EODE

Fact Sheet: PCBs in Building Caulk

What are PCBs?

PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) are a group of manmade chemicals. Because they are heat and fire resistant, PCBs were widely used in caulk and other building materials and electrical products in the past. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of PCBs in the late 1970s, but PCBs can still be found in the caulk of many older homes, schools, hospitals and office buildings. PCBs continue to be widespread in our soil, air, water and food because of past use and disposal. PCBs break down very slowly and can remain in the environment for a long time.

How are people exposed to PCBs?

Almost everyone has been exposed to PCBs because of the widespread presence of PCBs in the environment.  Most people have some PCBs in their bodies.  In general, however, PCB levels in people have been going down since they were banned in the 1970s.

• For most people, food is the main source of PCB exposure. Foods that contain small amounts of PCBs include meat, dairy products and fish (especially fish caught in polluted waters). See the New York State Department of Health’s current health advisories on chemicals in sport fish and game.
• Workers who repair or remove PCB-containing electrical or building products may be exposed by breathing in PCB-containing dust or vapors or by having skin contact with PCBs.
• Buildings constructed or renovated before the late 1970s may have caulk or other materials that contain PCBs. These materials can generate PCB-containing vapors and dust when they break down or get disturbed. Building occupants may breathe in some PCB-containing dust and vapors, or ingest small amounts of PCB-containing dust through hand-to-mouth contact.
• Children may swallow PCB-containing dust or soil when they play on the ground and put their hands or toys in their mouths.

What are the potential health effects of PCBs?

• Immediate Health Effects:
  • Chlroacne, a rash-like condition, has been seen in people poisoned with large amounts of PCBs. High doses of PCBs may also cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches and dizziness. These acute symptoms are not likely to occur in people exposed to PCBs in food or in buildings.
• Long-Term Health Effects:
  • Many of the studies of long-term health effects in the general population examined children of mothers who were exposed to PCBs during pregnancy. Studies have shown behavioral and developmental problems among children whose mothers were either exposed to large amounts of PCBs or regularly ate fish from contaminated waters during pregnancy.
  • PCBs have been found to cause cancer and other health effects in laboratory animals. Evidence is limited on PCBs and cancer in humans, but PCBs are classified as probable human carcinogens. Some studies of workers suggest that high-level exposure increases the risk of liver cancer.
  • Other studies have examined PCB as a risk factor for other disorders of the liver, thyroid, reproductive and immune systems.  These studies have shown inconsistent results and provide no clear link between PCB exposure and any of these health effects.
  • Existing scientific studies, while limited, have not linked PCB exposures from building materials with health effects in building occupants.

Are PCBs present in New York City buildings?

Until the late 1970s, caulk made with PCBs was widely used in new and renovated schools, homes, offices, hospitals and other buildings. Caulk is a flexible material that seals openings around windows, doors and building joints. PCBs were also used in other building materials, such as paint, glues, plastics, fluorescent light fixtures and electrical devices.

What can be done to reduce PCB exposures in buildings?

Proper cleaning and building maintenance can minimize exposure to PCBs from caulk and other building materials. Here are some practical steps:

• Maintain all caulk in good condition
• Open windows, and use ventilation systems, fans or air conditioners with the vents open to get plenty of fresh air.
• Use a wet mop or damp cloth to clean surfaces regularly.
• Use vacuums with high-efficiency filters to avoid spreading fine particles.
• Do not sweep with dry brooms, and minimize the use of dusters.
• Wash hands with soap and water before eating or drinking.
• Wash children’s toys regularly.

Are special procedures required for repair work that may disturb PCB-containing caulk?

PCB-containing caulk can contaminate surrounding surfaces if it is removed and discarded improperly. Any repair that will disturb old caulk – removing or replacing a window, for example – should be done by trained workers who use safe practices. Proper cleaning methods should be routinely used to minimize potential exposures.

Schools should follow The New York State Education Department’s Protocol for Addressing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Caulking Materials in School Buildings. The protocol offers guidance on testing caulk and soil, as well as best practices for abatement. This guidance may also be useful for non-school buildings.

Can a medical test determine exposure to PCBs?

Laboratory tests can measure PCB levels in blood, fat tissue and breast milk. These tests are useful for research but they cannot determine when, where or for how long a person was exposed to PCBs. Nor can they determine the likelihood of adverse health effects. See your doctor if you have any symptoms that you think may be related to exposure.

Call 311 for more information. Translation services are available.

August 2009