EPA Reconsiders Rules on Toxic Dry-Cleaning Chemical PCE
Published Date: 7/30/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA wants your thoughts on changing rules about perchloroethylene (PCE), a chemical used in workplaces and industries. These rules, made in late 2024, protect workers and stop consumers from using PCE, but some legal challenges popped up in 2025. The EPA is asking for comments now to help decide if and how to update these safety rules, which could affect businesses and workers soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Workplace Exposure Controls Required
The EPA's December 2024 TSCA rule for perchloroethylene (PCE) requires workplace exposure controls to address health risks for workers. The Agency is reconsidering that rule after legal challenges in 2025, but the existing rule as promulgated includes these workplace protections.
Some Uses Prohibited for Businesses
The December 2024 TSCA action for PCE prohibits certain industrial and commercial uses of the chemical. Businesses that rely on those uses are directly affected by these prohibitions.
Consumer Access to PCE Blocked
The December 2024 PCE rule prevents consumer access to perchloroethylene to reduce public exposure to the chemical. That restriction is part of the rule EPA is now reconsidering after legal challenges in 2025.
Reconsideration Could Change Rules
Following legal challenges filed in 2025, EPA is seeking public comment to inform reconsideration and possible amendment of the December 2024 PCE regulation under TSCA. Any proposed amendments could change workplace controls, use prohibitions, or consumer access rules and thus affect businesses and workers.
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