EPA Takes Action On Harmful Chemical TCE

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is ramping up efforts to protect people from
the dangers of trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical commonly found in industrial and
consumer products. TCE, used in products like brake cleaners, furniture polish, dry cleaners
and arts and crafts sprays, has been linked to serious health risks including increased
risked of Parkinson’s disease. To address this, the EPA has introduced strict new rules under
the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

New Rules to Limit TCE

This month, the EPA issued a final rule banning the production, import, and sale of TCE for most
uses. This rule will take effect within one year for most products, protecting consumers, workers,
and communities from exposure.

For some specialized industrial uses, the ban will be phased in over a longer period. These industries will need to implement strict safety measures, such as a Workplace Chemical Protection Plan, to limit how much TCE workers breathe in.

Safer Workplaces

For industries where TCE use continues temporarily, the EPA has set a new exposure limit to reduce health risks. This change, based on public feedback, will lower workplace TCE exposure by 97%. However, even these uses will eventually be banned.

Some of the industries allowed more time to transition include:

• Cleaning parts for aircraft and medical devices.

• Manufacturing battery separators and refrigerants.

• Maintaining equipment for transportation, security, and defense systems.

These exceptions aim to avoid disruptions to national security and critical infrastructure
while industries find safer alternatives.

Why This Matters

The new rules are part of a larger effort to reduce the risks posed by dangerous chemicals. In its 2020 evaluation, the EPA found that nearly all of TCE’s uses contributed to significant health risks. These new actions aim to reduce exposure and prevent further harm.

For more information, you can contact the EPA through their hotline at (202) 554-1404 or email TCE.TSCA@epa.gov. You can also visit regulations.gov and search for public docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0642 to stay updated on this issue.

By taking these steps, the EPA hopes to create a safer future and protect communities from the harmful effects of TCE.