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US EPA announces final bans on manufacture, processing, & use of trichloroethylene & perchloroethylene

  • December 15, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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US EPA announces final bans on manufacture, processing, & use of trichloroethylene & perchloroethylene

Sub : Env

Sec :Pollution

Context:

  • On December 9, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new risk management rules for trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) under the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
  • These rules are considered a significant step toward chemical safety after decades of inadequate regulations.

Key Provisions of the Rules:

  • Complete Ban:
    • All uses of trichloroethylene (TCE).
    • All consumer uses and many commercial uses of perchloroethylene (PCE).
  • Worker Protections:
    • Strict safeguards for all remaining industrial uses under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) framework.

Background on TCE and PCE Risk:

  • In January 2023, the EPA released a revised risk determination for TCE, identifying 52 out of 54 uses as posing an unreasonable risk to human health.
  • American Chemistry Council (ACC): Expressed concerns over banning valuable industrial uses of TCE.
  • Environmental and Legal Issues: June 2024 Lawsuit: EnPro Industries and others were accused of discharging TCE into the environment in Water Valley, Mississippi, contaminating soil, air, and groundwater, resulting in a cancer cluster.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PCE):

  • Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PCE) are industrial solvents widely used in manufacturing and cleaning processes.
  • Both chemicals are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) known for their effectiveness in dissolving oils, grease, and other substances.
  • Despite their utility, they pose significant risks to human health and the environment.

Applications

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

  • Used primarily as:
    • A degreasing agent for metal parts in manufacturing.
    • A solvent in adhesives, paints, and coatings.
  • Historically used in dry cleaning, though this use has decreased due to health concerns.

Perchloroethylene (PCE)

  • Predominantly used in:
    • Dry cleaning of fabrics.
    • Metal degreasing processes.
    • Manufacturing of fluorinated compounds and other chemicals.
  • Found in consumer products like stain removers and cleaning agents.

Health Hazards

Both TCE and PCE have been classified as hazardous chemicals with severe health effects.

Trichloroethylene (TCE):

  • Carcinogenic: Strongly linked to kidney cancer and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Other health effects: Liver damage, Immune system suppression, Developmental and reproductive toxicity, Neurological effects, including dizziness, headaches, and long-term cognitive impairment.

Perchloroethylene (PCE):

  • Carcinogenic: Associated with bladder cancer and potential links to other cancers.
  • Other health effects: Liver and kidney toxicity, Neurological effects, such as confusion, memory loss, and mood changes, Adverse impacts on reproductive health.

Environmental Impacts:

  • Persistence: Both TCE and PCE are highly persistent in the environment, contaminating soil, air, and groundwater for decades.
  • Groundwater Contamination: Often found in drinking water supplies due to improper disposal or accidental spills.
  • Volatility: Release into the air can contribute to smog and indoor air pollution in enclosed spaces.

Source: DTE

Environment US EPA announces final bans on manufacture

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