"EPA proposed a ban on all consumer and many commercial uses of a cancer-causing chemical used widely for dry cleaning.
The proposed rule, announced Thursday, details a 10-year phase-out for perchloroethylene in all dry cleaning uses, as well as a prohibition on manufacturing, processing and distribution of PCE for all consumer uses in 24 months.
The rule would not extend to other uses of PCE, including industrial manufacturing or processing. EPA instead would enforce a “strict inhalation exposure limit” and increased protection measures for those uses. Data from industry indicates “many workplaces already have controls in place” that are sufficient, EPA said in a news release.
“We know that exposure to PCE is dangerous for people’s health, and today’s rule is an important first step to keeping communities and workers safe,” Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff said in a news release. “We’ve proposed to ban the uses we know can’t continue safely, and we’ve made sure that stringent controls are in place to protect workers for the uses that remain.”"
Ellie Borst reports for E&E News June 8, 2023.
