PCBs Testing Services

North Carolina State University (NC State) has filed a lawsuit against a chemical manufacturer formerly involved in producing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), seeking damages and relief related to PCB contamination discovered in campus building materials. The university alleges that the contamination has rendered Poe Hall unfit for occupancy and necessitated extensive remediation and reconstruction efforts in accordance with federal regulations.

The complaint identifies several common construction materials that may contain PCBs, particularly those used in buildings constructed or renovated between approximately 1950 and 1979. These include caulks, paints, mastics and adhesives, fireproofing materials, certain ceiling tiles and acoustic boards, and pre-1979 fluorescent light ballasts.

Caulking materials are often cited as a significant source of PCB contamination. Although most people recognize that PCBs pose health hazards, fewer are aware that some caulks used prior to 1979 contained high concentrations of these toxic compounds. Research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that caulks installed between 1950 and 1979 may contain up to 40 percent PCBs and can release the chemicals into surrounding air and adjacent materials, such as masonry and wood.

“PCBs are known to cause a range of adverse health effects, and their persistence in the environment makes them especially concerning,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help identify and address these potential hazards, EMSL provides comprehensive testing services and sampling supplies for PCBs and numerous other hazardous substances in building materials and environmental samples.”

EMSL Analytical also produced an educational video on PCBs in building materials, available here: https://youtu.be/o-e5o86u0mk 

For more information about PCB testing and related services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.