• Date 2022-04-08

A new ECHA-Case study takes a detailed look at the impacts of REACH authorisation on trichloroethylene (CAS 79-01-6) from its inclusion on the Candidate List in 2010 until January 2022.

The need to obtain authorisation significantly reduced the use of TCE. Its annual use in the EU has dropped more than 95 % from around 50 000 tonnes to an estimated 1 200 tonnes in the past 12 years. In industrial metal parts cleaning, its use has stopped altogether.

The report also concludes that authorisation has reduced the risks related to TCE use. At the same time, it recognises that alternatives may pose risks to people and the environment.

TCE is a solvent and degreasing agent used by various industries. It is known to cause cancer and is suspected of causing genetic defects.

The report can be found here: https://echa.europa.eu/de/view-article/-/journal_content/title/9109026-140

Source: ECHA Weekly - 2 March 2022

For more information on the alternative Perchloroethylen (PER): https://www.subsportplus.eu/subsportplus/EN/Services/News/Messages/2021/News-2021-07-14.html