ACC expresses concerns on EPA’s proposed ban of trichloroethylene

If EPA decides to move forward with restrictions on consumer uses of TCE, it is important that it does not unnecessarily restrict valuable industrial uses

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) released the following statement today in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to ban the use of trichloroethylene (TCE):

“TCE has several important uses in packaging and formulation, and as a solvent, where small amounts are used. If EPA decides to move forward with restrictions on consumer uses of TCE, it is important that it does not unnecessarily restrict valuable industrial uses.

“We are also concerned that the proposed rule is inconsistent with the underlying science. The Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) also raised concerns regarding the science during its review of EPA’s risk characterization of trichloroethylene (TCE). 

“EPA must base its risk management proposals on the best available science, including accurate assessments of exposure. Among other things, where uses of chemistries have decreased over time, this must be reflected in EPA’s underlying risk assessment, because decreased use reduces potential exposure. Here, for example, in the underlying risk assessment, EPA’s exposure assessments were not realistic or reflective of current industrial hygiene practices.

“We call on EPA to provide at least 60-day comment periods on all TSCA risk management rulemakings going forward, as it is clear that 45 days is insufficient to reach stakeholders in value chains who need to identify and comment on their uses.”