PCBs in Caulk in Older Buildings?

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Due Diligence Account Team
Phase 1 Site Assessments typically include a section on PCBs. Typically this section comments on transformers and other hydraulics at a site identified during Environmental Due Diligence activities.  I can honestly say I have not seen caulk brought up in the PCB section of an Environmental Site Assessment Report. I have been waiting to see what the new environmental trend would be in building materials.  My speculation was that we would soon be removing the fiberglass insulation that replaced the more hazardous asbestos insulation.  I suppose we have to wait on this as PCBs are making a comeback. On September 25, 2009, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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. In recent years, EPA has learned that caulk containing potentially harmful PCBs was used in many buildings, including schools, in the 1950s through the 1970s. In general, schools and buildings built after 1978 do not contain PCBs in caulk. 

 

EPA Recommendation
If buildings were erected or renovated between 1950 and 1978, EPA recommends owners implement steps to minimize exposure to potentially contaminated caulk in the following ways: 

  • Cleaning air ducts
  • Improving ventilation by opening windows and using or installing exhaust fans where possible
  • Cleaning frequently to reduce dust and residue inside buildings 
  • Using a wet or damp cloth or mop to clean surfaces 
  • Not sweeping with dry brooms and minimizing the use of dusters in areas near potential PCB-containing caulk 
  • Using vacuums with high efficiency particulate air filters 
  • Washing hands with soap and water often, particularly before eating and drinking 
  • Washing children’s toys often

EPA also recommends testing peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk directly for the presence of PCBs and removing the caulk if PCBs are present at significant levels. Alternately, the building owner can assume the PCBs are present and proceed directly to remove deteriorating caulk.

 

Building owners and facility managers should also consider testing to determine if PCB levels in the air exceed EPAs suggested public health levels.

For more information.....www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk/

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