What is TCE contamination?

TCE evaporates into the air when consumer products containing TCE are used in the home. TCE in contaminated soil, or more likely contaminated groundwater, can form a vapor that migrates through the soil into the home. This exposure route is known as vapor intrusion.

What is trichloroethylene commonly known as?

The chemical compound trichloroethylene is a halocarbon commonly used as an industrial solvent. It is a clear, colourless non-flammable liquid with a chloroform-like sweet smell. It should not be confused with the similar 1,1,1-trichloroethane, which is commonly known as chlorothene. The IUPAC name is trichloroethene.

What is the difference between TCE and PCE?

TCE is a nonflammable colorless liquid. It was used as a solvent to remove grease from metal parts. It is also found in adhesives, paint removers, and spot removers. PCE is a nonflammable liquid.

Is TCE hazardous?

Trichloroethylene may cause irritation to the eyes and skin. Exposure to high concentrations can cause dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, unconsciousness, liver damage, and even death. Trichloroethylene is a known carcingen. Workers may be harmed from exposure to trichloroethylene.

Where is TCE found?

TCE may be found in the air, water, and soil at places where it is produced or used. It breaks down slowly and remains in the environment for a long time. It readily passes through soil and can accumulate in groundwater.

Why is TCE toxic to humans?

TCE is carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure and poses a potential human health hazard for noncancer toxicity to the central nervous system, kidney, liver, immune system, male reproductive system, and the developing embryo/fetus.

What cancers does TCE cause?

Which cancers are associated with exposure to trichloroethylene? Prolonged or repeated exposure of trichloroethylene causes kidney cancer. Some evidence suggests that it may be associated with an increased risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and, possibly, liver cancer.

What are the uses of trichloroethylene ( TCE )?

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a volatile, colorless liquid organic chemical. TCE does not occur naturally and is created by chemical synthesis. It is used primarily to make refrigerants and other hydrofluorocarbons and as a degreasing solvent for metal equipment. TCE is also used in some household products,…

How is TCE used in the medical field?

People who work with TCE may inhale the chemical from the air and absorb it through the skin. Historically, TCE was used as a surgical anesthetic and inhaled analgesic.

What are the health effects of benzene and TCE?

The effects of exposure to any chemical depend on— When you are exposed (during pregnancy, in infancy, etc), What your personal traits and habits are. Therefore, not everyone who is exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, or vinyl chloride exposure will develop a health problem. .

What are the health effects of PCE and TCE?

Health effects with positive findings in at least one study that evaluated exposure to TCE and/or PCE: 1 Chonal atresia (nasal passages blocked with bone or tissue) (1, 2). 2 Eye defects ( 1, 2). 3 Low birth weight ( 3, 4). 4 Fetal death ( 1, 3, 5). 5 Major malformations ( 6). 6 (more items)