PCBs In Caulk: What Schools Need To Know

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in caulking are an emerging environmental health issue for schools across the country. Recent legislation has increased media coverage and public awareness of this issue, and many schools are now receiving questions from concerned parents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states, “Though this is a serious issue, the potential presence of PCBs in schools and buildings should not be a cause for alarm—there are steps school administrators can take to protect students, teachers and others.”

The following is basic information school administrators should know when responding to parent concerns.

What Are PCBs?

PCBs are organic chemicals that were used in many construction and electrical materials until they were banned in 1978. Due to increased awareness and cleanup, levels of PCBs in buildings have decreased. The EPA is currently researching PCBs and how they affect the public’s health.

Where Are PCBs Found?

Buildings built or remodeled between 1950 and 1978 may contain PCBs in caulk used in windows, door frames, masonry columns and other masonry building materials. Soil around schools and buildings may also contain PCB caulk dust or flakes. This includes playground soil and soil surrounding building foundations.

While PCBs were banned from use in the United States in 1978, in many cases this caulk still remains in place today. As the caulk ages, it may crack or flake away from the source, causing PCB-laden dust. PCBs from the caulking can also be released into the air over time. Because PCBs can migrate from the caulk into air, dust, surrounding materials and soil, EPA is concerned about potential PCB exposure to school children. PCBs can adversely affect the immune, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems, and exposure may result in cancer. There are several unresolved scientific issues that require more research before the magnitude of the problem can be fully understood and the best long-term solutions can be identified.

What Can Schools Do?

There are four action steps to consider in assessing and determining the risk of PCB exposure to building occupants:

1. Determine the age of each district building, considering past renovations to all or parts of the building. Are there any areas that were built or remodeled between 1950 and 1978? Review these areas to determine if any caulking material or other possible PCB¬-containing materials were used. Document your findings.

   Areas to check include:

   • Caulk used to seal windows and masonry joints
   • Caulk found inside the building to seal floor joints, window sills, ledges, masonry joints or other areas commonly caulked
   • Outdoor areas where caulk was used and may be falling on the ground
   • Indoor areas where caulk may have been used—for example, around masonry and metal door frames

   Assess the location and condition of the caulk and other materials. Look for signs of deterioration, cracks or caulk falling out of its groove. Document your findings.

2. Prioritize your findings based on the condition of the caulk and the potential for human exposure. Consider the frequency and duration of exposure—assign a higher priority to those areas with deteriorating caulk where students and staff spend more time. Include the priority assignments and reasoning in your documentation.

   These priority decisions can help you determine whether or not to test for PCBs. If you decide to test, two kinds of tests are available: You can test the caulk (or other building materials) or you can test an air sample from the area.

   EMC’s Environmental Health Services can help guide you through this process, including prioritization, feasibility of testing and location of testing laboratories.

   If you elect to test and the caulking is found to contain PCBs at a rate greater than 50 parts per million, the caulk will no longer be authorized for continued use and must be removed at the earliest feasible opportunity (such as during planned renovations or remodels).

3. Implement some interim actions to minimize building occupant exposure to PCBs.

   • Minimize contact with dust and particles that may contain PCBs
   • Clean the air ducts
   • Reduce human exposure by staying out of areas that may have contaminated soil
   • Improve ventilation by opening windows or installing fans where possible
   • Clean frequently to reduce dust and residue inside buildings; wash surfaces, windowsills, walls and objects often in rooms known to have PCB-containing caulk
   • Use a wet or damp cloth or mop to clean surfaces; do not sweep with dry brooms and minimize the use of dusters, which could make PCB-contaminated particles airborne
   • Use vacuums with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters
   • Follow safe work practices when renovating
   • Instruct children to wash hands with soap and water often, especially before eating
   • Instruct employees to wash hands with soap and water after cleaning and before eating or drinking

Additional Information

Environmental Protection Agency(EPA): www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk

• PCBs in Caulk in Older Buildings
• PCBs in Caulk Hotline: 888-835-5372

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/DT/pcb007.html

• Public Health Implications of Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)