US EPA Releases Final Chemical Risk Evaluation for Perchloroethylene

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final risk evaluation for perchloroethylene. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA is required to evaluate the risks associated with exposure to existing chemicals in commerce using the best available science, and then take action to address any unreasonable risks identified. Today’s final risk findings complete the risk evaluation process required by TSCA for perchloroethylene.

EPA used feedback received from the public comment and the scientific peer review process carried out by the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals to inform the final risk evaluation. The final risk evaluation for perchloroethylene determined that there are unreasonable risks to workers, occupational non-users, consumers, and bystanders from 59 out of 61 conditions of uses. EPA found no unreasonable risks to the environment.

The next step in the process required by TSCA is developing a plan to address the unreasonable risks identified in the final risk evaluation. EPA is moving immediately to risk management for this chemical and will work as quickly as possible to propose and finalize actions to protect against the unreasonable risks.

Potential actions EPA could take to address these risks include regulating how the chemical is used, or limiting or prohibiting the manufacture, processing, distribution in the marketplace, use, or disposal of this chemical, as applicable. As with any chemical product, EPA strongly recommends that users of products containing perchloroethylene continue to carefully follow all instructions on the product’s label and safety data sheet.

View the perchloroethylene final risk evaluation and supporting documents. https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/final-risk-evaluation-perchloroethylene

Background

Perchloroethylene is a colorless liquid used primarily in industrial settings in the production of fluorinated compounds and as a solvent in dry cleaning. This chemical is also used commercially in lubricants, adhesives, and sealants. Perchloroethylene has a limited number of consumer uses in products like adhesives for arts and crafts and stainless steel polish.

 Learn more about the risk evaluation process required by TSCA: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/how-epa-evaluates-safety-existing-chemicals