"EPA: Chemical Used In Vinyls Poses Cancer Risks"

"The agency found 1,2-dichloroethane poses unreasonable risks to workers, a designation that triggers regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act."

"A widely used chemical solvent used to make plastics is harming the health of workers, but it’s not a risk to the public or the environment, EPA has determined.

EPA on Friday finalized its risk evaluation for 1,2-dichloroethane, a chemical used to make vinyl products such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. The agency found the solvent poses an “unreasonable risk,” a designation that triggers the rulemaking process.

Regulations won’t apply to commercial or consumer uses in plastic and rubber products, because EPA’s evaluation found those uses as unlikely factors driving its unreasonable risk determination."

Ellie Borst reports for E&E News May 1, 2026.

Source: E&E News, 05/04/2026