Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are widely present in caulk used in buildings built or renovated between 1950 and 1979. The presence of these potentially harmful chemicals can expose building occupants to significant human health risks. (See this PCB in Caulk fact sheet for more information). Partner’s qualified remediation and Industrial Hygiene professionals can provide testing to identify PCB in caulk and offer professional remediation services to ensure the safe removal of contaminated materials
Testing caulk and surfacing materials for PCBs is simple, yet the management of the results is complicated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s webpage on PCBs in Caulk includes a summary of How to Test for PCBs and Characterize Suspect Materials). EPA recommends engaging a professional Industrial Hygiene consultant to provide Indoor Air quality testing and an evaluation of HVAC systems for PCB contamination.
Before caulk sampling is conducted, Partner suggests that the sampling strategy and management of the results be thought out ahead of time. Our industrial hygiene professionals can help formulate and implement a cost-effective and practical characterization and sampling plan to address PCBs in caulk.
40 CFR Part 761 (the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a complex regulation which includes many sections, subsections, and requirements. Since PCB-containing caulk at concentration above 50 ppm is regulated under this TSCA, it is recommended that you consult an industrial hygiene specialist to assist you with:
1. Development of a sampling strategy,
2. Management of the results,
3. Planning renovations and remediation, and
4. Interacting with State and Federal regulators.
Partner’s remediation and Industrial Hygiene practices include PCB specialists with significant TSCA experience and Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) who can provide all phases of planning, investigation, and the management of testing results.
Because the presence of PCB caulk inside of buildings can result in the potential for worker and occupant exposures, it is important that a qualified CIH is involved in planning and management of results when PCB caulk is found within a building.
All of Partner’s PCB Testing services are performed by accredited professionals in accordance with all applicable standards and regulations, including EPA guidance for testing caulk and 40 CFR Part 761.61 (TSCA) for PCM remediation waste (that may be associated with caulk).
