Aging Fluorescent Light Ballasts and Potential PCB Exposure Risks in Schools and Buildings

PCBs belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. They were domestically manufactured from 1929 until manufacturing was banned in 1979 in the United States.

They were once used in a number of products due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties. In fact, they were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications. One area of extensive use was as coolants in hydraulic systems and as dielectric fluids in electrical equipment. In building materials, PCBs were once an ingredient in some paints, mastics, sealants, adhesives, caulking, and even specialty coatings.

A concern that has made national headlines in recent years is the presence of PCBs in some old fluorescent light ballasts (FLBs) that may leak and can still be found in some schools and buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautions that schools in the United States built before 1979 may have PCB-containing FLBs. The agency has even published a 5-page information and reference fact sheet on the topic.

“EPA warns that as these PCB-containing FLBs age and degrade, even intact and non-leaking FLBs can release PCBs into the air,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “This is concerning as PCBs are persistent, bioaccumulative toxicants. To help protect students, teachers, and building occupants, the industrial hygiene and indoor environmental quality professionals at CTSI offer PCB consulting, testing, monitoring, and training services. This includes identifying potential exposure risks from FLBs and other PCB-containing materials, such as caulking. It’s also important to note that FLBs containing PCBs are regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act.”

To learn more about PCBs or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com , or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail