Matthew Langenfeld, Chemical Initiative Coordinator Pollution Prevention and Toxics Unit USEPA Region 8 Langenfeld.Matth

1. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Matthew Langenfeld, Chemical Initiative Coordinator Pollution Prevention and Toxics Unit USEPA Region 8 Langenfeld.Matthew@epa.gov 303-312-6284

2. Matthew Langenfeld Matthew Langenfeld holds a Masters in Chemistry from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. An environmental professional for 29 years, he has worked in industry and consulted with state and federal governments. He instructed college chemistry laboratory courses and has worked on school chemical cleanout and safety issues with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for nearly 6 yea. During that time, he has helped develop school chemical cleanout programs in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and South Dakota. His accomplishments include the cleanout of 123,000 pounds of toxic chemicals from 267--88 of these in Indian Country--making schools safer for 96,000 school children.

3. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls Goal Tribal school administrators, teachers, including science and trades teachers, health and safety coordinators, and facilities personnel will become aware of the danger of PCBs and will be committed to and have tools for assuring clean, green and healthy schools for themselves, children and their community.

4. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls Do we know all the places where PCBs may be hiding and why they are a health concern in our schools? What can we do about PCBs?

5. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyl • The Problem? • PCBs can be found in • schools Exposure to PCBs can result in health problems, inclu- ding increased risk of cancer, immune, reproductive or nervous system difficulties

6. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls Out of sight, out of mind Humans are exposed to PCBs through breathing, eating, and physical contact Polychlorinated Biphenyl Molecule

7. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls Children are more vulnerable to dangerous effects of PCBs PCBs can exist as a vapor in the air, have no smell or taste PCBs can attach to organic particles, bind to the soil and then be taken up by humans and animals

8. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls The major source of human PCB exposure is from eating contaminated fish.

9. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCBs get into the food chain and bioaccumulate • They are fat/water soluable FDA has issued guidelines for tolerance levels of PCBs in fish meat milk eggs soap food packaging

10. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCBs enter and biomagnify in the food chain Seattle Post-Intelligence, “The Zone”

11. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls • PCBs are found in caulk in schools renovated • between 1950 and 1978 PCBs can be found in flourescent light ballasts manufactured before 1979 Removal and replacement can be a major and expensive undertaking Image: Wall Street Journal 02.14.11

12. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls • PCBs in caulk can migrate to • Adjoining materials

13. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyl If known, caulk with PCBs >/= 50 ppm Is illegal and should be removed Contaminated adjoining materials >/= 1 ppm should be removed Caulk with PCBs < 50 ppm may remain in place

14. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCBs in caulk can be detected by: Laboratory tests of samples

15. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls Immediate steps to reduce exposure: Clean air ducts Improve ventilation Clean frequently to reduce dust Clean surfaces with a wet or damp cloth Don’t use brooms or dusters Use vacuums with high efficiency particulate filters (HEPA)

16. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls It may be commons sense, but: Do not allow removed caulk to remain in the school or on the school grounds Caulk with < 50 ppm does not have to be re- moved, but may still pose a health hazard

17. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyl Fluorescent Light Ballasts Removal best done by the pros Dispose by PCB regulations

18. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls Be aware of regulations: “ … disposers of fluorescent light ballasts that contain a PCB small capacitor should be aware that they could be subject to CERCLA liability if the municipal solid waste landfill becomes a Superfund site.” (This will also apply to caulk containing PCBs) 63 Fed. Reg 35383, 35404 06.29.98

19. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls Other sources of PCBs in Schools • Paints Carbonless copy paper Transformers Capacitors

20. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Polychlorinated Biphenyls More Information epa.gov/pcbsincaulk: “PCBs In Caulk in Older Buildings” epa.gov/pcbinballasts: “Proper Maintenance, Removal, and Disposal of PCB-Containing Fluorescent Light Ballasts”

21. PCBs in Ballasts & Caulk Matthew Langenfeld, Chemical Initiative Coordinator Pollution Prevention and Toxics Unit USEPA Region 8 Langenfeld.Matthew@epa.gov 303-312-6284