Document pmNJeqBB5drqo8rn3XOKzkG4d

I ) tft April 13, 1970 Dr. Harry V/. Hayec , *. \ .. Director *?*** ` Posit icicle Peculation/; Division Agricultural Research Service .- U. S* Department of Agriculture . YJashington, D C. ' .. ^ Daar Dr. Hayesj " ' * Perhaps you are familiar v/ith the current widespread interest in polychlorinated biphenyls ancl their re ported presence in the ecosystem. There are d number of publications that indicate one possible source is the use of those materials in pesticide formulations. Xn the early 1950'0 there were several publications /see. enclosed copies of two) which indicated that "chlorinated polyphenyls" improve the residual affect of lindane and possibly chlordanc, To our knowledge 'there was never any recommendation by anyone for thoir use on food or other crops. The principal ..application was to spray metal or painted surfaces to increase the offectivoncss of the active pesticide against flies, ants, roaches, silvorfish, etc. For a number `of years our technical bulletins con tained references to reports by U. S. Department of Agriculture scientists that this type of application improved the residual characteristics of insecticides. To our knowledge this usage of the chlorinated bi- phenyls never developed to a significant degreo. ' Perhaps you are aware that Monsanto is the sole pro ducer of polychlorinated biphenyls in the United States. Our products are trademarked Aroelors. The polychlorinated biphenyls are represented by our . /troclor 1200 series, e.g. Aroclor 125^ is biphenyl chlorinated to the extent of .i hs DSW 338190 STLCOPCB4082030 I * ' ' ** ** ' /..rU 13, 1970"' TOC l'wo i) * s / Xfc is possible that tome pesticide formulators are purchasing; -from our distributors our chlorinated biphenyls forinclusion in .their formulations, In view of the concern over the prenonce in tho envir onment of persistent chlorinefed hydrocarbons, wo believe that the chlorinated biphenyls should no lon^01' '00 uooci in ouch fo.i\mulations', . V7c oak, therefore, os your department considers the . re-).'Of'i strati oh of pesticide formulation a, that * critical attention be given to tho presence of these materials* . . VJc will be happy to discuss this further with you either by letter or personally. Very truly yours, ' - ` REK;ju Enclosures . : R, Emmet Kelly, K, X>. -Medical Director . ._ . *- ' ' *. . ' * ' * . / l pSW 33819^ STLCOPCB4082031