Document o95NqqwQyb5Q5z9ZxzOZ9XbGr

MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION 1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE. N.W, : WASHINGTON, D C 20009 (202) 483-6126 Maf:ch 17, 1976 MAR 2 3 19/6 TO: SUBJECT: I I Technical Panel on Vinyl Chloride Research i Ballot on Dow protocol forj continued metabolism studies and other items ACTION The subject protocol was distributed to the Panel with Dr. T. R. Torkelson's cover letter to me Fejbruary 24th. Please note it is anticipated that an equivalent of two man-years plus necessary support personnel will be required for the studies. This amounts to 115,000 dollars over a one year period. Enclosed is a letter ballot to be completed and returned to me by April 14th indicating whether you favor recommending this proposal to management contacts for funding. REFERENCES - ENCLOSED 1. Report on "Genetic Risks oi Vinyl chloride" by P. F. Infante et al of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health plus descriptive background |n Wall Street Journal article of February 5th. 2. Key sections of report froif Midwest Research Institute sponsored by EPA on "Sampling and Analysis of Selected Toxic Substances". It should be noted th^t measurable levels of vinyl chloride were found only during and after application with a speci fic latex paint. 3. Laneet article of November 29, 1975, "Congenital Malforma tions and Vinyl Chloride" transmitted by Dr. T. R. Torkelson. . 4. Article on "Mortality Study of Workers in a Polyvinyl chloride Production Plant" by B. W. Duck et al, in Lancet, December 13, 1975. This was also obtained by courtesy of Dr. T. R. Tork Ison. 5. "VCM Regulation in Japan" Supplied by Mr. R. N. Wheeler, Jr. 6. Key sections of EPA report of January 1976 on "Dynamic Behavior of Vinyl Chloride in Aquatic Ecosystems". 7. At a meeting February 17 ujider National Research Council SL 096443 auspices on the topic of informing wojrkers about cancer risks, Mr. Barry Castleman of The Environmental defense Fund criticized the MCAadministered epidemiological study on! vinyl chloride workers. The thrust of his remarks are stated in the enclosed reprint from New Engineer, March 1976. A response by pr. W. C. Cooper of Tabershaw/ Cooper Associates, (now Equitable Environmental Health, Inc.) is also enclosed. REPORT ON GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES ; Dr, William Marcus of EPA's Offijce of Toxic Substances reported to the Project Manager on Jahuary 22nd the outlines of a planned epidemiology study. It is expected that this task will be undertaken by the American Public Heajlth Association with Dr. M. Landau as principal investigator. Th|e study population is expected to consist of women between the ages lof thirty-five and forty-five plus their children living near a poljyviny 1-chloride plant. Tests to be conducted will include a complete physical, enzyme effects, and x-rays of the hands. Also, an ultrasound technique recently developed in England for examining th|e liver is to be validated with exposed vinyl chloride workers, (positive control), and used in this study. This work has already been fgnded. In addition, animals grazing in the vicinity of a vinyl chloride plant will be examined for the presence of the monomer in the resulting meat for human consumption. In a related study on laboratory animals at Midwest Research Institute (MRI), one objective is to |find the highest dosage level without maternal effects. Dr. I. J. iSelikoff has agreed to grow the pups from these exposed animals, when available, and look for possible transplacental carcinogenicity in about fifty litters. Some thought is being given to cross fostering, that is switching mothers and litters. Also, consideration is being given to conducting.behavioral studies following vinyl chloride exposure, since they (Axe so sensitive, using separate animals. Sincerely, Milton Freifeld jf Project Manager SL 096444