EPA to propose ban of trichloroethylene

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency intends to issue a proposed rule that would ban the use of the toxic chemical trichloroethylene.

TCE is used in dishwashing products and as a solvent in brake and parts cleaning, recycling, and disposal. EPA wants to prohibit the manufacture, processing and distribution of TCE for consumer products and most commercial uses. The rule would go into effect in one year.

The agency also would “implement stringent worker protections on the limited remaining commercial and industrial uses that would be phased down” over 10 years, a press release states. These include the manufacture of separators used to make electric vehicle batteries and the production of rocket booster nozzles.

In January, EPA issued a final revised risk determination stating that TCE, as a whole chemical substance, poses “unreasonable risk” to workers involved in operations including manufacturing, vapor and liquid degreasing, spot removing in laundry, and recycling.

The agency determined in 2014 that TCE may cause cancer, developmental and neurological effects, and toxicity to the liver, among other adverse health effects.

“The science is loud and clear on TCE,” EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe said in the release. “It is a dangerous toxic chemical, and proposing to ban it will protect families, workers and communities.”

The American Chemistry Council, which represents manufacturers, issued a statement that contends the proposal may be too limiting and relies on “inconsistent” science.

“TCE has several important uses in packaging and formulation, and as a solvent, where small amounts are used,” ACC says. “If EPA decides to move forward with restrictions on consumer uses of TCE, it is important that it does not unnecessarily restrict valuable industrial uses.”

Meanwhile, Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, said in a separate release that EPA is “putting the health of workers and consumers first.”

EPA will accept public comment for 45 days after the proposal is published.

An EPA webinar intended for employers and workers, but open to the public, will offer an overview of the proposal. It’s set for 1 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 14.