The EPA has banned the chemicals, known as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (Perc), that are commonly used in cleaners, spot removers, lubricants, glue, and automotive care products.
TCE is known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, according to the National Cancer Institute, and it can also damage the nervous and immune systems. The EPA is banning all uses of this chemical under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Perc, which is less harmful than TCE, can cause liver, kidney, brain and testicular cancer. It can also damage the kidneys, the liver and the immune system.
Note to parents: Check the products at your home and if it has TCE or PERC, safely discard it.