Document wr5mKGoXDboNJeOpBaYyYrV8D

STAN I: O K D KliSE A R C II I N S T IT U T li MEXIO I'ARK, CAliror.NIA V-iOIJ Hay 3, 19SS Dr. William H. Hunt Medical Department Monsanto Chemical Company COO North Lindborg Street St. Louis, Missouri G310S _ . . ' Dear Dr. Hunt: . During a visit with the stnif of the Manufacturing Chemists Association in Washington a fev; months ago, the issue of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds confusing pesticide residue analyses of fish and game came up for discussion. The problems that these compounds can create in the analysis of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide residues is well known to you, I am sure V.'o were stimulated to investigate the biological activity of ' PCB's because of the possible role they might play in environmental health matters. The paper by Holmes, ct al., published in Naturo ' [216, No. Ml2, page 227 (1967)] presented data on the levels oi roll's iouno in British fish hud wildlife. . Hr, Hicks of vour Organic Chemicals Division in Santa Clara, California, was kind enough to supply us with Aroclors 122, 1248, and 1254 a few weeks ago. V.'e also requested a supply of Aroclor 5460 which we assume will arrive in the near future. V.'o have studied Aroclor 1242 and found it to have an LDS0 of SS ppm (34-99 ppm) to goldfish at 15C in a 96-liour exposure period. At higher water temperatures, this Aroclor is considerably more toxic. Other studies are in progress at present. . In studies with Japanese quail, Aroclor 1242 was included in a practical diet for nine days, but caused no toxic signs at levels we had expected to bo lethal. At the end of the feeding period, control and treated birds were studied to determine if there was a difference in barbituate sleeping tines. To our surprise, there was a marked decrease in the sleeping time of treated birds as compared to controls. This suggests to us that Aroclor may 0631166 PCB-ARCH0745655 have stimulated enzyme induction in the dielotlcally treated birds and that the Aroclors are not biologically Inert as may have been previously assumed. Vo are suggesting for your consideration, that this v.ork be expanded along the following lines: 1. Determine the I.D50 of Aroclor 1212 to fish at several temperatures to find the extent of its acute toxicity . variability. 2. Obtain LD5(>'s (95-hour exposuro) with goldfish at 15C for other Aroclors, namely 124S, 1251, and 5460. 3. Obtain dietary LDS0 valuer. (7-day exposure) on Japanese quail for these four compounds. Investigate the enzyme induction activity of Aroclors 1248, 1254, and 5460 by the barbituate sleeptime technique and compare their relative effect with that of 1242. . We would prefer to undertake the type of work suggested hero in ' cooperation with Monsanto rather than seek government support. Since government agencies are already concerned with Aroclors and investigating them with regard to fish and wildlife hazards, we could offer you comparative data. . You are undoubtedly familiar with the publications from our labora tory involving the use of Japanese quail in pesticide studies. Our experience with this bird goes back quite a few years. Vie feel competent to conduct not only growth, but reproduction and tissue analyses with these birds, if you so desire. We are currently expanding the facilities of our fish toxin research laboratory so that' it may be of benefit to both government and industry in the establishment of hazard information. Last week I spent a day with Dr. Donald I. Mount, Director of the new FV.'PCA' Fresh Water Quality Laboratory in Duluth. This is an active research center. Mount is directing studies which 1 am sure will produco important information for industry, determining the quality criteria not only of effluent water which comes from plants into public streams and rivers, but also the quality of inflowing industrial water. I will be on the East Coast May 23rd and 24th, but could stop by to seo you and Dr. Emmett Kelley if you desire to discuss our work and suggestions. Otherwise, wo await with interest your rea'ctions to the suggested investigations outlined here. With kind personal regards, . . re: J. Clean Kiel: Gordon \!. Newell, Chairman Department of Agricultural and Environmental Toxicology 0631167 PCB-ARCH0745656