—Were you or your child exposed to harmful PCBs at school?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic chemicals that were widely used in building materials and electrical equipment from the 1950s to the late 1970s. These dangerous substances have been banned in the United States since 1979 due to their serious health risks. However, many schools built or renovated during this period still contain PCBs, putting countless students, teachers, and staff at risk of exposure every day.

What are PCBs and Why Are They Dangerous?

PCBs are a group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms. Despite their widespread ban over 40 years ago, they continue to persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms, including humans. Classified as probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PCBs have been linked to a range of severe health issues, including:

• Cancer: Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to PCBs can increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, including liver cancer, skin cancer, and possibly breast cancer.

• Endocrine Disruption: PCBs can interfere with hormonal functions, leading to thyroid disorders, reproductive issues, and developmental problems, particularly in children.

• Neurological Effects: PCB exposure has been associated with cognitive impairments and developmental delays in children, as well as memory loss and motor control problems in adults.

• Immune System Suppression: PCBs can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections and other diseases.

• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of PCBs can lead to chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other persistent lung issues.

How Could PCBs Have Contaminated Your School?

During the 1950s to the late 1970s, PCBs were widely used in construction materials and electrical products found in many schools. Common sources of PCB contamination in schools include:

• Window Caulking and Sealants: These materials often contained PCBs to enhance durability and flexibility. Over time, they can break down and release PCBs into the air and dust, contaminating classrooms.

• Fluorescent Light Ballasts: Older fluorescent light fixtures, widely used in schools, contained PCBs in their ballasts. When these ballasts fail or degrade, they can leak PCBs into the air.

• Paints and Floor Finishes: Some paints and floor finishes used in the construction of schools contained PCBs, which can become airborne or settle in dust, posing inhalation or contact risks.

• Insulation and Adhesives: Materials used in building insulation and adhesives often contained PCBs, which can slowly release these chemicals into the school environment over time.

Specific Schools with Known PCB Contamination

PCB contamination in schools is a widespread issue, affecting many schools across the United States. In Hartford, Connecticut, several schools have faced PCB contamination concerns:

• Clark Elementary School, Hartford, Connecticut

  • Time of exposure: 1950 – 2014
  • In 2014, PCB contamination was discovered during a routine inspection. High levels of PCBs were found in the building’s window caulking and light ballasts. These materials posed serious health risks to students and staff, requiring immediate removal to prevent further exposure. The school conducted extensive testing and remediation to address the contamination and ensure a safer environment moving forward.

  Martin Luther King Jr. School, Hartford, Connecticut

  • Time of exposure: 1950 – Early 2010s
  • In the early 2010s, significant PCB contamination was discovered at Martin Luther King Jr. School. Testing revealed that PCBs were present in window caulking and old fluorescent light fixtures. The extent of contamination led to the temporary relocation of students and staff during the cleanup and abatement process, ensuring their health and safety. The school has since completed remediation efforts to remove these hazardous materials.

  Annie Fisher Magnet School of Multiple Intelligences, Hartford, Connecticut

  • Time of exposure: 1950 – Early 2010s
  • PCB contamination was identified in caulking and other building materials at Annie Fisher Magnet School in the early 2010s. The discovery prompted a costly and time-consuming remediation process, during which contaminated materials were extensively removed and replaced with safer alternatives. Despite these efforts, individuals who attended or worked at the school prior to the remediation may have been exposed to dangerous PCBs.

  Batchelder School, Hartford, Connecticut

  • Time of exposure: 1950 – 2015
  • Batchelder School was found to have significant PCB contamination, particularly in window caulking and fluorescent light ballasts. These materials, used during the school’s original construction, posed long-term health risks to students and staff who were exposed over the years. In 2015, the Hartford School District initiated a cleanup to remove PCB-contaminated materials and create a safer learning environment. However, individuals who attended or worked at Batchelder before 2015 may still be suffering from PCB exposure effects.

  Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts, Hartford, Connecticut

  • Time of exposure: 1950 – 2013
  • Kinsella Magnet School, known for its strong arts programs, faced PCB contamination in its older facilities. Materials containing PCBs were found in window sealants, light fixtures, and floor finishes. These substances posed health risks for students and staff, increasing the likelihood of conditions such as cancer, endocrine system disruption, and learning disabilities. The school underwent remediation in 2013 to remove these toxic materials, but former students and staff may still face the long-term health effects of exposure.

  Mary Hooker Environmental Sciences Magnet School, Hartford, Connecticut

  • Time of exposure: 1950 – 2012
  • Ironically, the Mary Hooker Environmental Sciences Magnet School, dedicated to teaching environmental awareness, also dealt with PCB contamination. Built before the PCB ban in 1979, the school contained caulking and other building materials that released harmful chemicals into the environment. PCB testing revealed dangerous levels in the building’s construction, which prompted a thorough remediation effort in 2012. Despite these efforts, those who attended or worked at the school prior to 2012 may have been exposed to PCBs, with potential long-term health impacts.

Possible Injuries and Health Effects from PCB Exposure

If you or your child attended or worked at a school built or renovated during this period, you could have been unknowingly exposed to PCBs. Potential injuries and health issues related to PCB exposure include:

• Chronic respiratory problems: Asthma, persistent coughing, and other lung conditions.

• Skin conditions: Rashes, irritation, and chloracne, a severe skin condition caused by exposure to certain toxic chemicals.

• Neurological impacts: Learning disabilities, behavioral changes, memory loss, and motor skill impairments, especially in children.

• Hormonal imbalances: Thyroid dysfunction, reproductive health issues, and other endocrine-related disorders.

• Increased cancer risk: Particularly for liver, skin, and potentially breast cancers.

• Immune system deficiencies: Increased susceptibility to infections and prolonged illness recovery times.

What Can You Do?

If you or a loved one attended a school built or renovated between the 1950s and late 1970s, you may have been exposed to PCBs and could be at risk for serious health complications. The long-term effects of PCB exposure can be severe and life-altering. It’s crucial to act now to protect your health and the health of those you care about.

Take Action Now: Sign Up to Learn More and Protect Your Rights

You have the right to know about potential PCB exposure and to seek justice for any health impacts you or your loved ones have suffered.  

Contact Information:
Ivelisse Correa
Executive Director GTA860 and Vice President of BLM860
Good Trouble Advocates in cooperation with the Law Offices of Aaron Romano 
203-872-2394
[email protected]

Phone

(203) 872-2394

Email

[email protected]