Breaking News from the U.S. EPA Regarding PCE (Perchloroethylene)

We’ve recently received official word that the EPA has decided to address troubling potential danger to human health from utilizing perchloroethylene (PCE). This chemical is included in a family of chlorinated solvents and can be found in mold release agents and other industrial offerings. In 2012, after repeated indications that this would occur, Slide began a dedi­cated process to eliminate the toxin from its affected formula­tions. Unfortunately, some competitors currently do list it as an ingredient in several of their available formulas.

A strict ban was proposed on June 7th by EPA administrator Michael S. Regan and if approved would prohibit its manu­facturing, processing and distribution for all consumer uses in the USA. The new proposal states: “...PCE presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health due to the significant adverse health effects associated with exposure to PCE, including neurotoxicity effects from acute and chronic inhalation exposures and dermal exposures, and cancer from chronic inhalation exposures to PCE.” The EPA also notes that many workplaces (like Slide) had the foresight to take the necessary steps to reduce or eradicate any workplace hazard to this detrimental substance.

The recommended prohibition against PCE will also affect a multitude of other industries including product lines for adhesives, brake cleaners and dry cleaners. Exposure has been linked to cancer and neurotoxicity both from inhalation and dermal contact.

Even though the EPA is allocating a 24-month grace period to implement most of the necessary changes, if you’re now using any products containing perchloro­ethylene, you should consider switching/removing them as soon as possible. If you do need to think about swapping out a mold maintenance agent that contains PCE, Slide’s factory experts and local distributors are always here to assist you.

The new EPA document is lengthy and complex, but feel free to have a look at the prepublication for the proposed perchloro­ethylene rule. And here is a related EPA article that can be reviewed more quickly.

Injection Molding & Design Expo

On a much more fun and less serious note, Slide will be exhibiting in the Injection Molding & Design Expo in Novi, MI on September 20 and 21. The show is free to attend and is presented by the experts at Plastics News and Injection World magazines. “This trade show brings the injection molding community together to identify new opportunities and learn about the technologies, materials and equipment that will drive this industry forward.”

Novi is also a quaint, wonderful place to visit for an early autumn trip, so hopefully you can join us and book and extra day or two to enjoy the sights!

Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing small plastic parts to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. Injection molders are using recent technology to create flexible and durable components from polymers rather than metal. Read more...