The Health Risks and Regulatory Status of Trichloroethylene (TCE)

 

Examining Recent Research and Policy Responses in the United States and the European Union

By Theodora Filis

Introduction

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent widely used for metal degreasing and previously for dry cleaning. While TCE has long been valued in industrial processes, mounting evidence of its health risks has prompted significant regulatory actions worldwide. Recent studies and policy developments highlight the urgent need for stronger protections against this hazardous chemical.

Recent Research on Health Risks

Scientific research increasingly points to serious health risks from long-term TCE exposure, particularly its connection to neurodegenerative diseases. A study published in Neurology found that individuals with prolonged exposure were at a 10% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, even after accounting for other factors. Parkinson’s disease, which affects an estimated 10 million people globally, is characterized by tremors, stiffness, balance difficulties, and slowed movements. There is currently no cure.

TCE is also classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), based on evidence linking it to kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Together, these findings underscore the serious risks associated with ongoing exposure.

Environmental Exposure and Public Health Impact

Beyond occupational settings, TCE poses risks to the general population through environmental contamination. Groundwater pollution remains a significant pathway of exposure, affecting many communities with legacy industrial waste and Superfund sites across the United States. The Neurology study also examined populations near the three highest TCE-emitting facilities in the U.S. Residents in these areas showed a modestly higher risk of Parkinson’s disease - even a slight increase in risk can become a significant concern when applied to large populations.

Regulatory Actions in the European Union

In response to mounting evidence, the European Union banned most uses of TCE in 2016 under its REACH chemical safety regulation, allowing only limited exceptions. This action was based on TCE’s classification as a carcinogen and mutagen, reflecting the EU’s precautionary approach to hazardous substances.

Regulatory History in the United States

The United States has had a more fragmented approach to TCE regulation. Despite accumulating evidence of health harms, federal action was delayed for years. During the Trump administration, proposed rules restricting TCE were repeatedly postponed, with the latest delay occurring in August 2023. In 2024, the Biden administration moved to ban TCE, marking a long-awaited shift in U.S. policy. However, the legacy of delay has left many communities at risk and highlighted gaps in the country’s chemical safety system.

Conclusion and Policy Implications

The case of TCE illustrates the costs of regulatory inaction on hazardous chemicals. Scientific evidence clearly links exposure to increased risks of Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and other health harms. The EU has taken strong preventive measures, while the U.S. is only now catching up after years of delay. Policymakers must ensure that lessons from TCE guide future decision-making on toxic substances.

Key policy priorities include: (1) strengthening chemical safety regulations, (2) accelerating remediation of contaminated sites, (3) improving monitoring of environmental exposure, and (4) promoting safer alternatives in industry. Delay in regulating toxic chemicals has real human costs—a lesson that should not be repeated.