Document p2vqKDg6Mjj0XwXdR2b83pgQw

BFG AKRON CHEMICAL PLANT General Information Regarding FyC-Angiosarcoma* at BFG Louisville Plant and Environment _________________ at BFG Akron Plant__________ Most employees here are aware of the Company's discovery of employee deaths at the Louisville (KT) Chemical Plant from a rare liver cancer (ie; angiosarcoma) and investigation into the possible occupational relationships thereto of chlorinated hydrocarbons used in the production of PVC resins. Some PVC resins were produced in Akron on a pilot plant basis in the late 1930's and early 19i|.0's, but none have been pro duced here since that time. BFG Akron has furnished names of deceased employees, both wage and salary, to be used in epidemiological studies being con ducted. PVC resins axe not manufactured in the Akron Plant, and there is no known connection between the discoveries made at the BFG Louisville Plant and this plant. 03/2S/7U CVJ r H 22976001 BFG AKRON CHEMICAL PLANT General Information Regarding Apparent Blood Abnormality and Liver Disorder Findings Among BFG Louisville PIany Hycar Workers and Possible Connection With Hycar Workers in the Akron Plant Following the announcement of a possible occupational relationship between the deaths from angiosarcoma and chlorinated hydrocarbons used in production of FVC at the Louisville Plant, reports were received that various blood abnor malities and liver disorders had been discovered among Hycar workers there. Upon the discovery of the deaths from angiosarcoma, an extensive physical exam ination program was conducted among all Louisville Plant FVC workers. To serve as a control group, approximately 205 Louisville Plant Hycar workers were also examined. Approximately 2$% of these Hycar workers tested were found to have one of a varied number of types of blood abnormality and/or liver disorders. Approximately 5% were found to have at least two or more varied types of these conditions. The types of blood abnormalities and/or liver disorders among Louisville Hycar workers were so varied that no conclusive connection could be drawn as to a causative relationship with exposure to the monomers used in producing the Hycar rubbers. No positive signs of cancer were found. Additional tests are being conducted on employees affected so as to provide more definitive medical infor mation. Of the BFG locations producing Hycar and other synthetio rubbers, only Louisville Hycar workers have undergone a broad program of testing for blood abnormalities and liver disorders. The decision to conduct such examinations elsewhere (including Akron) is being withheld until definitive medical information is obtained as to exactly what type of tests are needed, if any. To conduct further tests in other plants without more positive medical information would only serve as a source for confusion. Monitoring of all systems and precautionary safety activities relating to Hycar production in the Akron Plant have been stepped up. 03/25/74 CVJ T '"H 22976002 BFG AKRON CHEMICAL PLANT General Information Regarding Temporary Curtailment of Agerite White (ARW) Production _________________ at the BFG Akron Plant - On January 29, 1971+ the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor issued new standards on allowable levels of conoentration and exposures to beta naphthylamine (BNA). The ,now standards whioh beoame effootivo Maroh 1 197U reduood the throsh- hold standards from 1JX, (ioi 10,000 PPM) to ono-tonth of 1JK> (io 1,000 PPM). BNA is listod by OSIIA as a known bladder oaroinogen. - Dota Naphthylamino (BNA) is present in the manufacture of Agorite White (AKW) and PBNA. Poriodio testing of the production prooessos revealed BNA levels to be well within the old standard. However, reoent tests revealed BNA levels to be in excess of the new standard at oertain sta tions of the AEW production process. The PBNA process remains well with in the new standard. - On March 1, 1971+ "the AEW production process was shut down temporarily to prepare the operation for experimental runs whioh were developed by BPG technical and scientific personnel. - Cleaning and preparation of the AEW system has been conducted under strict surveillance including wearing of protective clothing and air ventilation respirators by direct workers. - The expected outcome is to modify the AEW manufacturing process so as to exceed prescribed health and safety standards as well as to continue to meet customer quality and quantity requirements. - Modifications have been effeoted, and the prooess is now baok in operation with BNA levels well within speoifioation at all stations of the oystom. Careful monitoring is continuing so as to further refine the production prooess. 03/25/71+ CVJ T '"H 22976003