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THE TOBACCO INSTITUTE 1~7~ I :]!]]1 NOR[) IV]S[ \~ NHiNf~TI)N ]J( 2t,!lll; 202 467 ¢H~4) IIiIRACI! R, KDRNI{(aAY September 26, 1983 Dr, Preston H. Leake The American Tobacco Company P.O. Box 899 Hopewell, Virginia 23860 Dear Preston: The purpose of this letter is to confirm our telephone conversation of today ~n the matter of fungicide, insecticide, herbicide, and other chemical agents that are used in the production and storage of tobacco being produced in areas outside of the United States but which may be incorporated into domestic products. As we discussed, there is one bill and an amendment proposed by members of our Congress, seeking to regulate the importation of tobacco on the basis of chemicals that have been used on the tobacco during its production and storage. In order for The Tobacco Institute to be informed on th~ technical side of this ~ub]aet and to be better prepared to respond to such legislative proposals, I ask that you and tlne members of the Industry Technical Committee consider the matter fully a~d premare ~ back- ground and informational document. This should consider the substances approved or registered for use on tobacco by exporting countries and a comparison to those registered for use on tobacco in this country• For those not reg istered for use in this country, there should be an appraisal of the expected level of concern that might evolve from a regulatory agency, such as ZPA, if canvassed by our lawmakers. This should be based on kno,~ toxicological properties, lack of such informat{on, persistence of the chemical on tobacco, expected or known residue levels, and such other information as your committee deems appropriate. I have been advised that North Carolina State University has been involved in researcb and information gathering on the subject ot tobacco and pesticide residues for some C~me. Also, I understand that some of the companies have finan-

F Dr. Preston H. Leake Page Two cially supported this program. Perhaps those individuals involved in the N.C. State program can be helpful in providing much of the necessary information. I was pleased to learn that you are planning to call a meeting of your committee during the Tobacco Chemists conference o~ October ii. Such a meeting i~ very timely and I am confident will produce much needed information for those of us involved in the legislative aspects of this matter. With all good wishes, I am Sincerely yours, Horace R. Kornagay Chairman The Tobacco Institute J 0 0