EPA Proposes Ban on Consumer Uses of Perchloroethylene and Many Industrial and Commercial Applications

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a solvent used in a variety of occupational and consumer applications. These include fluorinated compound production, petroleum manufacturing and aerosol degreasing according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Last month, the agency proposed a ban on most uses of the solvent under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

According to the EPA announcement:

PCE is a solvent that is widely used for consumer uses such as brake cleaners and adhesives, commercial applications such as dry cleaning, and in many industrial settings. For example, PCE is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of two chemical substances regulated under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. This rule proposes to allow for continued processing of PCE to manufacture hydrofluorocarbons (HFC)-125 and HFC-134a in tandem with strict workplace controls, as the two can be mixed with other substances to make more climate-friendly refrigerants. Additionally, the rule proposes to continue to allow the industrial and commercial use of PCE in petrochemical manufacturing, the manufacture of coatings for aircraft skins, and vapor degreasing with PCE to make aerospace parts and engines, as examples of other uses not proposed for prohibition.

“Exposure to PCE can cause serious health risks, including neurotoxicity and cancer,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To assist industries that use perchloroethylene, EMSL Analytical offers industrial hygiene and environmental testing for PCE and many other industrial chemicals. We also provide sampling supplies and carry a wide range of respirators and other personal protective equipment to mitigate exposure hazards. These services protect workers and the public, while also helping companies comply with existing and future health and safety regulations.”

To learn more about PCE testing or other industrial hygiene, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail