1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE
Also known as: Methyl chloroform, 1,1,1-TCA
Chemical reference number (CAS): 71-55-61
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WHAT IS 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE?
1,1,1-TCA is a colorless liquid that evaporates quickly at room temperature. It’s
used as a metal degreasing and dry-cleaning solvent. It’s also used to make other
organic chemicals. 1,1,1-TCA can also be found in aerosol spray products found in the
home. When 1,1,1-TCA enters the environment, it can seep into soil and groundwater or
evaporate into the air.
HOW ARE PEOPLE EXPOSED TO 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE?
Breathing: People can be exposed to 1,1,1-TCA when they
inhale contaminated air. This is the most common type of exposure that occurs in the
workplace. If people have contaminated drinking water in their home, they may be exposed
to vapors when using water to cook, bathe, or do laundry.
Drinking/Eating: 1,1,1-TCA can enter the body when people
drink contaminated water. Vegetables do not take up the chemical when they are grown in
contaminated soil.
Touching: 1,1,1-TCA can be absorbed through the skin when
people use products that contain the chemical, handle contaminated soil, or bathe in
contaminated water.
DO STANDARDS EXIST FOR REGULATING 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE?
Water: The state and federal drinking water standards for 1,1,1-TCA
are both set at 200 parts per billion (ppb). We recommend that you stop drinking water
that contains more than 200 ppb of 1,1,1-TCA. Contact your local public health agency for
more information specific to your situation.
Air: No standards exist for the amount of 1,1,1-TCA that is allowed in
the air of homes. We use a formula to convert workplace limits to home limits. Based on
that formula, we recommend that levels of 1,1,1-TCA in air be no higher than 8.0 parts per
million (ppm). Most people can’t smell 1,1,1-TCA until the level is greater than 100
ppm. If you can smell the chemical, the level is too high to be safe.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulates the amount of 1,1,1-TCA
that can be released by industries.
WILL EXPOSURE TO 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE RESULT IN HARMFUL HEALTH EFFECTS?
The following symptoms may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to a level of
1,1,1-TCA above 350 ppm in air:
- Irritation of the eyes, throat and nose;
- Headaches, nausea and dizziness;
- Loss of balance;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Heart beat irregularities; and
- Drop in blood pressure.
The following health effects can occur after several years of exposure to 1,1,1-TCA:
Organ Systems: Liver, lung, and brain damage can result from long-term
or high-level exposures.
Cancer: Animal studies show that exposure to 1,1,1-TCA is not likely
to cause cancer.
Reproductive Effects: Laboratory studies show no effect on
reproductive systems or the developing fetus.
In general, chemicals affect the same organ systems in all people who are exposed.
However, the seriousness of the effects may vary from person to person.
A person's reaction depends on several things, including individual health, heredity,
previous exposure to chemicals including medicines, and personal habits such as smoking or
drinking.
It is also important to consider the length of exposure to the chemical; the amount of
chemical exposure; and whether the chemical was inhaled, touched, or eaten.
CAN A MEDICAL TEST DETERMINE EXPOSURE TO 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE?
For those individuals with frequent or potentially high-level exposures, liver function
tests and neurological examinations may be performed. A medical evaluation that includes a
careful history of past and present symptoms will provide a basis for future health exams.
Seek medical advice if you have any symptoms that you think may be related to chemical
exposure.
(PPH 4354 Revised 3/2000)
This fact sheet summarizes information about this chemical and is not a complete
listing of all possible effects. It does not refer to work exposure or emergency
situations.
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