Many schools in the U.S. have light ballasts containing PCBs. The PCBs are contained within the light ballasts’ capacitors and in the ballasts’ potting material, which is used for insulation. Until the late 1970s, PCBs were commonly used as insulators in electrical equipment because they have high tolerance to heat, do not burn easily, and are nonexplosive. Below is an EPA Publication for School Administrators on some of the safety strategies involved.

Removing PCBs from Light Fixtures: Protecting Students from Hidden Danger