Environmental Justice Tracker

EJ Tracker Update

EPA Proposed Rule to Ban Most Uses of Perchloroethylene (PCE)

Last updated:

June 16, 2023

Statute

TSCA

Agencies

EPA

Actions

Proposed Rule

EPA proposed to ban most uses of perchloroethylene (PCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). PCE is known to cause neurotoxicity and cancer. It is a solvent commonly used in brake cleaners and adhesives, dry cleaning processes, and in many industrial settings. EPA noted that most workers in these industries are people of color. The proposal would ban all consumer uses of PCE, while allowing continued processing of PCE to manufacture refrigerants and petrochemicals, among other industrial uses. Comments were due Jul. 17, 2023. Read more about EPA’s proposal.