PCE and TCE: Substances known for use in adhesives, paints, degreasers, or industrial solvents linked to liver, kidney, brain, and testicular cancer
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) marked a milestone in chemical risk management by finalizing regulations for trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE).
These measures, stemming from the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), are part of the government’s efforts to protect public health, including President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative.
This comprehensive approach aims to reduce the risks of substances known for their severe health impacts and promote the use of safer alternatives.
TCE is a solvent used in commercial products such as adhesives, paints, and degreasers. It is known to cause liver and kidney cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as well as damage to the nervous system and fetal heart defects.
In response to these dangers, the EPA has mandated the phase-out of all its uses.
Most of these restrictions will take effect within a year, with some exceptions in controlled industrial settings that will require strict worker protection plans.
PCE, on the other hand, is commonly used in dry cleaning and as an industrial solvent. It is also linked to liver, kidney, brain, and testicular cancer, as well as other serious conditions.
The new regulations prohibit its use in consumer products and several commercial sectors, while remaining industrial uses will be regulated under strict controls.
The dry-cleaning industry will have a 10-year period to stop using PCE, with more immediate restrictions on new machinery purchases.
What are PCE and TCE?
PCE (perchloroethylene) and TCE (trichloroethylene) are chemicals that have been widely used across various industries due to their properties as solvents.
However, over the years, both compounds have been found to pose significant risks to human health and the environment.
- PCE: It has been primarily used in dry cleaning of clothing, as well as in industrial degreasing processes.
- TCE: It has been used in metal cleaning, the manufacturing of electronic products, and as a solvent in various industries.
Why have they been banned in the United States?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the use of PCE and TCE in many products and processes for the following reasons:
- Health risks: Both PCE and TCE are carcinogenic substances and have been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer in various organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and brain. Additionally, they can cause damage to the nervous system and affect reproduction.
- Water and soil contamination: These compounds are highly persistent in the environment and can contaminate groundwater sources and soils for long periods. This poses a risk to the health of people living near contaminated sites and to aquatic ecosystems.
- Accumulation in the body: As fat-soluble substances, PCE and TCE can accumulate in the fatty tissues of the human body, increasing long-term exposure and health risks.
What do these bans imply?
The ban on PCE and TCE in the United States has significant implications:
- Phase-out: Industries using these compounds will need to seek safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives.
- Cleanup of contaminated sites: Efforts will be required to clean up sites contaminated with PCE and TCE, which can be a costly and complex process.
- Public health protection: These measures aim to reduce the population’s exposure to toxic substances and prevent related illnesses.
In summary, the ban on PCE and TCE in the United States is an important step toward protecting human health and the environment.
Replacing these compounds with safer alternatives is essential to reduce the risks associated with their use and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
