The Biden-Harris Administration, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has announced stringent new regulations banning or restricting the use of trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). These toxic chemicals, long linked to cancers and other severe health risks, have faced decades of inadequate oversight. Under the revised Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA’s new rules mark a pivotal moment in chemical safety and align with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative.
TCE, a widely used solvent, poses risks even at minimal concentrations. It has been linked to liver cancer, kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and developmental harm, among other health issues. The EPA’s new regulations prohibit all uses of TCE within a year, with allowances for limited industrial applications where stringent worker protections can be implemented.
Similarly, PCE, a chemical commonly used in dry cleaning and industrial applications, is associated with cancers of the liver, kidney, and brain, as well as reproductive and neurotoxic effects. The new regulations ban most consumer and commercial uses of PCE, with some workplace uses allowed under strict safety measures. The phased ban on dry-cleaning applications of PCE will be fully implemented over the next decade, giving businesses time to adopt safer alternatives.
The EPA's decision represents a significant victory for advocates who have fought for decades to address the dangers of these chemicals. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) hailed the new regulations, linking them to grassroots efforts such as Anne Anderson’s advocacy in Woburn, Massachusetts, highlighting the devastating impacts of toxic exposure on communities. Similarly, survivors of the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis, such as retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant Jerry Ensminger, celebrated the move as a testament to persistent advocacy for justice.
The contamination at Camp Lejeune, which exposed thousands to TCE and PCE in drinking water, has been a rallying point for reform. The new rules ensure that future generations are less likely to face such tragedies.
The EPA has outlined detailed transition plans for industries reliant on TCE and PCE. These include a phased approach to banning uses in manufacturing refrigerants and other critical applications tied to national security and climate initiatives, such as the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act.
For small businesses, especially dry cleaners, the EPA has pledged support through compliance guidance and potential grant funding, as requested in President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. These resources aim to ease the transition to TSCA-compliant practices without imposing undue economic hardship.
The bans on TCE and PCE reflect a broader effort to replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives. The EPA’s analysis found that cost-effective and efficient substitutes are readily available for most applications. For example, progressive dry-cleaning businesses have already adopted alternative solvents and advanced technologies, signaling a positive industry trend.
This approach aligns with international practices. Countries in the European Union have enforced stringent regulations on chlorinated solvents, demonstrating the feasibility of eliminating harmful chemicals while maintaining industrial productivity.
The EPA’s action is a regulatory milestone and a cultural shift in prioritizing chemical safety in the U.S. The stringent risk management rules serve as a model for addressing other hazardous chemicals under TSCA and highlight the importance of sustained advocacy and scientific research in shaping public health policies.
As the EPA finalizes compliance guidance and businesses transition to safer alternatives, the long-term benefits of these bans—healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a reduced environmental footprint—will underscore the transformative impact of these regulations.
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