The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a ban on two hazardous chemicals commonly used in dry cleaning. The colorless solvents, PCE and TCE, can cause kidney cancer and other serious health issues.
In a statement, EPA Assistant Administrator Michelle Friedhoff said that it is unacceptable to use cancer-causing chemicals like PCE and TCE in dry cleaning when safe alternatives are available.
Michelle Friedhoff emphasized that safe alternatives for PCE and TCE are widely available. She further stated that there is no reason to use these dangerous chemicals for glue or dry cleaning purposes.
Last year, the EPA proposed a ban on many uses of PCE and established a program to monitor non-prohibited uses. A few months later, the agency also proposed a ban on the manufacture, import, processing, and distribution of TCE for all types of uses.
