Caulking May be Linked to PCB Problems

July 26, 2004

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July 22, 2004

Harvard University researchers studying older buildings in the Boston area say

the rubbery caulking around windows could be a serious but unrecognized source

of PCB contamination.

" It's similar to lead paint in that it's another case of material in

construction that over time degrades,'' said Herrick, a lecturer at

Harvard who led the study. " We are hoping this stimulates a national survey.''

The production of PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, was banned in 1977. There

is evidence they cause cancer in animals, and studies show they can harm humans'

immune and nervous systems, and may cause serious developmental problems in

children.

Used primarily in electrical transformers, PCBs also appeared in construction

material in industrial buildings built in the 1960s and 1970s. They rarely were

used in caulking in single family homes.

With help from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers,

the researchers looked at caulking in 24 buildings, and found that eight of them

had enough PCBs to warrant specialized disposal under federal rules. Though they

did not test the surrounding environment, other scientists have found links

between contaminated caulk and PCBs in dust and soil.

Among the buildings tested were a museum, hospitals, government offices,

subsidized housing, dorms and schools. The names of the buildings were not made

public.

Herrick said the investigation by the Harvard School of Public Health suggests

that there are likely many other hospitals, schools, water treatment plants and

other public buildings nationwide that may contain similar caulking material. He

said workers demolishing or renovating older buildings may not be protected

properly against the chemicals.

The research was published this month in the journal Environmental Health

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