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tests. Formalin contains other chemicals to which a person may react in addition to the formaldehyde. It was the opinion of the participants in the symposium that there is no medical scientific evidence documenting hypersensitivity to formaldehyde. Experi- _ mental attempts to characterize toxicity- to formz=.ldehyde indicate that the threshold recognition of formaldehyde in a pure air chamber ranges from .1 PPM to 1 PPM. Depending on the individual, subjective sensations in the pharynx, lungs and eyes occur between 2 PPM and 3 PPM and the material is irritable to most people depending on duration of exposure and sensory adaption at 4 PPM. It was the opinion of the symposium panel that the vast majority of individuals are not affected or aware of the chemical's presence at .5 PPM or less. It is generally recognized that some individuals have a lower threshold sensory level than others and that some may be allergic to formaldehyde. There is no evidence, however, that formaldehyde creates hypersensitivity or that it is more of an allergen than other substances such as dust, mold, ragweed, pollen, cigarette ,smoke, etc.. In a separate discussion with two doctors present at the symposium it was brought to my attention that a puff of cigarette smoke con- tains approximately 30 parts per million formaldehyde. This .level of formaldehyde is 20 times the maximum formaldehyde reading ever recorded at the Courthouse (highest reading occurring in records vault in May of 1981 at 1.14 PPM). It was these doctors' opinion that it would be near impossible for a heavy smoker to establish that the levels measured to be present at the Courthouse created a formaldehyde sensitivity. There have only been four experimental studies done on humans in regards to formaldehyde effects that are published in the western world medical periodicals. These include a study done by Schick et al. in 1966, a study by Webber-TSCHOPP in 1977 and Anderson in 1978. None of these studies produced any evidence that formaldehyde gas by itself in concentrations less than 3 PPM produced significant toxic or irritant effects on humans of any age (please see the attached materials). I have attached to this memorandum a chart showing comparative levels of indoor air contaminants which gives a good perspective to the relationship between formaldehyde in the air and other normal indoor air contaminants. I have also attached for your review a study entitled "Health Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure" by W. C. Barnes, Jr., M.D., Ph. D., Senior Physician -Occupational Medicine Monsanto Co., as well as a list of 15 principles important in the analysis of a formaldehyde controversy. Throughout the panel discussions there was a recurring theme which has been witnessed throughout the United SLates and.has been dubbed "Formaldemania". That is a certain malady or symptom will appear, then either the family doctor or another source will suggest that the problem sounds similar to symptoms that may be caused by formaldehyde.and suggests that tests occur. The test results ire the identification of a low level of formaldehyde and everyone immediately associates the problem as being conclusively caused by the formaldehyde even though there may -be hundreds of other potential causes of the problem which have not been eliminated. All in all the symposium was very informative, and I would recommend that each of you evaluate the information I have attached as well as the other information available in our offices and reach your own conclusions. GMB/mg cc: Honorable Honorable NOV 3 1982 Graham W. Stikelether Charles E. Smith 64 Respectfully submitted, 4 �B ry M. Brandenbur 11 /✓ oubty Attorn wx- 51 rx,E. 8 91