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Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) provides authority for the EPA to ban or restrict the manufacture (including import), processing, distribution in commerce, and use of chemicals, as well as any manner or method of disposal. The EPA identified trichloroethylene (TCE) for risk evaluation as part of its Work Plan for Chemical Assessment under TSCA. TCE is used in industrial and commercial processes, and also has some limited uses in consumer products. In the June 2014 TSCA Work Plan Chemical Risk Assessment for TCE, the EPA identified risks associated with commercial degreasing and some consumer uses. EPA is initiating rulemaking under TSCA section 6 to address these risks, if the EPA finds that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the risks to human health or the environment are unreasonable.

Statement of Need: In the June 2014 TSCA Work Plan Chemical Risk Assessment for TCE, the EPA identified risks associated with commercial degreasing and some consumer uses. The EPA is initiating a rulemaking under TSCA section 6 to address these risks. Specifically, the EPA will determine whether the continued use of TCE in some commercial degreasing uses, as a spotting agent in dry cleaning, and in certain consumer products would pose an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act provides authority for the EPA to ban or restrict the manufacture (including import), processing, distribution in commerce, and use of chemicals, as well as any manner or method of disposal.

Alternatives: Alternatives will be developed as part of the development of a proposed rule.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: The EPA will prepare a regulatory impact analysis as part of the development of a proposed rule.

Risks: In the published TCE Risk Assessment, the EPA identified significant risks to human health in occupational, consumer and residential settings. The risk assessment identified health risks from TCE exposures to consumers using aerosol degreasers and spray fixatives, and health risks to workers when TCE is used in commercial shops and as a stain removing agent in dry cleaning.