EPA Releases Compliance Guide for TCE Risk Management Rule
Released January 14, 2025
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a guide to assist the regulated community in complying with the new regulation for trichloroethylene (TCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The guide provides an overview of the requirements set by the final rule, including important regulatory deadlines. While the EPA’s rule will result in a complete prohibition of TCE, the prohibition will take longer to phase in for certain uses, and the rule sets strict workplace protection requirements for those uses in the interim. It is important for the regulated community to understand these compliance obligations. Being aware of and following these regulations correctly will reduce injuries and long-term illness.
This guide is intended for persons who own or operate a business that manufactures (including imports), processes, distributes in commerce, uses or disposes of TCE. This guide may also be of interest to people who may be exposed to TCE in the workplace, as well as consumers, community members or anyone else that may be affected by exposure to TCE.
In December 2024, EPA finalized a regulation for trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxic chemical known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. TCE also can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive organs, and fetal heart defects. These risks are present even at very small concentrations. Under the final rule, all uses of TCE will be prohibited over time (with the vast majority of identified risks eliminated within one year), and safer alternatives are readily available for the majority of uses.
The compliance guide includes information about EPA’s TCE regulation; how to determine if your business is affected by the rule; the responsibilities of affected entities; Workplace Chemical Protection Program and prescriptive workplace control requirements; details about limited laboratory uses; and other helpful definitions and frequently asked questions.