Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Schools

PCBs can cause serious health problems. The potential for health effects from PCBs, as with other chemicals, depends on how much, how often, and how long someone is exposed to them.

Numerous studies in both humans and animals have shown that exposure to PCBs can affect the nervous, immune, reproductive and endocrine (hormone) systems. PCBs are also classified as human carcinogens. This means that exposure to PCBs can cause cancer in humans.

Additionally, the different health effects of PCBs may be interconnected. This means that if one system of the body is affected by PCBs, it may have significant effects on other systems of the body, which can lead to many serious health problems.

Cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has studied the health effects of PCBs and concluded that PCBs are human carcinogens. This means that exposure to PCBs can cause cancer in humans.

Nervous System

Proper development of the nervous system is critical for early learning and can have significant effects on the health of people throughout their lives. Exposure to PCBs can lead to significant losses in neurological development, including visual recognition, short-term memory and learning.

Immune System

The immune system is critical for fighting infections. Diseases of the immune system can have very serious effects on human health. Exposure to PCBs can suppress the immune system, which can lead to other health problems.

Reproductive System

Exposure to PCBs can lead to decreased birth weight and can cause babies to be born too early.

Endocrine (Hormone) System

PCBs can affect thyroid hormone levels in humans. Thyroid hormone levels are critical for normal growth and development, and can have significant health effects if levels are altered.

PCBs continue to be widespread in our soil, air, water and food because of past use and disposal. PCBs break down very slowly and can remain in the environment for a long time. Most people have low levels of PCBs in their bodies because of the widespread presence of PCBs in the environment. In general, however, PCB levels in people have been going down since they were banned.

Food is the main source of exposure to PCBs for most people. PCBs are found in meat, dairy products and fish (especially fish caught in polluted waters).

In schools, the common sources of PCBs are old lighting ballasts and caulk. As the ballasts age, the PCB oil can leak onto nearby surfaces or produce vapors in the air. As caulk containing PCBs deteriorates, PCBs may be released into the dust or air. Students and staff may be exposed to PCBs by:

• Breathing in dust or vapors that contain PCBs

• Getting dust containing PCBs on their hands and then swallowing it while eating or drinking

• Skin contact with materials that contain PCBs

In Vermont, the school action levels are different depending on the lowest grade of students in the school. They are:

• 30 ng/m³ for pre-K

• 60 ng/m³ for kindergarten to 6^th grade

• 100 ng/m³ for 7^th grade to adult

ng/m³ = nanograms per cubic meter