OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington Department of Ecology has launched an initiative to replace old fluorescent light fixtures in schools and daycares that may contain harmful polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
PCBs, banned in 1979, are still found in older lighting fixtures, posing health risks to students and staff.
Fluorescent light ballasts, used between 1950 and 1980, often contain PCBs, which can cause cancer and other health issues if they leak.
The Ecology program, funded by the Legislature, provides up to $20,000 for schools to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting.
“We’ve already helped the Reardan-Edwall School District transition to safer lighting fixtures,” said Sean Smith, who leads Ecology’s work to implement the product replacement program. “We found and safely removed 30 light ballasts in that one project. We’re eager to help more facilities make the switch.”
The program covers costs for inspection, replacement lights and disposal of old fixtures.
Schools interested in participating can contact Ecology’s project coordinator, Kimi Matsushima, via kimi.matsushima@ecy.wa.gov.
More information is available about the PCB light replacement project.
