PCBs Information


As part of a new law, Act 74, all schools that were constructed or renovated before 1980 are required to test for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in indoor air and address any issues when PCBs are found at or above the school action level. The intent of the law is to protect students and staff from the possible health effects of exposure to PCBs in the indoor air of schools.  


PCBs testing Schedule

 

UES

COMPLETE

MSMS

COMPLETE

RVS

April 1 - June 30, 2025

MHS

January 1st - March 31st, 2024

 

PCBs Testing Results

The results will be posted here within seven days after we receive the results from Department of Environmental Conservation and recommendations from the Health Department. We will also send you a letter that lists the results.


PCBS Frequently asked questions

What are PCBs?

  • PCB stands for Polychlorinated Biphenyls. They are a group of human-made chemicals that were commonly used in building materials and electrical equipment before 1980. Lighting ballasts in older fluorescent lighting fixtures and caulk are the common sources of PCBs in school buildings.

Why are PCBs a concern?

  • PCBs can cause serious health problems. The potential for health effects from PCBs, as with other chemicals, depends on how much, how often, and how long someone is exposed to them. Numerous studies in both humans and animals have shown that exposure to PCBs can affect the nervous, immune, reproductive and endocrine (hormone) systems. PCBs are also classified as probable human carcinogens. This means that exposure to PCBs can likely cause cancer in humans.

How are students and staff exposed to PCBs in a school building?

  • PCBs can be released into indoor air from building materials that contain PCBs. Students and staff may be exposed to PCBs by:

    • Breathing in dust or vapors that contain PCBs.

    • Getting dust containing PCBs on their hands and then swallowing it while eating or drinking.

    • Skin contact with materials that contain PCBs.

What will happen if there are PCBs in the air of our school?

  • MRPS will work closely with our colleagues at the state level should our testing show PCB contamination above the school action level. 

  • If levels of PCBs are below the school action level in all rooms tested, then changes in occupancy are not needed.

  • If levels of PCBs are at or above the school action level, then sources of PCBs are likely present. The State will work with school administrators to investigate and provide recommendations on how to reduce exposure. 

  • We want PCB levels in indoor air to be as low as possible. Testing, identifying, removing, and mitigating sources of PCBs, as well as reducing the time spent in some rooms, are ways we can lower the levels of PCBs in the indoor air of our school.

How will I be notified of the results?

  • The results will be posted on this webpage within seven days after we receive the results from Department of Environmental Conservation and recommendations from the Health Department. We will also send you a letter that lists the results.

Who can I contact at MRPS if I have questions about testing?


Additional Resources