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H. S. BERGEN - ST* &OUIS
OCTOBER 30, 1969
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PCS POLLUTION
C. J. SMITH T. K. SMITH
The attached was prepared In case General
Management wants it and also to briefly summarise the situation* .
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PCB POLLUTION
COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL
PROBLEM:
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Contamination of the environment with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) (Aroclor products).
PROBLEM DEFINITION AND TIMING:
Professors Wldmark and Jensen of the Institute of Analytical Chemistry at Stockholm, Sweden, In November 1966, announced and confirmed finding PCB In fish, birds, and eggs. Subsequent findings were made in 1967 in Great Britain. Problem was first presented in the U.S. by Professor RiBebrough of the University of California in a published article in the San Francisco Cronicle in February, 1969. Monsanto confirmed the presence of PCB's in mid-1969 and confirmed the adequacy of work by Wldmark and Jensen and others -- a worldwide ecological problem.
CONFIRMATION OF FINDINGS:
Analysis indicates environmental presence of 5 and higher chlorinated biphenyls (similar to Aroelors 1254 and 1260). Other Aroelors 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, seafood along the Gulf Coast, and waters outside Monsanto plants.
SERIOUSNESS OF PROBLEM:
1. Fish - Marine or aquatic species concentrate PCB iri'the fatty tissue. Toxic in small quantities (down to 5 ppb) to sensitive marine life such as shrimp.
2. Birds Predatory species feeding on the marine
or aquatic life can further concentrate PCB to
possible harmful effects. Specifically in birds,
PCB can effect the calcium metabolism leading to
egg shell imperfections vfoich prevents proper
hatch of the young.
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3. Wan - There Is no harmful effect known to man or other mammals after 40-years of production. Studies are underway by various sources.
4. Political and Public Emotion r PCBs linked to
DDT because PCJB's'show up in analyses for DDT.
Linked with other permanent chlorinated hydro-
carbon pesticides.
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EFFECT ON MONSANTOt
1, Business potential at stake on a worldwide basis:
Fluids
Plasticizers
Total/Year
70 H Lbs.
$16 M
$6-8 15* GP
34 W Lbs.
$6 U
$2-3 M GP
2. Legal responsibility.
104 M Lbs.
$22 M $8-11 if Gross Profit
3. Public image.
4. Effect on other product areas.
EFFECT ON CUSTOMERS AND ULTIMATE CONSUMERS:
1. Affects entire electrical industry - capacitors and transformers.
2. Affects food processing.
3. Affects die casters and other "hot metal11 working Industries.
4. Affects wide range of plastics and adhesive applications,
5. Affects wide range of paints and coatings.
EFFECT ON OTHER PRODUCERSt
There are at least six other producers of PCB's ex-USA. Monsanto has discussed problem with two in Europe. No great concern there yet.
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MAIN SOURCES OF 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 OF CONTAMINATION:
Electrical and heat transfer - possible to control with effort and reclamation.
Industrial fluids, plastics, coatings and adhesives - very difficult, if not impossible to control. Substitute products needed.
MONSANTO OUTSIDE STATEMENTS:
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- Letter sent to electrical customers regarding problem.
- Monsanto Public Relations statement attached.
MONSANTO FUTURE ACTION:
Presentation to CDC reviewing subject and future plan of action by November 17, 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.
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4. Toxicity studies.
5. Alternative routes.
6. Recommended approach.
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7. Appropriation request to cover capital and
expenses required.
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