The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized new risk management rules for trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), marking a significant step in chemical safety under the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act amendments. This action aligns with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to reduce cancer-related risks.
TCE is identified as a highly toxic chemical linked to liver cancer, kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and other health issues. The new rule will ban all uses of TCE over time, with most risks addressed within a year. Safer alternatives are available for many applications.
PCE is associated with several types of cancer and other health concerns. The EPA's final rule prohibits its manufacture, processing, and distribution for consumer uses and many commercial applications. Certain workplace uses may continue if robust controls are implemented.
“It’s simply unacceptable to continue to allow cancer-causing chemicals to be used for things like glue, dry cleaning or stain removers when safer alternatives exist,” said Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “These rules are grounded in the best-available science that demonstrates the harmful impacts of PCE and TCE.”
Both TCE and PCE are volatile organic compounds used as solvents in various industries. They can serve as alternatives for each other in some applications. The EPA's rules aim to eliminate TCE use while allowing certain PCE uses under strict workplace controls.
Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) highlighted the significance of this development: “Over 40 years ago, a mother named Anne Anderson from Woburn, Massachusetts... started a crusade... I am overjoyed to celebrate today alongside her...a finalized ban on trichloroethylene and most uses of perchloroethylene.”
Jerry M. Ensminger, Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant, also welcomed the decision: “My daughter, Janey... died of leukemia... Mike [Partain] and I welcome this ban on TCE by the EPA.”
The EPA's prohibition on TCE includes its use in products such as cleaning agents and refrigerants. A limited number of industrial uses will be phased out gradually with required worker protections.
For PCE, the EPA is implementing a 10-year phaseout in dry cleaning facilities to protect workers' health. Compliance dates vary based on equipment type.
Additional measures include stringent controls under a Workplace Chemical Protection Program for remaining PCE uses critical to national security or infrastructure.
In response to public feedback, implementation timelines have been adjusted for certain workplaces using PCE. The EPA plans further guidance for small businesses transitioning away from these chemicals.
An upcoming webinar on January 15, 2025, will provide more details about the new regulations concerning PCE.
