Document zQ51bNn31Z0M2qRJb8onk3GXm

i Monsanto Chemical Company ccHr0 T.K. Smith - 7 Mr. A.T. Beauregard - 7_ At II. iouig- - - -4 SEP 1953 ' Hr. f, u-, Benignus - 7 ' Dr. J.W. Barrett - London D#*e September 1* 1953 Dr, J.A, O&rdner,- Fulmer , Mr. J.F. St^ickley - KXOK To Mr, Mather (W^^Your memo to ` Dr* N-B- Dyon ~ Mewporfe ATB - 8/11/53 Ai Ruabon Subject AfiOCLORSs TOXICITY Mr* Beauregard has asked the Medloal Department to comment on your letter referred to above. As I am sure you knovt, Aroolors cannot be considered nontoxic. The interpretation of the toxic properties of a compound, however, determine whether or not there is any hazard associated with the specific use of a compound. To my knowledge, there is no hazard involved in the use of transformers containing Aroelors as a substitute for other materials. To my understanding, in the United States this application of Aroolors is widely accepted and has not resulted in any difficulty from a toxicological standpoint* 1 cannot state whether or not a flash discharge might generate phosgene. I believe, however, that any phosgene so generated would be In a very small proportion to the total smoke and fumes reeulting from the discharges. In instances where Aroclon as a heat exchange medium, has been subjected to fire and high temper atore after a leak in equipment, the clouds of breakdown products have been- highly irritating but probably no more so than one would expect from the burning of any type of Industrial oil or chemical. Im sure that Mr. Benlgnus will answer your questions relative to the effect of Aroclor to insulating material^ when he returns from his vacation next week. As you Indicated, we are watching the use of the Aroelors as plasticizers in emulsion paints. We do not recommend that they be used in paints which might be applied in confined or unventilated areas, particularly if the paints might be used on heated surfaces * As you stated, this is a case of worrying about the exposure of painters who might apply such materials day in and day out rather than the worrying about those who might occupy the room during or shortly after the paint has been applied* EPWtSMB IN 10 Wheeler MGNS 095187 DEPOSITION EXHIBIT bhm ^ WATER PCB-SD0000007673