Trichloroethylene, or TCE, and perchloroethylene, or PCE, are hazardous chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks.
In a landmark move, the EPA has outlawed these dangerous chemicals. The landmark decision supports safer alternatives while protecting workers and consumers.
The Environmental Protection Agency has recently banned two general solvents: trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. Both of them are commonly found in merchandise such as adhesives, dry cleaners, cleaners, and several other chemical products.
The chemicals were associated with many serious human health hazards including several cancer types.
According to associate administrator for chemical safety Michal Freedhoff, “TCE and PCE are more than just industrial chemicals—they’re silent threats to our health, lurking in everyday products,” “With safer alternatives readily available, it’s unacceptable to keep exposing people to these dangers.”
TCE, which has been linked with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and liver cancer, is a serious risk at low levels.
PCE, a common dry cleaning agent, has been linked to kidney, brain, and testicular cancers and with neurotoxicity and immune damage.
The ban, which was finalized on Monday, will eliminate most uses of TCE within a year while PCE will face a 10-year dry-cleaning phaseout. Immediate restrictions will bar the use of PCE in new dry-cleaning machines after six months.
This decision is based on some serious scientific research and comes as part of a building commitment to reducing toxic exposure from homes and workplaces. As these dangerous chemicals are phased out, both consumers and industries are increasingly encouraged to switch to safer eco-friendly alternatives.
This, in turn, reinforces what the EPA does best-maintain the health of all people and the environment well into the future.
