The EPA is proposing to use its authority under Section 6(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to prohibit several uses of trichloroethylene (TCE), a volatile organic compound, to eliminate exposures to workers, consumers, and the general population, which, the Agency says, result in significant cancer and noncancer health risks. The proposal would specifically ban TCE use in aerosol degreasing and for spot cleaning in dry-cleaning facilities. In addition, the proposal would require manufacturers, processors, and distributors of TCE (except for retailers of TCE for any use) to provide downstream notification of these prohibitions throughout the supply chain and maintain records of the amount of TCE shipped and the recipients.
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Under TSCA Section 6(a), if an EPA risk evaluation determines that a chemical substance presents unreasonable risks of injury to health or the environment, the Agency must, by rule, apply one or more requirements to eliminate the risks.