EPA’s latest proposal is a major milestone for public health. But to make it a complete victory, we need Administrator Regan to act quickly and thoroughly. In addition to passing an immediate ban for most uses of TCE within the year, EPA should expedite the ban for all uses. As is, EPA’s proposal will provide up to a decade-long phase out for NASA, the Department of Defense and some industrial uses — meaning there will still be risk and worse health outcomes for communities.
The science is clear. Exposure to TCE can lead to multiple types of cancer, including: kidney cancer, liver cancer and even non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. And that’s not all. Exposure to this toxic chemical can also cause serious damage to a person’s central nervous system, immune system and reproductive systems in adults. It can even cause developmental issues during pregnancy.
These risks are magnified for vulnerable communities such as manufacturing workers, pregnant people and fenceline communities. That’s because exposure can come from many avenues, including:
- Chemical plants producing and releasing TCE into the environment;
- Industrial facilities contaminating soil and groundwater; and
- Using cleaning, automotive and furniture care products, at home and in the workplace.
It is imperative that EPA expeditiously finalize its ban of TCE. Send a loud and clear message to EPA Administrator Regan that the science on TCE is undeniable and there’s no need to delay. “Ban TCE now!”
Thank you for taking action,
Wes Rogerson
Manager, Grassroots Organizing & Activism
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