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PCBs In Schools Matthew Langenfeld USEPA Region 8 303-312-6284 .

PCBs In Schools Matthew Langenfeld USEPA Region 8 303-312-6284 . A Polychlorinated Biphenyl Molecule. Health and Environment. The major source of human PCB exposure is from eating contaminated fish. “Why don’t fishermen read fish advisories!!!

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PCBs In Schools Matthew Langenfeld USEPA Region 8 303-312-6284 .

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  1. PCBsIn SchoolsMatthew LangenfeldUSEPA Region 8303-312-6284.

  2. A Polychlorinated Biphenyl Molecule

  3. Health and Environment

  4. The major source of human PCB exposure is from eating contaminated fish. “Why don’t fishermen read fish advisories!!! I’ve been eating PCB-containing tiny fish and plankton for all of my life. Now I’m not sure if I am male or female and I’m quite loaded! Tag – it’s your turn to have the PCBs.” Health

  5. Health • PCBs are fat and water soluble • PCBs get into our food chain and bioaccumulate • FDA has been compelled to issue tolerances for PCBs in: • Fish, meat, milk, eggs • Soap • Food packaging

  6. Environment Simplified pathway for PCBs entering and biomagnifying in The food web Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer “The Zone”

  7. Potential Health Effects Immune deficiencies Reproductive or nervous system difficulties Increased risk of cancer

  8. PCBs in Schools • PCBs have been found in caulk in schools renovated between 1950 and 1978 • PCBs can be in fluorescent light ballasts manufactured before 1979 • Removal and replacement can be a major and expensive undertaking

  9. Caulk

  10. What about adjoining materials? • If caulk contains PCBs they may have migrated to adjoining materials

  11. How to identify PCBs in caulk • Visually NO • Simple test NO • Sample YES • Laboratory analysis YES • Use method SW 846-8082 • $100

  12. Sampling and Testing • Sampling and analysis (testing) are not required • Sampling and analysis for PCBs are best done by professionals

  13. What should you do if you find out that caulk has PCBs? • Caulk with PCBs ≥ 50 ppm is an illegal use and should be REMOVED • Contaminated adjoining materials ≥ 1 ppm PCB should be REMOVED • Caulk with PCBs < 50 ppm may REMAIN in place

  14. 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 dry brooms or dusters Use vacuums with high efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA)

  15. Common sense • Do not allow removed caulk to remain in the school or on the school grounds • Caulk with < 50 ppm does not have to be removed but may nevertheless pose a health hazard.

  16. Fluorescent Light Ballasts

  17. A fluorescent light ballast

  18. Removal and Disposal • Removal is best done by professionals • Dispose according to • federal (PCB) regulations [allow disposal in municipal waste landfills] • state regulations

  19. Be Aware “…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 apply to PCB containing caulk] 63 Fed. Reg. 35383, 35404(June 29,1998)

  20. Other sources of PCBs in Schools: • Paints • Carbonless copy paper • Transformers • Capacitors

  21. Transformers

  22. Capacitors

  23. For Further Information epa.gov/pcbsincaulk: “PCBs in Caulk in Older Buildings,” and epa.gov/pcbsinballasts: “Proper Maintenance, Removal, and Disposal of PCB-Containing Fluorescent Light Ballasts”

  24. Dan W. BenchPCB Coordinator Region 8at 303 312-6027 or bench.dan@epa.gov

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