PCBs Testing Services

Raleigh, North Carolina, January 14, 2025

Last month, North Carolina State University officials provided an update to students and staff about Poe Hall, a building on campus that was closed in late 2023 over concerns of building occupant exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). According to the update, funds have been announced to advance planning for remediation and reconstruction of the building. One of the sources of the PCBs in this instance is reported to be from old caulking materials.

While most people are aware that exposure to PCBs can be hazardous, fair fewer know that some types of caulk used in the past contained it. In fact, there are reports that indicate that some caulk compounds used to build and renovate buildings up until the 1970s have considerable concentrations of PCBs.

According to research conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Caulk put in place between 1950 and 1979 may contain as much as 40 percent PCBs and can emit PCBs into the surrounding air. PCBs from caulk may also contaminate adjacent materials such as masonry or wood. 

“In addition to PCB-containing caulk, EPA has also warned of its past use in light ballasts, paints, mastics, adhesives, fireproofing materials, and in some ceiling tiles and acoustic boards,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “What’s scary is these chemicals can persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in living organisms, including humans. To help identify these types of potential hazards, EMSL offers material, environmental, and indoor air quality testing services and sampling supplies for PCBs and many other hazardous substances.”

The PCB testing experts at EMSL sponsored an educational video about PCBs in building materials a few years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/o-e5o86u0mk 

To learn more about PCB testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.