BACKGROUND
Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene (PCE), is a common solvent used in a variety of consumer/commercial applications and is found in many academic research labs. The EPA determined that perchloroethylene poses an “unreasonable risk to human health or the environment” following review under Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulations. The final rule was published in December 2024, which prohibits most consumer and commercial uses.
While this rule does not ban the use and handling of PCE in research laboratories, it does place PCE on EPA’s regulatory list. An exemption for laboratory use is granted, provided that a workplace chemical protection program (WCPP) is developed.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS?
Perchloroethylene (PCE) poses both non-cancer and cancer health risks from acute and chronic inhalation and dermal exposures. University staff exposure can increase the risk of developing cancer based on some animal studies, neurotoxicity effects (headaches, dizziness, etc.), liver and kidney damage, and skin or eye irritation.
NEW EXPOSURE LIMITS
The new EPA regulation significantly reduced the exposure threshold compared to the OSHA standard (See Table 1). To put this in perspective, the odor threshold for perchloroethylene is approximately 1 part per million (ppm), which is 50 times the new eight-hour time-weighted
Table 1: Comparison of the OSHA perchloroethylene exposure limits to the new EPA rule |
| |
| OSHA | New EPA Rule |
8-Hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) | 100 ppm | 0.14 ppm |
Action Limit | 50 ppm | 0.10 ppm |
COMPLIANCE TIMELINE
Table 2: Compliance Timeline |
| |
Required Actions | EPA Timeline | Target Date for EHRS |
EHRS conducts initial monitoring | December 15, 2025 | October – November 2025 |
EHRS determines PPE requirements | March 13, 2026 (or within 4 months of results) | October 2025-March 2026 |
EHRS updates the TU Chemical Hygiene Plan with the WCPP Inclusion | June 7, 2026 | October 2025-June 2026 |
EHRS Needs Your Help to Ensure Compliance with EPA and OSHA
- If your lab or area has PCE that is no longer in use, please submit a Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form. Please remove the PCE from your chemical inventory to reflect its disposal.
- If the lab or area is using PCE for applications prohibited by the TSCA final rule (e.g., general aerosol degreasing, wipe cleaning, paints and coatings, and aerosol lubricants), this use is no longer allowed for these applications. Refer to this guide for examples of products containing PCE.
- Please note that the use of PCE in facilities for non-laboratory purposes is prohibited unless the use is specifically exempted by the EPA Final Rule. Please submit a Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form. Please remove the PCE from the lab’s chemical inventory to reflect its disposal.
- If your lab is interested in substituting another solvent for PCE, please refer to Table 3 and/or contact EHRS at [click-for-email] with any additional questions or concerns.
Please note that other chlorinated solvents, such as 1,2-dichloroethane, are under EPA review and are likely to be placed under similar restrictions. Therefore, they should not be considered as alternatives.