EPA bans two commonly used cancer-causing chemicals – Deseret News

The Environmental Protection Agency this week announced bans on two chemicals used in the home and workplace that are known to cause cancer. The new rules apply to trichlorethylene (TCE) and perchlorethylene (PCE) as part of bipartisan changes to the Toxic Substances Control Act of 2016, the agency’s announcement said.

“Over 40 years ago, a mother named Anne Anderson from Woburn, Massachusetts, approached me and launched a campaign to prevent more children like Jimmy Anderson, her son, from dying of cancer caused by toxic chemicals. Anne’s work led directly to this announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency that I am thrilled to celebrate today with her and all the communities that will benefit: a permanent ban on trichlorethylene and most uses of perchlorethylene, two chemicals that cause cancer and affect the reproductive organs. are neurotoxic and weaken the immune system,” said Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., according to the EPA release.

“Despite their dangers, these chemicals could still be found in industries such as dry cleaning, automotive repair and manufacturing. With no doubt that these chemicals are deadly, there is no doubt that this final rule will save lives across the country – especially the lives of our children.”

Jerry M. Ensminger, a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, said in the announcement that his daughter was conceived at Camp Lejeune, where “the contaminated water problem has been ongoing for nearly 40 years since TCE, PCE and others.” Organic solvents were first documented in the base’s drinking water supply in October 1980.”

Janey, his daughter, died of leukemia in 1985 at age 9. Ensminger also mentioned another proponent of banning the chemicals, Mike Partain, who was conceived at the base and was diagnosed with male breast cancer at age 39.

“Mike and I applaud this EPA ban on TCE and this is proof that our fight for justice at Camp Lejeune was not in vain,” Ensminger said.

The agency said consumers won’t feel much of an impact if they lose access to the chemicals; In most cases, there are substitutes for TCE, and if there is no substitute for PCE, the chemicals can continue to be used in industry under strict controls.

What is TCE?

The EPA notice called TCE an “extremely toxic chemical” known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. TCE also causes damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive organs, and fetal heart defects. These risks are present in very low concentrations.”

The TCE ban is a total ban, but will be implemented gradually and most risks will be eliminated within a year, the agency reported, noting that “safer alternatives” are readily available for most uses of the chemical.

TCE is often a solvent in consumer and commercial products, including cleaning and furniture care products, degreasers, brake cleaners, sealants, lubricants, adhesives, paints and coatings, and arts and crafts spray coatings. It is also used in the production of some refrigerants.

“Some of the longer-term exemptions are necessary to avoid impacts to national security or critical infrastructure,” the EPA said. “In addition, based on public comments, some of the time frames have been adjusted from the proposed rule to allow appropriate time to transition to alternatives.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said TCE can seep into the soil near industrial sites and then leach into groundwater, putting residents at greatest risk. The liquid is odorless and evaporates quickly, contributing to environmental pollution.

In addition to direct exposure at work or to the chemicals, “you may be exposed to trichlorethylene from air, water, food, or soil contaminated with trichlorethylene, or from direct skin contact.” You are most likely to be exposed to trichlorethylene if you drink water contaminated with trichlorethylene . You may also be exposed through inhalation of trichlorethylene, which is released into the air from water contaminated with trichlorethylene,” the CDC said.

Ray Dorsey, a professor of neurology at the University of Rochester, told the Washington Post that the TCE ban “will end a century of it causing cancer.”

Dorsey, who has also studied the strong links between TCE exposure and Parkinson’s disease, said the measure will reduce cancers, stillbirths, congenital heart defects and Parkinson’s disease. But he noted that the ban will do little to address the pollution that already exists.

About PCE

The PCE ban is a partial ban, with the majority of the phase-out occurring within three years.

“PCE is known to cause liver, kidney, brain, and testicular cancer, as well as neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity to the kidney, liver, and immune system,” the EPA said. The production, processing and distribution of PCE is prohibited for both consumer and many commercial purposes, “while some workplace uses may continue only if strict workplace controls can be implemented.”

The EPA announced it is completing a 10-year phaseout of the use of PCE in dry cleaning. Its use in new cleaning machines will be banned after six months. For machines that are already owned, the phase-out dates vary depending on the machine type, but older machines are phased out earlier than newer ones. The agency noted that many dry cleaners are already migrating away from PCE.

The Post article states: “Even small amounts of perchlorethylene can pose a threat to the environment because it can migrate through concrete,” said Katie Fellows, an environmental scientist at the Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, Washington. The Post reported that perchlorethylene in the environment can be converted into TCE and vinyl chloride, both of which cause cancer.

“If it gets into the environment, it’s in the environment. You can’t just wipe it up,” Fellows said.