PCBs IN CAULK…SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED?

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a series of steps that building owners and school administrators should take to reduce exposure to PCBs that may be found in caulk in many buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978.

EPA recommends testing peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk for the presence of PCBs and removing the caulk if PCBs are present at significant levels.

EPA commented that "PCBs have been banned for the last 30 years for most uses, but unfortunately, high levels of PCBs are present in many buildings and facilities constructed prior to the PCB ban, including most recently some schools. We're concerned about the potential risks associated with exposure to these PCBs and we're recommending practical, common-sense steps to reduce this exposure as we improve our understanding of the science."

The EPA has created a Web site, www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk, with updated information on this issue. Concerned parties can also call an EPA hotline toll free at 1-888-835-5372.

ESS Laboratory's staff is available to discuss your concerns regarding the potential of PCBs in your building. Our NELAC accredited Laboratory is also available to perform PCB testing, if necessary. Contact us at (401) 461-7181