Are you living with cancer risks? How the latest ban affects your home and office!
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In a landmark move that could significantly impact the health and safety of millions, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken decisive action against two chemicals that have long been the subject of public health concerns.
For many years, these chemicals have been linked to causing cancer in individuals. What’s alarming is that it has found its way in our everyday items. So, let's delve into what this ban means for you and your loved ones.
For decades, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) have been common in various industries, finding their way into the water we drink and the air we breathe.
TCE, a solvent used in manufacturing, has been a staple in metal degreasing, paint thinners, adhesives, and even some household cleaning products. Due to its wide use, it has widely contaminated drinking water in the US.
Around 4.5% to 18% of the drink water sources in the US that are tested on an annual basis by the EPA have shown to be contaminated with TCE, as per the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Even in small amounts, TCE exposure is known to lead to cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, problems with the nervous system and the immune system, reproductive problems, liver and kidney damage and other significant health issues.
PCE, on the other hand, has been synonymous with dry cleaning, but it's also used in water repellents, silicone lubricants, spot removers, wood cleaners and glues. It’s a popular cleanser due to its nature of being not flammable, but it causes a multitude of diseases.
PCE exposure has been linked to a variety of cancers including brain, kidney, liver and testicular cancer.
It can also damage the liver, the kidneys, the immune system, the nervous system and the reproductive system.an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, cancer, and liver and kidney damage.
Most exposures to PCE occur when it evaporates in the air, according to the EPA. It can also leak into the ground and contaminate drinking water. The ones that are most susceptible to PCE are those who work near it, such as dry cleaners.
The EPA's recent ban is a response to the unacceptable risk these chemicals pose to public health.
The ban will phase out most uses of TCE within a year, with certain industries given additional time to find safer alternatives. This includes sectors critical to national security and aviation, where TCE is used in specific applications.
PCE faces a similar fate, with a 10-year phaseout plan for its use in dry cleaning.
The EPA has noted that many dry cleaners have already begun transitioning to safer chemicals, and the use of PCE in new dry-cleaning machines will be prohibited after six months.
“The EPA’s final rule will help to finally end most uses of this dangerous chemical,” said Dr. Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist from the Environmental Working Group.
Have you or someone you know been affected by exposure to TCE or PCE? Do you have tips for living a toxin-free life? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
For many years, these chemicals have been linked to causing cancer in individuals. What’s alarming is that it has found its way in our everyday items. So, let's delve into what this ban means for you and your loved ones.
For decades, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) have been common in various industries, finding their way into the water we drink and the air we breathe.
TCE, a solvent used in manufacturing, has been a staple in metal degreasing, paint thinners, adhesives, and even some household cleaning products. Due to its wide use, it has widely contaminated drinking water in the US.
Around 4.5% to 18% of the drink water sources in the US that are tested on an annual basis by the EPA have shown to be contaminated with TCE, as per the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Even in small amounts, TCE exposure is known to lead to cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, problems with the nervous system and the immune system, reproductive problems, liver and kidney damage and other significant health issues.
These chemicals have been linked to various cancers, and serious health concerns such as damage to the nervous and immune systems, reproductive issues, and organ toxicity. Image source: Pexels / Davide Baraldi.
PCE, on the other hand, has been synonymous with dry cleaning, but it's also used in water repellents, silicone lubricants, spot removers, wood cleaners and glues. It’s a popular cleanser due to its nature of being not flammable, but it causes a multitude of diseases.
PCE exposure has been linked to a variety of cancers including brain, kidney, liver and testicular cancer.
It can also damage the liver, the kidneys, the immune system, the nervous system and the reproductive system.an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, cancer, and liver and kidney damage.
Most exposures to PCE occur when it evaporates in the air, according to the EPA. It can also leak into the ground and contaminate drinking water. The ones that are most susceptible to PCE are those who work near it, such as dry cleaners.
The EPA's recent ban is a response to the unacceptable risk these chemicals pose to public health.
The ban will phase out most uses of TCE within a year, with certain industries given additional time to find safer alternatives. This includes sectors critical to national security and aviation, where TCE is used in specific applications.
PCE faces a similar fate, with a 10-year phaseout plan for its use in dry cleaning.
The EPA has noted that many dry cleaners have already begun transitioning to safer chemicals, and the use of PCE in new dry-cleaning machines will be prohibited after six months.
“The EPA’s final rule will help to finally end most uses of this dangerous chemical,” said Dr. Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist from the Environmental Working Group.
Have you or someone you know been affected by exposure to TCE or PCE? Do you have tips for living a toxin-free life? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
