PCBs - Polchlorinated bipenyls - What to Do After A PCB Spill - Presented Free by EHSO
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PCBs - Polchlorinated bipenyls - What to Do After A PCB Spill - Presented Free by EHSO
PCBs FAQsWhat To Do After a Spill!
PCB Information, Regulations & Guidance
Spills must be reported to the National Response Center (1-800-424-8802), if they contain one pound or more of pure PCB (Aroclor). Spills must be reported to EPA's Toxic Substances Branch if they directly contaminate surface water, sewers, drinking water supplies, grazing lands, or vegetable gardens. Spills must be reported within 24 hours of discovery.
Where can I dispose of PCBs?
Call the Region 8 office at 1-800-227-8917 or 303-312-6312 for a list of commercially-permitted PCB disposal sites.
Capacitor: Nearly all capacitors manufactured before 1979 contained nearly pure PCBs.
How do I test for PCBs?
The EPA requires testing by gas chromatography (GC) for documentation of compliance with the regulations. Field test kits may not be used for documentation, but may be useful for general surveys for the detection of PCBs.
How do I dispose of fluorescent light ballasts?
Fluorescent light ballasts contain PCBs if they do not have a manufacturer's mark on them saying "No PCBs." The black material (known as potting compound) in the ballast that has a distinct, unpleasant odor, and drips upon failure, is not PCB, but it may be contaminated. The PCBs are contained in a thimble-sized capacitor buried somewhere in the potting compound. The capacitor, which is regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), contains about an ounce of nearly pure PCB.
