EPA Releases Final Chemical Risk Evaluation for TCE

For Release: November 23, 2020

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final risk evaluation for trichlorethylene (TCE). Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA is required to evaluate the risks associated with exposure to existing chemicals in commerce using the best available science then take action to address any unreasonable risks identified. Today’s final risk findings complete the risk evaluation process required by TSCA for TCE.

EPA used feedback received from the public and the scientific peer review process carried out by the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals to inform the final risk evaluation.

The final risk evaluation for TCE shows that there are unreasonable risks to workers, occupational non-users, consumers, and bystanders for 52 out of 54 conditions of use. Two conditions of use (distribution in commerce and consumer use in pepper spray) do not present an unreasonable risk. EPA also found no unreasonable risks to the environment.

The next step in the process required by TSCA is developing a plan to address the unreasonable risks found in the final risk evaluation. EPA is moving immediately to risk management for this chemical and will work to propose and finalize actions to protect workers, occupational non-users, consumers, and bystanders.

There is a range of potential actions EPA could take to address these risks, including regulation of how the chemical is used, limiting or prohibiting the manufacture, processing, distribution in the marketplace, use, or disposal of this chemical, as applicable. As with any chemical product, EPA strongly recommends that users of products containing TCE continue to carefully follow all instructions on the product’s label and safety data sheet.

View the TCE final risk evaluation and supporting documents: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/final-risk-evaluation-trichloroethylene#documents.  

Background

TCE is used as a solvent in industrial and commercial applications and as a reactant in the manufacturing of other chemical substances. Common commercial uses of TCE are as a solvent in vapor degreasing, dry cleaning, spot cleaners, stain removers, and adhesives and sealants. Consumer uses include adhesives, degreasers, and cleaners.

Learn more about the risk evaluation process required by TSCA: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/how-epa-evaluates-safety-existing-chemicals