The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially banned two toxic solvents commonly used in dry cleaning, addressing longstanding health concerns.
EPA Enacts Ban on Toxic Chemicals Linked to Cancer in Dry Cleaning
EPA Enacts Ban on Toxic Chemicals Linked to Cancer in Dry Cleaning
New regulations target harmful solvents, TCE and Perc, in effort to protect public health
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step in public health protection by banning two hazardous solvents commonly used in the dry-cleaning industry—trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (Perc). These chemicals have been linked to serious health risks, including various forms of cancer and other ailments, prompting advocacy groups to long call for regulatory action.
TCE is notorious for its toxic effects, which may lead to kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This chemical has a history of contaminating drinking water supplies across the United States. The EPA’s recent decision marks a substantial enforcement under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which was strengthened in 2016, granting the agency enhanced powers to regulate dangerous substances. The ban on TCE prohibits all consumer and industrial uses, including its presence in cleaners, glue, and spot removers.
Meanwhile, Perc, widely utilized in dry cleaning and automotive products, can also cause severe health complications, such as liver and kidney damage, as well as brain and testicular cancer. Although the ban will restrict its use in consumer products, it will still be permitted under specific industrial applications for aviation and defense, with stringent protective measures to ensure worker safety.
“Mishandling toxic chemicals cannot be tolerated any longer, especially when viable alternatives exist,” stated Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. The proposed restrictions on these chemicals, initially put forward in 2023, highlight a growing recognition of the need for stringent environmental regulations in the face of public health risks.
This landmark regulation reflects heightened efforts to safeguard communities residing near industrial operations and underscores the agency’s commitment to eliminating cancer-causing chemicals from everyday consumer products. As these regulations come into effect, the dry-cleaning industry may face adjustments in practices and chemicals used, in order to comply with new health and safety standards.
TCE is notorious for its toxic effects, which may lead to kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This chemical has a history of contaminating drinking water supplies across the United States. The EPA’s recent decision marks a substantial enforcement under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which was strengthened in 2016, granting the agency enhanced powers to regulate dangerous substances. The ban on TCE prohibits all consumer and industrial uses, including its presence in cleaners, glue, and spot removers.
Meanwhile, Perc, widely utilized in dry cleaning and automotive products, can also cause severe health complications, such as liver and kidney damage, as well as brain and testicular cancer. Although the ban will restrict its use in consumer products, it will still be permitted under specific industrial applications for aviation and defense, with stringent protective measures to ensure worker safety.
“Mishandling toxic chemicals cannot be tolerated any longer, especially when viable alternatives exist,” stated Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. The proposed restrictions on these chemicals, initially put forward in 2023, highlight a growing recognition of the need for stringent environmental regulations in the face of public health risks.
This landmark regulation reflects heightened efforts to safeguard communities residing near industrial operations and underscores the agency’s commitment to eliminating cancer-causing chemicals from everyday consumer products. As these regulations come into effect, the dry-cleaning industry may face adjustments in practices and chemicals used, in order to comply with new health and safety standards.
