Before 1977, it was common for contractors to seal windows and doors using caulking that contained PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls). Some light fixtures also contained PCBs.
The caulking has been removed from many New York City public school buildings, but any building that is more than 30 years old may contain some PCBs. Caulking in intact building materials is unlikely to cause a health risk.
New York City public schools follow best practices for maintaining and removing caulking and light fixtures that contain PCBs.
To make a complaint about PCBs in public schools, go to the School Health Complaint page.
