The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned two widely used solvents, trichlorethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (perk), citing their links to cancer and other health risks. With immediate effect, TCE is banned in all applications, while Perc’s ban extends to consumer products, with limited industrial use permitted under strict safety guidelines.

TCE and percs are commonly found in products such as cleaners, spot removers, lubricants, glues and automotive care items. “It is unacceptable to continue to use cancer-causing chemicals when safer alternatives exist,” said Michael Friedhoff, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. He stressed that the risks posed by these chemicals far outweigh their benefits.

According to the National Cancer Institute, TCE is known to cause liver and kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and nerve damage. Perc, while less harmful than TCE, has been linked to cancers affecting the liver, kidneys, brain and testicles. Both chemicals also harm the immune system, increasing the need for restrictions.

The move has been praised by environmental and health advocates who have long pushed for restrictions. Clean water and air campaigner Linda Robles welcomed the ban as a hard-fought victory. Robles tragically lost his daughter Tiana in 2007 to a rare cancer he believes was caused by TCE contamination near his Arizona home. “They have been telling me for decades that they would ban TCE. It’s a great thing that this is finally happening,” Robles said, though he lamented that the decision came too late to save his daughter.

Environmental pollution from TCE and perks has been a known issue for decades, with ongoing cleanups at Superfund sites like Tucson International Airport. Health advocates argue that banning these chemicals will reduce risks and prevent future tragedies.

However, industry groups have criticized the restrictions, with the American Chemistry Council stating that the restrictions could cause widespread disruption across various industries and impact the national economy. The EPA argues that restrictions are necessary to protect public health, especially given the availability of safer alternatives.

The restrictions fall under the Toxic Substances Control Act, a federal law designed to regulate hazardous chemicals. Friedhoff emphasized that the EPA is prioritizing public health over convenience, urging industries to transition toward safer solutions.

While the ban is an important milestone in chemical safety, environmentalists stress the need for vigilance in protecting water and air quality. “This is an important step forward, but the work is not finished yet,” Robles said.

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