Document qmB5gRgEZ5wyxMZp31jBmzm2x

Monsanto MONSANTO POLYMERS & PETROCHEMICALS CO. 730 Worcester Street Indian Orchard, Massachusetts OLOSL. QH51 Phone: (43) 78B-69I1 May 6, 1976 Mr. Harold Bavley, P. E. Director Division of Occupational Hygiene Massachusetts Department of labor & Industries 39 Boylston Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116 Dear Mr. Bavley: On Tuesday, April 20, 1976, I visited your office for the purpose of reviewing all information which had been accumulated relative to a review of the incidence of cancer among former Monsanto-Springfield employees. Since you were not present, I met with Mr. Leonard Pagnatto, who provided me with a listing of 320 names of alleged Monsanto-Sprlngfield employees, 60 death certificates, plus copies of certain memoranda on this matter. I was extremely surprised and disappointed that the file contained no background analysis relating to Dr. Lewis' review and his preliminary conclusions relat ing to the incidence of cancer of former Monsanto-Springfield employees. In view of the comments which Dr. Lewis has apparently made to the news media, I expected the file to contain a substantially greater amount of information and reasoned analyses. We are very concerned over any allegations suggest ing that hazardous conditions exist at our plant site and feel they should not be made unless supported by sound analysis and documentation. Presently ve are engaged in a joint and cooperative effort directly with NI0SH to study the incidence of cancer among former Monsanto-Springfield employees. Further, we are deeply interested in maintaining a healthful and safe environ ment for our employees and, therefore, it is important that all information concerning this matter reach us directly and immediately. Therefore, I am again requesting that you immediately collect any and all such background analysis, etc. which relates to this subject and advise me as soon as this has been accomplished so we can make arrangements to receive same. I will be awaiting to hear from you on this important subject, and meanwhile we will continue to cooperate directly with NIQSH on this matter. CC: Paul E. Bureau Personnel Manager G. M. Ellsworth Nicholad Roussos, Commissioner Howard Smith, Sec. Economic Affairs a urnt of Monsanto Company A. Guidi - St.,Louis P. S*5 . PPaarrkk * G, Roush G. L. Smith