Document zzGd2Yaar0BY4ZM49XqzKOB03

36-72 SUPERMARKET NEWS WXUf. 59.500 MAY 24 1971 @ Rep. Ryan Asks Congress Curb Use of 'PCS' Chemical Group By PENNY GIRARD WASHINGTON (FNS) -- Congress last week was urged lo take action to curb distribution and use of a family of chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls. The request came in the form of legislation, sponsored by Rep. William Ryan (D., N.Y.) to keep the insoluble ana deadly chemicals out of the food chain. Kyan complained that the past efforts to have several Federal agencies take action--such as wiling food-tolerance levels, requiring labeling, and banning all uses harmful to health -- have resulted only in talk of investigations. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) ore used in products such as plasticizers, coatings for paper and fabric, fire-retarding compounds, asphalt, adhesives, paraffin, pesticides, rubber products and water-repellent canvas for camping materials. Ryan reported that a large quantity of PCB residue had been discovered by Campbell Soup Co. In December, 1970, in fat samples taken from slaughtered chickens. As a result, chickens from three New York counties were screened before they could be shipped. Consequently, 146,000 PCB-conUminated chickens were buried. X In Ohio, PCB residues were diocovered In milk. The residues were traced to a dairyman's sild lined with Arocolor, produced by Monsn.to Co., which contained PCB. -------- --- The PCB was absorbed by tfcj silage, which was fed to the dairy cattle and in turn contaminated the milk. "The potential harm of the PCB contamination cannot be overstated," Ryan said. "There must be a tou^h, comprehensive Federal program to meet this menace now." His bill calls for an investigation of all possible contamination, as well as an immediate ban on the manufacture, shipment and sale of ail PCBs and ail products containing the chemicals until the study is completed. Moreover, he asked for a permanent Federal ban on interestate distribution and importing, of the chemicals. The Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare would be required to draw regulations for manufacture, use transportation and disposal of any PCBs exempted from the ban. "The program of PCBs is indicative of a much larger problem -- that of the almost unrestricted influx of potentially harmful chemicals into the marketplace," Ryan asserted. "A licensing system must be established to insure the safety of a chemical before it can be sold in the marketplace, and then only for specific uses," he added. /j/ . DAILY NEWS RECORD NEW TORN, II Y. D. (UN MAY 26 1971 && rFederal BUI Would Ban Use Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls WASHINGTON (FNS) - A permanent Federal ban on interstate dis tribution or importation of certain chemicals used in fire retardant com pounds and water repellent treatments is being sought by Rep. William RyanlD.N.Y,). _ The chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls. (PCB s) are produced by Monsanto Co . according to Ryan, for use in general plasticised applies- iWmTcoufihg* for fabrics, fire, retardant compounds, water-repellent treatment for camping materials and other uses, including pesticides. He sponsored a bill (H.R 8S76> to impose such a ban which Ryan said is needed because PCB s and their residue are extremely toxic to animal life and n\ay produce fatal effects in human beings. . > HONS 032398