In a groundbreaking move for public health and environmental protection, the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) has announced a ban on two hazardous solvents prevalent in dry-cleaning and other products. This decision comes as a significant victory for health advocates campaigning against toxic chemicals known to cause various cancers.
E.P.A. Takes Significant Step in Public Health by Banning Toxic Solvents
E.P.A. Takes Significant Step in Public Health by Banning Toxic Solvents
The agency's latest ban targets harmful chemicals linked to serious health risks, reflecting a commitment to environmental safety.
On December 9, 2024, the E.P.A. issued bans on trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (Perc), both commonly used in cleaning operations and household products. TCE has long been associated with severe health issues, including liver and kidney cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The chemical has been detected in drinking water across the nation, posing risks to nearby communities. The ban, enacted under the Toxic Substances Control Act, allows no consumer or industrial use of TCE.
The E.P.A.'s decision also restricts the use of Perc, widely employed in dry-cleaning, though some industrial applications within aviation and defense are still permitted under strict safety regulations. Despite being regarded as slightly less dangerous than TCE, Perc remains a significant health concern with links to multiple forms of cancer and organ damage.
In light of the ban, Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the E.P.A. Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, emphasized the necessity for immediate action on these recognized cancer-causing agents. Freedhoff stated, "It’s simply unacceptable to continue to allow cancer-causing chemicals to be used for things like glue, dry cleaning, or stain removers when safer alternatives exist."
The reformed regulations stand in stark contrast to the anticipated deregulation efforts of the incoming Trump administration, highlighting an ongoing struggle between public health measures and industry interests. Advocates for environmental justice view the bans as an essential step toward a safer future, while the dry-cleaning industry has expressed opposition to these new restrictions, fearing they may impact their operations. The E.P.A.'s recent actions signal a powerful commitment to ensuring the safety of Americans by eliminating harmful chemicals from everyday life.
The E.P.A.'s decision also restricts the use of Perc, widely employed in dry-cleaning, though some industrial applications within aviation and defense are still permitted under strict safety regulations. Despite being regarded as slightly less dangerous than TCE, Perc remains a significant health concern with links to multiple forms of cancer and organ damage.
In light of the ban, Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the E.P.A. Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, emphasized the necessity for immediate action on these recognized cancer-causing agents. Freedhoff stated, "It’s simply unacceptable to continue to allow cancer-causing chemicals to be used for things like glue, dry cleaning, or stain removers when safer alternatives exist."
The reformed regulations stand in stark contrast to the anticipated deregulation efforts of the incoming Trump administration, highlighting an ongoing struggle between public health measures and industry interests. Advocates for environmental justice view the bans as an essential step toward a safer future, while the dry-cleaning industry has expressed opposition to these new restrictions, fearing they may impact their operations. The E.P.A.'s recent actions signal a powerful commitment to ensuring the safety of Americans by eliminating harmful chemicals from everyday life.
