ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
1
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing Conditions 4/12/2020

2





School renovation projects require an assessment of existing conditions prior to any material being disturbed.
Window Replacement Project requires an assessment of sealants which may contain asbestos, PCBs, and lead-based paint.
Many school buildings constructed prior to 1979 have window caulk sealants that contain asbestos or PCBs.
Testing for PCBs, asbestos and lead paint was conducted in late November/Early December.
Test results indicated (full report received December 12,
2013)



No lead paint was detected.
Asbestos was only detected in window glazing sealants.
PCBs were detected in window glazing sealants, perimeter caulking and adjacent masonry around the windows and doors at concentrations regulated by EPA.
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing Conditions 4/12/2020

3
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing
Conditions
Window Glazing Sealant
This sealant is the black/grey material present between the glass pane and the metal window frame.
Perimeter Caulking
This sealant is the white, typically painted sealant between the metal window frame and the building masonry/wall
4/12/2020

If PCB containing caulking or sealants are disturbed, or deteriorate with age, it could produce dust / particulates that contain PCBs.
Recent studies have also documented the potential for PCBs to off-gas directly from caulking to indoor air.
4
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing
Conditions
4/12/2020


Room 1

Room 3

Room 4

Room 6
166.8 ng/m 3
151.8 ng/m 3
174.9 ng/m 3
145 ng/m 3
(see sampling locations and test results)
5
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing Conditions 4/12/2020

Maximum Concentration of PCB in Indoor Air
(EPA Conservative Values)
Age
1 - <2 yr
70
Maximum Concentrations of PCBs in School Air (ng/m 3 )
Age
2 - <3 yr
70
Age
3 - <6 yr
Age
6 - <12 yr
Elem Sch
Age
12 - <15 yr
Middle Sch
Age
15 - <19 yr
High Sch
100 300 450 600
Age
19+ yr
Adult
450
Note: Massachusetts Department of Public Health Threshold PCB
Concentration is 1,000 (ng/m 3 )
6
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing Conditions 4/12/2020

7
Most people have some accumulation of PCBs in their bodies. Exposure to PCBs is often via the food chain (fish, meat, dairy). Other sources of
PCBs include:






Transformers and Capacitors
Oils use in hydraulics
Carbonless Paper
Fluorescent light ballasts
Oil-based paint
Caulking
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing Conditions 4/12/2020

“The Potential presence of PCBs in schools and buildings should not be cause for alarm”.
Source: EPA Fact Sheet – PCBs in Caulk
“There is absolutely no reason to be concerned about exposure to PCBs at the Robinson
School”.
(12/16/2013)
Environmental Health Source: Suzanne Condon
Director
MA Dept. of Public Health
8
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing Conditions 4/12/2020

9
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing Conditions 4/12/2020

EPA recommends the following “Best Practices” to minimize potential exposure to PCBs:





Clean frequently to reduce dust and residue inside buildings.
Use a wet or damp cloth or mop to clean surfaces.
Use vacuums with high efficiency particulate air filters
(HEPA)
Do not sweep with dry broom.
Wash hands before eating.
10
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing Conditions 4/12/2020

Westford’s action to address presence of PCBs:




Inform staff, parents, officials
Immediate to Near Term - Surfaces




Remove supplies/materials from sills and avoid contact with window caulk
Thoroughly clean windows and sills
Paint over caulk during vacation
Follow-up surface wipe tests of surfaces
Immediate to Near Term – Indoor Air


Increase/improve room ventilation
Follow-up indoor air testing
Longer Term
 Remove and replace windows and caulking
11
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing Conditions 4/12/2020

12
Robinson School: Assessment of Existing Conditions 4/12/2020