QUESTION A

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are synthetic chemicals that were widely used from 1950
to 1979 in various industrial and commercial applications. They were primarily used as
coolants and insulating fluids in electrical equipment such as transformers and capacitors.
PCBs were also present in building materials like caulk and paint during that period.

PCBs are considered toxic and persistent environmental pollutants. They do not easily
break down in the environment and can remain in soil, sediment, water, and air for long
periods. PCBs are harmful to human health and have been associated with a range of adverse
effects.

Exposure to PCBs can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Once in
the body, they can accumulate fatty tissues and organs. PCBs have been linked to various
health problems, including:

1. Cancer: PCBs are classified as probable human carcinogens by the International

Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). They have been associated with various
types of cancer, including liver cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Reproductive and developmental effects: PCB exposure has been linked to
reproductive disorders, such as reduced fertility, hormonal imbalances, and
developmental abnormalities in infants.
3. Neurological effects: PCBs can impact cognitive development in children, leading to
impaired learning and memory, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. They may also
contribute to neurological disorders in adults.
4. Immune system disruption: PCBs can suppress the immune system, making
individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.

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 Due to their harmful effects, the production and use of PCBs were banned in many
countries, including the United States, in 1979. However, the legacy of PCB contamination
remains, as many buildings and materials constructed or renovated during the period of PCB
use still contain these chemicals.

Testing for PCBs in buildings is important to identify potential exposure risks and
take necessary remedial measures. Remediation typically involves removing or encapsulating
PCB-containing materials to minimize human exposure. However, the process can be costly
and time-consuming.

In the case of the John C. Clark school in Hartford, Connecticut, the school was
closed in 2015 due to high levels of PCBs detected during testing. The remediation costs
were estimated at $1 million, which the school board couldn't afford from its general budget.
Other schools in Hartford that were built or renovated during the same period may also
contain PCBs, but many of them have not been tested yet.

The article highlights the need for testing and addressing PCB contamination in
schools to protect the health and safety of students and staff. It also mentions the legal actions
taken by the City of Hartford and the Hartford Board of Education against companies like
Monsanto, Solutia, and Pharmacia, holding them responsible for producing products
containing PCBs despite knowing their dangers.

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 QUESTION B

The presence of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in school buildings, as described in the

article, can have significant effects on both the environment and human health. PCBs are
synthetic chemicals that were widely used from 1950 to 1979 in building materials such as
caulk and paint. Here are the effects related to PCBs toxicants discussed in the article:

1. Health Risks: Exposure to PCBs is associated with a range of health problems. The
article mentions that PCB exposure can lead to low birth weight, cancer, and impaired
cognitive development in children, among other health issues. PCBs are classified as
probable human carcinogens, meaning they are likely to cause cancer in humans.
2. Airborne Contamination: PCBs become airborne over time, posing a risk of inhalation
for individuals present in affected buildings. The airborne PCBs can be inhaled and
enter the body, leading to potential health effects.
3. Building Contamination: The article highlights that building materials used in schools
constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1979 are likely to contain PCBs. The
PCBs can be released from these materials over time, contaminating the indoor
environment.
4. Financial Burden: Testing for PCBs and remediation of affected areas can be costly.
The article mentions that the remediation of PCBs in one school was estimated to cost
at least $1 million. This financial burden can pose challenges for schools and
municipalities in addressing PCB contamination.
5. Lack of Testing: The article reveals that some schools, including those still open, have
not been tested for PCB contamination. The absence of testing leaves the potential for
continued exposure to PCBs, putting students, teachers, and staff at risk.
6. Legal Implications: The City of Hartford and the Hartford Board of Education filed a
lawsuit against companies that produced PCB-containing products, seeking damages
for investigation and removal costs. This highlights the legal complexities and
responsibility for addressing the consequences of PCB contamination.

Overall, the presence of PCBs in schools has serious implications for the health and well-
being of students, teachers, and staff. It underscores the importance of thorough testing,

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remediation efforts, and proactive measures to ensure safe and healthy learning environments
for everyone involved.

QUESTION C

To avoid health effects caused by PCBs in schools globally, here are four best solutions:

1. Comprehensive Testing and Monitoring: Schools should implement regular testing

and monitoring programs to identify the presence of PCBs in building materials, such
as caulk, paint, and insulation. This proactive approach will help identify areas of
concern and allow for timely remediation measures to be taken.
2. Strict Regulatory Standards: Governments and education authorities should establish
and enforce stringent regulatory standards regarding PCB levels in schools. This
includes setting limits for acceptable PCB concentrations and mandating regular
testing and disclosure of results. Clear guidelines will ensure accountability and
promote the safety of students and staff.
3. Retrofitting and Remediation: In schools where PCB contamination is identified,
immediate action should be taken to remove or remediate the hazardous materials.
This may involve retrofitting buildings with PCB-free materials or conducting
thorough clean-up procedures to eliminate the risks. Adequate funding and resources
should be allocated to address these issues promptly.
4. Public Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness about the dangers of PCBs
and their potential presence in schools is crucial. Educational campaigns can inform
students, parents, teachers, and school administrators about the health risks associated
with PCB exposure. This knowledge will empower individuals to demand testing,
advocate for safer environments, and take appropriate precautions to minimize
exposure.

It is important to note that these solutions should be implemented in conjunction with the
expertise of environmental professionals and in compliance with local regulations and
guidelines.

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 QUESTION D

Based on the information provided in the article, the conclusion is that there are serious
concerns regarding the presence of PCBs in Hartford public schools and the potential health
risks they pose to students and staff. The John C. Clark school had to be closed due to high
levels of PCBs, and it remains vacant due to the high cost of remediation or demolition. The
investigation revealed that several other schools in the district, built or renovated during the
time when PCBs were widely used, have not been tested for the presence of these chemicals.

The lack of mandatory testing requirements and the financial implications associated
with remediation and disposal of contaminated materials have led to a situation where
schools may not be adequately addressing the issue. The potential exposure of children to
these toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemicals is alarming, and parents are rightly
concerned about the safety and health of their children.

The City of Hartford and the Hartford Board of Education have filed a lawsuit against
companies that produced products containing PCBs, seeking damages for the cost of
investigating and removing the toxins. However, the companies are denying wrongdoing, and
the outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain.

Overall, the article highlights the need for comprehensive testing, stricter regulations,
adequate funding for remediation efforts, and increased public awareness to address the
presence of PCBs in schools and mitigate the associated health risks.

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