Concerns about PCBs in Caulk Continue at a School in Malibu

Several years ago, a Malibu high school made national news when a famous supermodel had her children stop attending it due to health concerns in the building. The concerns were the result of tests that indicated the presence of PCBs in some classrooms.

The school was once again in the news in April when The New York Times published a report about ongoing parental concerns and additional parents pulling their children from the school. The school district and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) say that the classrooms are safe, but that has not changed the minds of some parents.

The production of PCBs in the United States was halted in the late 1970s, but prior to then it was used in some building materials. These included caulks that can still be found in some schools nationwide. PCBs were also used in other building materials such as paints, mastics, sealants, adhesives, specialty coatings and fluorescent light ballasts.

The PCBs can persist in old building materials and can contaminate surfaces, dust, soil and the indoor air quality (IAQ) as they degrade. PCBs may also become airborne or settle on surfaces during renovation, remodeling and demolition activities. 

“Back in 2009, the EPA provided guidance for school administrators and building managers with information about PCBs in caulk,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “The agency recommended that schools test for PCBs in peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk.”

For those concerned about potential exposure to PCBs in their schools, homes or work environments, LA Testing offers comprehensive testing solutions. They have also created an educational video about PCBs in caulk with their parent company, EMSL Analytical, Inc., that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/IxM9eNEN_s4.

To learn more about PCB testing in caulk, air, dust 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 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, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple lab.

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LA Testing

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