PCBs
Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, are a class of highly stable organic compounds with good electrical insulating and dielectric properties. PCBs are either oily liquids or solids, are colorless to light yellow, and have no smell or taste. PCBs were used for many years in heavy-duty electrical transformers and capacitors, and as heat transfer fluids, hydraulic fluids and plasticizers in paints, plastics and rubber products. More than 1.5 billion pounds of PCBs were manufactured in the United States prior to cessation of production in 1977.
Unfortunately, PCBs have long-lasting harmful effects. They are so stable that, released into the environment, they can persist for decades. Once ingested by organisms, they accumulate in tissues (being fat soluble, they pass into fatty tissue; being non-water soluble, they cannot readily be excreted). They become more concentrated as they move up the food chain, ultimately causing deleterious health effects in humans. PCBs are probable human carcinogens, and damage skin, liver, kidneys and thyroid glands.
Equipment containing PCBs can still be found in many facilities. Healthcare facilities managers need to be aware of the rules that apply to any PCBs that may exist on their sites, particularly during renovations.
Regulations
As of July 2, 1979, federal law banned U.S. production of PCBs. However, it remains a potential legacy problem.
Items with a PCB concentration of 50 ppm or greater are regulated for disposal under 40 CFR Part 761. Some potential sources of PCBs in healthcare facilities include:
- Mineral-oil filled electrical equipment such as motors or pumps manufactured prior to July 2, 1979
- Capacitors or transformers manufactured prior to July 2, 1979
- Plastics, molded rubber parts, applied dried paints, coatings or sealants, caulking, adhesives, paper, Galbestos, sound-deadening materials, insulation, or felt or fabric products such as gaskets manufactured prior to July 2, 1979
- Fluorescent light ballasts manufactured prior to July 2, 1979
- Waste or debris from the demolition of buildings and equipment manufactured, serviced, or coated with PCBs
- Waste containing PCBs from spills, such as floors or walls contaminated by a leaking transformer.
Handling
The general requirements for handling PCB materials and equipment include:
- Identifying and labeling the material. Marking is required for all PCB items, containers, storage units or areas. Follow EPA established marking requirements, including size, color, and location of the marks. You can find an example of the two approved PCB labels in 40 CFR Part 761.45.
- Notifying EPA. If you are storing or disposing of PCB waste, complete a Notification of PCB Activity Form and mail it to the Fibers and Organics Branch of the National Program Chemicals Division in EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT). EPA will assign an identification number (ID number) to the healthcare facility. This ID number is for activities involving PCBs and may not be used for any other waste activities. If the healthcare facility has already received an ID number for other regulated wastes (e.g., RCRA), EPA will verify the number and assign the same ID number for the site’s PCB activities.
- Store the material properly. Items must be stored in accordance with EPA requirements. Storage requirements for PCB-containing materials depend on the end use of those materials. You can store approved materials for reuse for up to five years in an approved, permanent, PCB storage area. PCB articles and containers must be dated and properly labeled when placed into storage for disposal requirements. Temporary storage areas may be used for up to 30 days.
- Properly disposing of the material. EPA specifies requirements for disposal of all PCB wastes with PCB levels >50 ppm. Rules for disposal are found at 40 CFR 761.60.
- Record Keeping and Reporting. EPA requires that records be maintained for the storage, transportation, and disposal of PCBs for at lest three years. Rules for record keeping and reporting are found at 40 CFR 761.398.
More Resources
EPA’s PCB webpage The EPA provides various paths for the public to access information about PCBs.
TSCA Disposal Requirements for Fluorescent Light Ballasts Disposal requirements vary depending on the type of capacitor and plotting material.
|
