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LITERATURE REVIEW OF REMEDIATION METHODS FOR PCBS IN BUILDINGS
Citation:
Envrionmental Health & Engineering, Inc. LITERATURE REVIEW OF REMEDIATION METHODS FOR PCBS IN BUILDINGS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-12/034, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
Literature review on existing methods for remidiation of PCB in buildings
Description:
This literature review contains a description and analysis of existing methods for management of PCBs in construction materials. Information on the strengths and limitations, efficacy, cost, and byproducts of each remediation method is presented, where available. The report is based upon a comprehensive review and synthesis of conference proceedings, and technical reports by government and commercial organizations. Numerous methods for abatement, i.e., reducing the amount of PCBs in building materials, and mitigation, i.e., limiting the release of PCBs from building materials, are described in the literature. The abatement techniques involve removal of PCB-containing materials with mechanical or hand tools, or application of chemicals intended to either extract or degrade PCBs. Techniques for mitigation of PCB impacts in buildings involve engineering controls such as encapsulation and ventilation that limit PCB levels in occupied parts of a building. Mitigation was also achieved through administrative controls, which were typically guided by a site-specific assessment of risk, and included reassignment of space use and implementation of an operation and maintenance plan for building-related PCBs.