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PCBs in Building Caulk
On this page you will find the following:
- Overview
- Minimizing exposure to PCBs in caulk
- Background
- Current best practices for PCBs in caulk
- Where can I get more information?
Overview
In recent years, EPA has learned that caulk containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was used in some buildings, including schools, in the 1950s through the 1970s. Buildings built after 1980 are less likely to contain caulk that contains PCBs.
Caulk is a flexible material used to seal gaps to make windows, masonry and joints in buildings and other structures watertight or airtight. EPA does not have information on the extent of the use of PCB-containing caulk or whether it was primarily used in certain geographic areas. To date it has been found in buildings in the northeastern United States and in joints in concrete water storage basins in the western United States.
Minimizing exposure to PCBs in caulk
- If you believe the caulk in your school or building was manufactured before 1978, when PCBs were banned, you may wish to have the caulk tested by a chemical analysis laboratory. Contact your Regional PCB Coordinator for information on finding a chemical analysis laboratory in your area.
- If PCBs are found in the caulk, avoid regular touching of the caulk, clean it up properly and safely, and make plans to remove the caulk during maintenance, repair or remodeling activities.
- PCBs are persistent, so ultimately should be removed.
- When PCB-containing caulk is removed and disposed of, it should be done with care to avoid contamination of surrounding materials such as floors, wood, bricks, mortar or soil.
Background
At one time caulk was manufactured to contain PCBs because they imparted flexibility. PCB-containing caulk was used as a joint sealant in various architectural applications, including around windows, and masonry expansion joints.
Current Best Practices for PCBs in Caulk
EPA has developed an informational brochure and fact sheets to provide building owners and managers with key information on the current best practices for addressing PCBs in caulk:
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Questions and Answers for the Safe Management of PCBs in Caulking || PDF Version (2 pp, 220K, about PDF)
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Fact Sheet: Testing for PCBs in Caulk in Buildings || PDF Version (3 pp, 31K, about PDF)
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Fact Sheet: Interim Measures for Reducing Risk and Taking Action to Reduce Exposures || PDF Version (4 pp, 44K, about PDF)
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Fact Sheet: Removal and Clean-Up of PCBs in Caulk and PCB Contaminated Soil and Building Materials || PDF Version (2 pp, 32K, about PDF)
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Fact Sheet: Disposal Options for PCBs in Caulk and PCB-Contaminated Soil and Building Materials || PDF Version (3 pp, 31K, about PDF)
Where can I get more information?
For more information on how to properly test for and address PCBs in caulk, contact the Regional PCB Coordinator for your state.