In a triumphant if long overdue announcement, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently revealed that two cancer-causing chemicals commonly used in manufacturing household and industrial cleaning products and other goods have finally been banned in the United States.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE or perc) are toxic chemicals long known to cause a wide range of illnesses, from headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems to multiple kinds of cancers, organ damage, and immune, reproductive, and nervous system disorders.
However, these toxins have been frequently used as solvents in various industries, including dry cleaning and industrial machinery cleaning, since the 1920s. TCE is also found in degreasing products, stain removers, paint strippers, cleaning wipes, carpet cleaners, and spray adhesives, while perc is found in water repellents, silicone lubricants, spot removers, wood cleaners, and glues.
TCE and perc not only threaten the lives of workers who are exposed to them but consumers, of course, as well as anyone who simply resides near the shops and factories that use them. That’s because TCE and perc are pervasive in the environment, where they persist for decades after being leaked or dumped as waste. There’s a study that estimates up to 34% of U.S. water is contaminated with TCE and a CNN article states that up to 18% of drinking water sources serving about 19 million people in the U.S. that the EPA tests on a yearly basis have some TCE contamination. Another source states more than 5% of the U.S. population uses water from community systems that have a perc concentration that exceeds government standards.
Feels like Americans should be made aware of that, right?
Well, we kind of were.
If you’ve ever heard a television or radio ad about a legal settlement for those who served at Camp LeJeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina, you’ve heard about TCE exposure. According to one law firm’s website:
“An estimated one million Marines, sailors, and their families as well as civilian employees who lived on the base between 1953 and 1987, unknowingly drank, cooked, and bathed in contaminated water. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the Marine Corps became aware that certain water treatment facilities on the base had been distributing contaminated water in 1982.”
That water was contaminated with TCE.
Wondering when the ban will go into effect?
The ban stops use of these carcinogens … eventually.
TCE must be removed from all products within a year, with exceptions. Companies using it to clean aircraft and medical devices parts, in manufacturing electric vehicle batteries and refrigerant, and in other transportation, security, and defense systems have longer to make the transition.
Companies using perc in industrial processes and in consumer products like stain removers have three years to stop using it. Drycleaners have 10 years to stop using perc, but in just six months the chemical will be prohibited from use in newly purchased drycleaning machines.
How can you protect yourself from TCE and perc exposure in the meantime?
- Read product ingredient labels. Avoid any products that list trichloroethylene, TCE, perchloroethylene, PCE, or perc as ingredients (as well as these ingredients to avoid).
- If you must dry clean a piece of clothing, look for an eco-friendly dry cleaner near you that claims to use more environmentally friendly products, but be sure to do your homework to ensure you’re not a victim of greenwashing.
- Invest in a high-quality water filter system for your sink, refrigerator, or whole home.
- Shop with a trusted manufacturer of non toxic products using only safe, effective ingredients — preferably one with its own water treatment facility that uses third-party testing to ensure purity.
While this long-awaited ban on TCE and perc marks a significant step forward in protecting public health, it also serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance in our everyday choices. By being aware of the products we use, supporting eco-friendly alternatives, and advocating for stronger personal and environmental protections, we can help ensure that toxic chemicals are no longer a threat to our health, communities, or planet.
To move toward a healthier future, it’s up to all of us to stay informed, take action, and prioritize safety for ourselves and future generations. Pure Haven is proud to lead the way as the first and only company in the United States committed to providing a full line of personal care and home products that truly work better than their toxic counterparts while minimizing our impact on the environment.
Sources:
Christensen, J. 9 Dec 2024. Cancer-causing chemicals used in homes and workplaces banned by EPA | CNN
Rahhal, N. 9 Dec 2024. The EPA has banned 2 cancer-causing chemicals used in dry cleaning and degreasing. What that means for your health. | Yahoo! Life.