The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA,
1977
) banned these uses of trichloroethylene because of its toxicity; its use in cosmetic and drug products was also discontinued (Mertens, 1993).
Is trichloroethylene still used?
Trichloroethylene is a non-flammable chlorinated solvent used widely as a
metal degreaser and electrical equipment cleaner
. It is also used in adhesives, water-proofing agents, paint strippers and carpet shampoo. The major uses of trichloroethylene are: vapour degreasing and cold cleaning of manufactured metal parts.
Is trichloroethylene banned in US?
In
December 2016
, using its authority under the newly strengthened Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA proposed to ban the use of trichloroethylene (TCE) in aerosol degreasing and spot cleaning in dry cleaning facilities, after finding excessive risks to workers, consumers, and bystanders.
When was trichloroethylene banned in the UK?
It is now past the final EU “sunset date” on
21 April 2016
when use of this solvent will be illegal without specific authorisation and unless very expensive fully enclosed vacuum equipment is installed. Exemptions are unlikely if an alternative is available.
Is TCE illegal?
Also known as trichloroethylene, TCE is a halocarbon frequently used for industrial solvent needs. However,
the chemical compound appears on track to be banned or severely regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
.
Is trichloroethylene harmful to the body?
A recent analysis of available epidemiological studies reports trichloroethylene exposure to be associated with several types of
cancers
in humans, especially kidney, liver, cervix, and lymphatic system. Animal studies have reported increases in lung, liver, kidney, and testicular tumors and lymphoma.
How long does TCE stay in your system?
TCE can be detected in the breath and urine
up to 16 hours after exposure
; metabolites can persist for a week or more.
Is trichloroethylene a carcinogen?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) considers trichloroethylene to be
a known human carcinogen
. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified trichloroethylene as carcinogenic to humans.
Where is trichloroethylene banned?
Minnesota
recently became the first state to ban the dangerous chemical trichloroethylene (TCE). Not familiar with TCE? It's a volatile organic compound that's used in manufacturing processes and consumer products. Minnesota's new law passed both chambers of its legislature by overwhelming majorities.
Does trichloroethylene cause Parkinson's disease?
A novel study in twins found that exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) — a hazardous organic contaminant found in soil, groundwater, and air — is significantly associated with increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD).
Where does trichloroethylene come from?
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.
What cleaning products have trichloroethylene?
- adhesives.
- cleaning fluids for rugs.
- paint removers/strippers.
- spot removers, spot removers.
- typewriter correction fluids.
Is TCE used in the UK?
It was used with halothane in the
Tri-service field anaesthetic apparatus
used by the UK armed forces under field conditions. As of 2000, however, TCE was still in use as an anesthetic in Africa.
How do you remediate TCE?
Approaches applied to the remediation of TCE and other DNAPLs include bioremediation, electrokinetics, flushing technologies (cosolvent/alcohol flooding, surfactant flushing), in situ oxidation, monitored natural attenuation, phytoremediation, (steam injection, electrical heating, in situ vitrification), volatilization …
How do you prevent exposure to TCE?
If drinking water is contaminated with TCE,
take shorter, cooler showers
to reduce TCE vapors. Always use the vent fan in your bathroom and laundry room. In certain cases, a filtration system on the main water supply to your house may be needed to remove TCE.
Is Trichloroethylene volatile?
TCE is
a volatile organic compound
used mostly in industrial and commercial processes. Consumer uses include cleaning and furniture care products, arts and crafts spray coatings, and automotive care products like brake cleaners, and other consumer products.
