Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in building materials

Video funded by Ecology grants

Certain building materials throughout Washington may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). While the manufacture of PCBs was banned in 1979, they remain in buildings built or renovated before or around this time.

PCB-containing building materials can:

Pose health risks.
Contaminate stormwater, soils, sediments, and indoor air.

Property owners, developers, contractors, local governments, and other businesses can increase their knowledge about the dangers of PCBs in building materials and take steps to reduce the impacts from these materials on people and the environment.

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What building materials might contain PCBs?

PCBs, also known by their trade name Aroclor, were intentionally added to building materials to improve flexibility, adhesion, and durability. Buildings and structures built or renovated between 1950 and 1979 may contain PCBs, particularly in:

Door and window caulk, grout, expansion joints, and other joint materials.
Paints, sealants, coatings, varnishes, and lacquers.
PCB and asbestos-coated metal sheets, asphaltic roofing, and tar paper materials.
Fluorescent light ballasts.

Click the image above to explore the ways PCBs can get into the environment or read a text version.

How do PCBs in building materials affect people and the environment?

Precipitation and pressure washing can move PCBs from building materials, surface soils, and air into stormwater.
Construction debris that is disturbed may release PCBs.
PCBs in air can circulate, contaminate other materials, and affect indoor air quality.
PCBs in stormwater can contaminate surface water, sediment, and aquatic life.

What if you think a building contains PCBs?

Stop pressure washing unless you know it's safe. Video funded by Ecology grants

Before starting demolition or renovation on buildings at risk of containing PCBs, property owners, and operators should consult our guides:

PCBs in building materials are primarily regulated under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). However, any contamination to the surrounding environment from PCBs in building materials is regulated under the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), which directs investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites.

Frequently asked questions

We have been working to identify and address PCBs in the environment for several years. Our 2015 PCB Chemical Action Plan (CAP) recommended we develop and promote best management practices to contain PCBs in building materials to reduce exposure to people and prevent PCBs entering stormwater.

In Oct. 2022, we worked created a guide to find and address PCBs in building materials to help property owners, developers, contractors, and local governments understand how to find and address PCBs in their building materials. This project was funded by the National Estuary Program.

Contact information

Need help?
Contact our pollution prevention team or dangerous waste inspector in your region.