1. Home
  2. TCE
  3. Chemical Regulations: Is TCE Being Banned?

Chemical Regulations: Is TCE Being Banned?

Also known as trichloroethylene, TCE is a halocarbon frequently used for industrial solvent needs. However, the chemical compound appears on track to be banned or severely regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). in the near future.

When it went into wide production in the 1920s, TCE was hailed as a highly effective anesthetic. However, roughly a century later, scientists have discovered that, from a health perspective, TCE is one of the last things you would want to use for anesthesia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a conservative list of negative health effects from TCE exposure includes:

  • Irritated eyes and skin
  • Exhaustion
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Cardiac arrhythmias,
  • Paresthesia
  • Liver injury
  • Potentially cancer

It’s enough to make any company immediately stop using TCE and favor banning it. However, like other toxic chemicals the EPA has banned, TCE is highly effective at what it’s used for: a solvent for dry cleaning, a movie film cleaner, and an industrial strength degreaser, just to name a few. Does this mean a TCE ban will be avoided? Probably not.

EPA to the Rescue

According to a December 2016 report from OSHA, “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Dec. 7 proposed to ban some uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) because of health risks when it is used as a degreaser and a spot removal agent in dry cleaning.”

The report goes on to say the EPA “identified serious risks to workers and consumers associated with TCE uses in a 2014 assessment that concluded that the chemical can various adverse health effects, including cancer, developmental and neurotoxicological effects, and liver toxicity.”

Coming from the EPA, these findings signal a strong possibility of a coming TCE ban that will add the embattled compound to the agency’s List of Lists. There will likely be a TCE phase out period that lets organizations use already purchased TCE. Then, the compound will be phased out of production in the U.S. and become illegal to import from other countries.

TCE Replacements

While the EPA is busy handling the legislative side of a TCE ban, organizations the ban affects should be hard at work identifying TCE replacements that work as well as TCE, without all of the short-term and long-term side effects for workers. If your organization is in this position, searching for a TCE replacement at a manufacturer of environmentally safe and environmentally preferred chemicals, such as Ecolink, is a good place to start.

How Ecolink Can Help

If you need safer chemicals in anticipation of a TCE ban, we offer several stock solutions that may meet your needs. If not, we can formulate a custom solvent designed for your requirements. To show the solution works as well as it appears to on paper, we’ll send you a free solvent sample, so you can see how the product performs. Simply make the request.

Don’t let a TCE ban catch you unaware. To get started on selecting an effective TCE replacement, please call us today at 1-800-563-1305, or send us an email through our contact form. We look forward to helping you replace your TCE chemicals quickly and hassle-free!

Search here

Don’t forget to share this post!

Suggested Blog Posts

View all News
By Ecolink Team
Parts Washer Solvents
Mar 31 2025

Parts Washer Solvent: Optimal Cleaning for Industrial Components

In industrial cleaning, parts washer solvents have become essential for achieving effective and meticulous cleaning of diverse components/machinery. These solvents are...
By Ecolink Team
Industrial Cleaning Chemicals - Shop Online Today
Mar 27 2025

How to Use Industrial Cleaning Chemicals: Best Practices

There are thousands of cleaning solutions on the market. But how do you know which one is right for your business? In this blog post, we’re going to take a closer look...
By Ecolink Team
DENATURED ALCOHOL VS ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
Mar 24 2025

Are Denatured Alcohol and Isopropyl Alcohol the same?

Denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are commonly used alcohols that each boast a wide variety of applications. As it turns out, they are not the same chemical....
By Ecolink Team
How to Buy Denatured Alcohol
Mar 19 2025

How to Buy Denatured Alcohol Online

Denatured alcohol, also known as methylated spirits, is a versatile chemical used in various applications such as cleaning, fuel additives, and woodworking. Whether...
By Ecolink Team
MIL PRF 680 Type II MIL PRF 680 Type V
Mar 13 2025

Military Cleaning Products – MIL PRF 680 Qualified Products

Every industry requires cleaning solutions, and the military is no exception.   From day-to-day facility maintenance to cleaning large aircrafts, a wide range of...
By Ecolink Team
Industrial Solvents
Mar 05 2025

The Best Industrial Solvents to Buy from Ecolink

When it comes to sourcing high-quality industrial solvents, businesses and individuals alike need reliable, eco-friendly solutions. At Ecolink, you’ll find a vast...
By Ecolink Team
Feb 24 2025

How to Safely Clean Electronics: 5 Essential Tips to Disinfect Every Device

Have you ever stopped to think about how many germs your phone harbors? What about your work computer?  The truth is, our electronics are dirty. Due to our devices...
By Ecolink Team
Degreasers
Feb 21 2025

What Is the Most Powerful Degreaser?

Applying a degreaser is the best way to get out stubborn grease, oil, gum, and other tough stains from your surface.  But is there one degreasing agent that’s better...
By Ecolink Team
White Oil Uses
Feb 10 2025

White Oil Uses: A Versatile Substance in Industrial Applications

White oil is a pure and non-toxic versatile component used in a variety of industries. This type of oil can be used for various industrial; chemical applications. It is...
By Ecolink Team
What is the best solvent to dissolve grease
Feb 04 2025

What is the best solvent to dissolve grease?

  Not sure what is the best solvent to dissolve grease?  Choosing the right solvent can either lead to a successful cleanup or an even worse mess. But with the...
View all News