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EPA Regulates TCE & PCE-Two Cancer-Causing Chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently moved forward with strict regulations on two cancer-causing chemicals: TCE and PCE. Although it may appear to be a drop in the bucket, this is a HUGE win for public health and occupational health!?

TCE, or trichloroethylene, is a chlorinated solvent and volatile organic compound that has been used for decades in things like degreasing products, break cleaners, lubricants, adhesives, paints and coatings, some cleaning and furniture care products, arts and crafts spray coatings, and more.?

TCE Health Impact

This highly toxic chemical is known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. TCE also causes damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive organs, and fetal heart (source). TCE is associated with a very long list of other conditions (see more here).

Because of its extensive use as a degreaser on military bases and for its industrial use, TCE has caused extensive groundwater contamination. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has been tracking TCE contamination sites on an interactive map for several years.?

Thirteen years ago, a documentary film called Semper Fi: Always Faithful was released. This film highlighted the story of groundwater contamination at the Camp Lejeune military base, and the story of the death of one Marine's daughter.?

The EPA rule will ban ALL uses of TCE over time, with the majority being banned within 1 year.?

PCE/PERC

The other chemical addressed in this ruling is PCE or perchloroethylene, also referred to as PERC. PCE is also a chlorinated solvent and volatile organic compound that has both consumer and commercial uses - it's most commonly known as a dry cleaning chemical, but is commonly used in brake cleaners and adhesives.?

This new rule will ban the "manufacture, processing and distribution in commerce of PCE for all consumer uses and many commercial uses, while allowing some workplace uses to continue only where robust workplace controls can be implemented,” according to the press release issued by the EPA.?

A 10-year Phase Out

For dry cleaning uses, the EPA has a 10-year phase-out. This long period will allow smaller businesses with investments in dry cleaning machines designed to use PERC to convert or upgrade their equipment.?For commercial uses that are still permitted, they will come with workplace protections and handling rules.?

PCE Health Impact

PCE is known to cause liver, kidney, brain, and testicular cancer, as well as damage to the kidney, liver, immune system, brain, and reproduction system. (source)?

Regulations Lead to BIG WINS for Public Health

Although they always take longer than needed, regulations like this are essential for public health, and I'm thrilled that this rule has been put in place.?

To tackle big public health issues - whether that's obesity, cancer, or everything in between, we need to zoom OUT from individual actions and focus on things that will have the greatest benefit for the largest number of people.?

Chemical regulations are one of the best ways to do that, as within the capitalist framework we operate in, it's the only thing keeping industries in check.?

Yes, these are only 2 chemicals amidst a sea of tens of thousands, but removing them from use will have a big positive effect on health ??

Enjoy the rest of your week! I will be back in a couple of weeks to discuss mold toxicity, a condition I am personally experiencing in real-time. Big shout out to Jennifer L. Pelton, Esq. for her connection and wisdom on the complex mold toxicity issue! https://linkedin.com/in/jennifer-l-pelton-esq