Payam Javan: On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a ban on two carcinogenic chemicals, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). These chemicals, used in a variety of commercial and industrial products such as adhesives, dry cleaning, and cleaning agents, are known to cause severe health issues, including multiple types of cancer. Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, emphasized the urgency of replacing these hazardous substances with safer alternatives.

Health Risks and Exceptions Highlighted
TCE, labeled as “extremely toxic” by the EPA, poses significant risks to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, and immune and reproductive systems, even at low concentrations. It is linked to cancers such as liver and kidney cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. PCE, commonly used in dry cleaning and as a brake cleaner, is similarly harmful, causing various cancers and systemic toxicity. While the rule bans TCE for all uses within a year, some critical industrial and commercial applications, including medical and defense systems, are granted longer compliance periods. For these exceptions, PCE may still be used under stringent conditions.

Historical Advocacy and Broader Goals
The ban follows the bipartisan amendments to the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and aligns with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to prevent millions of cancer deaths by 2047. Sen. Ed Markey, a longtime advocate for banning TCE, celebrated the decision, honoring Anne Anderson, whose advocacy began 40 years ago after her son’s death from cancer linked to these chemicals. The EPA’s decision marks a significant milestone in addressing environmental carcinogens and safeguarding public health.