In connection with a major window replacement Copenhagen University Hospital wanted to examine joints and double glazing for PCB contents. PCB is a solvent that can be found in buildings built or renovated in the 1950s and up to 1977, where it was banned. ALECTIA has carried out the mapping at the hospital.

When Copenhagen University Hospital had to replace windows on several floors in the 16-storey high central complex, they launched a preliminary examination of the building materials for possible PCB contents. It turned out that some of the outside face joints and butyl seals between glass bead and window glass in the double glazing contained varying concentrations of PCB.  

Technical construction manager and architect Torsten Lybeck, Copenhagen University Hospital, says: “Copenhagen University Hospital was built in 1960-78, so we have taken samples as a matter of routine when restoring the windows. This spring we implemented a larger restoration of the windows in the central complex, and here some of the recent tests showed relatively high PCB contents.”

To be able to uncover possible problems with PCB in the indoor climate, initially indoor climate measurements were made in rooms that could possibly contain the highest PCB concentrations. The result of the first eight indoor climate measurements showed varying contents of PCB, in the order of 85-600 ng/m³, with an average of just below 300 ng/m³.

As two of these eight measurements exceeded the Danish National Board of Health’s lower action value of 300 ng/m³, Copenhagen University Hospital chose to extend the mapping to include more floors in order to make sure that there were no higher contents of PCB in the indoor air on other floors.

Next step is to assess possible remedial actions, such as changing the operational settings on the ventilation plant and extra cleaning. Therefore, in parallel to the air measurements, an examination of the cleaning quality has been started in rooms where windows have been replaced, as well as an examination of the capacity and potential of the ventilation plant in relation to a reduction of the PCB contents in the indoor air.

Copenhagen University Hospital works with an overall strategy for restoration of the hospital windows and buildings that will reduce the PCB contents in building materials and in that way reduce the PCB contents in the indoor climate to a minimum.

As a consultant, ALECTIA has wide experience in mapping of buildings in order to find PCB deposits and assess where restoration is needed. Senior consultant Jesper Jørgensen, ALECTIA explains: “We are a cross-disciplinary team in charge of the mapping and therefore we are able to cover all aspects of the PCB problems. We screen the building stock, work out action plans, invite tenders and advise on renovation, waste handling and the risk of environmental contamination of adjoining areas. Furthermore, we advise on the occupational health conditions in connection with PCB handling and we assess the overall economy of the process inclusive of renovation.”