Common Pollutant Eyed in Cancer Study
(AP, 7/27/06)

The National Academy of Sciences has recommended that the EPA elevate its risk assessment of trichloroethylene (TCE), a colorless liquid that is the most widespread industrial pollutant in drinking water. The academy’s call for stricter regulation is based on current evidence that implicates TCE as a possible cause of kidney cancer, as well as reproductive damage and impaired neurological function. This chemical, commonly used as a degreaser and airplane parts cleaner on US military bases, has been cited as one of the most common pollutants in the water, air and soil of these bases. In the past the Defense Department, Energy Department and NASA have accused the EPA of exaggerating the risk and blocked it from elevating its assessment.