Trichloroethylene Fact Sheet

Source of Exposure

Trichloroethylene is commonly used in the manufacturing of computer chips and electrical components. It has application as a degreaser for metals and as a dry cleaning agent. It can be found in lacquers, printing inks, and paints. Trichloroethylene has been used as a refrigerant and is used as an extracting agent in the decaffeination of coffee. The common route of exposure is through inhalation, although it can be absorbed directly through the skin.

Symptoms

Prolonged exposure to moderate concentrations will cause drowsiness and headaches. Acute exposure can cause irritability, nausea and numbness. Long term exposures to trichloroethylene has caused damage to the liver and other organs. Chronic exposure has been associated with chemical hepatitis and peripheral neuropathy. This chemical has been classified as a possible carcinogen.

Blood Concentrations

The general population has background concentrations of 0.5 PPB in serum. The Threshold Limit Value has been established at a concentration of 100,000 PPB in ambient air. No data exists that would correlate serum values with exposure to the TLV.

Toxic Levels

Information on the toxicity of trichloroethylene is limited. One fatality was noted after an ingestion of 107mg/kg. Individuals who have been sensitized may manifest negative health effects at concentrations well within the ranges considered safe for the average population.

Metabolism

Trichloroethylene is metabolized in the body to trichloroacetic acid and trichloroethanol. The half life of this compound in the body is not known at the present time.

Summary

Classification:   Halogenated Hydrocarbon
Population Average:   O.5 PPB (whole blood)
Threshold Limit Value:   100,000 PPB (air)
Onset of Symptoms:   Data not available
Death:   Data not available
Half Life:   Data not available
LD5O:   (oral-rat) 4920 mg/kg

References

-Alessio,l L., Berlin, A., Roi, R., and Boni, M. (Eds.) Human biological monitoring of industrial chemicals series, Luxemberg, Commission of European Communities, 1983.

-Baselt, R.D. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, 2nd Ed., Davis, CA: Biomedical Publications, 1982.

-Clayton, G.D. and Clayton, F.E., Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, vol. 2B, 3rd ed., Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1981.

-Doull, J. et al., Casarett and Doull's Toxicology, 2nd ed., Macmillan, New York, 1980.

-International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC Monographs on the Carcinogenic Risks of Chemicals to Humans, Lyon, France II, 263, 1976.

-Last, J.M., Maxcy-Rosenau Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 11th ed., Appleton-Century-Crofts-, New York, 1980.

-National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Trichloroethylene, NIOSH Doc. No. 74-11025, 1973.

-National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Special Occupational Hazard Review with Control Recommendations: Trichloroethylene, NIOSH Doc. No. 78-130, Washington, D.C., January, 1978.

-National Cancer Institute, Carcinogenesis Bioassay of Trichloroethylene, Technical Report Series No. 2, Bethesda, MD, 1976.

-Parmeggiani, L., Ed., Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety, Third Edition, Vol. 2, pp. 2214-16, Geneva, International Labour Office, 1983.

-Plunkett, E.R., Handbook of Industrial Toxicology, Chemical Publishing Co., New York, 1976.

-Sax, N.I., Ed., Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials Report, I, No. 21, 67-69, New York,, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1980.

-Sax, N.I... Ed., Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials Report, 3, No. 1, 89-94, Yew York, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1983.

-Seba, D. B. , Mi lam, M. J. and Laseter, J. L. "Uptake, measurement and elimination of synthetic chemicals by man", in Brostoff, J. and Challacombe, S.J. (Eds) Food Allergy and Intolerance, London: Bailliere Tindall, 1987.

-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Trichloroethylene: Ambient Water Quality Criteria, Washington, D.C., 1980.

-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Status Assessment of Toxic Chemicals: Trichloroethylene, Report EPA-600/2-79-210m, Cincinnati, OH. December, 1979.

-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Trichloroethylene, Health and Environmental Effects Profile No. 166, Washington, D.C., Office of Solid Waste, April 30, 1980.

-United Nations Environment Programme, IRPTC Legal File 1983, Vol. II,pp. VII/367-70, Geneva, Switzerland, International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals, 1984.