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EPA Permanently Bans Two Harmful Solvents

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Monday that it is banning two widely used solvents, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (Perc), due to their cancer risks. These chemicals, commonly found in products such as cleaners, stain removers, lubricants, glues, and automotive products, have been linked to several forms of cancer and other health issues.

Michal Freedhoff, the EPA’s assistant administrator for chemical safety, emphasized that it is unacceptable to continue using these hazardous substances when safer alternatives are available. Freedhoff pointed out that the risks associated with TCE and Perc, such as cancer and damage to the nervous and immune systems, are too significant to justify their continued use in everyday products.

The EPA’s decision to ban these chemicals comes after years of advocacy from environmental and health organizations, although some are concerned about the future of these regulations, particularly under a different administration. TCE has been linked to liver and kidney cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, while Perc, although less toxic than TCE, has been associated with liver, kidney, and brain cancers, as well as harm to the immune system.

While the ban prohibits consumer use of TCE and Perc, some industrial uses of Perc will still be allowed, but strict safety measures must be followed to protect workers. Industry groups have expressed concerns about the economic impact of these new regulations, arguing that they could present significant challenges to various sectors.

Environmental advocates, however, have welcomed the ban. Linda Robles, who lost her daughter to a rare cancer and kidney failure she believes was caused by TCE contamination, shared her relief that the long-awaited ban is finally being enforced. Robles, who has spent years campaigning for cleaner water and air, expressed bittersweet gratitude, acknowledging that while the ban is a positive step, she can never bring her daughter back.