EPA is moving against Trichloroethylene (TCE) exposures.
EPA has proposed a relatively narrow Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) on TCE:
“Manufacture or processing for use in a consumer product except for use in cleaners and solvent degreasers, film cleaners, hoof polishes, lubricants, mirror edge sealants, and pepper spray"
Anyone proposing to make a new consumer product outside the exemptions subject to notification and approval by EPA before production for such use could begin or resume. EPA has also negotiated a voluntary agreement to stop use from a current manufacturer of aerosol spray fixative.
EPA claims it is also initiating rulemaking under TSCA section 6 potentially restricting some commercial degreasing uses and as a spotting agent in dry cleaning - presumed higher exposure workplace uses.
Most production of TCE is industrial as intermediate and metal degreaser which can continue. The SNUR (and any proposed section 6 rule) would trigger export notification, however.
Find EPA information on risk management actions for TCE here.
- Tags:
- SNURs
- TCE
- TSCA
- tsca work plans