Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in indoor air originating from sealants in contaminated and uncontaminated apartments within the same housing estate

Twenty-four congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in 83 air samples and 20 elastic sealants samples of apartments with PCB-containing sealants. In addition, PCBs were measured in 21 air samples from reference apartments located in an uncontaminated section of the same estate. The PCBtot levels in the air of the contaminated section were 168–3843 ng m−3 (mean: 1030 ng m−3), while the mean levels in the reference apartments were 6.03 ng m−3. The sum of the 24 measured PCB congeners in sealants from the contaminated section was 187–221 680 mg kg−1. Principal component analysis revealed four groups among the sealant samples with different congener compositions, only two of which were clearly similar to known PCB mixtures, while two were not. Significant correlations and intercorrelations were observed between the lower chlorinated congeners in air and sealant, e.g. for PCB 28air and 28seal (p = 0.04) and for PCB 28air and 52air, 52seal. However, no correlation was observed between the lower chlorinated congeners and the sums of PCB (∑PCB6 or ∑PCB24) or the higher chlorinated congeners. Analysis of air concentrations in relation to questionnaire data indicated that the indoor air levels could be reduced by increased cleaning and airing frequencies.

► PCBs in air and sealant of contaminated vs. clean sections of a housing estate.
► PCBtot mean levels in contaminated air were 1030 ng m−3 and in sealants 252 150 mg kg−1.
► Indoor air concentration reflected sealant levels for the lower chlorinated PCBs.
► We observed different congener patterns in sealants through the construction period.
► Indications of reduction of exposure by increased cleaning and airing frequencies.