EPA’s Bold Move to Safeguard Health with Stricter TCE Regulations
On October 31, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a proposed risk management rule under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), aiming to prohibit most applications of Trichloroethylene (TCE) within one year after the final rule’s publication. Despite offering an extended transition period, the proposed rule prioritizes near-term worker protections to minimize exposures. The deadline for public comments on this proposal is set for December 15, 2023. TCE, a volatile organic compound utilized in a broad spectrum of commercial and consumer products, including adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, and applications in the automotive, transportation, security, and defense industries, is associated with significant non-cancer health effects. These effects include toxicity on organs such as the liver and kidney, reproductive and developmental toxicity, immune system impacts, neurotoxicity, and carcinogenicity through all exposure routes. Due to its adverse health effects, TCE is subject to various federal laws and regulations in the United States. In a proactive measure, the EPA is taking actions to prevent the increasing contamination of soil and groundwater by TCE. To address potential risks, the EPA’s proposed rule seeks to prohibit all manufacturing, including industrial and commercial imports, processing, and distribution of TCE. Additionally, it aims to restrict the disposal of TCE, providing a time-limited exemption for cleanup projects, and introduces recordkeeping and downstream notification requirements. The EPA asserts that within the proposed one-year timeframe, the majority of individuals likely to be exposed to TCE, including workers, consumers, and communities, would be protected. In response to these regulatory developments, Compliance XL offers TCE compliance consulting services, assisting companies in declaration collections, and maintaining up-to-date supplier certificates as part of their comprehensive compliance data management strategy. FAQs 1.What are the potential health risks of TCE? TCE is highly toxic chemical known to cause serious health risks including cancer, neurotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. 2.What are the few applications of TCE? TCE is utilized in cleaning and furniture care products. It is also part of degreasers, brake cleaners, and tire repair sealants.
US EPA Unveils Proposed Risk Management Rule for Trichloroethylene (TCE)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a risk management rule in October 2023 in response to escalating human health concerns associated with trichloroethylene (TCE). This initiative follows the release of the final revised risk determination for TCE in January 2023, which reevaluated the risk assessment conducted in November 2020 under the Revised Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Integrated Risk Management Measures for Trichloroethylene (TCE) are : Risk Assessment Approach Unlike previous methodologies, the final revised risk assessment considers TCE as a whole chemical, foregoing testing for individual conditions of use. This comprehensive evaluation examines the cumulative impact of TCE across various applications, offering a more thorough understanding of its risks. Human Health Focus The introduced risk management regulation is specifically tailored to address worries about the adverse effects of TCE on human health. The EPA aims to enhance risk management strategies comprehensively to mitigate potential health risks associated with TCE exposure. Updated Perspective on Personal Protective Equipment Acknowledging that workers exposed to TCE may not consistently utilize proper personal protective equipment marks a significant shift in approach. This recognition underscores the importance of realistic outcome evaluations and emphasizes the need for comprehensive risk management strategies beyond reliance on specialized protective equipment. TSCA Amendment The EPA’s actions underscore the agency’s commitment to robust chemical management and the protection of the environment and public health, aligning with the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and businesses utilizing trichloroethylene, are advised to stay updated on the recommended modifications and actively contribute to the ongoing discussions, providing valuable insights to facilitate the development and implementation of successful risk management plans for trichloroethylene. The >EPA’s actions underscore the agency’s commitment to robust chemical management and the protection of the environment and public health in alignment with the revised Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). All stakeholders, encompassing regulatory bodies and TCE-utilizing industries, are urged to stay informed about these proposed changes and actively engage in the continuous dialogue to offer meaningful input for the formulation and execution of effective risk management strategies. Leveraging more than 20 years of regulatory expertise, ComplianceXL consistently provides ongoing assistance to companies aiming for compliance with the recently unveiled US EPA Proposed Risk Management Rule for Trichloroethylene (TCE). The platform streamlines regulatory operations by enabling efficient risk assessments, seamless compliance management, and the generation of accurate and timely reports. This comprehensive support ensures a more effective and streamlined regulatory process for organizations.