US EPA Bans Two Cancer-Causing Solvents
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the use of two widely used solvents, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), citing their cancer-causing properties. The bans follow decades of advocacy and legal efforts by environmental groups and health experts.
TCE, commonly used in manufacturing, dry cleaning, and air conditioning, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, as well as damage to the nervous system, immune system, and reproductive system. PCE, used in dry cleaning, fabric treatment, and other industries, has also been associated with a range of health problems, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and reproductive issues.
The ban, which takes effect within the next year, will prohibit most uses of TCE, including in manufacturing, dry cleaning, and consumer products. The EPA is providing exemptions for specific industries, including aerospace, defense, and security, which will be required to implement safety protocols for handling PCE.
The phaseout of PCE in the dry cleaning industry will take longer, with most dry cleaners required to transition to alternative products within 10 years. However, the EPA has set a six-month deadline for newly acquired dry-cleaning machines to switch to non-PCE alternatives.
Environmental and health groups have praised the ban, calling it a “crucial victory” in efforts to reduce the health risks associated with these chemicals. The move follows decades-long efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of TCE and PCE, which have contaminated drinking water and affected millions of people worldwide.
