PCBs Potentially Lurking in Buildings Constructed or Renovated Between 1950 and 1979

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency believes that there was potentially widespread use of PCB-containing building materials in schools and other buildings built or renovated between about 1950 and 1979.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are man-made toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate in living organisms. This is a major health concern as the chemicals are listed as a probable human carcinogen. PCBs are also believed to have non-cancer effects on the immune system, reproductive system and endocrine system.

The EPA states: PCB-containing caulk may be present inside and on the exterior of the building as well as in surrounding surfaces. PCBs have been used in paints, mastics and other adhesives, fireproofing materials, and in the manufacture of some ceiling tiles and acoustic boards, among other products. PCBs may also be present in high intensity discharge (HID) lamp ballast capacitors and the capacitors of fluorescent light ballasts (FLBs) manufactured before 1979.

“Concerns over exposure to PCBs are an issue in a number of occupied buildings and abandoned structures slated for demolition across the country,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposure may occur through the inhalation of PCBs that have off-gassed into the air from both manufactured sources and secondary sources. Another issue is exposure through the ingestion of PCB-containing dust and residues present on building surfaces transferred from hand to mouth.”

Working with renovation, demolition and building science professionals to identify potential PCB hazards are the environmental testing experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With laboratories across North America, EMSL offers comprehensive PCB testing services and provides all of the sampling supplies necessary. To learn more about PCB testing from bulk materials, dust, soil, air samples or other environmental sources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail