The Environmental Protection Agency has enacted a ban on toxic solvents used in dry cleaning, aiming to reduce cancer risks and environmental damage.
EPA Takes Bold Step to Ban Cancer-Linked Chemicals in Dry Cleaning
EPA Takes Bold Step to Ban Cancer-Linked Chemicals in Dry Cleaning
The agency prohibits two harmful solvents, TCE and Perc, escalating efforts to enhance public health protection.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has formally announced a ban on two common solvents known to pose significant health risks, including cancer. This decision comes as a win for public health advocates who have long fought for stricter regulations to address the dangers of these chemicals, particularly trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (Perc).
TCE has been used extensively in various industrial applications, including dry cleaning, spot removers, and lubricants. Its harmful effects are well-documented; it is linked to serious cancers such as liver and kidney cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Furthermore, TCE exposure can cause extensive damage to the nervous and immune systems. This solvent has been a pressing issue for communities located near facilities where it is used, potentially contaminating local drinking water. The recent ban under the Toxic Substances Control Act reaffirms the EPA's commitment to protecting public health from hazardous substances.
On the other hand, Perc, widely utilized in the dry cleaning industry, has its dangers as well. While not as potent as TCE, Perc still presents a risk, being associated with several types of cancer, including liver and kidney cancer. The new regulations prohibit all consumer uses of Perc, though certain industrial applications—particularly in the defense and aviation sectors—will still be permitted under strict protective regulations.
EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Michal Freedhoff, emphasized the importance of this decision, stating, "It is simply unacceptable to continue to allow cancer-causing chemicals to be used in everyday products like glue and stain removers when safer alternatives are available." The agency had originally proposed these bans in 2023, and their enactment marks a significant shift in chemical regulatory practices aimed at prioritizing public health and safety.
