Document rmnExpazwq1bYwvVKd6Vdymr

BPS AEBQN CHEMICAL PLANT General Information Regarding FVC-Angiosarcoma' at BPG Louisville Plant and Environment at 'RPC ATrrem 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 FVC resins. Some FVC resins were produced in Akron on a pilot plant basis in the late 1930's and early I9I4O' s, but none have been pro duced here since that time. BPG Akron has furnished names of deceased employees, both wage and salary, to be used in epidemiological studies being con ducted. FVC resins are not manufactured in the Akron Plant, and there is no known connection between the discoveries made at the BPG Louisville Plant and this plant. 03/25/74 CVJ BFG02902 20299001 SPGr 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 PVC 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 PVC workers. To serve as a control group, approximately 205 Louisville Plant Hycar workers were also examined. Approximately 25% 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 BPG locations producing Hycar and other synthetic 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 BFG02903 20299002 HEX; AKRON CHEMICAL PLANT General Information Regarding Temporary Curtailment of Agerite White (AHW) Production ______________ at the BPG Akron Plant______ - On January 29* 1974 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSEA) of the U.S. Department of Labor issued new standards on allowable levels of concentration and exposures to beta naphthylamine (BNA). The now standards whioh became effeotivo March 1, 1974 reduced the throshhold standards from 196 (ioi 10,000 PPM) to one-tenth of ljXi (ioi 1,000 PM). DNA is listod by OSHA as a known bladder oaroinogen. - Beta Naphthylamine (BNA) is present in the manufacture of Agerite White (AHW) and PBNA. Poriodio testing of the production processes revealed BNA lavels to be well within the old standard. However, reoent tests revealed BNA levels to be in excess of the new standard at certain sta tions of the AHW production process. The PBNA process remains well with in the new standard. - On March 1, 1974 the AHW production process was shut down temporarily to prepare the operation for experimental runs which were developed by BPG technical and scientific personnel. - Cleaning and preparation of the AHW 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 AHW 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 back in operation with BNA levels well within specification at all stations of the system. Careful monitoring is continuing so as to further refine the production prooess. 03/25/74 CVJ BFG02904 20299003