Document ykQRNqXnD7pj1gjqOpXLpMM7V

NEWS FOR RELEASE Monsanto E. V. John (314) 694-2891 ,,T> MONSANTO REPLIES " TO CHARGE THAT PP<CB THREATENS ENVIRONMENT / ST. LOUIS, April 10 -- Monsanto Coopany aald coday 1C waa wall aware of the concern over poaalbla environmental contamination by polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), an Industrial chemical made by the company. The company began a a lx-point program In 1968 to properly Identify and measure PCB In the environment. Steps have been taken to strictly control use of the chemical and replace those grades of PCB which linger In nature. Monsanto's statement came in response to charges by Congreesman William F. Ryan (Dam.) of New York that the discovery of PCB In the ecology represented a major threat. Howard L. Mlnckler, Monaanto vice president and general manager of Its Organic Chemicals Division, said, "We have and will continue to cooperate fully with governmental agencies Investigating this problem. We also have been in close contact with our customers. Monsanto has spent over $1 million to verify or correct scientific reports, monitor the use of PCB and search for substitute products where needed. This program will be successfully concluded this year. -more- HONS 057186 --2 MONSANTO: REPLY TO PCB CHARGE xxx yaar. "It la unfortunata that Congressman Ryan evidently did not have all this information at hit dlapoaal. Just last month we participated in a U.S. Department of the Interior meeting where we exchanged ldees with some 40 scientists and told them of our findings and actions," Mlncklar said. The Monsanto executive also noted that the use of PCB Is misunderstood by scow Investigators. "For example, we do not know of any current use of PCB In Insecticides. Even so, we are asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reject any Insecticide which has PCB as an inart carrier," Mlnckler said. "PCB Is not a household product, as soma have suggested," Mlnckler continued. "To our knowledge, It Is not used In plastic food wraps, house paints, cellophane, asphalt or tires. The principal market is electrical applications where the chemical performs a vital function as an insulating fluid. In this use, PCB is completely sealed in a metal container. Other major markets employ similar closed systems." Monsanto's PCB program was Initially directed at proper Identification of chlorinated hydrocarbons appearing In the environment. This research, confirmed by others, found only the higher chlorinated materials. At the same time, Monsanto undertook animal feeding studies which show PCB is not a highly toxic material. -more* HONS 057182 --3 MONSANTO: REPLY TO PCS CHARGE xxx material. Tha second part of Monsanto's investigation was coordination with all customers and a rigid critique of its PCB manufacturing units. Although loss of PCB during manufacturing was negligible, production techniques were further modernised and new pollution abatement devices are continually being upgraded. Monsanto has concentrated its further research on those few PCB compounds which degrade slowly. Alternate products for these grades, which retain the functional properties of PCB and present no potential threat, will be Introduced later this year. Mlnckler concluded, 'Monsanto is seeking the best solution to this potential environmental problem. Action not based on reason and scientific facts can only result In greater problems. For example, we have been advised by one electrical equlpswnt manufacturer that an immediate ben on PCB would result In major power failures throughout the world. This Is not the answer. Proper use of this vital chemical and substitution, where epproprlete. Is the enswer." -0O0- MONS 051188