EPA Weighs TCE Ban To Protect Workers At Degreasing Operations

In one of three rare rules that EPA is drafting under its Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 6 authorities, the agency is weighing whether to ban the use of the controversial solvent trichloroethylene (TCE) when used as a degreaser to clean various parts and components, or whether additional restrictions on such operations are sufficient to protect workers. EPA officials told representatives of small businesses in a presentation this summer that “[t]wo options would mitigate the risk of TCE exposure...