The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned two widely used solvents, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (Perc), citing their links to cancer and other health risks. Effective immediately, TCE is prohibited across all applications, while Perc’s ban extends to consumer products, with limited industrial use allowed under strict safety guidelines.

TCE and Perc are commonly found in products like cleaners, spot removers, lubricants, glue, and automotive care items. “It’s unacceptable to continue using cancer-causing chemicals when safer alternatives exist,” said Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. She emphasized that the risks posed by these chemicals far outweigh their benefits.

TCE is known to cause liver and kidney cancers, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and neurological damage, according to the National Cancer Institute. Perc, while less harmful than TCE, has been linked to cancers affecting the liver, kidney, brain, and testes. Both chemicals also damage immune systems, heightening the urgency of the ban.

The move has been hailed by environmental and health advocates who have long pushed for restrictions. Linda Robles, a campaigner for clean water and air, welcomed the ban as a hard-fought victory. Robles tragically lost her daughter Tianna in 2007 to a rare cancer she believes was caused by TCE contamination near their Arizona home. “They’ve been telling me for decades they’d ban TCE. It’s a big deal it’s finally happening,” Robles said, though she lamented that the decision came too late to save her daughter.

Environmental contamination from TCE and Perc has been a known issue for decades, with Superfund sites like Tucson International Airport undergoing ongoing cleanup. Health advocates argue that banning these chemicals will reduce exposure and prevent future tragedies.

However, industry groups have criticized the restrictions, with the American Chemistry Council stating that the bans could cause widespread disruptions across various industries and impact the national economy. The EPA counters that the bans are necessary to protect public health, particularly given the availability of safer alternatives.

The restrictions fall under the Toxic Substances Control Act, a federal law designed to regulate hazardous chemicals. Freedhoff emphasized that the EPA is prioritizing public health over convenience, urging industries to transition to safer solutions.

While the ban marks a significant milestone in chemical safety, environmentalists stress the need for vigilance in protecting water and air quality. “This is a critical step, but the work is far from over,” Robles said.

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