WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Dec. 7 that it has proposed a ban on select uses of the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE).
According to EPA, the chemical presents health risks when used as a degreaser and as a spot removal agent in dry cleaning.
“For the first time in a generation, we are able to restrict chemicals already in commerce that pose risks to public health and the environment,” said Jim Jones, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
“Once finalized, today's action will help protect consumers and workers from cancer and other serious health risks when they are exposed to aerosol degreasing, and when dry cleaners use spotting agents. I am confident that the new authority Congress has given us is exactly what we need to finally address these important issues.”
The proposal includes a ban on manufacturing, processing and distributing TCE as an aerosol degreasing product or for use in spot cleaning in dry cleaning facilities.
EPA is currently seeking public comment on the proposed rule. After 60 days, the proposal will become a rule in the Federal Register.