PORTLAND, OREGON — A Southeast Portland metal finishing company has agreed to discontinue use of a toxic industrial solvent after state air quality regulators found it may pose health risks to the surrounding neighborhood.
The company, Electro-Chem Metal Finishing, previously used the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) about once a week in its aluminum cleaning operations. However, an evaluation by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) found that emissions during those use periods exceeded what is considered safe under updated air quality standards.
Air Quality Review Triggers Action
The issue came to light during a permit review conducted under Oregon’s Cleaner Air Oregon program, a state initiative designed to identify and reduce toxic air pollution from industrial facilities.
Regulators said air quality modeling showed that short-term exposure levels during TCE use could exceed recommended safety thresholds, prompting closer scrutiny of the facility’s operations.
“This is exactly the kind of situation Cleaner Air Oregon was created to address,” said Christine Svetkovich, DEQ’s northwest region administrator.
Company Agrees to Stop Using Chemical
In response to the findings, Electro-Chem Metal Finishing agreed to immediately stop using TCE and transition to alternative cleaning solvents.
In a statement, the company said it will also properly dispose of remaining chemical stock within 30 days at a licensed hazardous waste facility.
“Any future solvents used in our vapor degreaser will be verified to meet Cleaner Air Oregon standards,” the company said.
The facility is located in Portland’s Brooklyn neighborhood, near residential areas where environmental regulators say exposure concerns are most relevant.
Health Officials Say Risk is Low but Notable for Vulnerable Groups
According to the Oregon Health Authority, general exposure risks from TCE are considered low, and the chemical does not remain in the body for long periods. However, officials noted that certain groups, including pregnant individuals and infants, may be more sensitive to exposure.
Health officials advise anyone who believes they may have been exposed to consult a medical provider for guidance.
Part of Broader Push for Cleaner Industrial Air
The action is part of Oregon’s ongoing effort to regulate industrial emissions under stricter environmental standards introduced in 2018. The Cleaner Air Oregon program requires companies to evaluate and reduce toxic air pollutants that could impact nearby communities.
Regulators say the case highlights how updated oversight is intended to identify potential risks before they become long-term public health concerns.
The DEQ says it will continue monitoring compliance as the company transitions to safer chemical alternatives.
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