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Trichloroethylene - Toxicological Overview

Key Points

Kinetics and metabolism

  • Trichloroethylene is readily absorbed following exposure by inhalation or ingestion and to some extent following skin contact
  • Following absorption trichloroethylene is distributed throughout the body
  • Trichloroethylene undergoes metabolism via an oxidative pathway
  • The main metabolites are trichloroethanol, trichloroethanol-glucuronide and trichloroacetic acid
  • Trichloroethylene is excreted unchanged via the lungs and as metabolites in the urine

Health effects of acute exposure

  • Acute inhalation or ingestion of trichloroethylene can cause systemic effects such as excitement, headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting followed by loss of coordination and drowsiness. Coma, cardiac arrhythmias and death may occur following substantial exposures
  • Local effects following ingestion of trichloroethylene include dyspepsia, gastritis and diarrhoea
  • Dermal exposure to trichloroethylene will cause irritation with erythema. Prolonged contact may cause severe irritation with blisters and burns

Health effects of chronic exposure

  • Chronic inhalation of trichloroethylene can cause neurological, liver and kidney damage
  • Chronic dermal exposure may cause dermatitis
  • Trichloroethylene is classified as probably carcinogenic to humans

Decontamination and First Aid       Summary of Health Effects

Prepared by K Foxall
CHAPD HQ, HPA
2008
Version 1

This document will be reviewed not later than 3 years, or sooner if substantive evidence becomes available.