What is TCE used for?

It is used primarily to make refrigerants and other hydrofluorocarbons and as a degreasing solvent for metal equipment. TCE is also used in some household products, such as cleaning wipes, aerosol cleaning products, tool cleaners, paint removers, spray adhesives, and carpet cleaners and spot removers.

When was TCE banned?

Fetal toxicity and concerns for carcinogenic potential of TCE led to its abandonment in developed countries by the 1980s. The use of trichloroethylene in the food and pharmaceutical industries has been banned in much of the world since the 1970s due to concerns about its toxicity.

Is TCE banned in the UK?

Still using trichloroethylene for vapour degreasing? 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.

What are the health effects of TCE?

Acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure to trichloroethylene can affect the human central nervous system (CNS), with symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, confusion, euphoria, facial numbness, and weakness.

Is TCE still used?

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.

Is TCE still used today?

Although some dry cleaners used TCE in the past, most dry cleaners now use tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) or 1,1,1-trichloroethane. In the workplace, TCE is seldom present as a pure substance.

Is TCE toxic?

TCE is carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure and poses a potential human health hazard for noncancer toxicity to the central nervous system, kidney, liver, immune system, male reproductive system, and the developing embryo/fetus.

Why is TCE toxic to humans?

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.

Can TCE cause leukemia?

Does TCE cause cancer? The United States Environmental Protection Agency has determined that TCE can cause cancer in humans – especially kidney cancer and possibly liver cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma—which is cancer of the lymph system.

Is TCE highly 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.

How do you test TCE in air?

Professionals can test air using a variety of ways. They might collect a grab sample over a few minutes or a canister sample over hours or a day. The sample is sent to a laboratory to test for TCE and other volatile compounds; it usually takes a few weeks to get the results.

What kind of products can TCE be used for?

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. TCE is also used in some household products, such as cleaning wipes, aerosol cleaning products, tool cleaners, paint removers,…

Are there any spray coatings that do not contain TCE?

A variety of spray fixative protective coatings on the market do not contain TCE. Under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), TCE is classified as a “substance of very high concern,” and requires authorization before it is used. The CASRN for TCE is 79-01-6.

What are the uses of trichloroethylene ( TCE )?

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. TCE is also used in some household products,…

What should you do if you have exposure to TCE?

In general, people should avoid drinking water known to be contaminated with TCE, and children should be prevented from playing in areas where the chemical has been found in the soil. Always follow instructions on product labels to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals such as TCE.