Another high school faces PCB contamination – air filters ordered

By Guy Page on November 28, 2023 • ( 1 Comment )

*November 2-4 production of Peter and the Star Catcher in the U-32 auditorium, now found to have high levels of PCBs*

by Guy Page

Levels of PCBs exceeding state standards have been found in 18 rooms or spaces at U-32, a high school in East Montpelier, school officials said in a November 27 letter to parents.

The state “Action Level” for PCBs of 100 nanograms per cubic meter is exceeded in the auditorium, dance strudio, phys. ed. office space, two rooms close to the cafeteria, two restrooms, and several storage rooms.

We are writing to provide you with an update on the recent testing for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in our school,” the letter from Principal Steve Dellinger-Pate and Superintendent Meagan Roy said. “PCBs are a group of human-made chemicals commonly used in building materials and electrical equipment before 1980. PCBs can be released into indoor air from building materials that contain PCBs. PCBs can cause serious health problems. The potential for health effects from PCBs, as with other chemicals, depends on how much, how often, and how long someone is exposed to them.”

Indoor air testing for PCBs took place at U-32 during the week of August 24th. An environmental consultant collected samples of indoor air that were processed by a laboratory, and then reviewed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Vermont Department of Health, the letter said.

The school district has contracted with Stone Environmental consulting services to begin the mitigation and remediation process immediately. They will work with DEC to identify and address the sources of PCBs, the letter said.

“The Health Department recommends that while our consultants work with DEC we lower the exposure of students and staff to PCBs by taking steps to reduce PCB levels within six weeks. We have also initiated the purchase of carbon air filters for each impacted space to use in the short term while our consultants work with us,” the school officials said.

The letter does not discuss whether more drastic action will be needed. Burlington High School was demolished, with a new building scheduled to take its place, due to PCB contamination.