
Toxic Substances Control Act Bans PCE and TCE
The Toxic Exposure Lawyers at The Lyon Firm are reviewing the latest Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) amendments put forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that seek to ban trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE or Perc). Both solvents are widely thought to significantly raise the risk of developing a number of related cancers.
Are PCE and TCE Banned by the EPA?
On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the latest risk management rules for both trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE).
TCE is a toxic chemical known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Exposure to the toxin can also lead to damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive organs, and fetal heart defects. Experts note that these health safety risks are more likely present with chronic exposure, but even very risky at a much smaller scale of exposure.
The EPA says all uses of TCE will eventually be banned over time, and safer solvent alternatives are available for the majority of industrial and commercial uses.
PCE, also known as perc, may cause liver, kidney, brain and testicular cancer, as well as damage to the immune system, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. The new EPA rule will ban the manufacture, processing and distribution of PCE for all consumer uses and many commercial applications.
What are PCE and TCE?
Both chemicals are widely used, and both are nonflammable chlorinated solvents that are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They have common links and can serve as alternatives to each other. PCE can biodegrade into TCE, and PCE may contain trace amounts of TCE as a contaminant. The high-profile Camp Lejeune contaminated drinking water issue may have accelerated the new chemical regulations, which have dragged on for decades.
Some examples of uses that will be prohibited under the TCE rule include uses for industrial and commercial applications as an energized electrical cleaner, in laboratory use for asphalt testing and recovery, use to make refrigerants and other chemicals, and for vapor degreasing.
TCE is a solvent used in many commercial cleaning and furniture care products, degreasers, brake cleaners, sealants, lubricants, adhesives, paints and coatings, arts and crafts spray coatings, and in the manufacture of some refrigerants. All of these uses will be prohibited in due time, but there are a few exemptions to avoid impacts to national security or critical infrastructure. EPA estimates that the newly announced TCE inhalation exposure limit would reduce long-term workplace exposure by 97 percent.
PCE, or perc, is another solvent used in brake cleaners and adhesives, in commercial applications such as dry cleaning, and in several industrial settings. EPA is finalizing a 10-year phaseout for the use of PCE in dry cleaning. Use of PCE in newly acquired dry-cleaning machines will be prohibited after six months.
The Toxic Substances Control Act and new EPA rule finalizes controls for continuing uses under a Workplace Chemical Protection Program. Most workplaces have 30 months to fully implement the Workplace Chemical Protection Program.
Contact our toxic exposure attorneys to learn more about the Toxic Substances Control Act, the implications of chronic chemical inhalation and poorly ventilated workplaces. We have filed numerous work injury and occupational cancer lawsuits on behalf of workers nationwide. Call us for a free case review and consultation.