U.S. EPA withdraws the TSCA order included in the December 2020 PCE Risk Evaluation

The Toxic Substances Control Act's (TSCA) final amendment to the risk determination for perchloroethylene (PCE) is now available, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (TSCA). The updated PCE risk calculation takes into account, the recently announced policy revisions to make sure the public is protected from unjustifiable risks from chemicals in a way that is compliant with the law and science. According to the EPA, when considered in the context of its intended use, PCE poses an unreasonable risk of harm to human health. Additionally, this updated risk assessment does not make the assumption that employees always put their PPE as directed (PPE). Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards may be in place at some workplaces, and EPA is aware of this. However, by not assuming the use of PPE, EPA is acknowledging that certain worker subpopulations may be exposed to unreasonable risk because they are not covered by OSHA standards, their employers are not in compliance with OSHA standards. This modification repeals the December 2020 PCE Risk Evaluation's use-specific no unreasonable risk judgements condition and withdraws the related TSCA order that was part of that evaluation.