In a significant move to protect public health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a ban on two cancer-causing chemicals commonly found in everyday products—trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE).
These chemicals are often used in products like glue, dry cleaning solutions, and stain removers. Both TCE and PCE have been linked to serious health problems, including various forms of cancer and damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, and immune system.
“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,” said Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
Freedhoff emphasized that the new rules are “grounded in the best-available science” and demonstrate the harmful impacts of these chemicals. “EPA continues to deliver on actions that protect people, including workers and children,” she added.
TCE is known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It also poses risks of fetal heart defects and damage to multiple body systems. PCE, similarly, is linked to liver, kidney, brain, and testicular cancers, as well as reproductive toxicity.
The ban is a notable step in reducing exposure to harmful substances, especially for vulnerable populations. The EPA’s decision reflects a commitment to prioritizing health and safety over the continued use of hazardous chemicals when safer alternatives are available.
This decision is expected to have a significant impact on industries that use these chemicals, encouraging a shift toward more sustainable and health-conscious practices.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
