Potential Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposure in Schools

In recent years, EPA has learned that caulk containing potentially harmful polychlorinated biphenyls (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. On September 25, 2009, EPA announced new guidance for school administrators and building managers with important information about managing PCBs in caulk and tools to help minimize possible exposure.

Caulk is a flexible material used to seal gaps in construction. Used predominantly around windows, door frames, masonry and joints in buildings to provide a watertight and airtight seal. At one time caulk was manufactured to contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) because PCBs contributed to the caulk's flexibility.

“PCBs have been banned for the last 30 years for most uses,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “But unfortunately high levels of PCBs are present in many buildings and facilities constructed prior to the PCB ban, including most recently some schools. We’re concerned about the potential risks associated with exposure to these PCBs and we’re recommending practical, common sense steps to reduce this exposure as we improve our understanding of the science. For building owners and administrators who want to take added and more aggressive immediate steps, EPA is providing additional guidance to help them identify the extent of potential risks and determine whether mitigation steps are necessary. Local communities and governments have constrained resources that make this a particularly challenging and sensitive situation.” To date it has been found in buildings in the Northeast and Upper Midwest and in joints in concrete water storage basins in the western United States.

Unfortunately caulk flaking poses an indoor air threat of exposing school children to PCBs. Caulk that is peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating visibly will have the highest potential for release of PCBs into air. EPA recommends that deteriorating caulk be tested directly for the presence of PCBs and removed if PCBs are present at significant levels. School administrators and building owners concerned about potential PCBs in the caulk should consider testing to determine if PCBs are present.

Testing will include air analysis, wipe analysis, caulk analysis and a soil analysis. If testing reveals PCB levels above the levels EPA has determined to be safe, schools should be especially vigilant in implementing practices to minimize exposures and should retest to determine whether those practices are reducing PCB air exposures.

There are several immediate steps schools can take to reduce exposure until the contaminated caulk can be removed for schools or buildings built or renovated between 1950 and 1978.

Those steps include:

• Clean air ducts.
• 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.

For more information see the EPA Fact Sheet for Schools.

EPA also has developed an informational brochure to provide the general public with important information on PCBs in building caulk, Preventing Exposure to PCBs in Caulking Material || PDF version, EPA Publication EPA-747-F-09-005