Print this pagePCBs in Building Materials – Into the Limelight
Jeffrey R. Sotek, PE, CSP, CIH
Course Outline
In this six (6) hour course students will learn about PCBs in building materials, their hazards, the regulations that apply to PCB building materials and a new USEPA interpretation that could make remediation and disposal easier. In addition, students will learn about the history of PCBs, different building products that are known to contain PCBs, sampling methods, laboratory analysis and an overview of remedial methods. The information is provided in a Microsoft Powerpoint presentation handout and EPA reference documents and will help further understand the topic, its issues, and the regulations.
This course includes
a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding
of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Learn about the history of PCBs;
- Be provided with an introduction to PCB chemistry
- Be familiar with historical PCB uses;
- Learn about environmental, health and Safety issues associated with PCB building materials;
- Be provided examples of PCB remediation projects that have received public attention;
- Learn about indoor air quality concerns associated with PCBs;
- Learn about the regulations for PCB bulk waste;
- Learn about the regulations for PCB non-bulk waste;
- Learn about Self Implementing Plans
- Learn about recent regulatory interpretation on PCB waste disposal;
- Learn about other recent changes in regulations affecting PCBs;
- Learn about recordkeeping requirements;
- Be familiar with PCB sampling methodologies;
- Be familiar with PCB analytical requirements;
- Be familiar with PCB remedial methods;
- Be provided general remedial costs (prior to the regulatory interpretation);
- Understand when an operation and maintenance plan would be required; and
- Understand the uncertainty and risk associated with PCBs in building. materials.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for environmental engineers and EHS professionals.
Benefit to Attendees
This course will help attendees learn about PCBs in building materials, their hazards, regulations that apply to PCB building materials and a new USEPA interpretation that could make remediation and disposal easier. .
Course Introduction
The manufacture and use of PCBs were banned in the United States in 1979. When most of us think of PCBs we think of problems associated with releases from transformers and capacitors. However, it has been estimated that over 10% of PCBs were used in building materials. Knowledge of the extent of PCBs in building products such as caulk, glazings, etc. has increased in recent years and the extent of the environmental, health and safety issues associated PCBs in building materials is greater than first realized. PCBs in these materials have been known to migrate to surrounding porous materials like concrete or brick and the air. The costs of PCB building material remediations can be large and put a halt to a renovation project. US EPA regulates PCBs under 40 CFR 761.61 and 40 CFR 761.62 and issued a reinterpretation associated with PCB bulk waste disposal in October 2012. Licensed professional engineers and EHS professionals must be aware PCB safety and health hazards, sampling methodologies, analytical methods, PCB regulations, and remedial techniques available to assist themselves, their employers or clientele who are involved with renovation projects or buildings with PCB containing building materials.
Course Content
This course content with provide the attendee with opportunity to learn about the history of PCBs, their EHS issues, sampling and remedial methods, the regulations associated bulk and non-bulk PCB wastes and the new interpretation concern PCB waste disposal.
In this lesson, you will be directed to:
This technical document is in the public domain and may be downloaded or printed free of charge.
40 CFR 761.61 and 761.62 [1.29 MB PDF*, 30 pages]
USEPA PCB Bulk Product Waste Reinterpretation, dated October 24, 2012 [1.24 MB PDF*, 3 pages]
UESPA Steps to Safe Renovation and Abatement of Buildings That Have PCB-Containing Caulk, http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk/guide/ [1.24 KB PDF*, 36 pages]
Please
click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document
for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first
save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save
Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Course Summary
This course provides an introduction to PCBs in building materials, their hazards, the regulations that apply to PCB building materials and an new USEPA interpretation that could make remediation and disposal easier. In addition, students will learn about the history of PCBs, different building products that are known to contain PCBs, sampling methods, laboratory analysis and an overview of remedial methods. Through this online course, licensed professionals and EHS professionals can learn how to assist employers and clientele with unique issues associated with PCBs in building materials.
Related Links
For additional information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
USEPA, http://www.epa.gov/wastes/hazard/tsd/pcbs/
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
