Trichloroethylene Surveillance

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

-is a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent, which is still in widespread use as a metal degreaser, and solvent. Trichloroethylene is an effective solvent for a variety of organic materials. It has also been used as a dry-cleaning solvent but the greatest use of TCE has been as a degreaser for metal parts.

The major route of absorption of TCE is through the lungs or through direct skin contact. Symptoms of acute exposure to TCE include headache, dizziness, vertigo, tremors, nausea and vomiting, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, blurred vision, and intoxication similar to that of alcohol. Further, alcohol may heighten the symptoms of TCE overexposure. TCE addiction and peripheral neuropathy have been reported.

Chronic, low-level exposure is known to cause decreased memory and impairment of the central nervous system. Epidemiologic studies have also demonstrated that TCE may be carcinogenic in humans.

Trichloroethylene may affect the health of workers if it’s in a form that may be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Occupations such as dry cleaners, construction/soil remediation workers, automotive and other metal working industries are susceptible to danger from exposure to trichloroethylene.