Trichloroethylene

A trichloroethylene-contaminated stream in Fort Edward, N.Y. (Robert Nickelsberg / Getty Images)

What is trichloroethylene?

A carcinogenic chemical, trichloroethylene (TCE) has been used for decades as a solvent in metal degreasers and stain removers. The U.S. EPA has proposed phasing out all uses of trichloroethylene. If finalized, the ban will set an important precedent, defying polluting industries and saving millions of lives.

A warning sign posted near a pond contaminated with trichloroethylene and other hazardous chemicals at the former Reese Air Force Base near Lubbock, Texas.

Explainer

It’s Time to Ban This Solvent Linked to Cancer

Learn about the dangers of trichloroethylene, how people are exposed, and why it’s taken so long to ban

Statement

Earthjustice Applauds EPA’s Proposed Ban on Widely Used, Cancer Causing Chemical Trichloroethylene

Map of the United States showing the hundreds of locations where trichloroethylene contamination has been found in drinking water supplies for public water systems.

Map

Trichloroethylene Contamination in the U.S.

Analysis by the Environmental Working Group found trichloroethylene in the drinking water of hundreds of public water systems across the country

Take Action

Support the EPA’s Proposed Ban of Trichloroethylene

The Big Picture

The Toxic Chemicals Hiding in Our Homes, and How We Can Reduce Them

A fundamental environmental law — the Toxic Substances Control Act — can help protect us from harmful chemicals. But first, the government needs to fully enforce it.