Cindy Crawford Pulls Kids from Malibu School due to PCB Concerns

Last month, it was reported that supermodel Cindy Crawford had pulled her two children from Malibu High School due to recent tests that found elevated levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in some of the classrooms.  According to several media reports, the PCBs are believed to be coming from window caulking.

Production of PCBs in the United States was halted in the late 1970’s. However prior to then, it was used in some building materials, including caulks that may be found in schools.  These PCBs may become airborne or settle on surfaces as the caulk degrades or as it is being removed during renovation projects.  Exposure to PCBs can occur by directly touching PCB containing caulk and any surrounding materials, hand to mouth contact and breathing in contaminated air or dusts.

As recently as 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new guidance for school administrators and building managers with important information about managing PCBs in caulk.  “The EPA recommended that schools test for PCBs in peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk in buildings,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “The agency also recommends that building owners and facility managers consider testing other types of buildings to determine if PCB levels in the air exceed the EPA’s suggested public health levels.  LA Testing offers quick and affordable tests to identify PCBs and other toxic materials to help prevent needless exposure to these and other dangerous substances.”

To learn more about PCB testing in caulk, air, dusts or other materials, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail