AEL’s Role in Protecting Health and the Environment: Supporting Safer Chemical Practices
Introduction
Hazardous chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) have long been used in industrial and commercial settings. However, these chemicals pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. Recognizing these dangers, the EPA recently announced new rules to limit or ban their use, aiming to protect workers, consumers, and communities. On December 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a finalized rule aimed at safeguarding workers from carbon tetrachloride (CTC), a hazardous chemical associated with liver toxicity, liver cancer, brain tumors, and adrenal gland tumors.
These rules are more than just safety measures—they’re part of a broader effort to improve public health and align with initiatives like the Biden-Harris administration’s Cancer Moonshot, which aims to reduce cancer cases across the country. By limiting exposure to harmful chemicals like TCE and PCE, these actions contribute to:
- Healthier communities
- Safer workplaces
- A cleaner environment for future generations
At Advanced Environmental Laboratories (AEL), we provide reliable environmental testing services to deliver the data businesses and local governments need to comply with these regulations.
What the EPA’s New Rules Mean for TCE and PCE
EPA’s latest actions focus on reducing the risks of TCE and PCE, which are often used in degreasing, dry cleaning, and manufacturing processes. These chemicals can persist in soil, water, and air, leading to long-term health and environmental challenges.
The new regulations are designed to:
- Limit or phase out their use in certain industries.
- Require stronger workplace safety measures to reduce harmful exposure.
These efforts are critical to preventing contamination and ensuring healthier communities. For more information on these actions and other chemical safety topics, visit the EPA’s Chemicals & Toxics webpage: https://www.epa.gov/environmental-topics/chemicals-pesticides-and-toxics-topics.
AEL’s Testing Services for TCE and PCE
To support compliance with these regulations, AEL provides specialized testing services to detect and quantify harmful chemicals, such as TCE and PCE, in drinking water, groundwater, and soil. Our accurate and reliable results help clients assess contamination levels and make informed decisions.
Our role is to provide clear and reliable test results, enabling businesses, consultants, and local authorities to make informed decisions about their environmental responsibilities.
Why Choose AEL?
At AEL, we’re committed to accuracy, reliability, and service:
- Certified Testing Methods: We use approved EPA methods to analyze TCE, PCE, and other hazardous chemicals.
- Advanced Laboratory Technology: Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure fast and precise results.
- Comprehensive Testing Services: We serve clients across the U.S. and internationally in the Caribbean, while also providing local services in Florida with timely results.
Our expertise allows us to deliver the information clients need to navigate environmental regulations with confidence.
What You Can Do Next
If your business or organization is impacted by these new regulations, AEL can provide the testing services you need to meet compliance requirements.
Visit aellab.com/contact-us for more information. Let us help you gather the data you need for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
Source: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule for Carbon Tetrachloride to Protect Workers. December 11, 2024.