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Trichloroethylene Toxicity
What is Trichloroethylene?

Course: WB1112
CE Original Date: November 8, 2007
CE Renewal Date: November 8, 2010
CE Expiration Date: November 8, 2012
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Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this section, you should be able to:

  • explain what TCE is.

Definition

TCE (Cl2C=CHCl) is a clear, colorless, nonflammable liquid possessing a sweet, fruity odor characteristic of chloroform. The odor threshold is approximately 100 parts per million (ppm) (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 1997).

Uses

Estimated use patterns suggest that 80% of TCE is used for vapor degreasing of fabricated metal parts in the automotive and metal industries.
Consumer products that contain TCE include:

  • adhesives
  • spot removers
  • cleaning fluids for rugs
  • paint removers/strippers
  • typewriter correction fluids

Other Uses

Before its ban for certain applications in 1977, TCE was also used as a general (mostly obstetric) anesthetic, grain fumigant, disinfectant, pet food additive, and extractant of spices in foods and caffeine in coffee (Candura and Faustman 1991.)

Synonyms

Trichloroethylene is also known as

  • acetylene trichloride
  • ethylene trichloride
  • TCE
  • Tri
  • trichloroethene

Trade names for trichloroethylene include:

  • Benzinol
  • Circosolve
  • Flock Fli,
  • Narcogen
  • Perm-A-Chlor
  • Tri-clene
  • Vestrol

Key Points

  • TCE is used mainly for vapor degreasing of fabricated metal parts in the automotive and metal industries.
   

Progress Check

1. Trichloroethylene is

A. a clear, colorless, nonflammable liquid
B. used for vapor degreasing of fabricated metal parts in the automotive and metal industries
C. no longer used as a general anesthetic, grain fumigant, disinfectant, or pet food additive since 1977
D. All of the above.

Answer:

To review relevant content, see Definition, Uses and Other Uses in this section.

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USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30341
Contact CDC: 800-232-4636 / TTY: 888-232-6348

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