How dangerous is trichloroethylene?
How dangerous is trichloroethylene?
Trichloroethylene may cause irritation to the eyes and skin. Exposure to high concentrations can cause dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, unconsciousness, liver damage, and even death. Trichloroethylene is a known carcingen. Workers may be harmed from exposure to trichloroethylene.
When was trichloroethylene 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 trichloroethylene a drug?
Trichloroethylene is a halocarbon commonly used as an industrial solvent, not to be confused with the similar 1,1,1-trichloroethane, also known as chlorothene. It has been sold under a variety of trade names including Trimar and Trilene and used as a volatile anesthetic and as an inhaled obstetrical analgesic.
What is Trilene drug?
“Trilene” is the brand name of the drug trichloroethylene, manufactured by Ayerst Laboratories. The chemical formula for trichloroethylene was discovered in 1863, and it became a popular analgesic in the 1940s and 1950s. It provides a light level of unconsciousness, and wears off quickly.
Is trichloroethylene a toxic chemical?
HEALTH HAZARD EPA classifies TCE as carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure. EPA has found that TCE has the potential to induce neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, developmental toxicity, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, and endocrine effects.
Is trichloroethylene a human carcinogen?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) considers trichloroethylene to be a known human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified trichloroethylene as carcinogenic to humans.
Where is trichloroethylene banned?
Minnesota
Minnesota recently became the first state to ban the dangerous chemical trichloroethylene (TCE). Not familiar with TCE? It’s a volatile organic compound that’s used in manufacturing processes and consumer products. Minnesota’s new law passed both chambers of its legislature by overwhelming majorities.
What are the health effects of trichloroethylene?
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.
Where is trichloroethylene used?
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.
Is trichloroethylene a carcinogen?
Where is Trichloroethylene used?
What products contain Trichloroethylene?
adhesives.