Document rpQD79kedRp134yDpx590L0Lv

10/29/69 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PCB POLLUTION PROBLEM: Contamination of ecosystem with polychlorinated biphenyls. (PCB) PROBLEM DEFINITION AND TIMING: Professors Widmark and Jensen of the Institute of Analytical Chemistry at Stockholm, Sweden in Nov. 1966, announced and confirmed finding PCB in fish, birds, and eggs. Subsequent findings were made in 1967 in Great Britain. Problem was first presented in the U.S. by Professor Risebrough of the University of California in a published article in the San Francisco Cronicle in February, 1969. Monsanto confirmed PCB's in mid-1969 and confirmed the adequacy of work by Widmark and JenDen and others -- a world wide ecological problem. CONFIRMATION OF FINDINGS: Analysis indicates presence of 5 and higher chlori nated biphenyls (similar to Aroclors 125t and 1260). Other Aroclors may contribute, but have not been identified yet. In the last six months, PCB's have been reported present in waters in Lake Michigan, fish in Connecticut, and seafood along the Gulf Coast, also waters outside Monsanto plants. SERIOUSNESS OF PROBLEM:1 2 1. Fish - Marine or aquatic species concentrate PCB In the fatty tissue. Toxic in small quantities (down to 5 ppb) to sensitive marine life such as Bhrlmp. 2. Birds - Predatory species feeding on the marine or aquatic life can further concentrate PCB to possible harmful effects. Specifically in birds, PCB can effect the calcium metabolism leading to egg shell imperfections which prevents proper hatch of the young. HUNS 036710 2- 3. Man - There Is no harmful effect known to man or other mammals after 40-years of production. 4. Politlcal_and Public Emotion - PCB's linked to T>Elir'becau8e P"CKrs sHow up in analyses for DDT. Linked with other permanent chlorinated hydro carbon pesticides. EFFECT ON MONSANTO: 1. Business potential at stake on a world-wide basis: Fluids Plasticizers Total/Year 0 ST Lbs. H6 IT ;6-8 M QP 34 IT Lbs. 16 IT $2-3 M QP 104 M Lbs. 422 IT $8-11 W Gross Profit 2. Legal responsibility. 3. Public image. 4. Effect on other product areas. EFFECT ON CUSTOMERS AND ULTIMATE CONSUMERS: 1. Affects entire electrical industry - capacitors and transformers. 2. Affects food processing. 3. Affects die casters and other "hot metal" working industries. 4. Affects wide range of plastics and adhesive applications. - 5. Affects wide range of paints and coatings. EFFECT ON OTHER PRODUCERS: There are at loa3t six other producers of PCB'c ex-USA. Monsanto has discussed problem with two in Europe. No great concern there yet. MQNS 036711 -3- MAIN SOURCES OF POLLUTION: Difficult to define, but Aroclor 125^ and 1260 are used in electrical devices, heat transfer, plastics, adhesives, coatings, and industrial fluids. Other Aroolors contain minor percentages of 5 and 6 chlorine ring structures. Manufacturing plants also a vulnerable contributing factor, but less significant Tn quantity than customer or end user loses. POSSIBLE CONTROL OP CONTAMINATION; - Electrical and heat transfer - possible to control with effort and reclamation. - Industrial fluids, plastics, coatings and adhesives are very difficult, if not impossible to control. Substitute products needed. MONSANTO OUTSIDE STATEMENTS: - Letter sent to electrical customers regarding problem. - Monsanto Public Relations statement attached. MONSANTO FUTURE ACTION: Presentation to CDC reviewing subject and future plan of action by November 17 1969. This will define a program to 'determine what is necessary in various product areas to meet the problem. 1. Research and Engineering needed and cost. 2. Plant and ouetomer "clean-up and control" required and cost. 3. Biodegradability of Aroclors. MONS 036712 -1*- Toxicity studies. Alternative routes. Recommended approach. Appropriation request to cover capital and expenses required. -ti mqns 036H3