Fact Sheet for Teachers: What to Say to Children bout PCBs T he dangers of the chemicals known as PCBs (polychlori- nated biphenyls) in caulk need to be shared with children to encourage proper precautions. Tell the Story In simple terms, go step by step through why caulk is harmful to them. An example follows: A long time ago when this building was made, the builders used white material with chemicals in it to put in the windows and walls. These chemicals can make you sick. The stuff that's bad for you is in the white parts around the windows and doors (show without touching it yourself). You should not touch these. If you accidentally touch the white stuff, you need to wash your hands right away. This is one reason why we always wash our hands before we eat food. The story should be repeated at least one other time within the week of the first presentation. Prompt the children to ask questions or even retell the story in their own words. This will help reinforce its importance. How are people exposed to PCBs? Most people have some accumulation of PCBs in their bodies. When products containing PCBs are disposed of improperly, the chemicals can enter waterways and contaminate fish and other animals. So, food is how most people are exposed. Fish, meats, and dairy contain small amounts of PCBs. People can also be affected by PCBs when handling products containing them; people whose workplaces and jobs involve working with PCB- laden objects or in PCS cleanup are at the highest risk for elevated exposure. More recently, indoor air has been found to contain PCBs from some types of caulk in building materials. Distribute Coloring Exercise Attached is a picture of the average classroom. Instruct the students to read the directions and color in the scene, ensuring that the students color all locations of where caulk may be found in RED. Contact Call EPA's PCBs in Caulk Hotline: 888-835-5372 to learn more about PCBs in caulk and to get information on PCS specialist professionals in your area. &EPA EPA-747-F-09-003 ------- |