Document r7oXx54qprXRBBmVNYbJLkmV

MIDDLETOWN, N. Y. TIMES HERALD RECORD D. 45.349 SUN. 41.Y20 DEC 14 1975 4T* Chemical's usage causes clash /NEW YORK (UPI) -- nvlromentausts and Industry spokesmen clsshed Frtdty at a public hearing over whether a group of chemicals used primarily in electrical equipment should be banned from the market. The chemicals are known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and are used in elecfrlhaf transformers and capacitators because they are non-flammable. Use of the controversial chemlcats was debated at an all-day hearing held by State Attorney General Louis Lefkowltz at his World Trade Center officqi LefkowlU uhl be *u seektna to determine whether legislation should be developed to regulate the ale* uae and manufacture of PCBs In the state. A Lefkowits aide Is expected to submit recommendations to the next session of the legislature. The environmentalists called either for the total banning of PCBs or a gradual phasing out of Uielr usage, charging PCBs have been found to cause birth defects and other abnormalities in fish and birds, as well as cancer in rats. They also urged further study of the effects of PCB on the ' Industry spokesmu._________ that PCBs mould not be hm-td until suitable substitutes cun be A. Karim Ahmed, of the non profit Natural Resources Defense Council in Manhattan, said one of the problem areas in the state was the Hudson River, which is known to have high PCB levels. The state's Environmental Conservation Department Is holding enforcement hearings to stop two General Electric plants near Saratoga from dumping PCBs into the Hudson River. ------------------------------------------------------ --"V MOWS 033154