Pesticide/PCBs

The information in this handout should serve as a brief explanation of the rules and regulations that pertain to pesticides and PCBs. For a complete guide of the rules and regulations please refer to, the Code of Federal Regulations; 40 CFR Part 150-189, Pesticides Programs and 40 CFR Part 761, Federal PCB regulations.

Pesticides

What are the Pesticide Regulations that I need to comply with?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as amended regulates the production, distribution, sale, use and disposal of pesticides in the United States. All pesticides must be registered with EPA under FIFRA before they may be distributed or sold in the U.S. All registered pesticides must be used in exact accordance with the label directions specific for each product. In addition, individuals who have been certified under FIFRA or an equivalent state program may use certain pesticides considered to present unreasonable risks to man or the environment. Such products are classified as restricted use pesticides and may only be used by certified applicators. Congress set up the enforcement of FIFRA by assigning the Agency the primary responsibility for enforcing pesticide use {if the State has state authorities to carry out this responsibility]. All Region 5 States have state authorities to enforce pesticide use. In addition, our states have cooperative agreements with EPA to assist the Agency in its enforcement program.

As a College or University, do I need a certification? And if so Where do I get this?

Colleges and universities may be subject to FIFRA for the certification of applicators who may use restricted use pesticides. These institutions may also be subject to more restrictive state authorities that require the certification of applicators that use any pesticide in the course of the work. It is imperative that colleges and universities consult with the appropriate state lead agency to determine the requirements for the certification of individuals who use any pesticide on the institution’s property and any record keeping requirements on pesticide use by campus personnel. The following state contacts can provide compliance assistance on sate requirements for pesticide use in their state:

PCB'S

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) are synthetic chemical compounds consisting of chlorine, carbon and hydrogen. PCB’s belong to a family of organic compounds known as chlorinated hydrocarbons and can be found as a clear to yellow oily liquid or waxy solid. The 1976 Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) prohibited any further manufacture of PCB’s in the U.S.

Why are PCB’s harmful?

When people or animals ingest PCB’s, they are stored in the fatty tissue and then slowly released into the blood stream. Even at low exposure levels in the environment, the concentration of PCB’s on fatty tissue can accumulate to a high level. This process is called bioaccumulation. The PCB’s accumulate in the fatty tissue of organisms low in the good chain and are magnified when consumed by the animals in the higher food chain. This process is termed biomagnification. As PCB’s bioaccumulate in organisms and biomagnigfy in the food chain, they create health hazards at all levels. The short-term health hazards for people include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. High, acute, persistent health effects are often not immediately apparent and may last for months or years defending on the exposure. PCB’s can cause liver damage, reproductive problems, a sever acne like rash (chloracne), and damage to the nervous system.

As a college or University where would I have PCB’s?

The primary application of PCB’s nationwide has been as a dielectric (insulating) fluid for high power electrical equipment. Typically, large institutions purchase power at a reduced cost by receiving the power at high voltage and then dropping down the voltage with their own transformers. Other equipment used for high power applications includes large capacitors, voltage regulators and switches. All of which may contain PCB liquid, insulating material. If you own transformers or other high power electrical equipment manufactured prior to 1978, this equipment may contain PCB’s and their use may be regulated. PCB’s may also be found in the capacitors and "potting material" of fluorescent light ballasts. Light ballast’s that contain PCB’s are regulated for disposal under Federal PCB Regulations particularly, if the ballasts are leaking, they must be disposed of as TSCA waste in an approved incinerator. It is recommended that when more than a handful of non-leaking ballasts are being disposed of, that these ballasts be taken to a TSCA landfill or approved recycling facility. This will help protect the environment from any future leaks as well as eliminate your liability for future PCB.