Sustainability and regulatory concerns are driving companies to look for alternatives to traditional solvents like N-Propyl Bromide (NPB), Trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE/ PERC) for metal parts cleaning and degreasing.  Hubbard-Hall has been helping manufacturers tackle these issues with lower-impact solvents or aqueous cleaning chemistries.

Current Regulatory Status: April 2024

• Trichloroethylene: In October 2023, EPA proposed a risk management rule to address unreasonable risk posed by trichloroethylene (TCE) to human health, including the final revised risk determination for TCE
• Perchloroethylene: In June 2023, EPA proposed to ban most uses of PCE and establish a workplace chemical protection program (WCCP) for uses not prohibited to address the unreasonable risk to human health.
• nPB: also known as 1-bromopropane (1-BP), In December 2022, EPA released a final revised risk determination for 1-BP. The final revised risk determination finds that 1-BP, as a whole chemical, presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health under its conditions of use. Risk evaluation for 1-Bromopropane
• Methylene Chloride: EPA finalizes regulations under the TSCA to manage the risks associated with methylene chloride. The regulations include prohibitions on the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of methylene chloride for consumer uses. Additionally, most industrial and commercial uses, including paint and coating removers, are prohibited. Strict workplace protections are established through the Workplace Chemical Protection Program to ensure the safety of workers in remaining uses.
• 18 Months After Finalization (Estimated Late 2025)1: Workplaces will have approximately 18 months from April 2024 to comply with the Workplace Chemical Protection Program. During this time, they must implement stringent workplace controls and periodically monitor their environments to ensure that workers are not exposed to harmful levels of methylene chloride.
• Future: EPA plans to hold webinars to educate stakeholders about the final risk management rule and will develop guides to help small businesses comply with the regulations. Opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement will be provided, including one-on-one meetings with EPA representatives and access to email alerts and public dockets for updates and information.