Availability of information on safe renovation and abatement of buildings that have PCB-containing caulk

EPA has recently posted new information on its Web site on safe renovation and abatement of buildings that have polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-containing caulk.  This information is meant to provide contractors, parents, teachers, and school administrators a general overview of the practices a contractor should consider when conducting the renovation and/or abatement of a building that has PCB-containing caulk.  Ordinary renovation and maintenance activities involving the removal of PCB-containing caulk and the surrounding contaminated substrate (brick, masonry, cinder block, wood, etc.) can create dust that contains PCBs, which can expose children and adults.  PCBs have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse health effects, including cancer in animals.  PCBs have also been shown to cause a number of serious non-cancer health effects in animals, including effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system, and other health effects.

This information is designed to assist building owners and abatement contractors who may be handling PCB-containing or PCB-contaminated building materials during planned renovation, abatement, or repair activities or planned PCB abatement efforts in older buildings.  The Web site includes information on:

• Facts about PCBs in Caulk - Provides basic information on PCBs and how to identify PCB-containing materials, primarily caulk.
• Steps to Safe Renovation and Repair Activities - Provides guidance on safe work practices during renovation or repair projects in older buildings where PCB-containing caulk and PCB-contaminated surrounding materials could be encountered.
• How to Test for PCBs and Characterize Suspect Materials - Discusses building characterization and sampling procedures to identify PCBs and determine the extent of contamination.
• Steps to Safe PCB Abatement Activities - Provides information on steps that should be considered for projects intended to remove and dispose of known or suspected PCB-containing caulk (i.e., PCB abatement activities). You can find the PCB regulations that support this information at Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 761 (40 CFR Part 761).
• Summary of Suggested Tools and Methods for Caulk Removal - Describes tools for removal, advantages and disadvantages, and protective measures to consider in table format.

The new brochure can be found at www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk/guide/index.htm
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David E. Giamporcaro
Industry and Small Business Liaison
Environmental Assistance Division
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
East Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (MC7408M)
Washington, D.C. 20460
Phone: (202)564-8107
Fax: (202)564-8813