Is Your Child Exposed to Toxic PCBs at School?

EMSL Analytical provides polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) testing solutions to keep students and faculty safe from the dangerous the chemicals posses.

Cinnaminson, NJ

Production of PCBs in the United States was halted in the late 1970s, but prior to then it was used in some building materials, including caulks. Caulking materials were used in virtually all schools for weatherizing and to seal gaps around doors, windows and other building materials.

These PCBs persist in old caulk that may become airborne or settle on surfaces as the material degrades or as it is being removed during renovation projects. The PCBs can then contaminate surfaces, soils and the indoor air quality (IAQ).

In 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new guidance regarding PCBs in caulk from buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978. The EPA recommended testing for PCBs in peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk in buildings, especially in school environments.

According to the EPA website, “If school administrators and building owners are concerned about potential PCBs in the caulk, they should consider testing to determine if PCBs are present in the air. If testing reveals PCB levels above the levels EPA has determined to be safe, schools should attempt to identify any potential sources of PCBs that may be present in the building, including testing samples of caulk and looking for other potential PCB sources (e.g., old transformers, capacitors, or fluorescent light ballasts that might still be present at the school).”

EMSL Analytical’s NELAC certified corporate laboratory recently doubled instrument capacity for PCB analysis. “If elevated levels of PCBs are found the EPA website has suggestions for things schools can do to minimize the risk to students and faculty,” reported Joe Frasca, Executive Vice President at EMSL Analytical. “EMSL currently offers PCB air testing by EPA Compendium Method TO-4A and TO-10A, as well as NIOSH 5503.”

PCB samples are analyzed at EMSL utilizing gas chromatography (GC) equipped with dual electron capture detectors (ECD) following EPA methodologies. To learn more about PCB testing in air, caulk, paint chips, wipes, concrete samples or other materials please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of quality environmental and materials testing services and products to 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

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail