Engineering Controls to Reduce Exposure to Newly EPA-Banned Solvents TCE & PCE

Posted by

TCE and PCE Solvent Fume Control

Engineering Controls, such as Ductless Fume Hoods, help protect the operator from inhaling harmful solvent fumes like TCE and PCE.


Recently, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the ban and phase-out plan for solvents trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). These restrictions are completed under amendments to the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The EPA’s press release details TCE and PCE risk management rules including the plans to ban both solvents, exempt industries, and exposure controls to reduce exposure (EPA 2024a). These solvents will be banned for most uses with an extended phaseout and/or exemption for certain industrial uses (EPA 2024a). The EPA is banning these solvents to help prevent cancer development in people working with these chemicals or living nearby. TCE & PCE exhibit carcinogenic properties that can cause harmful side effects from even a small amount of exposure. Exempted industries must adopt a Workplace Chemical Protection Plan using engineering controls such as fume extractors to help reduce operator exposure (EPA 2024a).

What is the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)?

toxic substances control act - solvent fume control

The new amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act enables the EPA to assess and set safety health standards for harmful chemicals.

The 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is an amendment to the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act that assigns the EPA the responsibility to evaluate chemicals, assess health hazards, and set clear enforceable chemical standards (EPA 2024e). This amendment provided funding for the EPA to conduct chemical risk-based assessments and improve public awareness of harmful chemicals. TSCA has helped improve public health and chemical safety and reduce environmental exposure (EPA 2024e).

 

What is Trichloroethylene (TCE)?

TCE solvents from brake cleaner fume control

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is found in many common products such as brake cleaners, degreasers, and more.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an extremely toxic non-flammable chlorinated solvent used in a variety of consumer and commercial products for cleaning, furniture care, degreasers, brake cleaners, sealants, lubricants, adhesives, paints, and more (EPA 2024a). People can be exposed to this volatile organic compound through the air, contaminated water, and in the workplace for certain industries (ATSDR 2019b). The US Department of Health and Human Services has classified TCE as a known human carcinogen and the International Agency for Research on Cancer states that TCE is carcinogenic to humans in all routes of exposure (ATSDR 2020). TCE exposure has been shown to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (EPA 2024a). It can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, and reproductive organs, and can cause fetal heart defects (EPA 2024a).

 

What is Perchloroethylene (PCE)?

PCE solvents from washing machines fume control

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is used in products for dry cleaning, refrigerants, and more.

Perchloroethylene (PCE), aka tetrachloroethylene or perc, is also a non-flammable chlorinated solvent and volatile organic compound similar to TCE. PCE is used for brake cleaners, adhesives, refrigerants, dry cleaning, and in some industrial settings (EPA 2024a). PCE exposure occurs from dry-cleaned clothes, contaminated sites, using metal degreasers, or working or living near dry cleaning facilities (ATSDR 2019a). PCE exposure can cause liver, kidney, brain, and testicular cancer as well as cause damage to kidneys, liver, immune system, and the nervous system (EPA 2024a).

New EPA Regulations

TCE Regulations

The EPA is banning TCE within 1 year for most commercial and all consumer products but allowing a longer phaseout period for certain applications critical to infrastructure or national defense security (EPA 2024b). EPA has set this low exposure limit due to the harmful side effects from a small amount of exposure. All applications with a longer phaseout will eventually be banned except for a 50-year exemption for laboratory uses (EPA 2024c). Industrial applications that will have a longer phaseout include (EPA 2024c):

• Cleaning aircraft/medical devices
• Manufacturing battery separators and refrigerants
• Transportation
• Security and defense systems
• National security/critical infrastructure
• Laboratory uses for TCE disposal in wastewater

Workplaces that will be allowed to use TCE must implement a Workplace Chemical Protection Plan that includes exposure controls to meet the new exposure limit of 1.07 mg/m3 (0.2 ppm) (EPA 2024b). The new exposure limit is a big reduction from the previous OSHA PEL (100 ppm) and NIOSH REL (2 ppm). The EPA requires businesses to implement an exposure control plan by December 18, 2025 (EPA 2024c).

PCE Regulations

EPA’s risk management program for PCE includes rapidly reducing manufacturing, processing, and distribution (EPA 2024a). Most uses will be phased out within 3 years. Dry cleaning facilities will have a 10-year phaseout for older machines and 6 months for new machines. Highly specialized applications will be required to implement a Chemical Protection Plan including exposure controls to meet the new exposure limit of 0.98 mg/m3 (0.14 ppm) (EPA 2024b). Applicable exempt workplaces will have 30 months to implement exposure controls (EPA 2024d). The current OSHA PEL is much higher (100 ppm) than the new EPA exposure limit of 0.14 ppm. After hearing public comments, the EPA is allowing extra time for workplaces to implement workplace safety controls due to this drastic reduction in the exposure limit (EPA 2024d). Applications with an extended phaseout are mostly for government purposes related to national security, aviation, critical infrastructure, and EPA purposes for reducing climate change (EPA 2024d).

Exposure Controls for TCE and PCE Chemical Protection Plans

Hierarchy of controls engineering controls for solvent fumes

Hierarchy of Controls shows the priority of exposure controls to help reduce solvent fume exposure.

To meet the new EPA exposure limit, the EPA recommends implementing exposure controls following the hierarchy of controls (left) including elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls before using PPE (EPA 2024c). If substituting, the EPA suggests carefully reviewing the proposed replacement chemical’s health hazard information to help ensure operator respiratory safety. For engineering controls, workplaces can utilize fume extraction systems with Activated Carbon filters. Using Activated Carbon filters, fume extraction systems provide excellent solvent fume control. According to our Activated Carbon Adsorption Chart, Activated Carbon filters offer excellent high-capacity adsorption for both trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). Excellent high capacity means that for each pound of activated carbon, the filter will adsorb an average of 33 1/3% of its weight*.
*Not guaranteed. Average figure. Please consult the factory for more information.

 

How do Activated Carbon Filters work?

How do activated carbon filters work solvent fume control

This graphic depicts how Activated Carbon filters adsorb chemical fumes.



 
Activated Carbon Filters work through a process called adsorption. Adsorption occurs when airborne contaminants pass over carbon granules and stick to the surface removing them from the airflow. Activated Carbon is treated to increase the porosity and surface area improving the overall removal efficiency. Activated Carbon filters are ideal for the removal of airborne odors and fumes.

Benefits of Sentry Air Systems’ Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon granules for solvent fume control

Only high-quality Activated Carbon granules are used to create Sentry Air Systems Activated Carbon filters.

• Made from only high-quality virgin coconut shells
• Stringent product testing
• Custom-made Activated Carbon filters available
• Made in the USA
• Free chemical assessment from on-staff chemical engineer
• Responsive and knowledgeable customer service

TCE and PCE Solvent Fume Engineering Controls

Sentry Air offers a variety of engineering controls in different configurations suited for workplaces of all sizes. Depending on your application and workspace layout, we offer a solution that will provide long-lasting and reliable solvent fume control. Our systems offer low maintenance mainly requiring a filter change as needed.

Industrial Applications Solutions

Portable Fume Extractors

Portable Fume Extractors solvent fume control

Portable Fume Extractors capture fumes at the source preventing them from reaching the operator’s breathing zone.

Portable Fume Extractors utilize a self-supportive flex arm to capture fumes from the source and direct them into the filtration chamber. The pre-filter processes the air removing large particles. Then, chemical fumes like TCE and PCE are adsorbed by the activated carbon filters removing most from the airflow. The filtered air is then released into the surrounding room creating a circulating airflow pattern. This engineering safety control offers a small footprint that easily fits in any size space. The heavy-duty casters and portability handle allow the system to be moved into a different room, or location, or stowed away when not in use.

Benefits:

• Portable
• Self-supportive fire-retardant flex arm
• 360° swivel
• Small footprint
• Easy filter change

Technical Specifications:

Model 300 portable fume extractor for solvent fume control Model 400 portable fume extractor for solvent fume control
Model Model 300 Model 400
Arm Dimensions 4” or 5” diameter
68” long		 6” diameter
72” long
Maximum Air Volume Up to 350 CFM* Up to 700 CFM*
Electrical 115/1/60, 2 amps
220/1/50, 0.75 amps 		115/1/60, 2.5 amps
220/1/50, 1.5 amps
Sound Level 61 – 66 dba 60 dba
Carbon Filter Size 4 lb or 10 lb 8 lb or 22 lb

*Airflow will vary when using Activated Carbon filters.
 
Learn more about Portable Fume Extractors for Solvent Fume Control

Heavy-Duty Industrial Fume Extractors

Portable Fume Extractors solvent fume control

Heavy-duty Industrial Fume Extractors feature a heavy-duty extractor arm and provides more airflow.

The Heavy-Duty Industrial Fume Extractor provides excellent fume control for heavier-loading applications that emit a higher concentration of TCE or PCE chemical fumes. This system is similar to the Model 300/400 Portable Fume Extractor but also offers a longer and more robust extractor arm, more airflow, and more carbon filtration. The Heavy-Duty Industrial Fume Extractor is not as easily portable due to the weight but still features heavy-duty casters, a handle, and optional forklift legs.

Benefits:

• (4) 42 lb Activated Carbon Filters for higher concentrations of chemical fumes (168 lbs total)
• 7′ or 10′ long heavy-duty arm
• Heavy-duty casters and handle
• Low maintenance

 

Technical Specifications:

Model 500 industrial fume extractor for solvent fume control
Model Model 500
Arm Dimensions 7” diameter, 7’ or 10’ long
Maximum Air Volume Up to 728 CFM**
Electrical 115/1/60, 2.5 amps
220/1/50, 1.5 amps
Sound Level 65 dba
Carbon Filter Size (4) 42 lb carbon filters (168 lbs total)

**Actual CFM with Activated Carbon Filters

Learn more about Portable Fume Extractors for Solvent Fume Control

Laboratory Applications Solutions

Ductless Fume Hoods

Ductless Fume Hoods solvent fume control

Ductless Fume Hoods create an enclosure that helps protect the operator from inhaling harmful solvent fumes. (24” shown)

The Ductless Fume Hood provides an enclosure to help contain fumes and protect the operator from inhaling harmful solvent fumes like TCE and PCE. The operator conducts the application inside the hood and the powerful fan directs the fumes into the filtration chamber away from the operator’s breathing zone. The Activated Carbon Filter adsorbs chemical fumes like TCE and PCE and then releases the filtered air into the surrounding room. The ductless design simplifies operation by not requiring external ducting or makeup air production. This hood can utilize dual filters HEPA and Carbon for applications with particulate and fumes. This provides flexibility to allow your lab facility to use this fume hood for other laboratory applications.

Benefits:

• Economical and versatile solution for a variety of laboratory applications
• Lightweight and portable
• Ductless design – no expensive ductwork or makeup air
• Includes variable speed controller and LED light for most models
• Wide variety of standard sizes: 12”, 18”, 24”, 30”, 40”, 50”, 60”, and 70”
• Standard sizes ship within 5 business days
• Custom construction and sizes available
• Low maintenance – only need to change the filter!
• Back by a limited 2-year warranty
• Made in the USA

Technical Specifications:

Construction Side 0.25” white acrylic
Base 0.5” high-density polyethylene
Top 0.5” clear polycarbonate
Window 0.25” clear polycarbonate
Air Volume 12″, 18″, 24″ (Model 200) Up to 80 CFM*
24″, 30″, 40″, 50″, 60″, 70″ Up to 350 CFM*
Inlet Velocities 12″ & 18″ 60 FPM
24″ (Model 200) 40 FPM
24″ (Model 300) 60 FPM
30″ & 40″ 115 FPM
50″ 80 FPM
60″ & 70″ 70 FPM
Electrical Model 200 115/1/60, 0.3 amps
220/1/50, 0.2 amps
Model 300 115/1/60, 2 amps
220/1/50, 0.75 amps
Sound Model 200 55 dba
Model 300 61 – 66 dba
Max Temperature Not to exceed 170° F (76° C)

*Airflow will vary with Activated Carbon Filters.
Learn more about Ductless Fume Hoods

Benchtop Fume Extractors

Benchtop fume extractors solvent fume control

Benchtop Fume Extractors provide solvent fume control for workspaces that can’t fit a traditional hood.

The Benchtop Fume Extractor features adjustable wing flaps and a removable acrylic lid that creates a hood-like enclosure to help protect the operator from inhaling chemical fumes. This fume extractor provides vital fume control for workspaces that can’t fit a traditional-size fume hood. The adjustable wing flaps allow you the change the size of the workspace and can be folded up for easy storage. This economical fume control solution offers reliability and low maintenance for space-constrained workspaces.

Benefits:

• Reliable
• Low maintenance
• Small footprint
• Adjustable wing flaps and acrylic lid create a hood-like enclosure

Technical Specifications:

Model 200 benchtop fume extractor for solvent fume control Model 300 benchtop fume extractor for solvent fume control
Model Model 200* Model 300
Construction 16 ga carbon steel
1/8” clear acrylic lid
Air Volume Up to 50 CFM (carbon) Up to 350 CFM**
Electrical 115/1/60, 0.3 amps
220/1/50, 0.2 amps 		115/1/60, 2 amps
220/1/50, 0.75 amps
Sound 56 dba 61 – 66 dba

*For use with small applications with low concentrations only. Higher concentrations recommended to use Model 300.
**Airflow will vary with Activated Carbon filters
Learn more about benchtop fume extractors for solvent fume control

Contact us today to get started on selecting engineering controls to help reduce TCE and PCE solvent fume exposure in your workplace!

Talk to an Expert - solvent fume control  Email us - solvent fume control  Visit Our Website - solvent fume control

Call us at 1-800-799-1609

Related Blogs & Links

• Utilizing Specialty-Blended Activated Carbon Filters to Optimize Chemical Fume Adsorption – https://www.sentryair.com/blog/filters/specialty-blended-activated-carbon-filters/
• Reducing Exposure to Hazardous Organic Solvents – https://www.sentryair.com/blog/industry-applications/chemical-solvents/reducing-hazardous-exposure-to-organic-solvents/
• Testimonial: Ductless Spray Paint Booth for Paints & Solvents – https://www.sentryair.com/blog/testimonial/testimonial-ductless-spray-paint-booth-for-paints-solvents/
• Activated Carbon Adsorption Index Chart – https://www.sentryair.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SentryAirSystems-ActivatedCarbon-Adsorption.pdf

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). (2020, June 22). Public Health Statement for Trichloroethylene (TCE). Toxic Substances Portal. Retrieved from: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/PHS/PHS.aspx?phsid=171&toxid=30.

ATSDR. (2019a, June). Tetrachloroethylene – ToxFAQs. Retrieved from: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts18.pdf.

ATSDR. (2019b, June). Trichloroethylene – ToxFAQs. Retrieved from: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts19.pdf.

EPA. (2024a, December 9). Biden-Harris Administration Announces Latest Actions under Nation’s Chemical Safety Law to Protect People from Cancer-Causing Chemicals Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-latest-actions-under-nations-chemical-safety-law.

EPA. (2024b, December 18). List of Final and Proposed Existing Chemical Exposure Limits under TSCA. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/list-final-and-proposed-existing-chemical-exposure.

EPA. (2024c, December 17). Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Federal Register Vol. 89, No. 242. Retrieved from: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-17/pdf/2024-29274.pdf.

EPA. (2024d, December 18). Perchloroethylene (PCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Federal Register/Vol. 89, No. 243. Retrieved from: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-18/pdf/2024-30117.pdf.

EPA. (2024e, May 28). Frequent Questions on the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/frequent-questions-frank-r-lautenberg-chemical-safety#briefings.