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 building materials — 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 globally banned persistent organic pollutants (POPs). 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–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 cancer in humans, in particular non-Hodgkin lymphoma and liver cancer
- 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 PCB Ordinance (BGBl. II No. 291/2009) governs the disposal of PCB-containing equipment and materials
- The Stockholm Convention (ratified by Austria) bans the production and use of PCB worldwide
- For indoor air a precautionary value of 300 ng/m³ (total PCB content) applies — action is required if this is exceeded
- PCB-containing materials must be disposed of as hazardous waste during renovation or demolition
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. Report and recommendation
You receive a clear report with assessment of PCB concentrations, comparison with limit values and concrete action recommendations: leave and monitor, remediate or remove — with priorities and cost estimates.
Costs
Every PCB measurement is different. Number of rooms, target substances, method choice (sealant vs. flooring vs. coating), required detection limit and sample count vary significantly. We prepare a transparent quote after the free initial consultation — no obligation.
The site inspection flat fee is €290 (flat, regardless of scope). The video initial consultation is free.
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 — flat, regardless of scope.
Yes, the use of PCB has been completely banned in Austria since 2001. The PCB Ordinance governs the disposal of PCB-containing equipment and materials. 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), banned worldwide.
What does PCB remediation cost?
Typical remediation costs (indicative figures)
- Remove PCB-containing sealants€2,000–€8,000
- Remove PCB floor coverings€1,500–€6,000
- Indoor air decontamination€3,000–€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: indoor air measurement to document that no PCB contamination is detectable in the indoor air any longer. More on renovation monitoring →