Background

Trichloroethylene is a colourless, volatile liquid with a sweet odour. Other names for trichloroethylene include trichloroethene and ethylene trichloride.

Trichloroethylene is mainly used in industry as a solvent for metal cleaning and degreasing. It may be released into the environment as a result of its use. The majority of trichloroethylene released enters the air and is not persistent. Trichloroethylene may also occur at low levels in surface water and ground water.

The general pubic is only exposed to very low levels of trichloroethylene as a contaminant in air, food or water. Occupational exposure may occur during the production and use of trichloroethylene and trichloroethylene products.

Ingestion of trichloroethylene can cause burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Skin contact with trichloroethylene may lead to irritation and chemical burns. Exposure of the eyes to trichloroethylene vapour or liquid can cause immediate burning and stinging.

Trichloroethylene can be absorbed into the body via inhalation or ingestion. Symptoms include excitement, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting followed by drowsiness and coma. More severe exposures to trichloroethylene may cause heart problems and in some cases death.

Long-term inhalation exposure to trichloroethylene can cause tiredness, headaches, dizziness and liver damage. Repeated skin contact with trichloroethylene can cause dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified trichloroethylene as probably having the ability to cause cancer in humans.

Exposure to trichloroethylene, at concentrations that do not affect the mother, are unlikely to affect the health of the unborn child.

Key Points       Production and Uses

• Trichloroethylene - Production and Uses
  Added/updated: 9 October 2008