### PCBs inCaulkin Older Buildings

## IPolychlorinatedBiphenyls (PCBs)1 US.EPA Page 1

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## Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

You are here:**.E!:JAJ:iQm~** Wastes**P..Ql\,cbloringJ~6jQh~D-'il~CPCBs)** PCBs in Caulk in Older f3uildin9s 

# PCBs in Caulk in Older Building..;:;.s

_ You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's**POf--Ra9~** to learn more. On this page you will find the following:

..**Ov~[vieyy** ·l3ackground

.. Firsts**tep-'-:~gJ<e SJ.slP~** .**.t~jnjm** ize**EXPOSLLC~**

.. Testing

.. SchQpls InfQLQJgtion Kit

.. Information for .c:ontractQIs-'f\lprking_h.Qldex BuildinQ.s

.. AddiJiona.LlnfQ[matlQn

.. Where Can I**G~t** M_ore InfocmatiQn? Overview In recent years, EPA has learned that caulk containing potentially harmful PQ!.)tchlorim':'!tedJ:11pheJl'ils

.. (PC6_s.J was used in many buildlnqs, including schools, in the 1950s through the 1970s. In general, schools and bulldinqs built after 1978 do not contain PCBs in caulk. On September 25, 2009, EPA announced new guidance for school administrators and bulldinq managers with important information about managing PCBs in caulk and tools to help minimize possible exposure. Through EPA's**R~gional** PCI2....CoordinClJors, the Agency will also assist communities in identifying potential problems and, if necessary, developing plans for PCB testing and removal. The Agency has prepared a a Eact S.heet(PDF} (2 pp, 26K) and Q1Lestion.s.and AnsW.l=rs

### D?J2D (11 pp, 63K) on this announcement. PCBs in Caulk Hotline For additional information call 1-888-835-5372 Important Resources Find your EPA Regional PCB Coordinator Preventing Exposure to PCBs in Caulking Material (PDF) (4 pp, 1.0MB) 

### II en Espafiol (PDF) (4 pp, 3291<) Schools Information Kit (PDF) (3 pp, 289K) Contractors Handling PCBs in Caulk During Renovation (PDF) (4 pp, 1.9MB) 

### II en Espafiol (PDF) (4 pp, 304K) Research on PCBs in Caulk (PDF) (2 pp, 211<) Public Health Levels for PCBs in IndoorSchool Air (PDF) (2 pp, 14K)

The EPA also announced additional research into this issue. There are several unresolved scientific questions that must be better understood to assess the magnitude of the problem and identifythe best long-term solutions. For example, the link between the concentrations of PCBs in caulk and PCBs in the air or dust is not well understood. The Agency is doing research to determine the sources and levels of PCBs in schools and to evaluate different strategies to reduce exposures. The results of this research will be used to provide further guidance to schools and building owners as they develop and implement long-term solutions. Read more about Researchon PCBs in Caulk. 

## II PDF_version (2 pp, 21K) EPA has calculated prudent public health levels that maintain PCB exposures below the "reference dose" - the amount of PCB exposure that EPA does not believe will cause harm. Read PubJic Health Levels for PCBs in IndoorSchool Air 

## II PDF\,ersiQn (2 PP, 14K).


### file://C:\Docurnents and Settings'jhsmith'MyDocurnents\MyFiles\PCB ANPR\ElectronicV... 2/3/2010

### PCBs in Caulk in OlderBuildings

## IPolychlorinatedBiphenyls(PCBs)1 US EPA
Background 

### Page 2of4

Caulk is a flexible material used to seal gaps to make windows, doorframes, masonry and joints in buildinqs and other structures watertight or airtight. At one time caulk was manufactured to contain PCBsbecause PCBs imparted flexibility. First Step: Take Steps to Minimize Exposure Although this is a serious issue, the potential presence of PCBs in schools and buildings should not be a cause for alarm. Ifyour school or building was built or renovated between 1950 and 1978, there are several immediate, relatively low cost steps schools can take to reduce potential exposure until it can be determined with certainty if PCBs are present in caulk used in the building and any contaminated caulk can be removed. Those steps include:

• Improve ventilation, including opening windows and using or installing fans where possible. " Clean frequently to reduce dust and residue inside buildings. • Use a wet or damp cloth or mop to clean surfaces. " Use vacuums with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Do not sweep with dry brooms; minimize the use of dusters. • Wash children's hands with soap and water often, particularly before eating. • Wash children's toys often. " Wash hands with soap and water after cleaning, and before eating or drinking. EPA also has developed an informational brochure to provide the general public with important information on PCBs in bulldinq caulk,**Prevsmt1ng_E~QQ~_uretQE~6~jDJ:_c:;HJJkLog** I''tc:;ttE;ILill 

### II PJ2[yeIsJ9_O, EPAPublication EPA-747-F-09-005 (4 pp, 2.7MB). Testing Air Ifschool administrators and bulldlnq owners are concerned about potential PCBs in the caulk, they should consider testing to determine if PCBs are present in the air. Iftesting reveals PCB levels above the levels EPA has determined to be safe, schools should attempt to identify any potential sources of PCBsthat may be present in the buildinq, including testing samples of caulk and looking for other potential PCB sources (e.g., old transformers, capacitors, or

, fluorescent light ballasts that might still be present at the school). Ifelevated air levels of PCBs are found, schools should also have the ventilation system evaluated to determine if it is contaminated with PCBs. Although the ventilation system is unlikely to be an original source of PCB contamination, it may have been contaminated before other sources of PCBswere removed from the school and may be contributing to elevated air levels. Contaminated ventilation systems should be carefully cleaned. Ideally, such cleaning should be planned in concert with removal of any sources of PCBsthat are found to avoid re-contamination ofthe system. During the search for potential sources, schools should be especially vigilant in implementing practices to minimize exposures and should retest to determine whether those practices are reducing PCB air levels. OtherSources/Including Caulk



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### PCBs inCaulkin Older Buildings I

### PolychlorinatedBiphenyls (PCBs)1 US EPA Page 3of4

Should those practices not reduce exposure, caulk and other known sources of PCBsshould be removed as soon as practicable. Caulk that is peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating visibly will have the highest potential for release of PCBs into air. EPArecommends that deteriorating caulk be tested directly forthe presence of PCBs and removed if PCBs are present at significant levels. Where schools or other buildings were constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978, EPA recommends that PCB-containing caulk be removed during planned renovations and repairs (when replacing windows, doors, roofs, ventilation, etc.) It is critically important to assure that PCBs are not released to airduring replacement or repair of caulk in affected bulldlnqs, Assessment of the ventilation system for potential contamination, proper cleanlnq when required, and isolation of the system to prevent further contamination are also important. TestMethods For determining the presence of PCBs in indoor air, EPA has two approved methods:

.. CompendlulD

__OfMetho_ds_fo_rthe DetecminatiQn_ofToxic._Qrgflnic Compounds_JH AmbieIILAir - CQlDPemtium f'-'LethQ<;LIO-4A_CbigJLaiCY_QlumeLCEIdD (53 pp. 665K)
e**CQmp~ndi~m_QLf'\'lethodsJQrJbe Det~~mLt1ation** **oLIQX1~I9i3Jlj~** Compounds in Ambient**AiL:_~ompendLum** Method IQ:_JOA**UQW~jLyolurDeL(PDF)** (37 pp, 288K). EPA recommends that deteriorating caulk be tested directly for the presence of PCBs and removed if PCBs are present at significant levels. The PCB regulations provide appropriate methods for testing. More information on these procedures can be found at:

.. Test Metho_Qs_Jor EVql!J_aring Solid Wi:lste,**Ph'y'sj~f1JLChemi~al** Methods,_SW-846

.. Wipe**SjHnpling~CEQ£J** (31 pp, 86K) Contact EPA's PCBs in Caulk Hotline at 1-888-835-5372 or the .EPA RegiQDi3J PCB

__ Coordin_(JJ;Q[ for your state for assistance and help in finding a chemical analysis laboratory in your area. Schools Information Kit AS_chQols InformaJiQ-D Kit provides information for parents, students and staff about PCBs in caulk, including:

..**.G~neral** infu-l"m(JJiQD on PCS-sJn clder.scbools**anQ~Qu.ilding_s** 

## II PDFver_sion (l pg, 162K) 

## II en EsppJjoL(PDF) (1 pg, 186K)

.. Schools**_~becklist** 

## II EIdLyersion (1 pg, 414K) 

## II en**~a5QJ** (PDF) (l pg, 160K) • What to say_to children about PCBs 

## II PDFverstcn (1 pp, 432K) 

## II 5ill-J::_spanol CEQf} (i pg, 177K) Information for Contractors Working in Older Buildings Read contractors HqJldling PCBs in Caulk During Renovation 

## II PDFversion, EPA Publication EPA-747-F-09-004 (4 pp, 1.9MB), EPA'squtdance to contractors and maintenance personnel working in older bulldinqs that may contain PCB-contaminated caulk. Additional Information Additional EPA brochures and fact sheets on best practices for addressing PCBs in caulk:


### file://C:\Documents and Settings'jhsmith'MyDocuments\MyFiles\PCB ANPR\ElectronicV... 2/3/2010

### PCBs in Caulk inOlderBuildings

## IPolychlorinatedBiphenyls(PCBs)1 US EPA

.. fact Sheet:**Interim_f'1~gSJjI~;d**..**Q[R~glJs::lngJ:SJsk** and Taking Action to Reduce**EXQos_IJ[~.s III?QE.Y~I.sjQn**  (4 PPr 45K) 

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## II**J?QEY~ISj9B** (4 PPr Where Can I Get More Information? For more information on how to properly test for and address PCBs in caulk, call the EPA's PCBs in Caulk Hotline at 

### 1-888-835-5372 or contact**the~P8g~glQn_ClLEC_6J:QQI9Lngt9I**for your state.



### file://C:\Documents and Settings\jhsmith\MyDocuments\MyFiles\PCB ANPR\ElectronicV... 2/3/2010