Widely used in building materials from 1950-1979, polychlorinated biphenyls (or PCBs) are an unhealthy chemical that can harm both building occupants and the local environment. You can learn more about what materials may contain this toxic and the next steps to protect your building(s), your tenants, and the environment using tools from the Washington Department of Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency. Scan this QR code to learn more about risks, requirements, and best management practices for addressing PCBs in your building! Publicly-available records indicate that your building at [INSERT ADDRESS] may contain PCBs. This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-01J95801-2 to the Washington State Department of Ecology. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. Questions? Contact emmade
Document Author: Seattle 2030 District
PCB Mailer Infographic Template
PCBs are a class of 209 synthetic compounds used widely in industrial and commercial applications until their manufacture was banned by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in 1979 PCBs can still be found in buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1979. They were intentionally added to building materials to improve flexibility, adhesion, and durability Some sources include caulk, paints, grout, sealants + many more PCBs are regulated by the EPA and are increasingly a serious liability for building owners If sources of PCBs contamination go unchecked they can cause: Serious health problems like cancer Construction delays Unexpected costs However, proper testing and remediation can help you avoid these negative effects Like dealing with lead and asbestos, there are measures you can take to address the threats posed by PCBs: 1) Consult guidance from the WA State Department of Ecology before starting demolition or renovation on buildings at risk of containing PCBs 2) Avoid activities like pressure washing until your building’s exterior has been tested for PCBs Learn about more BMPs at : [INSERT LINK] The Washington State Department of Ecology provides a guide on PCBs for building owners and managers who want to learn more and get started on addressing PCBs. Scan the QR code to learn more about how you can protect your building, your tenants, and our environment.
Know the Risk of PCBs Mailer
If you own a commercial, industrial or multifamily building constructed or renovated from 1950 through the 1980s, you might unknowingly be sending toxic chemicals into the environment. During this time many building products were made using highly toxic polychlorinated biphenyls, commonly known as PCBs.PCBs can cause:
serious health problems, like cancer
construction delays
unexpected costsWant to learn more about how you can begin testing
and protect yourself from these risks? Scan the QR
code to access helpful resources developed by the
Washington Department of Ecology and the EPA!
Attention Property Owners Digital PCB Flyer
. Concerned about the risks associated with PCBs and curious about how you can protect your investment and your tenants? Sign up to receive FREE, one-on-one guidance about available resources and easy steps you can take to start addressing this issue in your building(s).PCBs (or polychlorinated biphenyls) are a class of toxic compounds used widely
in industrial and commercial applications to improve flexibility, adhesion, and
durability. Though their manufacture and use was banned in 1979, PCBs can still
be found in buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1979 in
materials like caulk, paints, grout, sealants, as well as many more.PCBs are regulated by the EPA and are increasingly a
serious liability for building owners. Various state and
federal regulations prohibit the use or release of PCBs into
the environment. Know if your building is at risk of containing
PCBs and take action before you accidentally incur fines!Don’t get caught off guard! If you’re planning a construction,
renovation or demolition project, test proactively to avoid
additional costs, delays, and protect human and
environmental health.
