The EPA’s ban on cancer-causing chemicals could save lives. Why is this only just happening now?
At a Glance
- EPA bans trichloroethylene (TCE) and restricts perchloroethylene (Perc) due to cancer risks
- TCE and Perc are commonly used in dry cleaning, manufacturing, and automotive industries
- Ban aims to protect public health but may impact businesses relying on these chemicals
- Safer alternatives exist for most uses, but some sectors face challenges in transition
- FDA considering ban on red dye No. 3, adding to federal actions on chemical regulation
EPA Takes Aim at Cancer-Causing Chemicals
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a bold step in the fight against cancer by banning two widely used chemicals: trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (Perc). This decision, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to public health, targets substances long known for their carcinogenic properties and other health risks. The ban on TCE is comprehensive, while Perc faces restrictions on consumer use and many commercial applications, with exceptions for critical sectors like aviation and defense.
TCE, found in cleaners, lubricants, and adhesives, has been linked to liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It’s also known to damage the nervous and immune systems. Perc, primarily used in dry cleaning and automotive care products, can cause various cancers and harm vital organs. Both chemicals have been the subject of environmental concerns for decades, with TCE contamination famously highlighted in the book and movie “A Civil Action.”
EPA bans 2 chemicals in dry-cleaning products known to cause cancer https://t.co/UA0qAkldPW
— Live5News (@Live5News) December 9, 2024
Impact on Industries and Consumers
The EPA’s decision will significantly impact industries that have relied on these chemicals for years. Dry cleaners, in particular, face a major transition as they seek alternatives to Perc. While safer options exist for most uses, some businesses may struggle with the costs and logistics of switching to new processes. Consumers might see changes in services and potentially higher prices as industries adapt to the new regulations.
“It’s simply unacceptable to continue to allow cancer-causing chemicals to be used for things like glue, dry cleaning or stain removers when safer alternatives exist,” Assistant Administrator of the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Michal Freedhoff, said.
The EPA’s action is rooted in the Toxic Substances Control Act, which was strengthened in 2016 to give the agency more authority over harmful chemicals. This move aligns with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to reduce cancer deaths and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Addressing Past Contamination and Future Prevention
The ban not only prevents future exposure but also addresses historical contamination issues. One notable case is Camp Lejeune, where water contamination by these chemicals affected thousands of service members and their families. The EPA’s decision represents a significant step towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.
“The Camp Lejeune contaminated drinking water issue has dragged on over the better part of forty years ever since TCE, PCE and other organic solvents were first documented in the base’s drinking water supply in October 1980,” Jerry M. Ensminger, Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant, said.
To support the transition, the EPA will provide compliance guidance and host public webinars. President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes funding to help small businesses adapt to the new regulations. However, critics argue that the ban could lead to job losses and increased costs for consumers, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on these chemicals.
Broader Implications for Chemical Regulation
The EPA’s action on TCE and Perc is part of a larger trend in federal chemical regulation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a ban on red dye No. 3, a petroleum-based food coloring linked to cancer in animals and hyperactivity in children. California has already banned this dye, along with six others, in school foods, signaling a growing awareness of the potential health risks associated with common chemicals.
Isn’t it funny how this is only happening after Trump and RFK Jr. exposed the poison in American foods? Is Biden deliberately ordering people to do this, or is it just a huge coincidence?
