Older Buildings May Harbor PCBs, EPA Warns

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new procedures for minimizing the risk of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in buildings.

According to EPA, between the years of 1950 and 1978 (when PCBs were phased out of use in the United States) the oily chemical was often added to caulking—used to seal gaps in window- and doorframes, masonry, and joints—to make the material more pliable (See EBN Nov. 2004).

As caulk ages and becomes brittle, it can crack and degrade into particles that may become airborne—and may contain PCBs. While the health hazards of certain PCBs used at heavy industrial sites have been well documented, the agency said that the risks of airborne PCBs from caulk are unknown and demand further research.

Until more is known, EPA is offering guidance on PCB testing and a list of precautions for building managers to reduce the chances of exposure. Suggested actions include regular cleaning of air ducts; improving ventilation; damp-mopping surfaces rather than dry-sweeping; using vacuums with HEPA filters; and diligent washing of hands, surfaces, and frequently handled objects. The agency also suggests that buildings testing positive for PCBs can incorporate the removal of old caulk into any planned renovation projects. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk/.

– Andrea Ward