The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a major step in its review of 1,1,2-trichloroethane, releasing a draft risk evaluation that identifies potential workplace hazards linked to the widely used industrial solvent.

 

The draft assessment, conducted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), finds that the chemical may present an unreasonable risk to workers through skin contact and inhalation exposure across 10 occupational conditions of use. However, EPA’s review did not identify unreasonable risks to consumers, the general public, or the environment.

 

1,1,2-trichloroethane is a colorless liquid primarily used as an industrial solvent and as a chemical building block in manufacturing. Because it can evaporate into the air and migrate into soil and groundwater after spills, exposure risks can occur in workplaces, communities near industrial facilities, and areas affected by contaminated drinking water.

 

EPA said the draft evaluation relies on “gold standard science” — including real-world monitoring data, exposure modeling, and systematic reviews — to assess potential impacts on human health, including effects on the nervous system, liver, and kidneys.

 

“These are draft findings, and EPA wants feedback,” the agency said, emphasizing that public input will play a key role before a final decision is made.

 

EPA will open a 60-day public comment period after publication of the Federal Register notice, inviting feedback from scientists, workers, communities, and other stakeholders. The agency’s Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) will also review the technical documents supporting the draft evaluation during its August meeting.

 

Current safety measures for 1,1,2-trichloroethane will remain in place while the review continues. EPA stressed that releasing the draft does not change existing protections.

 

"After peer review and public comment, EPA will move promptly to finalize the evaluation,” the agency said. “If EPA continues to find unreasonable risk, it will propose risk management actions under TSCA section 6(a) to reduce or eliminate those exposures in workplaces, on a clear and accountable timeline.”

 

EPA cautioned that the findings are preliminary and could change based on scientific review and public feedback.

 

“This evaluation is draft and does not represent EPA's final determination regarding the risks posed by this chemical; findings and conclusions may change based on feedback received during public comment and peer review.”