EPA bans two cancer-linked solvents found in some cleaners, lubricants and glues

The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday banned two solvents known to cause a range of cancers: trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE or Perc).

The solvents are used in a variety of products, including cleaners, degreasers, sealants, lubricants, adhesives, paints and commercial applications such as dry cleaning. Safer alternatives are already available for the majority of these uses, according to a news release. 

TCE is known to cause non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and liver and kidney cancer. It can also damage the central nervous system, immune system and reproductive organs, according to the EPA, with risks even at very small exposure concentrations.