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EPA Proposes Ban on All Uses of Trichloroethylene to Protect Public Health

Industrial Hygiene Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	12/12/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	EPA Proposes Ban on All Uses of Trichloroethylene to Protect Public Health
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides environmental and industrial hygiene testing services to identify trichloroethylene and other chemical exposure risks to protect workers, the public and the environment.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, December 12, 2023 Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to ban all uses of trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE is described by the agency as extremely toxic chemical known to cause serious health risks including cancer, neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. According to the EPA: TCE is used in cleaning and furniture care products, degreasers, brake cleaners, and tire repair sealants, and a variety of safer alternatives are readily available for many uses. This action, taken under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), would protect people from these health risks by banning the manufacture, processing, and distribution of TCE for all uses. EPA’s proposed risk management rule would take effect in one year for consumer products and most commercial uses and would implement stringent worker protections on the limited remaining commercial and industrial uses that would be phased down over a longer period. "TCE is a highly toxic chemical that's been proven harmful for both humans and the environment," said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Some of the health issues listed by EPA include liver cancer, kidney cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The agency also warns of damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive organs, and TCE is dangerous for fetal development, even at very small concentrations.” Dedicated to protecting against exposure to trichloroethylene and other chemicals are the industrial hygiene and environmental professionals at EMSL Analytical. Their network of laboratories across North America offer testing services and sampling supplies for TCE and many other exposure risks. EMSL even sponsored an educational video about trichloroethylene and potential exposure several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/DetCE36YMHs To learn more about trichloroethylene testing or other industrial hygiene, environmental, indoor air quality, 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.