Perchloroethylene (PERC) and trichloroethylene (TCE) are widely used industrial solvents found in products ranging from dry-cleaning agents to brake cleaners. While effective in these roles, both chemicals pose significant health risks, including neurotoxicity and cancer. Recognizing these dangers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a comprehensive ban on PERC and TCE to mitigate their impact on public health.
• Perchloroethylene (PERC): Linked to kidney cancer, liver toxicity, and neurodegenerative diseases, PERC is a common solvent in automotive products like CRC Brakleen, Safety-Kleen parts washing solvent, Berryman brake cleaner, and NAPA brake cleaner. The EPA has identified it as a carcinogen with significant risks to human health.
• Trichloroethylene (TCE): TCE exposure has been tied to cancers such as liver and kidney cancer, as well as damage to the immune and nervous systems. Historically used in some household products, such as cleaning wipes, aerosol cleaning products, tool cleaners, paint removers, spray adhesives, and carpet cleaners and spot removers. Commercial dry cleaners also use trichloroethylene as a spot remover. TCE presents an unreasonable health risk under various conditions of use.
EPA’s Recent Ban
The EPA’s December 2024 announcement marks a major milestone in chemical safety regulation:
• PERC Ban: The rule prohibits all consumer uses and most industrial applications, except for limited cases where strict workplace controls can mitigate exposure risks.
• TCE Ban: A sweeping prohibition on the manufacture, processing, and distribution of TCE across all industries.
These measures aim to reduce public and occupational exposure to these hazardous chemicals and encourage the transition to safer alternatives.
For individuals exposed to PERC or TCE who have developed serious health conditions, pursuing legal action may be an essential step toward securing justice and compensation. Andrew J. DuPont, a partner at Locks Law Firm, is a leading toxic exposure attorney with extensive experience litigating cases involving hazardous chemicals.
DuPont has achieved significant results for victims of toxic exposure, including landmark verdicts against corporations responsible for exposing workers to carcinogenic substances. For example, in 2016, DuPont and his team secured a substantial verdict against U.S. Steel for benzene exposure that led to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). More recently, he was lead trial counsel in upholding an $816 million verdict against ExxonMobil for benzene-related cancer claims.
While his expertise has been focused on benzene litigation, DuPont’s deep understanding of toxic tort cases equips him to handle PERC and TCE exposure claims effectively. His track record demonstrates his ability to navigate complex scientific and legal issues to hold corporations accountable for preventable harm.
If you or a loved one has suffered health effects from exposure to PERC or TCE, it’s critical to act promptly:
1. Seek Medical Attention: Obtain a thorough evaluation and document your diagnosis.
2. Consult a Qualified Attorney: Attorneys like Andrew DuPont can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
3. Stay Informed: Monitor developments related to the EPA’s regulations and potential industry shifts.
The EPA’s action to ban PERC and TCE underscores the urgent need to address the health risks associated with toxic exposures. For those already impacted, pursuing legal recourse with the guidance of experienced attorneys like Andrew J. DuPont can provide both accountability and relief.
To learn about the EPA’s findings and regulatory actions, consult the official EPA PERC page and EPA TCE page.
