PCBs Could Still be Lurking in Some Properties in Puerto Rico

The production of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) was banned by the United States Congress in 1979.  Even though that was thirty-five years ago, PCBs are still a health concern at contaminated sites and even some indoor environments.
 
PCBs do not readily break down and therefore may remain for long periods of time cycling between air, water and soil. PCBs can be carried long distances and have been found all over the world. PCBs have been demonstrated to cause cancer, as well as a variety of other adverse health effects on the immune, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems.
 
Although no longer commercially produced in the United States, PCBs may be present in some products and materials produced before the 1979 ban.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications including electrical, heat transfer, and hydraulic equipment; as plasticizers in paints, plastics, and rubber products; in pigments, dyes, and carbonless copy paper; and many other industrial applications.”
 
In 2009, the EPA released guidance regarding PCBs in caulk from buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1978.  The EPA recommends testing for PCBs in peeling, brittle, cracking or deteriorating caulk in buildings, especially in school environments.
 
“Most people know that PCBs are hazardous to human health, but far fewer know that materials that may contain PCBs are still found in buildings,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Their presence can be a health threat to anyone who spends time in the building.  To identify and address these concerns, Zimmetry’s PCB experts provide testing and consulting services so that any materials containing PCBs can be safely removed.  These services are available in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean.”
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and air, environmental and compliance consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail