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April 11, 2012
Perc Proclamation (Part 2 of 2)

WASHINGTON — What does the EPA’s classification of perc as a “likely human carcinogen” mean for the future of the solvent

WASHINGTON — When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted the final health assessment for tetrachloroethylene—also known as perchloroethylene, or perc—to its Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database in February, it deemed the chemical to be a “likely human carcinogen.”

The assessment replaces the 1988 IRIS assessment for perc and for the first time includes a hazard characterization for cancer effects. The assessment underwent several levels of rigorous, independent peer review including: agency review, interagency review, public comment, and external peer review by the National Research Council, according to the EPA, and all major review comments were addressed.

The Halogenated Solvents Industry Alliance says 70% of U.S. commercial dry cleaners use perc; EPA estimates the total number to be 27,000. So what does this development mean for the future of the industry’s preferred solvent?

January 8, 2010
EPA Proposes Stricter Clean-Air Regs

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed tougher clean-air regulations yesterday in an effort to limit smog nationwide. The move would cost heavy industry up to $90 billion, but save a comparable amount on healthcare, the agency says.

March 24, 2008
EPA Issues Stricter Smog Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moved to strengthen air-quality standards earlier this month to cut levels of ground-level ozone (O3), or smog. The new rule establishes a new limit of 75 ppb, down from 85 ppb.

Though the new rule shaves just 10 ppb from the old standard, it will quadruple the number of counties exceeding mandated limits. Groups representing children and the elderly had pressed for an even lower limit of 60 ppb.