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:
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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
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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
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Key Points |
- TCE is used mainly for vapor degreasing of fabricated metal parts in the automotive and metal industries.
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Progress Check |
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