Perchloroethylene (PCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
On June 16, 2023, USEPA proposed a sweeping set of rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that would severely restrict the use of tetrachloroethene (PCE) by those that manufacture, process, distribute in commerce, use, or distribute products containing PCE. EPA determined that PCE presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health due to the significant adverse health effects associated with exposure to PCE, including neurotoxicity effects from acute and chronic inhalation exposures and dermal exposures, and cancer from chronic inhalation exposures to PCE. To reduce exposures in the workplace and address the unreasonable risk of injury to health resulting from inhalation exposures to PCE identified under the occupational conditions of use in the TSCA 2020 Risk Evaluation for PCE, EPA is proposing an existing chemical exposure limit ECEL of 0.14 parts per million (ppm) (0.98 mg/m3) for inhalation exposures to PCE as an 8-hour TWA. The current OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 100 ppm. EPA will accept comments on the proposed rules until August 15, 2023.
Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc. has a great deal of experience in the assessment and remediation of PCE and other chlorinated solvents in soil, groundwater, soil gas and indoor air. If you would like to discuss how these rules may affect your situation, please feel free to contact Craig A. Cox via email at craig_cox@coxcolvin.com or via telephone at (614) 526-2040.
The proposed rules can be found HERE