EPA Publishes Proposed Rule Banning TCE

POSTED NOVEMBER 16, 2023 IN HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES REMEDIATION,SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE,TCE,TSCA

On October 31, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposed rule to ban all manufacturing and use of trichloroethylene (TCE) under Section 6(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (15 U.S.C. 2605(a)). TCE is a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical that has historically been used in numerous industrial, commercial and consumer applications, including in cleaning and furniture care products, degreasers, brake cleaners, and tire repair sealants. TCE is also used in the manufacturing of certain refrigerants and in the production of battery separators used in electric vehicles and other transportation, security, and defense systems. TCE is a known carcinogen and can cause significant adverse health impacts by all routes of exposure, including through chronic inhalation and dermal exposure. Known health risks include non-cancer effects