The EPA Releases Final Risk Evaluation for Trichloroethylene and Reducing Chance of Occupational Exposure Hazards

At the end of last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Final Risk Evaluation for Trichloroethylene. The risk evaluation contains the agency’s final determinations on which conditions of use present unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. It was completed as part of the agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

The EPA evaluated 54 conditions of trichloroethylene (TCE) use. The agency found no unreasonable risk to the environment for any conditions of use. However, it did find unreasonable risks to human health from 52 out of 54 conditions of use. They include:

• Consumers and Bystanders: EPA found unreasonable risks to consumers and bystanders from all but one consumer use of TCE. Consumer uses include cleaning and furniture care products, arts and crafts spray coatings, and automotive care products like brake cleaners. Risks to consumers can come from short-term inhalation and dermal exposure. The EPA did not find consumer use of pepper spray to present an unreasonable risk.
• Workers and Occupational Non-Users: EPA found unreasonable risks to workers from all occupational uses of TCE, except for distribution in commerce. Additionally, the EPA found unreasonable risks from most commercial uses of this chemical to workers nearby, but not in direct contact with TCE. Common commercial uses are, as a solvent in industrial cleaning/degreasing, an ingredient in adhesive/sealant removers, in paints and coatings, and in automotive care products like brake cleaners. Risks to workers and occupational non-users can come from both short- and long-term inhalation and dermal exposure.

“Almost all uses of TCE were found to cause unreasonable risks to human health,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, our industrial hygiene and environmental laboratories offer testing services for TCE and many other chemical compounds. We provide all of the testing supplies needed and even carry an array of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers who may come in contact with this, or other, chemical hazards.”

EMSL sponsored an educational video about trichloroethylene and exposure risks that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/DetCE36YMHs.

To learn more about TCE or other occupational, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail