Download What are PCB Ballasts? - Environmental Compliance

What are PCB lighting ballasts?
Some lighting fixtures contain ballasts, which are used to regulate the voltage of the fixture.
Ballasts are normally found in the following types of lighting fixtures:
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Fluorescent
High Pressure Sodium
Mercury Vapor
Metal Halide
High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting ballasts manufactured before 1978 contain PCB=s or polychlorinated biphenyls. This
chemical is man-made and was used to extend the life of products used in high heat situations.
PCB’s were created to last a long time, which is part of the problem. Lighting ballasts
manufactured after 1978 must be labeled ANO PCB=s@. Ballasts not labeled in this manner must
be treated as though they contain PCB=s regardless of the date manufactured.
Why are PCB=s a problem?
Over time, it was discovered that PCB=s are hazardous to human health and the environment. As
a result of their durability, PCB=s are very persistent and difficult to clean up after a spill.
PCB=s also bio-accumulate in the food chain, are toxic and can have delayed reproductive
system effects. PCB=s can affect the body when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
How are PCB=s regulated?
Due to the hazardous nature of PCB=s, they are regulated by the Environmental Protection
Agency under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). As a result, the District must follow
stringent disposal procedures.
How does the District manage PCB ballasts?
The District accumulates the PCB ballasts in 55 gallon steel drums and a recycling company
collects them biannually. The metal components of the ballast are recycled, and the PCB
containing parts are incinerated.
When are PCB lighting ballasts a problem?
Intact, non-leaking, and non-smoking ballasts are not a risk to human health or the environment.
However, sometimes failure of a ballast will occur, and when this happens a hazardous situation
could arise. There are different types of malfunctions:
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simple electrical failure
failure accompanied by heat, causing the asphalt to melt and leak out.
failure accompanied by excessive heat and smoke.
at some sites, there has been no ballast failure, but many PCB ballasts have been
removed during renovations, upgrades and replacement programs.
What Not To DO!!
DO NOT:
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Leave the light on.
Try to repair the problem yourself.
Try to cleanup any of the residue from the leaking ballast.
Discard a PCB ballast in your trash.
Handle or pickup the PCB ballast.
What To Do!
Simple Electrical Failure
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Call the Environmental Compliance Branch at 367-3000, ext. 28682, or Security
at ext. 28484, and report the failure.
Ballast Failure Accompanied by Smoke or Leakage
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Turn off the lights
Evacuate the immediate area
Call Facilities Security immediately at 367-3060 and report the incident. Include
the following information:
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Room or location
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If smoke or leakage has accompanied ballast failure.
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If an uninstalled ballast is found at your site, call the Environmental Compliance
Branch at 367-3000 x28682.
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