Trichloroethylene

Workers in degreasing operations have the highest risk of exposure to TCE. People who live near factories that use TCE may also be exposed to low TCE levels in the air. In homes, people who use TCE as a solvent (such as paint remover) can have exposure. TCE can be absorbed through the skin. Therefore, people who use the compound without solvent-resistant gloves may be exposed.

To learn how workers can be protected from harmful TCE exposures, view or download our TCE in the Workplace Fact Sheet, P-03201, also available in Spanish and Hmong.

TCE can enter groundwater and surface water from industrial discharges or from improper disposal of industrial wastes at landfills. Therefore, people who drink water from wells located near TCE disposal sites may be exposed. People can also breathe in vapors of TCE while showering as it evaporates from the water into the air.

Air

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has set a residential indoor air action level for TCE at 0.39 parts per billion by volume (ppbV). The action level is considered to be protective of public health. If TCE concentrations in air are above the action level, we recommend that you take action to halt exposure even if the levels are not high enough to cause immediate harm.

If TCE-containing products are being used around you, you may be able to smell the chemical. If you can smell the chemical, the level is too high to be safe for exposure over long periods of time. Therefore, TCE-containing products should either be used briefly in small amounts, or should be used in well-ventilated areas.

Water

The state and federal drinking water standards for TCE are both set at 5 micrograms per liter (µg/L). 

The Department of Health Services (DHS) reviewed Wisconsin's groundwater standard for TCE in 2019 as part of the tenth cycle of groundwater standards. DHS recommends a groundwater standard of 0.5 µg/L based on updated scientific information. DHS recommends that people take action to reduce exposure when the TCE level in drinking water are equal to or greater than 0.5 µg/L.

Short-term exposure to high concentration

The following health effects may occur immediately or shortly after inhaling air that contains very high levels of TCE (more than 50,000 ppbV). Exposures of this degree would usually only be found in occupational settings.

• Heart problems including cardiac arrhythmias
• Nausea and vomiting
• Serious liver injury
• Dizziness, headache, neurological problems
• Eye, nose and throat irritation

Long-term exposure

The following health effects can occur after several years of exposure to TCE:

• In lab animals, inhaling TCE vapors or drinking TCE-contaminated water can cause effects in kidney, liver, lung and the immune system.
• There is growing evidence in studies of animals and people who handle pure TCE (very high levels) of increased rates of cancers of the kidney, liver, and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) characterizes TCE as “carcinogenic to humans” by all routes of exposure.
• Animal studies indicate there may be an association between maternal exposure to TCE and specific heart defects in the offspring. There is some evidence that human exposure to TCE while pregnant may be associated with similar effects. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to TCE.