United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA-747-F-09-005
September 2009
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (7404)
&EPA Preventing Exposure to
PCBs in Caulking Material
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PCBs are found in high levels in building
caulk
Caulk containing high levels of PCBs (polychlorinated
biphenyls) has been found in many schools and other buildings
built or remodeled before 1978. Because PCBs can migrate
from the caulk into air, dust, surrounding building materials, and
soil, EPA is concerned about potential PCB exposure to building
occupants.
Health impacts of PCB exposure
PCBs are man-made toxic chemicals that persist in the environ-
ment and bioaccumulate in animals and humans. PCBs were
manufactured in the United States between 1950 and 1978,
before their manufacture was banned by Congress due to
concerns about their potential for adverse effects on human
health and the environment. Exposure to PCBs can affect the
immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and
endocrine system. In humans, PCBs are potentially
cancer-causing.
Protect children and other building
occupants
The preventive steps described below can help reduce exposure
to PCBs in caulk until it can be removed.
• Improve ventilation and add exhaust fans. Clean air ducts.
• Clean frequently to reduce dust and residue inside buildings.
• Use a wet or damp cloth or mop to clean surfaces.
• Use vacuums with high-efficiency paniculate
air (HEPA) filters.
• Do not sweep with dry brooms and minimize the use of
dusters.
• Wash hands with soap and water after cleaning and before eat-
ing or drinking, and wash children's toys often.
Test for PCBs in buildings built between
1950 and 1978
If school administrators and building owners are concerned
about exposure to PCBs and wish to supplement these steps,
EPA recommends testing to determine if PCB levels in the air
exceed EPA's suggested public health levels. If testing reveals
PCB levels above these levels, schools should be especially
vigilant in implementing and monitoring practices to minimize
exposures.
Caulk that is peeling or deteriorating may be tested to determine
its PCB content. If PCBs are found in the air, EPA will assist
in developing a plan to reduce exposure and manage the caulk.
Your EPA regional PCB coordinator can direct you to a PCB
testing lab; see the back cover for more information.
PCBs were not added to caulk after 1978. Therefore, in general,
schools built after 1978 do not contain PCBs in caulk.
Avoid exposure to PCBs in building caulk
Caulk that is peeling, brittle, cracking, or deteriorating visibly
in some way may have the highest potential for creating dust.
In addition to inhalation from PCBs in the air or dust, exposure
may occur when a person comes in contact with the caulk and
any surrounding porous materials into which the PCBs may have
been released (e.g., brick, concrete, wood). Exposure may also
occur through contact with PCB-contaminated soil adjacent to
buildings. Soil may become contaminated with PCBs when
caulk weathers.
Protections during removals, renovations
Schools, building owners, and daycare providers in public and
commercial buildings need to follow PCB-safe renovation prac-
tices to minimize potential exposures resulting from renovations
to workers, teachers, and children.
It is important to manage the removal in a way that minimizes
workers' exposure to the PCBs (e.g., use protective clothing such
as facemasks, gloves, etc.) and prevents the release of PCBs into
the environment. The work practices described below can help
reduce exposure to PCBs in caulk until it can be removed.
In addition to the safeguards mentioned above:
• Wear appropriate protective clothing when conducting cleanup
activities.
• Dispose of all cleanup materials (mops, rags, filters, water,
etc.) in accordance with all federal, state, and county
regulations.
• For caulk used on windows, walls, columns, and other verti-
cal structures that people may come into contact with, use
heavy-duty plastic and tape to contain the area so that caulk or
dust and debris from the surrounding masonry do not escape.
The plastic should cover the caulk and surrounding areas of
masonry.
EPA is helping to address the issue of
PCBs in caulk
EPA is conducting research on how the public is exposed to
PCBs in caulk and on the best approaches for reducing exposure
and potential risks associated with PCBs in caulk. Where PCBs
have been found in caulk, EPA is committed to helping schools
and communities enact plans to reduce exposure. Please contact
your regional PCB coordinator at 888-835-5372 for help with
assessing contamination and exposure and developing cleanup
plans.
Summary
EPA is particularly concerned when PCBs are present during
renovation or remodeling activities because these activities
increase the potential likelihood of exposure.
• Keep people out of areas where cracked or peeling caulk is
evident such as in playgrounds and near steps.
• Promote safe work practices during renovation activities.
• Take actions to safely remove caulk during PCB removal or
renovation projects and undertake and complete the work in a
timely fashion.
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Reducing Potential Exposures to
PCBs from Caulk in Schools and
Other Buildings
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Points to Remember
EPA is concerned about potential exposure
to PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in caulk
found in older schools and buildings. Con-
sider testing for PCBs by having your air
monitored or test the caulk if it is peeling or
visibly deteriorating. Call EPA's PCBs in
Caulk Hotline at 888-835-5372 to find a PCB
testing lab.
Call 888-835-5372 or visit http://www.epa.
gov/pcbsincaulk to find your EPA regional
PCB coordinator.
Talk to your EPA regional PCB coordinator
who will provide you with simple actions to
take today, and longer term actions for
removing the sources of PCBs including
developing a cleanup plan.
Prioritize where you should first concentrate
work.
Implement the plan.
Retest and monitor for PCBs in the air once
removal is complete.
For more information
http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk/
EPA's PCBs in Caulk Hotline: 888-835-5372
This fact sheet is intended solely for guidance. It does not replace or supplant the
requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act or the PCB regulations at 40 C.F.R.
part 761, and it is not binding on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or individu-
als. Please refer to the regulations at 40 C.F.R. part 761 for specific requirements relating
to PCBs and PCB-containing materials.
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