Caulk used in buildings before 1980 may contain PCBs, which are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and can affect human health. PCBs from caulk can migrate into the air and dust inside schools and other buildings. To reduce exposure, people should improve ventilation, frequently clean surfaces with damp cloths or HEPA vacuum cleaners, and wash hands and children's toys often until the caulk can be safely removed. Companies should test for PCBs in building materials before renovations to avoid liability for contaminated waste disposal.

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3. Caulk:
◦ A flexible material used to
seal gaps in buildings
◦ Makes windows, door
frames, masonry and joints
watertight and airtight.
◦ Prior to 1980, caulk was
manufactured with PCBs.

4. o High levels of PCBs (polychlorinated
biphenyls) have been found in many schools
and other buildings built or remodeled before
1978.
o PCBs can migrate from the caulk into air,
dust, building materials, and soil.
source: metropolitanenvironmental

5. o PCBs are man-made toxic chemicals
that persist in the environment &
bioaccumulate in animals & humans.
o PCBs were manufactured in the United
States until the late 1970s.
o Exposure to PCBs can affect the
reproductive, immune, nervous &
endocrine systems.
o PCBs are potentially cancer-
causing.

6. Reduce exposure to PCBs in caulk
until it can be safely removed:
◦ Improve ventilation & add exhaust fans.
◦ Clean frequently to reduce dust/residue.
◦ Use a damp cloth to clean surfaces.
◦ Use vacuums with HEPA filters, then mop.
◦ Do NOT broom sweep or use dusters.
◦ Wash hands with soap & water often.
jarsman.com
o
Wash children’s
toys and other
items often.

9. ARA was called to inspect,
sample and test for PCBs &
other hazardous materials
prior to the renovation.

13. “Companies that choose not
to test for PCBs should be
aware that if a waste disposal
site finds PCB contamination
in the company’s waste, that
company is responsible for all
associated costs & liability.”
-from “PCBs: the New Asbestos” by Guy Sylvester.
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