Risk Management for Perchloroethylene (PCE)
Below is information on EPA actions to manage the unreasonable risk from perchloroethylene (PCE). PCE is a colorless liquid used primarily in industrial settings for the production of fluorinated compounds. This chemical is also used for dry cleaning, as a solvent for cleaning and degreasing, and in lubricants, adhesives, and sealants. PCE has a limited number of consumer uses in products like adhesives for arts and crafts and stainless steel polish.
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On other pages:
- Learn how EPA manages unreasonable risks from chemicals currently on the market.
- View a list of all chemicals undergoing risk evaluation, including docket numbers and agency points of contact.
Managing Risks from PCE
In June 2023, EPA proposed to ban most uses of PCE and establish a workplace chemical protection program (WCCP) for uses not prohibited to address the unreasonable risk to human health.
EPA’s proposal would:
- Prohibit manufacturing, processing and distribution of PCE for all consumer uses.
- Prohibit most industrial and commercial uses of PCE.
- Create strict workplace protections to ensure that for the remaining uses, workers will not be harmed by PCE use.
- Require manufacturers (including importers), processors, and distributors to notify companies to whom PCE is shipped of the prohibitions and to keep records.
Most of these changes would be fully implemented in 24 months. EPA is proposing a 10-year phaseout for the use of PCE in dry cleaning.
For the industrial manufacturing, industrial processing, and other uses of PCE that EPA is not proposing to prohibit, EPA is proposing a WCPP with a strict inhalation exposure limit and requirements to prevent skin exposure to ensure protection for workers. For laboratory use, EPA is proposing to require use of a fume hood and chemically-impermeable gloves to protect skin. EPA has received data from industry that indicate many workplaces already have stringent controls in place that reduce exposures to PCE. For some workplaces, these existing controls may already reduce exposures enough to meet the inhalation exposure limit in the proposed rule or to prevent direct skin contact with PCE.
These proposed requirements would allow the continued processing of PCE to produce chemicals that are likely to facilitate efforts to reduce global warming outlined in the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. Climate-friendly refrigerants and other chemicals play a significant role in combatting climate change and EPA’s proposed rule complements continued efforts to reduce emissions. The proposed requirements would also allow the continued use of PCE in uses that may be important for national security applications or for other critical needs, such as applications in military and commercial aircraft and in petrochemical manufacturing. The proposed risk management rule is based on EPA’s December 2020 TSCA section 6 risk evaluation, as amended by the December 2022 final revised risk determination for PCE.
In the final revised risk determination, EPA determined that PCE presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health under its conditions of use. The unreasonable risk determination was driven by 60 of the 61 conditions of use EPA evaluated.
Opportunities for Public and Stakeholder Engagement
EPA will accept public comments on the proposed rule for PCE for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0720 at www.regulations.gov. To submit a comment, first navigate to the docket in regulations.gov. Then click “Browse Documents” to view the proposed risk management rule. Click on the “Comment” button to submit your comment.
- View a list of all public and stakeholder engagement opportunities related to risk management.
- You can reach out to the EPA point of contact for this chemical, listed at the top, right of this page, for more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting.
- You can also stay informed by signing for our email alerts or checking the public docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0720 at www.regulations.gov.
Past Meetings, Webinars, and Other Engagement Opportunities
EPA hosted a webinar on July 19, 2023 about the proposed risk management rule. View the materials for the webinar.
EPA held environmental justice consultations regarding the development of risk management actions for PCE on June 16, 2021 and July 6, 2021. These consultation sessions provided an overview of the TSCA risk management requirements, the findings from the final risk evaluations, the tools available to manage the unreasonable risks from PCE, and an opportunity for input on environmental justice concerns. The environmental justice consultation period extended through August 20, 2021. View materials from the consultation sessions.
On January 14, 2021, EPA held a webinar to educate stakeholders on the risk management process under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the findings in the final risk evaluation for PCE. View the webinar materials