Indoor airborne polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in schools are frequently 100 times higher than outdoor levels. Unfortunately, indoor PCB sources are poorly understood. These concentrations result in significant inhalation exposure to these carcinogens that may be equal to or higher than exposure through diet. PCBs produced as byproducts of pigment and polymer manufacturing are present in indoor air. Here we report on our identification and quantification of the emission of PCB congeners from non-Aroclor sources. Non-Aroclor sources are created during modern chemical manufacturing processes. Some manufacturing processes used for organic pigments and polymer silicones and sealants have been shown to produce PCBs. PCBs in these materials may volatilize and cause elevated concentrations of PCB congeners. Some of these congeners have previously been shown to be potent neurotoxins or to contribute to metabolic dysfunction related to the development of metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes. We performed direct measurements of PCB emissions from consumer products including paint, chalk and paper. These materials are found in building materials and products found in schools and homes. Using computational modeling of diffusive flux and dynamic airflow in a room, we elucidate the relative importance of Aroclor and non-Aroclor sources on the measured concentrations of airborne PCBs in indoor environments. Our findings indicate that human exposure through inhalation of indoor air may be as important as our exposure to PCBs through diet and both Aroclor and non-Aroclor sources are contributing to this hazard. Because direct measurement of all 209 congeners in indoor air enables precise identification of major PCB sources, removal of these sources is economically viable.

Non-Aroclor emissions from consumer products and the potential for inexpensive and effective remediation of airborne PCBs in Schools

2019 Spring National Meeting

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