PCBs Laboratory Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, June 17^th, 2020

 

Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an agreement with a large utility service provider over polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concerns. The agreement settles several counts of “allegedly violating federal PCB regulations” by the company. A payment of over $129,000 will be made by the company and the EPA reports that to the agency’s knowledge, the company is now operating in compliance with federal laws regulating PCBs.

The case stems from several transformer spills at locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut, involving improper manifesting of PCB remediation waste, improper storage of a PCB transformer and improper disposal of PCBs. The company has the expertise and resources to respond to PCB spills, and the soil contaminated by these spills was excavated and shipped off-site for disposal according to the EPA.

Up until the late 1970s when the production of PCBs were banned due to health and environmental concerns, these chemical compounds were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications. Unfortunately, PCBs persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate in living organisms. This is a major health concern as the chemicals are listed as a probable human carcinogen. PCBs are also believed to have non-cancer effects on the immune system, reproductive system and endocrine system.

“Due to the widespread use of PCBs in the past and their longevity, these chemical compounds still pose a health and environmental threat,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “PCBs are not just an outdoor issue, they were once used in some paints, mastics, sealants, adhesives, caulking, specialty coatings and fluorescent light ballasts. They can contaminate surfaces in homes and buildings, and even cause indoor air quality concerns.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc.’s laboratories across North America offer environmental, material and industrial hygiene testing for these and other hazardous chemicals. EMSL has also created an educational video about PCB testing that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/8hpV_8JgAlE.

To learn more about PCB testing from bulk materials, dust, soil, air or other sources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.