EPA ruling bans use of PCB transformers within five years
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Dispatches
From 1929-1977 many highrise structures were built using polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as electrical insulators and transformer cooling fluids because of their fire-resistant nature. However, it has been found that close contact with PCBs and their vapors can cause cancer and other disorders in humans.
As a result, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled that PCBs and electrical transformers containing the substances must be replaced with non-toxic equivalents in all commercial buildings before October 1, 1990.
Most of the transformers often found in high-rise office buildings used to control a large amount of fluorescent lighting will be affected by the ruling. However, some exceptions may be made if adequate auxiliary protection is provided.
Approximately 7,500 transformers throughout the country will have to be replaced as a result of the ruling, according to Denise Keehner, chief of the regulatory branch of EPA’s pesticides and toxic substances.
Even transformers on the outside (within 30 yards) of commercial structures must comply with the ruling. This applies to all retail, business, and transportation uses of these transformers.
The EPA will allow what they consider to be low-risk transformers to stay in place as long as circuit breakers or fuses are installed to guard against rupture and fire.
Until all commercial structures can be totally purged of PCBs, the following procedures must be followed, according to the EPA ruling:
- Doors or walls leading to a closed area containing PCB transformers must be clearly
- labeled as such. In addition, these areas must be registered with the fire department.
- Combustibles cannot be stored in areas near PCB transformers.
- PCB transformers currently being stored cannot be placed into service if they are considered high risk and would violate the ruling.
For additional information, contact the Regulatory Branch, Pesticides and Toxic Substances Office, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011.
