PCB remediation in schools: a review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Occupational Health
• Building Science

Background:

• Growing awareness of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in school building materials like caulk necessitates effective management strategies.
• Legacy building materials pose risks of human exposure and regulatory non-compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review best practices for managing building-related PCBs.
• To provide information on controlling human exposures and meeting regulatory requirements.

Main Methods:

• Review of engineering and administrative controls for PCB management.
• Discussion of initial mitigation measures and long-term remediation strategies.
• Analysis of cost-effectiveness in PCB remediation programs.

Main Results:

• Engineering and administrative controls can effectively block PCB transport and dilute concentrations.
• Initial mitigation provides time for planning long-term remediation and resource allocation.
• Longer-term strategies often involve removal of PCB sources and contaminated materials.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of PCBs in buildings requires understanding sources and exposure pathways.
• Optimizing remediation efficacy and cost-effectiveness is crucial.
• A combination of mitigation and abatement methods is necessary for comprehensive PCB management.