Legislation Signed in Another State to Ban Many Uses of Trichloroethylene

The state of New York recently banned many of the most harmful uses of trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical used in industrial and commercial processes. This new legislation bans the use of TCE as a vapor degreaser, an intermediate chemical in the production of other chemicals, a refrigerant, an extraction solvent, or in any other manufacturing or industrial cleaning processes.

“TCE is a highly toxic chemical that’s been proven harmful for both humans and the environment, and restricting its use helps two causes for the price of one,” reported the Governor of New York. “This legislation will protect New Yorkers from a known carcinogen that has been linked to cancer, developmental disorders and other conditions while protecting our water and air from contamination.”

Last May, the Governor of Minnesota signed a bill into law banning the use of TCE that goes into effect next year. That legislation made Minnesota the first state in the nation to ban the industrial chemical.

“TCE was added to the 14^th Report on Carcinogens (RoC) list of agents, substances, mixtures and exposure circumstances that are known or reasonably anticipated to cause cancer in humans all the way back in 2016,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In late 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Final Risk Evaluation for Trichloroethylene. In it, the agency evaluated 54 conditions of trichloroethylene use and found unreasonable risks to human health from 52 out of 54 conditions of use. EMSL’s network of laboratories across North America offer environmental and industrial hygiene testing for TCE and many other industrial chemicals.”

To learn more about trichloroethylene testing or other industrial hygiene, environmental, indoor air quality, health and safety 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 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