PCBs In Schools Overload: How Much Info is Too Much?
Posted on Fri, Mar 04, 2011 @ 06:07 AM
by Craig Sasse, Senior Engineer
In 2008, we began hearing more about PCBs in school building caulk and their potential hazards; yet at that time, there was very little testing done, no mandates from the EPA, and therefore no action items. Fast forward to the Summer of 2010, and we were smack dab in middle of a groundswell of media surrounding PCBs: Suggestions on what to do/what not to do, various EPA guidance including the addition of florescent light ballast to the mix, parents worried about children safety, blogs and seminars with tons of information, etc. This morning, I did a search for PCBs in Caulk and the search engine returned 16,000 results. So, the information is out there for the taking, albeit cumbersome and reiterative.
When I get asked to speak on the issue of PCBs in building caulk, I can talk about my expertise with assessment, disposal and best management practices, but when asked about new information, well, there isn’t any. So why is there so much talk without any action?
Until Congress updates TSCA, we need to take a step back and address issues at our reach. Keep in mind:
- The current understanding, regulatory environment, human exposure risk are dynamic and volatile. The EPA is conducting pilot studies to better understand the issue and develop future guidance. Arm yourself with knowledge. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
- Know the issues and how it may impact you and your facilities. Make sure you know who is sampling and analyzing building materials. Property purchases, building demolition or renovations with structures construction before 1979 could have PCB-containing building materials subject to TSCA management and liability.
- There are actions that can be taken to minimize potential PCB exposures to building occupants which are proactive and contend with a major concern.
If we can’t official act, we shouldn’t overreact. These are significant issues and ignoring it will lead to costly and time consuming mitigation and unnecessary exposures. Thoughtful and measured responses to the issue shall begin to bring about a reasonable outcome.