Document vB54vzZLYeGMNZ9ZqBd827NME

University of Wisconsin WATER CHEMISTRY LABORATORY MADISON, WISCONSIN 53706 262-2470 AREA CODE 60S March 26, 1969 Dr. R. D. Swisher, Research Group Leader Monsanto Company 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard St. Louis, Missouri 63166 . Dear Dr. Swisher: I am writing you to ask for your assistance in establishing contacts within Monsanto with individuals who are working on environmental pollution with PCB (polychlorobiphenyl) compounds. As you no doubt are aware, some of the published and soon to be published reports implicate Monsanto's arochlors as being a general environmental pollutant which may be of biological signi ficance. The information available to date is largely circumstantial. However, we feel that there is sufficient information available to warrant our initiation of a study in this area. Specifically, we would want Ixrattempt to isolate, identify and otherwise characterize the compounds which are consistently showing up in gas chromatograph chromatograms of fish and birds. Once \ye are certain that these compounds are likely to be industrial pollutants, then we would initiate a study on the aqueous environmental chemistry of these compounds, i. e., where do they come from? what happens to them in natural waters and sediments, etc? I feel that representatives of Monsanto could save us some time and effort by providing us with information on the use of the various arochlors which are likely to become environmental pollutants ? What is known about the composition of the mixtures, etc? We would be interested in meeting with a representative of Monsanto to discuss this problem. GFL/js DSW 201055 STLCOPCB4059119 Mr. E. 6. Fowell Account Executive Birr Wilson Inc. P. 0. Box 1012 Walnut Creek, California 94596 tear Mr. Powellt v /- ' <; t. ' ; 1 ' j Roy Brandenburger asked that X send you some information regarding the alleged threat to wildlife by polychlorinated biphenyls (FCB). X presume your questions relate to the story which appeared in the February 24 issue of the San Francisco Chronicle. Unfortunately, the deadline of the writer did not permit Monsanto's reply to appear in this story. Attached is a statement with some facts which should have been presented. As you may know, a number of scientists are studying several types of residues which appear in our environment; this primarily involves DOT pesticide. Of course the commercial impact of such studies is unknown at present. The involve ment of FCB is an even more marginal matter. We have some doubt that Dr. Elsebrough properly identified the residues and would seriously question bow that amount of conaercially produced FCB could appear in the environment. At this stage, we do not believe these reports pose any serious implications for Monsanto. These initial scientific studies will have to be evaluated extensively before the complete truth of the matter is known. ... Sincerely, Tom C. Ford Manager Divisional Public Relations TCF now Enclosure DSW20i056 cc: Mr. E. L. Brandenburger STLCOPCB4059120