Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

PCBs in Building Materials and Schools

Any questions regarding capacitors should be referred to the PCB Program of the CT DEEP at (860) 424-4177, e-mail the PCB Coordinator or write to: 

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Bureau of Materials Management and Compliance Assurance
PCB Program
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127 
 
All of the following uses were banned by EPA in 1978 except for the use of fluorescent light ballasts.  However, many building and facility owners and managers are unaware that PCBs are present in their buildings.  Federal regulations do not require testing for PCBs in building materials and federal law pre-empts states from instituting such requirements.  Common uses in building materials include:
  • Paint
  • Caulk
  • Mastics
  • Fluorescent Light Ballasts
  • Soundproofing
  • Fireproofing
  • Flooring
  • Roofing
If schools are concerned about possible PCB exposure for their school community, it is recommended that air testing be performed for comparison with EPA Exposure Levels for Evaluating PCBs in School Indoor Air.  The results of such testing can indicate whether PCB sources are present in your building.  Be aware that if PCBs are found to be present, many of these uses are a violation of federal regulation and will have to be addressed in a manor acceptable to both EPA and Connecticut.
Many agencies have developed information to assist those with PCBs in building materials.  This guidance includes:
 
Renovation and Demolition Enviromental Health and Safety Requirements (CT DEEP)
 

Content Last Updated December 2023