New Website Provides Important Health & Safety Information about PCBs in Caulk

Cinnaminson, NJ, November 20, 2013

Caulk can be found in virtually every home and building. The flexible material is used to seal gaps and joints in buildings to make them watertight or airtight. Unfortunately, PCBs were used as an additive in some caulks in the past due to their water and chemical resistance, durability and elasticity.

PCB containing caulk was used in some buildings, including schools, primarily between 1950 and 1980. PCBs were also used in other building materials such as paints, mastics, sealants, adhesives, specialty coatings and fluorescent light ballasts. These PCBs can persist in old building materials and contaminate surfaces, dust, soils and the indoor air quality (IAQ).

Exposure to PCBs in buildings can occur by directly touching PCB containing caulk and any surrounding materials, hand to mouth contact and breathing in air or dust contaminated with PCBs.

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. According to the EPA, PCBs have been shown to cause cancer and numerous other serious health effects in animals. These include issues with the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other negative health effects.

“EPA recommends testing for PCBs in peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk in buildings, especially in schools environments,” reports Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., one of the nation’s leading PCB testing laboratories. “Even caulk that appears to be in good condition may be a source of PCBs. The EPA also recommends that building owners and facility managers consider testing to determine if PCB levels in the air exceed the EPA’s suggested public health levels. EMSL can help, with advanced testing services and all the sample collection supplies necessary.”

EMSL recently developed PCBCaulk.com to provide information about the presence of PCBs in some caulk materials. To learn more about PCBs and testing services, please visit the new website at www.PCBCaulk.com or visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com