PCBs

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(No Transcript)
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New York City TransitEnvironmental Conference
2006

• PCBs in Caulk An Unrecognized Source
• By Tom Gibbons, CHMM

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Introduction

• Background on PCBs
• What are PCBs?
• What are the Historic Uses?
• What are the Health Risks?
• Harvard Study on PCBs in Caulk
• Findings Developments in US
• Findings Developments in Europe
• Regulatory Agency / Industry Responses

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What are PCBs?

• Mixtures of Synthetic Organic Chemicals with
  Similar Structures and Properties
• Chlorine Biphenyl Heat PCBs

Molecular Structure
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What are PCBs?

• Properties of PCBs
• Non-Flammable
• Chemically Stable
• High Boiling Point
• Electrically Insulating

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Historical Uses of PCBs

• Electrical Equipment
• Heat Transfer Equipment
• Hydraulic Equipment
• Plasticizers
• Caulks and Plastics
• Rubber Products
• Pigments, Dyes and Paints
• 1.5 Billion Pounds / 1977

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Health Effects of PCBs

• Causes Cancer in Animals
• Probable Human Carcinogen
• Liver Cancer / Melanoma
• Suppresses the Immune System
• Reproductive System
• Reduces Birth Weight and Conception Rate
• Suppresses Neurological Development
• Disrupts the Endocrine System Retards Growth

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Harvard School of Public Health

• July 2004 HSPH Press Release
• 24 Buildings Tested
• 1/3 or 8 of 24 Exceeded 50 ppm PCB
• Up to 50,000 ppm PCB
• Caulk Unrecognized and Widespread Source of PCBs
• Recommends Routine Testing of Caulk

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Recent Studies Findings

• California 1995
• Local Watershed Contaminated
• Sediments in Creek 500 ppm PCB
• Dunsmuir Reservoir Caulk 15-20 PCB

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Recent Studies Findings

• University of Rhode Island 2000
• PCBs in Soil Traced to Building Caulk
• PCBs in Caulk 600x above EPA Limit
• EPA Mandated Clean-up Program
• Over 1-year and 3M to Clean-up

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Recent Studies Findings

• Westchester County Schools 2005
• French Hill School Soil gt 1ppm PCB
• EPA Mandated 300K Clean-up of Soil and Window
  Caulk
• News Channel 4 PCB Report May 22, 2006

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Recent Studies Findings

• 2-year Study Confidential Client - 2005
• 291 Facilities
• PCBs found in Caulk at 40 of facilities
• 10 over 50 ppm

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Recent Studies Findings

• Montana 2005
• Fish Contaminated with PCB
• Bozeman Hatchery Caulk with PCBs

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Recent Studies Findings

• Colorado 2005
• Marston Water Treatment Plant PCB in Caulk
• Caulk Removed but Underlying Concrete
  Contaminated - 1000 ppm PCB

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European Studies

• Finland
• Established Link to Elevated Levels of PCB in
  Workers Blood
• Removal of ALL PCB Caulk Mandated
• Germany
• Established Link to Elevated Air Born
  Concentrations
• Established Link to Elevated Levels of PCB in
  Teachers Blood
• Sweden
• Preparing Requirements to Abate PCB-containing
  Caulk

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Federal Response

• EPA Region 2 November 3, 2005 Letter
• Testing of caulk may be advisable . . .
• PCB containing caulk is not an authorized use
  and is illegal.
• Potential for exposure may be significant
• PCB-containing caulk must be removed upon
  discovery
• Removal and Disposal per 40 CFR Part 761
• ATSDR Aroclor 1254 is a Common Ingredient in
  Caulk

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State / Local Response

• Willis Stephens, NYS Assemblyman
• Preparing Bill to Require Testing of Caulk in
  Schools Constructed or Renovated Prior to January
  1978.
• Michael Kaplowitz, Westchester County Legislator
  5/06
• Now that PCB contamination is being discovered
  in more and more schools, we need to take a
  closer look and step up our efforts to get the
  EPA to appropriately regulate testing and
  remediation.

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State / Local Response

• State University Construction Fund
• Requires Testing for PCBs in Caulk Prior to
  Disturbance
• State Education Department
• Drafting Guidelines on PCB-containing Caulk
• Con Edison
• Requires Testing Prior to Facility Closure
• 1 Glazing and 1 Caulk / Elevation / Building

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Conclusions

• Caulk is a suspected PCB-containing material and
  should be routinely tested for PCBs prior to
  disturbance.
• Caulk is a significant PCB exposure risk.
• PCB-containing caulk must be removed and disposed
  of as PCB waste upon discovery.
• State agencies and private businesses have begun
  to develop guidelines for testing and removal of
  PCB-containing caulk.
• Currently testing caulk for PCBs is not required
  by law but may be advisable.

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For More Information

• Please Contact
• Thomas Gibbons, CHMM
• Client Program Manager
• Thomas.Gibbons_at_shawgrp.com
• 212-290-6098
• 646-529-3641