salmon and 12.9-22.9 ppm in lake trout.9 Other studies have shown PCBs in ocean dwelling animals.10 PCBs have been found in foodstuffs in the United States. This may include low level contamination in some general food products, commercial fish species and other foods. Researchers are watching closely levels found from early years to more recent, and predicting trends for future years. 1112 PCBs have been found in the general U.S. popula tion. Samples of human adipose tissue and milk, col lected in 1973 and 1974 in a national survey, showed that 35.1 percent and 40.3 percent of the samples, respectively, showed 1 ppm or more PCBs on a wetweight basis; 5.5 percent and 4.9 percent, respective ly, showed greater than 2 ppm PCBs. Adipose tissue extracts were examined by gas chrom atography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and found to contain penta-, hexa-, and heptachlorobiphenyl com pounds most frequently. Less chlorinated isomers seemed to be metabolized and excreted more rapidly in a biological system." One sample survey in Canada showed human con tamination to be about 1-2 mg/kg PCB in adipose tissue iriCanadians sampled. PCB residues in human milk of Ontario residents were about 1 mg/kg fat.14 Health Effects and Human Exposure There are two major areas of exposure to PCB mixtures which give a reasonably direct indication of human health effects. These are occupational ex posures and one episode of accidental exposure of persons in Japan. Reported occupational exposure levels vary. Workplace air levels have typically ranged from very low levels up to 10.0 mg'm3 PCBs in air depen- DSW 074837 STLCOPCB4022590 20 HMMJ--July/Aug. 1980 ding on environmental conditions; type of operation (for example, electrical equipment manufacture or chemical manufacture); work procedures; and con trols in effect. Very high levels, in fact up to 86 mg/m3, have been reported in exceptional cases. Effects of occupational exposure center on a few major areas and mainly depend on dosage, route of exposure, and individual biological variation among exposed persons. Common effects are skin disorders. These include, but are not limited to, chloracne, hyperpigmenta tion, rashes, and irritation. These effects have been observed both in areas of the body contacted direct ly by PCB mixtures and in areas not directly con tacted. Other effects may include dry sore throat, upper respiratory irritation, asthmatic bronchitis, eye irrita tion, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, dizziness, and liver effects. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that there are no adequate studies to confirm or deny that PCBs are car cinogenic; that PCBs have little mutagenic potential, but may alter mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of other compounds by stimulating microsomal en zyme activities; and that teratogenic potential does exist. NIOSH further admonishes that there are no reports of infertility or abortions attributed to PCB consumption or exposure, or undesirable effects in children bom to mothers exposed to PCBs in the diet, or undesirable effects developing from nursing such mothers. Based on available data, PCBs should be handled as if they are potentially carcinogenic and potentially teratogenic Recalling the previously mentioned outbreak of "Yusho" (literally translated oil disease) which occur red in Japan between 1968 and 1975, approximately 1,300 cases were reported in which patients were found or presumed to have ingested rice oil which was accidentally contaminated with a PCB mixture, Kanechlor 400. Samples of oil contained 800-1,000 mg/kg PCB with some reaching 3,000 mg/kg. Con centrations of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were in the range of 5 mg/kg. These levels of PCDFs are about 250 times more than are usually found in PCB mixtures. Intake of contaminated oil was estimated at 2.0 g (10 mg PCDF) among a highly exposed group. Minimum amounts ingested may have been 0.5 g. The effects of "Yusho" are widely described in the literature. In the early stages these include ocular discharge, swelling of upper eyelids, dermatological symptoms mainly associated with follicular keratosis, and various nervous and general symp toms. Other features described are hypertriglyceridaemia with normal plasma cholesterol, adrenocortical and ovarian dysfunction, bronchitis (cough and phlegm), hepatomegaly, hypobilirubinaemia, low immunoglobulin levels and (possibly) disturbed calcium metabolism.20 While 'Yusho" effects are generally attributed mainly to PCBs, Japanese researchers have suggested a need to investigate the role of PCDFs more fully.21 Effects on the Environment The full impact of PCB contamination on ecological systems is not fully understood. However, there have been a number of attempts to summarize currently apparent effects and to estimate future. possible impacts. In general, PCBs may cause the following impacts on wildlife when high concentrations of PCBs are en countered: reproductive disorders, increased mortali ty, growth changes, and behavior changes. Other ef fects have been reported. 1116 PCBs resist degradation in the environment and persist for long periods of time. As they persist, they tend to accumulate in animals as they move up the food chain. This is most strongly demonstrated in aquatic ecosystems. " 14171419 In any biological system, effects depend, among other things, on: dosage, route of exposure, and various species and individual biological factors. Controlled Studies of Toxic Effects Controlled studies typically involve dosing various animal species with lethal or sublethal levels of a test chemical under well-defined conditions. Depending on the route of administration (oral, in halation, dermal applications, etc.), the dose, the specific test species, individual biological factors and other factors, one can draw reasonably well-defined DSW 07.483.8 STLCOPCB4022591 PCBs in perspective 21 conclusions about the possible toxic effect of a chemical on man. The results of the studies noted below suggest a possibility of similar effects in man. However, one should bear in mind that animal data are not directly extrapolatable to man without careful evaluation of differences between the actual test species and man, the levels of exposure used in the experiment and many other factors. A "Criteria Document" prepared by NIOSH in 1977 gives an exhaustive review of some important studies.* The absoiptions, distribution and excretion of PCBs have been described in various animal studies. PCBs are readily absorbed into the body from the digestive tract and respiratory system. Depending on the degree and pattern of chlorination, they are ex creted in the feces, milk, and hair of animals. Trace amounts are excreted in the urine. Metabolites of PCBs have been found in the urine, feces, and milk of mammals. Among mammals there appear to be quantitative differences in PCB metabolism and effects related to age and sex. In general, the lower chlorinated biphenyls are more rapidly metabolized than the highly chlorinated ones, which may persist in tissues for years after in take has been discontinued. Some metabolites found in urine, bile, feces and milk indicate that, at some point, PCBs may be metabolized to highly toxic arene oxides with may present a potential risk of car cinogenesis or mutagenesis. . Inhalation and dermal application studies of PCB mixtures in animal tests show a variety of effects. In halation studies show changes in liver, kidney, heart, spleen, thyroid, blood and growth rates. Dermal studies show changes in skin, liver, and kidney which suggests that PCBs may be absorbed through the skin. Some of the toxicity demonstrated by some PCB mixtures may be due to contamination by PCDFs. Administration of PCBs to test animals by the oral route is the most common type of study. Oral dosage studies show that as the degree of chlorina tion increases the acute toxicity decreases. Effects observed include, but were not limited to, some im munosuppressive activity; changes in the liver, kidney, skin, blood, protein levels, DNA levels and RNA levels; growth changes; gastrointestinal distur bances; and loss of body weight. Animal work done on reproductive and teratogenic effects of PCB mixtures shows that PCBs appear capable of crossing the placental barrier and having an effect on reproductive performance. There is some evidence of the possible mutagenic and cytotoxic potential of PCB mixtures. One study using the Ames bacterial test showed that, as the degree of chlorination decreases, the mutagenic potential increases. The more highly chlorinated biphenyls showed very little mutagenic activity. The cytotoxicity of PCB mixtures increases with decreas ing chlorination. Tumors have been produced by PCB mixtures in a variety of animal test systems. Liver tumors were typical. Tumors of the pituitary gland have also been observed. Regulatory Requirements The Federal Government has taken an approach to regulation of chemicals in the U.S. that includes cradle-to-grave cognizance over their import or pro duction, transport, handling, and disposal. PCBs fit into this regulatory philosopy. ' There can be some problems in living with government rules. There are at least four U.S. government departments or agencies administering six laws which, in part, cover PCBs. Some regula tions overlap confusingly, or are vague. Smaller businesses in the regulated community, which typically have small or nonexistent environmen tal/legal staffs, can be overwhelmed by the synergistic effects of these regulations. It is clear that if the U.S. regulatory system is going to be involved in PCB control; dearer, more reasonable and more effectively-coordinated rules should be provided. It is clear that if the U.S. regulatory system is going to be involved in PCB control clearer, more reasonable and more effectively coordinated rules should be provided. Some of these rules are listed below by agency or department. This list is extensive, but not meant to be all inclusive. DSW 074839 STLCOPCB4022592  22 HMMJ--July/Aug. 1980 Environmental Protection Agnecy (EPA) Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): section 6e mandates broad control over manufacture, distribution, handling, and disposal of PCBs (refer to Federal Register May 31, 1979). Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): mandates specific rules to regulate various aspects of disposal. Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA): mandates rules to regulate discharges of PCBs to waterways. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA>. mandates rules to regulate transportation of PCBs. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act: mandates rules to regulate PCB residues in foods, etc Department of Labor (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): mandates rules to regulate occupational ex posures to PCBs. Summary In response to the scientific evidence which in dicates a potential problem from PCB overexposure, and because of the need to comply with existing laws and regulations, the following goal is appropriate for most applications: Persons who use PCBs should completely identify the disposition and quantity of all PCBs in their system; control its use by insuring it remains in a closed system or is quickly and ade quately cleaned up in the event of a spill, or other wise handled safely during necessary handling opera tions; and ultimately remove all PCBs from their system for safe disposal and substitute PCB equip ment with non-PCB equipment as old gear wears out. References 1. National Research Council. Polychlorinated Biphenyls. Washington D.C.: National Academy of Sciences, 1979. 2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. PCBs in the United Slates, Industrial Use and Environmental Distribution, PB-252 012. Springfield, Virginia: National Technical In formation Service, F22-23, 1976, pp. 1-2. 3. U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control, Na tional Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Criteria for a Recommended Standard.. .Occupational Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls. Washington D.C.: Superintendent of Documents, September 1977, pp. 27-125. 4. Carey, A.E. and Gowen, J.A. PCBs in Agricultural and Urban Soil. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, p. 195-198. 5. Kutz, F.W. and Yang, H.S.C. A Note on Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Air. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, p. 182. 6. Dennis, D.S. Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Surface Waters and Bottom Sediments of the Major Drainage Basins of the United Stales. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 183-194. 7. Young, D.R.; McDermott, D.J. and Heesen, T. C. Marine Inputs of Polychlorinated Biphenyls off Southern California. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 199-208. 8. Walker, C.R. The Occurrence of PCB in the National Fish and Wildlife Monitoring Program. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, DSW 07^840 STLCOPCB4022593 PCBs in perspective EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 161-176. 9. Willford, WA; Hesselberg, RJ. and Nicholson, LW. Trends of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Three Lake Michigan Fishes. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 177-181. 10. McDermott, D. J.; Young, D.R. and Heesen, T. C. PCS Contanunation of Southern California Marine Organisms. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 209-217. 11. Jelinek, C. F. and Comeliussen. Levels of PCBs in the U.S. Food Supply. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.G: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 147-154. 12. Graham, J.M. Levels of PCBs in Canadian Commercial Fish Species. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 155-160. 13. Kutz, F.W. and Strassman, S.C. Residues of ' Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the General Population of the United Slates. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 139-143. 14. Grant, D.L; Mes, J. and Frank, R. PCB Residues in Human Adipose Tissue and Milk. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 144-146. 15. Stendall, R.C. Summary of Recent Information Regarding Effects of PCBs on Birds and Mammals. In Proceedings of the Na tional Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 262-267. 16. Walker, C.R. Pre-1972 Knowledge of Non-Human Ef fects of Polychlorinated Biphenyls. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 268-281. 17. Hansen, D.J. PCBs: Effects On and Accumulations By Estuarine Organisms. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 282-283. 18. Nebeker, A.V. Summary of Recent Information Regard ing Effects of PCBs on Freshwater Organisms. In Proceedings of the National Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 284-291. ' 19. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Criteria Document for PCBs, PB-255 397. Springfield, Virginia: Na tional Technical Information Service, 1976. 20. IARC. Monograph on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Volume 18, 1978. 21. Kuratsune, M.; Masuda, Y. and Nagayama, J. Some of the Recent Findings Concerning Yusho. In Proceedings of the Na tional Conference on Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Chicago, 1975, EPA-560/6-75-004. Washington D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, pp. 14-29. DSW 074841 STLCOPCB4022594 Akron Beacon Journal /FatnM *+n r. >sjf C t. KNIGHT. T\A+*m. I90T.T9.13 John 5. Knfehr, frffor Fmaf/fu* MU A P00*MAW $r>d Vcm J4MT5 V 0119 Wv and WHO COC*** AiMc4 fOlcr AlWkrf. rntrarntCK 4g*tt*t fdHor' ewtr aium* fMCvto* ftffor* A4 frldsy, Srpl. 17. llXO Editorials Debates could help us sort out our problems RONALD REAGAN'S ipecch I* gas, artificial price controls, Ckvclaod oo energy provided sn ex> sept In place by Republic mple o< why the country need* de dents Who were part of Mr. boles between the presidential candi own party, helped contrlbuti dates to help sort out their positions. exploitation. Mr. Carter, to . The process, however, In this elec may of some within his tion year amounts to more than Just look the lead toward gradua, sorting out who among the three can noting price controls. didates la the best choice. In this Coal Is t dlllercnl mat year. It Is also a means for the coun dirty and Its cllccis are ode , ' Voice of the people try to sort out where It should be ous to health. When nil snd headed during this crucial decaile. . In Cleveland, Mr. Reagan deliv ered a blistering sllark on the Carter energy program, contending that the allll cheap, Ihe nation a bond as a matter of policy; now I hack lo coal, which la, as Mrj said, an abundant energy ri PCBs ' indictment is premature country has plenty o( olt, gas and coal lor many years and that the 1 problem Is not the supply but admin istration policies that have discour aged Its exploitation. The microphones were barely turned oil after Mr. Reagan's speech In luhllr Square when President Car In Ihlapatl ot the coi which the Republican csndli directly apcsklng, the proble^ plotting coal (or energy h heightened by the long leu the Environmental Proleclli and the slate over ll> use. I: have loo often been Intr.ml, I mutt ' comment on Dill O'Connor'a Aug. 39 gr* tide concerning PCIli. ' AU would naturally applaud Good* year, and Dane Parser In particulars tor thrtr effort! to break down pen#. My comment* relate to hi* descrip It ts fair to say that the long-term effect of PCDs oo the food chain may oot ' he known fnr 30 or 30 years. There Is oo supportive evidence today that ordinary PCDa are a human carcinogen or muta gen. A! the same time, the best practice Is thus to minimize PCD exposure to the ter llrcd hack from Washington that Carter administration has n< the Republican candidate had "again diligently enough lo end ttv tive characterization of PCDa, which waa contrary lo Ihe fact* u the adentlf- * environment because ot Ihe unknown factor. . made an accusation without checking the facta." Well, as Is often the case In politi cal battle. It Is not as simple as cither candidate pretends. There la some truth on both aides. Yes, as Mr. Reagsn ssld, there Is a lot of gas. oil and coal In the ground In America. In the case of oil snd Neither have Ohio's Gov. R his Republican admlnlatrsll Mr. Carter's angry autfhient Of rebuttal lo Ihe Reagsn conimenta conveniently made no mentgv of tha President's discredited U. men! of Energy. This newl^bresled federal agency la full of burSucratlc bloat; whether Its extstoB-e has helped or hurt Ihe country Wenergy proigTam la hard lo tell. It expen sive. overatulled In size amflpicddle- some In some Instances wftfn that might wcU be unnecessary. . lc community now know* them (Nation* I Academy of Science atudlea published la 1979). . Though PCD la bloaccumulallve. this In Itself doe* not demonstrate Ila toxld- ty. PCDa are nowhere lilted In EPA, DOT, or OSHA hazardous tubslanee Ilata aa "high toalc." It la only correct to call rCDa a "priority pollutant." The only consistent finding* from ' |M9 to I9R0 are Industrial chJoracne eruptions on Ihe akin. To give the complete atory, the pub* tic thould know that adveral authorities. Including Dr. Frank Whitmore repre- Robert Porrtsb quantitive estimates' of the loodc hazard poacd by PCTls to humana." It is like comparing apples with orartges. Yet this ts Just what EPA considers Therefore, during this time of uncer tainly,, let the media aeek out Ihe fuU story rather than staling opinions as facts. Since environmental seeds kre so Many and our financial resource*'are Umlted, I want us to deal with the envi ronmental Issues that are Indeed signifi cant and will require all the public sup port that has to be mustered. ROBERT R PARRISH Slow Catcher ii happy _ :.)S DSM 0 7 4 8 4 2 Mr. Reagan's speech jffisde It eentlng EPA Itself, believe that the real oow aa their primary evidence In Indict* I W01ILD tiKE to take this opportu sound ts though everything Wild au culprit In the 1968 Japanese Incident Ing alt PCDs. . nity to thank everyone who helped to tomatically be line U the gojvnmrnl was not a-"normal" PCD at all, but one Like everything ilae. It aremi we go make my Guinness' world record at played no role at all In the jftjntry's . by product of a heated PCfl (600 de- from one eitreme to the other. AU 1 ask tempt a success. The biggest thank* energy future. That notion would be greet F) -- polychlorinated albcnzofur-- la that we look at Ihe PCU Issue ration goes to the friends and relatives who loo simplistic even to IhouSln the aru, which may be S00 times more toxic ally. came to watch my catch and cheered energy business who can^iake ithan PCDa. The obvious conclusion that the Na me on.. . I strong case that there Is tip much government regulation. Again, the political pJlnt and rounterpolnl have not addpssrd Ih* Ironically, ErA auted that ''II b probably Inappropriate lo usr the dila from the (Japanese) episode to make tional Academy made was that more , extensive testing la required before any definite conclusion can be made. JEFF KURTZ Drlmflrld ' Editor's salet Kurtz, a JJ-yenrotf Kenf State Vnlverstty senior, caught a ***'*" "VTtttgyi ;*wmtKgfrfawtfb** CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS 1461 \faster than other systems in use, but that the present sen sitivities for some chemicals, such as phosphorus and am- 'inonia. are too high for EPA use at this time. Elly said that &e system is good for highly polluted water, but not lot. cban water. EPA has been testing the IQAS for the la: ' fo|r to six months. Ely said that if purchased the instrument would be usSd byCPA primarily to test lake water, rather than waser sanroles required for granting a National Pollutant Discljprge elimfcation system permit. Jo Wilson, of the Department of the In lor s Geological Survey laboratory at Denver, Colo, s: that USGS^s purchased one of the machines, and is o tinuing testing V another one at this time. Wilson'laid that the instrument is being use <Xa "broad range of xffiural water samples." such as lake pter. USGS decided tcpurchase the machine primarily Secause the speed at wch the tests are done compensg s for its in ability to do\nultiple testing simultaneous! Radiation EPA ISSUES iCHNICAL REPORT ON GUIDANCE .FOR TRU EXPOSU The Environmer&al Protection Agen issued a technical report containing its responses to all ments received on its proposed radiatiefe protection dos idelines for persons exposed to transuranic elements i; he environment (44 FR 61104). The guidelines wrere^roposed in e Federal Register on November 30. 1977 (4\ FR 609: . The final guidelines, which currently are awaiting signature of EPA Ad- ministrator Douglas M. Otstle, I be subject to Presiden- tial approval and would apbly ti II federal agencies which have statutory authority foVpr< ucing or using transuranic elements, or licensing or ri ting such activities. The guidelines would limit e radiation dose the general population may receive f: exposure to transuranic elements to one millirad ear to the lung and three millirad . annually to the (Current Developments, September 21, p. 1197). Single copies of the teafinical feport, EPA 520/4-78-010, are available upon request from Gordon Burley, En vironmental Standards branch Chief. Criteria and Standards Division, Office of Rapiation Programs (ANR-460). EPA, Washington. D.C. 204&0, or telephone (703) 557-8610. General Policy g EPA ADVISOR^PANEL PLANS MEETING TO DISCUSS^ADMIUM REPORT. SLUDGE RULES The ScienceAdvisory Board's study grofe on cadmium in sludges will Jeild a meeting November 7 t\discuss a draft report by tlw Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research apd Development (ORD) on theyiuman health effects on^cadmium (44 FR 61105). The gpup is expected to focus on ORD% support of proposejrinterim regulations for land applicatiomof treatment plant sjodges (Current Developments. Septembeixgl. 1183). ons wishing to attend the meeting, whichfc-ill be held at 9fe.m. in room 2117 of Waterside Mall. 401 ifcst., S.W., W*hington. D.C. 20460. should contact Joel Fisl^r at (202) 2-5444. by November 5. Copies of the health effects document may be obtained rom Richard Marland. in EPA's RID office at (202) 755-2532. Economic Analysis Subcommittee Meeting >`s Economic Analysis Subcommittee also is nugSHfig to me^fc^oyember 20 to prepare a report tqEpfP?n"Tbe Potentialnsle of Economic Analysj^^Environmental Policy" (44 F?S^105). Person wishingTSS^end-gp^bipate, or obtain informa tion concerning the rmpS^which will be held at 9 a.m. in room 1101 West Tto^r at th^tfeove address, should contact Douglas B._r^ron (202) 472-9?ft*^November 16^ Ticals HAZARDS OF PCRt CAliFD OVFRRIOWN CAUSING NEEDLESS DISPOSAL PROBLEMS TAMPA, Fla. -- (By an Environment Reporter staff cor- sy I respondent) -- The hazards of PCBs (polychlorinated (fCJfyc biphenyls) are overblown, causing needless disposal r problems, according to scientists, engineers, and Environ ' mental Protection Agency officials speaking at a hazardous waste management seminar. PCBs are a "political pollutant" -- a substance which_______ EPA, the Food and Drug Administration, or some other federal agency has banned, resulting in no one wanting to touch, or dispose of the material, said John Dickinson, chief of the hazardous waste section of EPA Region IV in Atlanta. Ga. Dickinson told the October 15-19 seminar, sponsored by 1 the Toxic Substances Control Institute, that "political----- pollutants" are ones which can be safely and securely dis posed oi, but ones wmen industry does not want to handle or "take the heat" from society for disposal. Dickinson said the reason for concern about PCBs is that the substance is bioaccumulative and persistent in the en vironment and does not break down into simpler chemicals. Dickinson said, however, that other chemicals are much more dangerous than PCBs, but just have not received the media attention that PCBs have. He said that incineration of PCBs is the "sleeping giant" because EPA has not yet begun evaluating emissions from burning PCBs, and EPA does not know the products of its combustion. PCBs Caught in Political Controversy Dickinson's views were supported by Raymond D. Harbison. director of the toxic substances control laboratory at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Tenn Harhison said PCBs are totally immobile and not carcinogenic to humans. According to Harbison, benzpyrene and other chemicals are far more hazardous to humans and the environment than PCBs and are proven human carcinogens. Harbison pointed to many cases of human ingestion of PCBs without resulting carcinogenic side effects. An April 1979 EPA environmental impact statement and economic impact analysis of the PCB regulations said that PCBs are carcinogenic to rats and mice and "pose a car cinogenic risk to man." "The hysteria and money spent over PCBs are not worththe human health effects." Harbison saidT"I see no reason why we are having problems disposing of PCB." he said in referring to industry problems in obtaining PCB disposal permits because of public opposition to disposal facilities. PCBs. the only substance specifically outlawed by Congress in the Toxic Substances Control Act, are the target of very strict federal disposal regulations. Robert Landmesser. president of Advanced Environmen tal Technology Corp.. Morrisplains. N.J.. recommended that industry gel rid of its transformers and capacitors con taining PCBs as soon as possible. Many seminar participants 1026-79 Copyugh! c 1979 by The Bureau of National Affairs. Inc OOI3 921 1.79/S00 SO DSW 074843 STLCOPCB4022596 1462 ' ENVIRONMENT REPORTER from industry said they had large quantities of PCBs stored onsite and were looking for permanent ways to dispose of the substance. Industry Must Police Itself Industry must police its own hazardous waste transporta tion and disposal activities more than it ever has in the past, according to Landmesser. Landmesser said increased federal enforcement of EPA's soon-to-be released hazardous waste regulations (Current Developments. October 19, p. 1423) and the Department of Transportation's hazardous materials handling rules will be an incentive for industry to police itself to avoid expensive prosecution and violations. According to Landmesser, of all the federal agencies his firm comes in contact with, DOT has the strongest and largest enforcement staff to deal with the hazardous materials handling regulations. He said that DOT intends to upgrade its enforcement staff for the regulations. He said that, because DOT'S hazardous materials handling regulations are strong, consistent, and already on the books, unlike EPA's yet-to-be-released hazardous waste regulations, firms must comply with all aspects of the DOT regulations. "Compliance with DOT'S [hazardous materials handling] regulations is imperative from top to bottom," Landmesser said. Landmesser recommended that industries not mix different types of their wastes into one waste stream. "Classification and separation of materials will be most im portant for offsite disposal," he said. ' Landmesser also said that industry generally has "not had a consistent moral hazardous waste policy." He said in the past industry may have been disposing of its wastes legally under then-existing laws, but quite often industry knew it was polluting groundwater and land and endangering the en vironment (April 13, p. 2326). He said industry has been legally, but not morally, correct in the way it handled hazar dous wastes. Discussions at the seminar also focused on the difficulty of siting" hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. Wilsonville Case Will Have Far-Reaching Effects The recent court decision prohibiting continued operation of Illinois' -Wilsonville hazardous waste landfill, whose 'operation the EPA supported, will have far-reaching effects on the siting and operation of hazardous waste disposal sites, said Jeffrey R. Diver, counsel for environmental affairs of Waste Management. Inc., of Oak Brook. III. Diver said the court decision to keep the site closed under nuisance law (October 5. p. 1277) was based on "very little evidence" that the site posed a potential harm to the area. He said the decision goes far beyond the disposal of hazar dous wastes and is a considerable extension of the principle of nuisance. Diver said that present common tort law is adequate for dealing with causes of actions arising out of hazardous waste disposal and abandoned hazardous waste sites. Wats ution GREAT LAKES'TVAIER QUALITY MAY; RECOVERING MORnnflfrJWJiPLY NOAA Water quality in theG^#s>b^Kes^PSjiljow improvement much faster tjy^zwlfjmaily expected if predTftf^s based on a Nationaf^ceanic and Atmospheric Administraticfh com puter model analysis are accurate. Dr. Steven Chapra of NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan, calculated the largest ofcjt tlte Great Lakes may be cleaner in one-tenth of the tim * licted in earlier studies and Lake Erie may show i pr^yement in less than one year, NOAA said October 21 apra's calculations are based on a model that simul the liffects of phosphorous in the Great Lakes and the results of pollution abatement efforts. NOAA said Chapra includes sedimentation as a natural cleansing mechanism the Vlakes. factor which was ignored in earlier studies!? Although earlier studies concluded it might take centuries for pollution abatement efforts to show water qiHlity im provements in Lake Michigan and Lake Superio^Chapra's studies snbw the longest time for water quality recovery from a dosb of phosphorous is 32 years for Litfe Superior. NOAA saic&Chapra's calculations show Laju? Erie could readjust aftaj phosphorous inflows in less tharp year; Lakes Ontario and Huron would take nearly eight jpars, and Lake Michigan woum take 13 years. gf Chapra calculated that the amount of phosphorous added to Lake Ontario'feas dropped from 16,5003ons a year in 1972 to a current rate\f about 11.000 tons. Qj^rall, he estimated that phosphorous loadings have dropped^bout 25 percent by 1978 after peak loadings experienced.^ the spring of 1973, NOAA said. " * General Policy ADVISORY PANELS LAN MKTINGS ON TOXIC WASTES, ONITjplING PROGRESS Hazardous waste dispi 1 isy&es will be discussed at a two-day meeting to be h the executive committee of the Environmental Protec Agency's Science Advisory Board November 5-6 (44 F. (60157). The committee also will^i briefed by EPA's Office of Research and Developrgtn" Jk on its new policies and procedures for reviewinggjld awarding research grants and cooperative agreements j^Currebt Developments, October 12. p. 1351). Jr The meeting will begiaat 9 a.m.'sm both davs in room 1101 West Tower, 401 M St* S.W., Washington, D.C. Persons wishing tojattend shou^ contact Richard M. Dowd. SAB director .tp] (202) 755-023 by October 29. EnvironmentalJtleasurements C^mirtee Meets The monitoring progress of EPA's Environmental Monitor ing and Support Laboratory in ResearchvTriangle Park will be evaluated at tt^November 13 and 15 tneeting of the En vironmental Measurements Committee (&FR 60157). The meeting tpll begin at 9 a.m. in nfljrn N303 of the laboratory in RTP. N.C. S Persons wishLfig to attend, participate, or o6|ain additional information Jnould contact Douglas Seba^ Executive Secretary on J202) 472-9444 by November 5. \ JTCj nil! Impact Statements ,DSW 074844 CEQ DRAWS UP LIST OF AGENCIES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL JURISDICTION The CoJicil on Environmental Quality October 19 proposed a list of fpderal and federal state agencies, with jurisdiction by law y special expertise on environmental issues i^FR 60353 ).#The list is intended to ease agency compliance with tl]| National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the CEQ Regulations in preparation of environmental impact statements i 44 FR 60353). NMPA regulations define "jurisdiction by law'' in Section 150S.15 as authority to approve, veto, or finance all or part .r* 10*26*79 Environment Reporter 0013-921 l/73-'SOO 50 STLCOPCB4022597 CURRENT REPORT tl MNs claimed to be confidential will be transferred withf Chevron Chemical Company, for 75.2. pounds ve days, the notice said. Jj acephate on rangeland to evaluate control of grasshopj Under the terms of its contract. Walk may not revealao U.S. Soil. Inc., for a mixture of 1,500 pounds of jgethyl .1 one outside the organization the fact that EPA requespd alphaeleostearate Imethyl ester of (E,*J.E,)-9,$i3-oc- eview of a PMN submission. The contractor also rnfist uard from unauthorized disclosure the PMN and aq/in- ` adecatrienoic acidj and xylene on cotton to evaluaypcontrol oKbollweevils. alion generated during its review. Industry Structure said it selected Springbom Laboratories. En- .Conn., to assist in identifying industry ucture, issue: and problems within the markets associ ed with, the and possible substitutes for a PMN ubstance <45 f: 0420). The ency said it will need to disclose Confidential business' nformation to Springborn, but adg?d that any prepared eports that include this infornwlion will be treated a onfidential. EPA said informatics submitted to Springbor; could include chemical idifitity, product formulatio and company identity, as wejfas end use and PMN propi ;y information. " ' Registration The\gency announced the receipt of an application from American Cyanamid Company to register ApiDRO-20 Insecticide\ containing tetrahydro-5, 5-dpiethyl-2(lH)- pyrimidinone (3- [4-(trifluoromethyl) phpylj -1-2- [4(trifluoromelfeyl (phenyl) ethenyl-2-propenjpdine) hydrazone 0.887c. The application proposed to cljffsify the product for use in fire ata control. American Cyan&mid also submittrff an application to register AMDRO fVe Ant Inseeticid&containing the active ingredient tetrahy8K>-5.5-dimetiTMT-2(lH)-pyrimidinone 3- j 4-* trifluommethyl )\henyl]-l-2jf- (trifluoromethyl)- j.nenylj ethenyl)-2-propj'lidenewydrazone 0.887c.. * Crisis tions Pesticides EPA PUBLISl S TOLERANCES, RMITS, RECEIVES N( CES OF CRISIS EMPTIONS The Environm? Protection Ag^pcy July 25-30 received four pesticide ons, acted on ^petitions, and received three notices of c? is exemption EPA announced that noti f crisis exemptions for the use of pesticides in emerge s were received from: California, for the use diStinon on citrus pulp to control vinegar flies. Delaware, for the of ohcrsmethyl to control carrot weevils on carro: New Jersey, for US use of azin osmethyl to control carrot weevils on paqffey. iterance Am merits pacific Exemptions The agency July 3$establish a tolerance for residues of Specific exemptions were granted by agency to the oxamvl on bell pepp at thr parts per million (45 FR following applicants: 50568). ^ Arkansas. Im the use of thiobencarb aloJfe and a tank For further inforrfetion^contact Jay Ellenberger, mixture of Machete and propanil to control wfeeds in rice J Registration Division. GSdici f Pesticide Programs, EPA, fields. 401 M St., S.W., Washii D.C. 20460. Floriday^or the use of ethylene dibromide to cSc trol soy On July 25 EPA propo? f to set maximum levels of pen- bean cyst^outhem root-knot, peanut root-knot, n^niform, dimethalin on potatoes sorghum fodder, forage, and and sting^ematodes on soybeans. grain at 0.1 ppm (45 FR ,500). Ida^b, for the use of acephate to control black vine and Comments may be ser "* ugust 25 to Robert J. Taylor at strawberry root weevils on hops. the above address. Maryland, for the use of fenvalerate to control the Ter [olerances Collado potato beetle on potatoes: The agency renew^ff a temj rary tolerance for the herbieide orvzalin on wfjBt at 0.1 l. The new expiration date is July 9, 1981. Health Hazards `Tolerance Pefejons , Shell ChemicaljiCompany petitwned the agency to set tolerances for Ajyano <3-phenoxhenyl)meihyJ-4-chloro- alpha-(methylethjrl)benzeneacetate|n apples and lettuce at two ppm; tomatoes at 1 ppm. i%at and fat of cattle. goaLs, hogs, horses, sheep, and in at 1 ppm; and the meat byproducts of cattle, goats, ho 0.5 ppm. orses, and sheep at A petitior^felso was submitted by Ame n Cyanamid Com- pany proposing that maximum levels endimethalin on sunflower Meeds be set at 0.01 ppm. Experimental Use Permi Permife to use pesticides in experimen' were issued bv the apSpey to: DSB Packing Corporation, for 3 0 pounds of isobutene acid on grapes to increase yield.1 Forest Service, for 0.5 pound of polyh al inclusion bodies of .V. srnifer nueieopolyhedrosis vi s to evaluate coijlro! of European pine sawflies. ` Dow Chemical Company, for 150 pounds of chlorpyrifos oh cotton to evaluate control of bollworms and bollweevils. BENZENE, ASBPSTOS PCr'fXPOSURF PROBLEr REVIEWED AT HEALTH ASSOCIATION MEETING MILWAUKEE -- (By a BNA special correspondeift) -- The SupremeTrorf should not be ilamed'~foF refusing to lower the benzene standard, because occupational medicine "simply foisted its own statistical uncertainties on the courts." Dr. Irving Selikoff told environmental health professionals July 28. "The court was grappling with the same insecurities we are." the physician from New York's Mt. Sinai Hospital said. "If we were dealing with absolute certainty, the case would never have gotten to the Supreme Court." At the same time. Selikoff declared the numerical stan dards required by the Supreme Court "cannot be acquired" at the present time, and will never be acquired unless in dustry provides worker exposure data to occupational health researchers. "We simply will never determine car cinogenicity without data which only industry has." he S3id. Addressing the National Environmental Health Association's educational conference. Selikoff said he does not believe there is such a thing as a total or absolute Copy'ight e 1980 by The Bureau of National Affairs. Inc 0KS-79?3'BC SOO 5C DSW 074845 STLCOPCB4022598 542' CHEMICAL REGULATION REPORTER threshold level for exposure to cancer-causing agents, but there are certainly practical thresholds. How much residual risk we accept for others depends on ethics and morality," he said. When asked about cost-benefit analysis being applied to occupational exposure levels, he said the "costs should accrue to the same person who will enjoy the benefits,-" and "a worker should not have to put his life on the line." Asbestos Exposure In reviewing his research on asbestos exposure. Selikoff noted that there never will be developed any valid dose-response relationships for low level exposure and family-contact disease, because "nobody does dust counts on shaking out father's clothes after work, or even on such groups as ship repair workers. The data is not there," he said. Selikoff reported the results of a soon-to-be-published study of 282 ship repair workers done by ML Sinai Hospital, which showed that thirty years after presumably low-level exposure to asbestos, approximately 85 percent have abnor mal chest x-rays. He noted that if mesothelioma were not such a rare disease in the general population, its connection with asbestos would probably never have been noticed. There is also a great dearth of data on possible reversal of risk for occupationally exposed workers, he said. It is possible that, by removing workers from benzene exposure when certain benign blood changes occur, their risk of leukemia is lessened in the same way that quitting smoking eventually reverses lung cancer risk, he said, but added this is an almost unexplored field. Benzene Decision Dr. Bailus Walker, Jr., director of health standards programs for the Occupational Safety and Health Ad ministration, told the conference, "It would be a mistake to conclude that the Supreme Court's decision in the benzene case put OSHA on `hold' or in fact completely destroyed the OSHA standard-setting process and related efforts to protect the American workforce." He said, however, the decision may result in a slowdown in the promulgation of standards, since a considerable portion of the agency's resources will have to be diverted to meet the Court's expectations. Walker noted that the decision is simply another impedi ment in' the already "difficult, slow, and contentious" process of standard-setting. In addition, he said "the court did not reject the secretary's conclusion that there is no known safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, that benzene causes leukemia, or that benefits may be derived from reducing exposure to benzene." "The Court did indicate that those conclusions standing alone may not be adequate to sup port regulation." he said. Walker called for additional public health professionals to aid in the enormous data-gathering required, and for full acceptance of environmental health personnel in the com munity health profession. Full acceptance is essential, he said, because "80 to 90 percent of the illnesses recognized and dealt with by private and public health services are en vironmentally or occupationally related." Risk Assessment Connecticut Department of Health official Anthony Sardinas told the group on July 29 that environmental health professionals should get out of the business of giving the public advice and get back into the business of gathering and evaluating data. / "All the courts are interested in, and all we should be in(terested in, is what happens to people as a result of the sea of jcarcinogens we live in." Sardinas declared. / In spite of millions of r^n^rc cp^nf on eliminating PCRs j from food and other contaminating sources and considerable I public confusion. Sardinas said there is no conclusive data showing that PCBs are indeed carcinogenic. Similarly, he said,"a study his department has just completed of its handl ing of complaints about the installation of urea-for maldehyde foam insulation has shown that the state program has been completely ineffective in diminishing either the rate at which problems occur, or their severity. His findings also indicate that health effects from the in stallation linger for an average of 2.3 years after, he said, and hypersensitivity to formaldehyde may last for much longer. Society would be able to evaluate risk and prioritize its goals more efficiently if epidemiology concentrated on its basic function -- that of data management, according to Sar dinas. Epidemiology should be capable of integrating com plex data from all fields into a risk assessment schedule, he said. Since the resources allotted to public and occupational health are severely limited, priorities must be assigned on the basis of data available. . Data on the long-term effects of chemicals need not be ex pensive to. gather, he maintained. Connecticut is currently undertaking a study of blood by-products, particularly triglyceride by-products from samples drawn from local ,* fisherman who habituallv eat fish from the state's rivers, / and therefore ingest low levels of PCBs. Sardinas said he ex\. pects the results to be released early next year. "It should J help us determine what the risks are of eating five to 10 fish / a week which are contaminated with PCBs," he said. Such studies are neither expensive, nor hard to perform, j he insisted, and they offer an excellent opportunity for local and county health departments to become involved in the research effort. The role of local municipalities in en vironmental health efforts is often unclear. Sardinas said, when in fact they are often the ideal source for the long-term data that is needed. FDA's Role The issues raised by last year's PCB contamination of animal and poultry feed in a Billings Mont., mill have not been resolved, although the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies have made some procedural changes, ac cording to Dr. Sanford Miller, director of FDA's Bureau of Foods. Although the contamination was discovered during a routine safety inspection, the fact that the annual inspection occurred during the contamination episode was "just plain luck," Miller said. The issues have not been resolved because of the limited resources and uncertain effects in volved, he added. The clean-up effort has stimulated a more efficient inter agency communication system, greater cooperation between the FDA. Environmental Protection Agency, and ; /'liSDA's Food Safety and Quality Service, and a greater : / awareness of the hazards of PCBs in general, he said. The \ V agencies involved are seekitTg"to "remove electrical equip- j \ ment containing PCBs from food handling, servicing and ! j packing areas, to prevent further accidents, he said, but political and economic pressures have made this a difficult / and slow process. ' Chiefly, the episode has resulted in a reexamination of FDA's responsibility in matters "affecting the public health." Miller said. "We recognize that we are no longer concerned solely with the quantity of life affected, but also with its quality." he said. r ^8-1-80 Chemical Reoulaxion Reporter 01*8-7973 83 SCO 50 DSW 074846 STLCOPCB4022599