The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the latest risk management rules for perchloroethylene (PCE) and TCE, December 9, 2024 amendments, marking another major milestone for chemical safety. PCE, known in the industry as Perc is widely used in the US and elsewhere in the world. In Europe there are severe restrictions for the use of Perc in France, but no ban is foreseen in the near future.
The European legislation imposes requirements on the use of Perc in drycleaning, which can be met by todays processing techniques. Meanwhile alternatives for drycleaning are available. On the longer run eventually alternatives are expected to gain market share worldwide.
Phaseout in USA
EPA is finalizing a 10-year phaseout for the use of PCE in dry cleaning to eliminate the risk to people who work or spend considerable time at dry cleaning facilities. Use of PCE in newly acquired dry-cleaning machines will be prohibited after six months. Compliance dates for machines that are already owned will vary depending on the type of the dry-cleaning machine used, with older types of machines being phased out sooner than newer ones. Many dry cleaners have already begun this transition. This timeline is unchanged from the proposed rule.
EPA’s final risk management rule requires companies to rapidly phase down manufacturing, processing and distribution of PCE for all consumer use and many uses at industrial and commercial workplaces, most of which will be fully phased out in less than three years. For most of the uses of PCE that EPA is prohibiting, EPA’s analysis found that alternative products with similar costs and efficacy to PCE are reasonably available.
Workplace Chemical Protection Program
In response to public comments on the proposed rule, most workplaces now have 30 months instead of 12 months to fully implement the Workplace Chemical Protection Program. EPA also revised several other aspects from the proposal to strengthen and clarify aspects of the Workplace Chemical Protection Program, including monitoring requirements. EPA also ensured the employees’ designated representatives, such as labor union representatives, have access to occupational exposure monitoring and records.
Learn more about the PCE rule.
Additional Information
As a follow-up to consultations with small businesses, EPA plans to release compliance guidance for the use of PCE in dry cleaning and energized electrical cleaning in the coming months, as well as for the TCE rule. President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget requested funding to support small business efforts to transition to TSCA-compliant practices and mitigate economic impacts. If implemented, these grants could be used to support small businesses like dry cleaners in their transition away from PCE.
