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Homes and buildings built or renovated between 1950 and 1978 may have polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in caulk used at that time. Today the U.S. EPA issued recommendations for minimizing exposure to PCBs from old caulk.
What are PCBs? PCBs are a group of man-made chemicals that are also persistent organic pollutants ("POPs"). "Persistent" means that it hangs around for a long time and degrades slowly in the environment. They can also accumulate in your body over time. "Organic" in chemistry lingo refers to the fact that these compounds contain the element carbon.
PCBs were used extensively in construction materials and electrical products until their use was banned in 1978. PCBs can still be found in building materials like caulk, and in older electrical equipment and motors.
Why should we care about PCB exposure? PCBs have been shown to affect the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and endocrine (hormonal) system. They have been catergorized as "endocrine disruptors," meaning they can disrupt the normal hormonal balance in our bodies. PCBs have also been shown to have negative effects during development.
The U.S. EPA says the issue is not cause for alarm, but should be taken seriously. U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson says, "We're concerned about the potential risks associated with exposure to these PCBs and we're recommending practical, common sense steps to reduce this exposure as we improve our understanding of the science." For example, the EPA is conducting research on how PCB caulk concentrations are related to PCB indoor air concentrations.
What can we do about it? There are steps you can take to reduce exposures to PCBs and other chemicals in your home and at work. The things you can do are things you've probably heard before. From the environmental health perspective, these are smart steps toward improving your home environment:
- Regularly clean air ducts.
- Ensure ventilation by opening windows when possible or using exhaust fans.
- Clean frequently to minimize dust and other residues.
- Use a wet or damp cloth or mop to clean surfaces.
- Don't sweep with dry brooms or use dusters if PCB-containing caulk might be a concern.
- Use vacuums with high efficiency particulate air filters.
- Wash hands with soap and water often, particularly before eating and drinking.
- Wash children's toys often.
If renovations, repairs, or replacements of windows, doors, roofs, ventilation systems are planned, precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to PCBs.
For more info: U.S. EPA information on caulk; U.S. EPA information on PCBs
Comments, questions or suggestions? Anything you want to know about environmental health? Email your Chicago Environmental Health Examiner at MarisaNaujokas@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @chicagoenviron. If you like this article, subscribe above and you will get an email notice when I post a new article.
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