Toxic Effects of Trichloroethylene (Source: ATSDR)
This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about trichloroethylene. For more information, you may call 404-639-6000. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. This information is important because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.
SUMMARY: Exposure to trichloroethylene happens mostly from breathing workplace air, breathing contaminated air near waste sites or from consumer products or from drinking contaminated water. High levels in air can cause dizziness, headaches, and unconsciousness. Trichloroethylene has been found in at least 791 of 1,300 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Trichloroethylene is an industrial chemical. It is a nonflammable, colorless liquid at room temperature with a somewhat sweet odor and a sweet, burning taste. Most people can smell it in the air at low levels. Trade names for trichloroethylene are Triclene and Vitran
How can trichloroethylene affect my health?
Trichloroethylene mostly affects the nervous system. Exposure to very high levels for short times has caused unconsciousness and death.
People who breathe moderate levels may have headaches, dizziness, or impaired ability to perform. Most people can smell it in the air at much lower levels. People vary in their ability to smell, however, so odor may not always alert you to an unwanted exposure. Skin contact with high levels can cause rashes. Health effects from long-term exposures have mostly been studied in animals. Animals exposed to moderate levels had enlarged livers. Higher exposures caused liver and kidney damage. We do not know if these effects would occur in people.
Children of parents who drank water from a well contaminated with trichloroethylene were born with more heart problems. Other chemicals, however, were also in the well water. Also, other people who drank water contaminated with trichloroethylene had normal babies. Therefore, we do not know if trichloroethylene causes birth defects or affects our ability to reproduce.
How likely is trichloroethylene to cause cancer?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that trichloroethylene is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
The IARC determination is based on the lack of strong evidence associating cancer in people with exposure to trichloroethylene and the mixed or flawed results from animal studies. More research is needed to make a clear determination on trichloroethylene's ability to cause cancer.
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to trichloroethylene?
Tests can measure trichloroethylene in your breath and breakdown products in urine or blood, but these tests are not routinely available at your doctor' s office.
Breath levels can show if you were exposed to large amounts of trichloroethylene. If exposed to low levels, the test must be performed soon after the exposure. Urine and blood tests can also show if you have been exposed to large amounts.
One of the breakdown products can be measured in the urine for about 1 week after trichloroethylene exposure. Other chemicals have the same breakdown products so the tests are not specific for trichloroethylene.
Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets a drinking water standard of 5 parts of trichloroethylene per one billion parts of water (5 ppb) effective January 9, 1989. The standard is for community water systems and systems that serve the same 25 or more people for at least 6 months. EPA requires industries to report spills of 1,000 pounds or more of trichloroethylene. This level may be reduced to 100 pounds.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limits exposure to an average level of 50 parts of trichloroethylene per one million parts of air (50 ppm) for an 8-hour workday, 40-hour workweek. A level of 200 ppm has been set for a 15-minute average exposure in air any time during the workday.
Glossary
Carcinogen: Substance that can cause cancer.
Long-term: Generally means longer than one year.
PPM: Parts per million.
Short-term: Generally means less than 90 days.
References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1993. Toxicological profile for trichloroethylene. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Where can I get more information?
ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your community or state health or environmental quality department if you have any more questions or concerns.
For more information, contact:
[
Kaltofen Biography][Boston Chemical Data Corp.]