EPA restricts 3 solvents

As part of a last-minute push to finalize regulations before the administration of Donald J. Trump takes over Jan. 20, the US Environmental Protection Agency has been cranking out new rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Three rules, released in early December, target common chlorinated solvents. Under two of the rules, released Dec. 9, most uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) will be banned within 1–3 years. But in response to pushback from some industries, the EPA carved out longer phase-out times for certain applications of the two solvents. Under the third rule, released Dec. 11, current uses of carbon tetrachloride can continue, as long as manufacturers meet new worker safety requirements—including a new inhalation exposure limit—within 3 years. The rule bans uses of carbon tetrachloride that have already been phased out. TCE was once widely used as a solvent in cleaning products, degreasers, brake cleaners, lubricants,