THE COHEN GROUP
  Environmental Health & Safety Consulting Services

The Cohen Group Newsletter - Volume 18  Issue 3, Article 5.  September 2007

  Hazardous Materials in Older Buildings
By Julie V. Wellings, CIH

Most building owners and managers are aware of the potential for asbestos-containing material and lead-based paint in older (e.g., pre-1981) buildings.  However, other potentially hazardous materials may be present in both older and newer buildings and may be overlooked during planning for maintenance, renovation and demolition work. 

Concrete and masonry systems contain crystalline silica, a potential respiratory hazard.  Proper precautions must be used when disturbing such materials, particularly if powered equipment is utilized which may generate elevated levels of fine dust.

Fluorescent light tubes contain mercury, a toxic metal that exists as both a liquid and vapor at room temperature and may be skin absorbed.  Refrigerants (chlorofluorocarbons or “freons”) are “greenhouse” gases and must be evacuated from decommissioned air-conditioning and refrigeration units.  Hydraulic fluid and equipment lubricants present an environmental hazard and must also be collected for special disposal. 

Older facilities may contain PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), even if buildings and equipment have been retrofitted.  Transformers and capacitors may occasionally still contain PCB oil or, more commonly, may contain “non-PCB” oil with residual PCB content from previous fluids.  PCB-containing light ballasts may also be present in older (e.g., pre-1980) lighting fixtures.

Other hazardous and/or regulated materials may be present in some buildings, i.e., at industrial or commercial facilities.   In some cases, building components (e.g. concrete slabs) and/or equipment may have become contaminated from routine material handling and/or accidental spillage. Buildings and facilities must be evaluated on an individual basis.

All hazardous and/or regulated materials should be identified and properly handled during building maintenance, renovation and demolition work.  Maintenance and construction workers should be properly trained and equipped for the materials they may encounter.  Some work may require the use of a specially-qualified service or contractor. 

Please call if we can assist with hazardous/regulated materials management at your facility or project site.