Document x144J5ZxjxX2vNrRZE2jxRR4Q

P1ESS RELEASE Monsanto announces initial results of Health Study Program Tha Monsanto Springfield Plane has conducted a special haaleh study program for all employees who had baan exposed to asbastos In its phandle manufacturing oparaelon during tha pariod 1941 - 1939. Aabascos has not baan uaad at tha plane In product manufacture sinca that pariod. X-rays of chasa employees vara axaalnad by a racognirad medical axpart In tha flald of asbastos ralatad lllnass. His findings coneludad that of tha 213 aaployaas in cha plane vhosa X-rays vara studlad, 23 shovad soaa signs which any ba indicative of affaets assoclaead with asbastos exposure, 131 vara found to be free of such asbeseos affects. Films of 64 employees vara judged by the consultant to ba technically inadequate for this evaluation and new X-rays will ba required. The following measures are being taken for eaployea protection by Monsanto: Tha 23 involved employees are being immediately contacted by the plant physician and informed of their X-ray results and further action which will ba taken for their protection. all other concerned employees in cha study era being contacted to Inform Cham that either they are free of any such signs or chat they will require repeat X-rays. Tha initial health study Is being broadened to include former aaployaas. Tha study is being extended further in conjunction with tha racoBoandatlons of cha medical expert and cha Monsanto Department of Medicine and Environmental Health. Monsanto has given the study information to Union officials and appropriate Federal and State Authorities. 1/26/79 UCC 085671