Document oe2mKRENLn5ZgNbGRvrpxn8D8

.../ BCC D. F. Smith - St. Louis ( November 30, 1961 Mr, Bruce Smith General Electric Company Evendale - Building 700 Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Mr. Smith1 Mr. Q. V. McKinney of our Cincinnati office has asked me to forward data and comments concerning the toxicity of our industrial fluids Pydraul P-9 and PydraulA-200, Enoloeed are two sheets summarising the animal toxioity data and known human experience with these fluids. Mr. McKinney mentioned that you were interested specifically in the toxioity of the vapors of these fluids and secondly, in the possible hazards resulting from skin contact. As indicated in the enclosures, exposures to high concentra tions of vapors for a short period do not constitute a serious hazard. At normal temperatures, the vapor pressures of the fluids are suoh that little vapor is present in the atmosphere, when the fluids are in a system under pressure and at elevated temperatures, economical and effiolent use of the fluids dic tates minimum leakage be allowed during normal operations. In the event of a system failure suoh that the fluid is sprayed as a mist, either into the atmosphere or against molten metal or hot surfaces, the toxioity hazard is not serious since the concentrations of the mist, vapors and/or decomposition products would be discomforting to the degree that workmen would not voluntarily expose themselves for sufficiently long periods to experlenos a serious toxie effect. In regard to skin oontaot, the possible reaction following pro longed and repeated skin exposure is more apt to be one where the fluids have aeted as a good solvent, much like a common paint thinner or remover, bike many organic liquids, these DSW 018792 STLCOPCB4005336 Mr. Bruce Smith - Page 2 - November 30, 1961 fluids can dissolve the natural oils and fats on the surface of the skin, leading to drying and craoklng. For this reason, we recommend that prolonged skin oontact be avoided. Although we have not made a oomplete ohemical analysis of the decomposition products when either fluid is thermally decom posed, the survival of animals in suitable exposure chambers to massive concentrations of vapors, smoke and decomposition produots indicates that phosgene is not a major component of ouch decomposition produots. Depending on the conditions of pyrolysis or decomposition, the products inolude carbon mon oxide, carbon dioxide, v/ator vapor and aldehydes, such as one would expect with the decomposition of any complex organlo compound. The only significant additional product would be hydrochlorio aoid. This may add to the acrid and irritating properties of the decomposition products and may be accountable for its discomforting or unpleasant effect on the nose and throat. For practical purposes, this could be considered an advantage in that the Irritation limits the amount of exposure that any person would experience. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know. Very truly yours. Elmer P. Wheeler Assistant Director Medical Department EPW:dh Enclosures 2 cc Mr. (Jordon W, McKinney Monsanto Chemloal Company 2330 Viotory Parkway Cincinnati 6, Ohio DSW 018793 STLCOPCB4005337