Document wgE7xz0j9z2zX1dNkp81jGk9J
c ( 10/29/69
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PCS POLLUTION
PROBLEM:
Contamination of ecosystem with polychlorinated biphenyls. (PCS)
PROBLEM DEFINITION AND TIMING: .
Professors Widmark and Jensen of the Institute of Analytical Chemistry at Stockholm, Sweden in Nov. 1966, announced and confirmed finding PCS in fish, birds, and eggs. Subsequent findings were made in 1967 in Great Britain. Problem was first presented in the U. S. by Professor Rlsebrough of the University of California In a published article In the San Francisco Cronicle in February, 19^9. Monsanto
'confirmed PCB's in mld-1969 and confirmed the adequacy
of work by VIdmark and Jensen and others -- a world wide ecological problem.
CONFIRMATION OF FINDINGS:
Analysis Indicates presence of 5 and higher chlori nated biphenyls (similar to Aroclors 1254 and 126c). 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. Fish - Marine or aquatic species concentrate PCS in the fatty tissue. Toxic la small quantities (down to 5 ppb) to sensitive marine life such as shrimp
2. Birds Predatory species feeding ont he marine
or aquatic life can further concentrate PCS to possible harmful affects. Specifically In birds. PCS can effect the calcium metabolism leading to egg shell imperfections which prevents proper
hatch of the young.
EXHIBIT
STR 018891
WATER PCB-SD0000005874
3* Man - There is no harmful effect known to man or other mammals after 40-years of production.
4. Political and Public Emotion - PCB's linked to EDF because PCB's show up in analyses for DDT. Linked with other permanent chlorinated hydro carbon pesticides.
EFFECT OK MONSANTO:
.
1. Business potential at stake on a world-wide basis:
Fluids
Plasticizers
Total/Year
104 Lbs.
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 end transformers.
2. Affects food processing.
3. Affects die casters and other "hot metal" wor&ng industries.
4. Affects wide range of plastics and adhesive
applications.
5. Affects wide rang of paints and eoatings.
EFFECT OH OTHER PRODUCERS: Tbere are at least six other producers of PCB's ex-USA. Monsanto has discussed problem with two in Europe. No great concern there yet.
STR 018892
WATER PCB-SD0000005875
{( \ 3-
MAIN SOPHCSS OP POLLUTION:
Difficult to define, but Aroclor 125^ and 1260 are used in electrical devices, heat transfer, plastics, adhesives, coatings, and industrial fluids. Other Aroclors contain minor percentages of 5 and 6 chlorine ring structures. Manufacturing plants also a vulnerable contributing factor, but less significant in quantity than customer or end user loses.
POSSIBLE CONTROL OP CONTAMINATION\
- Electrical and heat transfer - possible to control with effort and reclamation.
- Industrial fluids, plasties, coatings and adhesives are very difficult, if not impossible to control. Substitute products needed.
MONSANTO PITTS IDE STATEMENTS:
" Letter sent to electrical customers regarding problem.
- Monsanto Public Relations statement attached.
MONSANTO POTURg ACTION?
Presentation to GDC reviewing subject and future plan
of action by November IT, 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 customer " clean-up and control" required and cost.
3. Biodegradability of Aroclors.
ST* 01*
WATER PCB-SD0000005876
l| | i i<H i f r iiF 11*'! * 1*
r ' ' " | V* !
cc
4. Toxicity studies. 5. Alternative routes. 6. Recommended approach. 7. ' Appropriation request to cover capital and
expenses required. .
Ol&8<5* i si*
1
it WATER PCB-SD0000005877