EPA is proposing to ban certain uses of the toxic chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) due to health risks when used as an aerosol degreaser and as a spot removal agent in dry cleaning. The proposed rule was issued under section 6(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

 

Specifically, EPA is proposing to prohibit the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce and to prohibit commercial use of TCE for aerosol degreasing and for spot cleaning in dry cleaning facilities. EPA is also proposing to require manufacturers, processors, and distributors, except for retailers, to provide downstream notice of these prohibitions throughout the supply chain, and to keep limited records. Comments on the proposed rule must be received 60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register.

 

Last week, EPA announced the inclusion of TCE on the list of the first ten chemicals to be evaluated for risk under TSCA. That action will allow EPA will evaluate the other remaining uses of the chemical. Today's action only proposes to ban certain uses of the chemical.

 

Read the press release.

Read the proposed rule.

Learn more about the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act

David Giamporcaro

Industry and Small Business Liaison

Environmental Assistance Division

Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. (7408M)

Washington, D.C. 20460

Email: giamporcaro.david**At_Symbol_Here**epa.gov