In a draft risk evaluation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an industrial solvent called “1,1,2-trichloroethane” could harm workers’ health through skin contact and inhalation exposure, ICN reports.
1,1,2-trichloroethane is primarily used to make plastics, sealants, and other chemicals.
While a risk to some workers and a likely carcinogen, the EPA did not identify unreasonable health risks to consumers, the public, or the environment.
However, Protect All Children’s Environment (PACE), a non-profit organization, has submitted a public comment on the draft risk evaluation that recommends EPA further study the impact of 1,1,2-trichloroethane on people who have chemical intolerance.
“People do not all respond to chemical exposures in the same way,” said Elizabeth M.T. O’Nan, leader of PACE, which advocates for people harmed by toxicants. “Children, workers, nearby communities, and people who have become chemically intolerant may be harmed in ways that studies of average or healthy populations do not reveal.”
You can submit a model comment created by our friends at Salud America! to urge EPA to consider PACE’s recommendations regarding the evaluation of this industrial solvent.
Comments are due Sept. 28, 2026.
Submit this model comment on industrial solvent’s impact on people with chemical intolerance
Dear EPA leaders, I support the central recommendations submitted by Protect All Children’s Environment (PACE) concerning EPA’s draft risk evaluation for 1,1,2-trichloroethane (https://bit.ly/46XrUVg).
People do not all respond to chemical exposures in the same way.
Children, workers, nearby communities, and people who are chemically intolerant may be harmed in ways that studies of average or healthy populations do not reveal.
I ask EPA to:
Recognize chemical intolerance and Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) as a potential susceptibility factor (see https://tiltresearch.org).
Use validated tools such as the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) and PediQEESI to determine whether chemically susceptible adults and children are represented in the evidence (see https://tiltresearch.org/self-assessment).
Consider repeated low-level exposures, mixtures, multiple routes of exposure, and exposures occurring at home, work, school, and in affected communities.
Obtain the missing information needed to protect susceptible people rather than treating the absence of targeted research as evidence that they are safe.
Use health-protective safeguards while important uncertainties remain.
In summary, no participant should be asked to introduce, continue, or deliberately encounter a potentially harmful exposure. EPA should ensure that its final risk evaluation protects the people most vulnerable to chemical harm, not only those represented by conventional assumptions and studies.
What happens next with EPA’s Evaluation?
EPA is seeking comments through Sept. 28, 2026.
After reviewing public comments and input from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Chemicals, EPA will issue a final risk evaluation, according to Environment+Energy Leader.
“If the agency determines the chemical presents an unreasonable risk under its conditions of use, that finding becomes the basis for whatever risk management rule follows, which is typically where compliance obligations, exposure limits, or use restrictions actually take shape,” Environment+Energy Leader reports.
How can you find out if you have chemical intolerance?
Answer these three questions from the TILT Program on Chemical Intolerance:
- Do you feel sick when you are exposed to tobacco smoke, certain fragrances, nail polish/remover, engine exhaust, gasoline, air fresheners, pesticides, paint/thinner, fresh tar/asphalt, cleaning supplies, new carpet or furnishings? By sick, we mean: headache, difficulty thinking, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, upset stomach, etc.
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse or allergic reactions to any drugs or medications (such as antibiotics, anesthetics, pain relievers, X-ray contrast dye, vaccines or birth control pills), or to an implant, prosthesis, contraceptive chemical or device, or other medical/surgical/dental material or procedure?
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse reactions to any foods such as dairy products, wheat, corn, eggs, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, or food additives (e.g., MSG, food dye)?
If you answer YES to any question, take the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) and share the results with your doctor!