What are PCB?
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are a group of 209 synthetic chlorine compounds manufactured industrially between the 1930s and 1990s. Due to their chemical stability, heat resistance and plasticising properties, PCB were used extensively in buildings, primarily in elastic sealants, floor coverings and capacitors.
The problem: PCB are extremely persistent, accumulate in the food chain and the human body, and off-gas from building materials over decades. Under the Stockholm Convention they are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), whose production and use the parties to the convention must phase out. The IARC classifies PCB as a Group 1 carcinogen, i.e. definitely carcinogenic to humans.
Where are PCB found in Austrian buildings?
In buildings constructed between 1955 and 1990, PCB may be present in various building materials. The most common locations:
- Elastic sealants: The most common PCB source, particularly in panel buildings, on facade elements, window joints and expansion joints. PCB-containing sealants are often dark brown to black and rubber-like.
- Floor coverings (vinyl): Flexible PVC floor coverings and vinyl tiles from the 1960s to 1980s may contain PCB as plasticisers.
- Capacitors in fluorescent fittings: Older ballasts and capacitors in fluorescent light fittings frequently contain PCB-containing oil. If leakage occurs, PCB can enter the indoor air.
- Paints and coatings: Chlorinated rubber paints and special anti-corrosion coatings may contain PCB.
- Ceiling panels: Some acoustic ceiling panels from the 1960s and 1970s contain PCB.
- Putty and sealants: Glazing putty and sealants on windows and doors.
Health risk and legal situation
PCB are particularly insidious because they off-gas from building materials into the indoor air (especially the lower-chlorinated congeners) and accumulate in house dust. The health risks:
- Carcinogenic: IARC Group 1, PCB cause malignant melanoma; positive associations have been observed for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer (IARC Monograph 107, 2016)
- Endocrine disruptors: PCB disrupt the hormonal system and can impair thyroid function, reproduction and development
- Neurotoxic: In children particularly, PCB can affect neurological development
- Bioaccumulative: PCB accumulate in fatty tissue and are broken down only very slowly
The legal situation in Austria:
- The Ordinance on the ban of halogenated biphenyls, terphenyls, naphthalenes and diphenylmethanes (BGBl. No. 210/1993) has banned the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PCB in Austria since 1993; transitional periods applied to electrical equipment already in use at the time (depending on the type of equipment until the end of 1996 or the end of 1999, lightly contaminated transformers until decommissioning)
- The EU POP Regulation ((EU) 2019/1021) continues this ban EU-wide: equipment containing more than 0.005 % PCB and more than 0.05 litres of liquid had to be identified and withdrawn from use by 31 December 2025 at the latest
- The disposal of PCB-containing equipment and materials is governed by waste law, in particular the AWG 2002 and the Abfallbehandlungspflichtenverordnung (BGBl. II No. 102/2017)
- The Stockholm Convention (ratified by Austria, BGBl. III No. 158/2004) obliges its parties to eliminate the production and use of PCB; for existing equipment still in service, use is scheduled to end by 2025
- For indoor air, the guideline values of the German Committee on Indoor Air Guide Values (AIR, Bundesgesundheitsblatt 68:201, January 2025) are used as orientation in Austria too: precautionary value (RW I): 80 ng/m³, hazard value (RW II): 800 ng/m³ total PCB content. Above RW I: source identification and reduction measures. Above RW II: immediate action required
- PCB-containing materials with a PCB content above 50 mg/kg must be disposed of as hazardous waste during renovation or demolition (concentration limit under Annex IV of the EU POP Regulation, decisive for the hazardous classification in the European List of Waste)
How we test for PCB
PCB can neither be seen nor smelled, only laboratory analysis provides certainty. Our process:
1. Site inspection and sampling
We come in person and identify suspect materials based on building age, material type and installation context. Samples are taken professionally from sealants, floor coverings or other suspect materials.
2. Accredited laboratory analysis
Material samples are analysed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or electron capture detector (GC-ECD). An indoor air measurement can additionally be carried out to capture volatile PCB congeners.
3. Result discussion and recommendation
We discuss the results with you clearly. On request we summarise everything in a written protocol (€90): assessment of the PCB concentrations, classification against the guideline values and concrete action recommendations (leave and monitor, remediate or remove), with priorities and cost estimates.
Costs
Every PCB analysis is different. Sample type (sealant, flooring, coating), the required detection limit, the sample count and, for indoor air measurements, the number of rooms vary significantly. We prepare a transparent quote after the free initial consultation, no obligation.
The site visit costs €290 (up to 150 m²), a virtual video visit €190 (preliminary clarification and assessment; sampling of sealants and materials is done by us on site). The video initial consultation is free.
Social rate: For low-income households we offer a social rate. Just mention it in the initial consultation, no proof required.
Frequently asked questions about PCB analysis
PCB cannot be identified with the naked eye. Typical suspect materials are elastic sealants, flexible floor coverings and capacitors in fluorescent light fittings, particularly in buildings from 1955 to 1990. Only laboratory analysis can reliably confirm or rule out PCB.
PCB analyses are too situational for a fixed price list, costs depend heavily on sample type (sealant, flooring, coating), required detection limit, and sample count. In the free initial consultation we look at your specific situation and prepare a transparent quote. The site inspection flat fee is €290, up to 150 m² (larger floor areas priced in bands).
Yes. The manufacture, placing on the market and use of PCB have been banned in Austria since 1993 (BGBl. No. 210/1993); transitional periods applied to electrical equipment already in use at the time. The disposal of PCB-containing equipment and materials is governed by waste law (AWG 2002, Abfallbehandlungspflichtenverordnung). However, PCB-containing sealants and floor coverings may still be present in existing buildings and must be professionally removed during renovation.
PCB are classified by the IARC as a Group 1 carcinogen (carcinogenic to humans). They act as endocrine disruptors, accumulate in the body and are associated with liver, thyroid and immune damage. Under the Stockholm Convention they are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs): the parties to the convention commit to eliminating the production and use of PCB; for equipment still in service, use is scheduled to end by 2025.
What does PCB remediation cost?
Typical remediation costs (indicative figures)
- Remove PCB-containing sealants€2,000 to €8,000
- Remove PCB floor coverings€1,500 to €6,000
- Indoor air decontamination€3,000 to €15,000
A PCB analysis gives you clarity, before a suspicion becomes an expensive surprise. We prepare a transparent quote after a brief initial consultation.
After remediation we offer a clearance measurement: an indoor air measurement that documents whether the remediation goal is reached in the indoor air. All services at a glance →