Environmental Pollutants
New York Pollution
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PCBs Found in Caulk Materials in NYC Public Schools
On January 19, 2010, the EPA announced they had entered into an agreement with City of New York and the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) to address serious issues with caulking materials found to be contaminated with PCBs.
If you or your children have suffered health problems linked to exposure to PCBs at New York City public schools, please contact a Weitz & Luxenberg environmental lawyer today for more information and a free review of your possible case.
For a number of years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been researching the potential adverse health effects associated with caulk containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The caulking materials had been used in many older buildings, including many schools built or remodeled between the 1950s and the 1970s.
PCB had been added to caulk used to insulate and seal gaps in windows, door frames, masonry joints and building joints due to the additional flexibility properties the addition of PCBs brought to the sealants.
PCB-Contaminated Caulk Found in NYC Schools
Part of the EPA investigation into the presence and abatement of PCB caulk involved the New York City public school system. The schools, which are operated by the City of New York, the Department of Education (NYC DOE) and the School Construction Authority (SCA), were found to have school buildings with PCB-containing caulk samples that exceeded the EPA’s limit.
An independent investigation at an elementary school in Jamaica, Queens, showed that levels were 2,000 percent higher than the EPA limit. This discovery led to a March 2009 announcement that a New York woman employed as a teacher’s aide intended to file a lawsuit against the DOE and SCA for the City agencies’ alleged failure to protect the health and safety of the woman and her elementary school age children.
City’s Consent Decree with the EPA
In January 2010, the City of New York and the SCA entered into a Consent Agreement and Final Order with the EPA. The Agreement and Order addresses the steps the City must take with regard to testing city schools for the presence of PCB-containing caulk.
The conditions of the Agreement and Order require the City to conduct studies at five schools to develop a proposed plan for PCB cleanup in those buildings. This action plan will serve as model for the City’s eventual PCB testing and abatement at the City’s 1,600 schools.
PCB Health Risks
According to the EPA, exposure to PCBs has been linked to a number of health problems, including an increased risk to develop cancer. Immune and reproductive system disorders, as well as neurological problems and thyroid and other endocrine system illnesses have also been linked to PCB exposure.
Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
For over 20 years, Weitz & Luxenberg has fought for the rights of families affected by environmental pollution and other contaminants that affect the health and property of the families living and working in countless communities.
If you or a loved one has been affected by PCB exposure at a New York City school, contact us for a free review of your potential lawsuit. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.
see also:
PCBs in Caulk
PCB Caulk in NYC | Weitz & LuxenbergGet help from our lawyers. PCB-containing caulk at NYC public schools
Valley Stream
Valley Stream Pollution: DEC list of Inactive Hazardous Waste SitesAre you aware of pollution dangers lurking in Valley Stream, New York?
New York Pollution
New York Pollution: List of Hazardous Waste Sites From Our LawyersDEC hazardous New York state pollution sites. Free Lawsuit Review
