The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step in public health protection by banning two notorious chemicals, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE or perc), linked to various cancers and other health risks. These substances, long used in dry cleaning and degreasing, have been under scrutiny due to their harmful effects on the human body and environment.
TCE, a solvent once prevalent in dry cleaning, is now recognized as a health hazard. According to Dr. Samuel Goldman, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, TCE exposure is not limited to those working in dry cleaning but also poses risks to communities living near industries using this chemical. TCE is notorious for its environmental persistence, capable of contaminating soil and groundwater long after its initial use. Studies suggest a significant portion of U.S. water contains TCE, which can lead to severe health issues like kidney and liver damage, nerve damage, and an increased risk of cancers.
Perc, or PCE, is still widely used in dry cleaning but is just as dangerous. The CDC warns of its potential to cause dizziness, headaches, and changes to the nervous system when inhaled over prolonged periods. There’s growing evidence of perc’s link to various cancers and reproductive issues, making its continued use a critical concern for both workers and residents near dry cleaning facilities.
Dr. Goldman hails the EPA’s move as an essential victory for public health, providing a reprieve from these silent yet pervasive threats. He emphasizes the bans as merely the first step, suggesting a broader need for environmental clean-up as these chemicals linger long after their use ceases.
The EPA’s regulations stipulate a gradual phase-out rather than immediate cessation. Industries must eliminate TCE within a year, while certain sectors get extensions due to their dependency on it. Dry cleaners have a decade to transition away from perc use, although new machines using the chemical will be banned in mere months. This phased approach aims to balance economic impacts with health priorities, but critics argue for faster action.
Meanwhile, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure. Checking product labels for TCE and perc is a start, but experts recommend opting for “green” dry cleaning services that avoid these harmful solvents. Awareness of local contamination levels, made visible through tools like the Environmental Working Group’s map, can also guide residents in taking further protective measures, such as installing carbon filters to cleanse water supplies.
While the EPA’s ban on TCE and perc marks significant progress in reducing toxic chemical exposure, it is merely a starting point. The enduring presence of these substances in the environment requires ongoing awareness and proactive measures from both industries and individuals to ensure a healthier future.
Source: Yahoo
