PCB Testing & Analysis

Ensure compliance and safety with Lucion’s comprehensive PCB testing. Expert analysis for electrical equipment, construction materials, and waste management.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that remain in the environment decades after manufacturing ceased in the 1980s. Our PCB testing service uses GC-MS/MS techniques to analyse any material type, supporting regulatory compliance and safety across multiple industries.

Whether you’re managing electrical equipment, demolishing older buildings, classifying waste, or preparing your Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), accurate PCB analysis is essential.

Our testing enables you to comply with environmental and safety regulations, assess legacy equipment and infrastructure, support safe demolition and recycling operations, and protect workers and the public from exposure.

PCB 7 Analysis Tests

Our method uses GC-TQMS to accurately quantify the 7 most environmentally relevant PCB congeners at ppb levels, including; 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180. This suite is the standard for hazardous materials assessments and regulatory compliance testing.

Our PCB analysis can be performed on any material type:

Transformer and capacitor oils
Electrical components and cables
Caulking and sealants
Paint and coating systems
Fireproofing materials
Ceiling tiles and building materials
Plastics and rubber compounds
Soils and sediments
Water and leachate samples
Food products (fish, meat, dairy)

Managing Legacy PCB Contamination

PCBs were extensively used from the 1930s to 1980s in electrical equipment, construction materials, paints, sealants, and numerous other applications. Their chemical stability means they persist in older infrastructure, equipment, and materials, creating ongoing compliance and safety challenges.

We understand the complexities facing electrical contractors, construction companies, waste managers, environmental consultants, and marine operators. Our PCB testing service provides reliable analysis with low detection limits.

We deliver clear reporting to support your compliance documentation, with expert guidance and technical support throughout the process.

Nick Aspinall,Operations Director

Contact Nick Aspinall

General enquiries:

Phone: +44 (0)345 5040 303
[email protected]

Ready to discuss your project? Book a call with our expert consultants today.

Let’s talk

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) FAQs

PCB testing is relevant across numerous industries due to the widespread historical use of these compounds. Key sectors include:

Electrical and Engineering: Testing older transformers, capacitors, fluorescent light ballasts, voltage regulators, and switches that may contain PCB-laden dielectric and coolant fluids.
Construction and Demolition: Buildings constructed or renovated between the 1950s and 1970s commonly contain PCBs in caulking, sealants, oil-based paints, fireproofing materials, and ceiling tiles.
Waste Management and Recycling: Hazardous waste facilities and landfills require testing of incoming materials and leachate. Metal recycling facilities must test equipment to ensure materials aren’t contaminated.
Environmental Remediation: Consultants test soil, sediment, air, and water at current and former industrial sites, spills, or landfills to assess contamination and manage cleanup efforts.
Marine and Shipping: Vessel owners, shipyards, and recycling facilities require testing for Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) compliance under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and Hong Kong Convention.
Water Utilities: Public drinking water systems require testing to ensure they meet maximum contaminant levels as out lined by The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016.
Occupational Safety: Industries where workers might be exposed to PCBs during repair of old electrical equipment, handling hazardous waste, or fire emergency response.

Although PCB manufacturing ceased in the 1980s, these persistent compounds remain in older electrical equipment, building materials, and the environment.

Testing is essential for regulatory compliance, worker safety, and environmental protection when managing legacy infrastructure and equipment.

Materials installed or manufactured before the 1980s are most likely to contain PCBs, including transformer and capacitor oils, electrical cable insulation, caulking and sealants (particularly in buildings from 1950-1970s), oil-based paints, fluorescent light ballasts, and some plasticised materials.