United States EPA-747-F-09-005 

Environmental Protection September 2009 

Agency 

Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (7404)
	

Preventing Exposure to

PCBs in Caulking Material 
PCBs are found in high levels in building 

caulk 

Caulk containing high levels of PCBs (polychlorinated 

biphenyls) has been found in many schools and other buildings 

built or remodeled before 1978. Because PCBs can migrate 

from the caulk into air, dust, surrounding building materials, and 

soil, EPA is concerned about potential PCB exposure to building 

occupants. 

Health impacts of PCB exposure 

PCBs are man-made toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in animals and humans. PCBs were 

manufactured in the United States between 1950 and 1978, 

before their manufacture was banned by Congress due to 

concerns about their potential for adverse effects on human 

health and the environment. Exposure to PCBs can affect the 

immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and 

endocrine system. In humans, PCBs are potentially 

cancer-causing. 

Protect children and other building 

occupants 

The preventive steps described below can help reduce exposure 

to PCBs in caulk until it can be removed. 

n Improve ventilation and add exhaust fans. Clean air ducts. 

n Clean frequently to reduce dust and residue inside buildings. 

n Use a wet or damp cloth or mop to clean surfaces. 

n Use vacuums with high-efficiency particulate 

air (HEPA) filters. 

n Do not sweep with dry brooms and minimize the use of 

dusters. 

n Wash hands with soap and water after cleaning and before eating or drinking, and wash children’s toys often. 

Test for PCBs in buildings built between 

1950 and 1978 

If school administrators and building owners are concerned 

about exposure to PCBs and wish to supplement these steps, 

EPA recommends testing to determine if PCB levels in the air 

exceed EPA’s suggested public health levels. If testing reveals 

PCB levels above these levels, schools should be especially 

vigilant in implementing and monitoring practices to minimize 

exposures. 

Caulk that is peeling or deteriorating may be tested to determine 

its PCB content. If PCBs are found in the air, EPA will assist 

in developing a plan to reduce exposure and manage the caulk. 

Your EPA regional PCB coordinator can direct you to a PCB 

testing lab; see the back cover for more information. 

PCBs were not added to caulk after 1978. Therefore, in general, 

schools built after 1978 do not contain PCBs in caulk. 

Avoid exposure to PCBs in building caulk 

Caulk that is peeling, brittle, cracking, or deteriorating visibly 

in some way may have the highest potential for creating dust. 

In addition to inhalation from PCBs in the air or dust, exposure 

may occur when a person comes in contact with the caulk and 

any surrounding porous materials into which the PCBs may have 

been released (e.g., brick, concrete, wood). Exposure may also 

occur through contact with PCB-contaminated soil adjacent to 

buildings. Soil may become contaminated with PCBs when 

caulk weathers. 

Protections during removals, renovations 

Schools, building owners, and daycare providers in public and 

commercial buildings need to follow PCB-safe renovation practices to minimize potential exposures resulting from renovations 

to workers, teachers, and children. 

It is important to manage the removal in a way that minimizes 

workers’ exposure to the PCBs (e.g., use protective clothing such 

as facemasks, gloves, etc.) and prevents the release of PCBs into 

the environment. The work practices described below can help 

reduce exposure to PCBs in caulk until it can be removed. 

In addition to the safeguards mentioned above: 

n Wear appropriate protective clothing when conducting cleanup 

activities. 

n Dispose of all cleanup materials (mops, rags, filters, water, 

etc.) in accordance with all federal, state, and county 

regulations. 

n For caulk used on windows, walls, columns, and other vertical structures that people may come into contact with, use 

heavy-duty plastic and tape to contain the area so that caulk or 

dust and debris from the surrounding masonry do not escape. 

The plastic should cover the caulk and surrounding areas of 

masonry. 

EPA is helping to address the issue of 

PCBs in caulk 

EPA is conducting research on how the public is exposed to 

PCBs in caulk and on the best approaches for reducing exposure 

and potential risks associated with PCBs in caulk. Where PCBs 

have been found in caulk, EPA is committed to helping schools 

and communities enact plans to reduce exposure. Please contact 

your regional PCB coordinator at 888-835-5372 for help with 

assessing contamination and exposure and developing cleanup 

plans. 

Summary 

EPA is particularly concerned when PCBs are present during 

renovation or remodeling activities because these activities 

increase the potential likelihood of exposure. 

n Keep people out of areas where cracked or peeling caulk is 

evident such as in playgrounds and near steps. 

n Promote safe work practices during renovation activities. 

n Take actions to safely remove caulk during PCB removal or 

renovation projects and undertake and complete the work in a 

2 timely fashion. 
Reducing Potential Exposures to 

PCBs from Caulk in Schools and 

Other Buildings

For more information

http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk/

EPA’s PCBs in Caulk Hotline: 888-835-5372 

This fact sheet is intended solely for guidance. It does not replace or supplant the 

requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act or the PCB regulations at 40 C.F.R. 

part 761, and it is not binding on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or individuals. Please refer to the regulations at 40 C.F.R. part 761 for specific requirements relating 

to PCBs and PCB-containing materials.

EPA is concerned about potential exposure 

to PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in caulk 

found in older schools and buildings. Consider testing for PCBs by having your air 

monitored or test the caulk if it is peeling or 

visibly deteriorating. Call EPA’s PCBs in 

Caulk Hotline at 888-835-5372 to find a PCB 

testing lab.

Call 888-835-5372 or visit http://www.epa.

gov/pcbsincaulk to find your EPA regional 

PCB coordinator.

Talk to your EPA regional PCB coordinator 

who will provide you with simple actions to 

take today, and longer term actions for 

removing the sources of PCBs including 

developing a cleanup plan.

Prioritize where you should first concentrate 

work.

Implement the plan.

Retest and monitor for PCBs in the air once 

removal is complete.

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Points to Remember

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For more information:
	

http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk/
	

EPA’s PCBs in Caulk Hotline: 888-835-5372
	

EPA-747-F-09-005