2 weeks Ago By Wim De Gent
On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a ban on two chemicals known for their potential to cause cancer, which are present in a variety of commercial and industrial products. The ban restricts the use of trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), two carcinogenic organic solvents that can be used interchangeably. Labeled “extremely toxic” by the EPA, TCE is capable of causing damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, and reproductive organs in very small concentrations.
The agency said the chemical is known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. TCE is used as a solvent in a variety of consumer products, including cleaning and furniture care products, degreasers, sealants, lubricants, adhesives, paints, and arts and crafts spray coatings. According to the EPA, safer alternatives are readily available for the majority of these uses.
PCE, commonly known as “perc,” is a chemical widely used for fabric dry cleaning, though it is also used as an automotive brake cleaner. It is a known cause of liver, kidney, brain, and testicular cancer, and is toxic to the nervous, reproductive, and immune systems, kidneys, and liver. According to the EPA, PCE can biodegrade into the highly toxic TCE, and PCE may contain trace amounts of TCE as an impurity.
For some uses where TCE is prohibited, PCE can continue to be used as an alternative, albeit under strict conditions. Examples of such exceptions include the industrial and commercial use of PCE as an energized electrical cleaner, laboratory use for asphalt testing and recovery, and manufacturing of environmentally safe refrigerants. Sen.
Ed Markey (D-Mass.) has been advocating for a ban on TCE ever since he was approached 40 years ago by a mother named Anne Anderson after her son died from cancer caused by the toxic chemicals. “Anne’s work directly led to this announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency that I am overjoyed to celebrate today alongside her and every community that stands to benefit,” Markey said.
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