Estimates of current numbers of exposed workers to trichloroethylene (TCE) in the EU are not available. In 1990, 276,000 workers were estimated to be exposed to TCE although uses have significantly decreased since.

When workers are exposed to TCE it is primarily by breathing vapours and through skin contact with vapours or liquid. The substance is classified as Group 1 by IARC, meaning it is carcinogenic to humans. TCE is classified as category 1B carcinogen according to CLP regulation, meaning that the substance may cause cancer in humans. Trichloroethylene causes cancer of the kidney and liver in humans. The substance is possibly mutagenic, and may cause Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Where risks occur

The majority of the exposures to TCE occur in industries producing metal products, machinery and transport equipment. In the EU, the use of TCE is only allowed for authorised uses or as an intermediate. It is mostly applied as a solvent to remove grease from metal parts. Due to legislation, the overall volume of TCE used in the EU has declined significantly during the last decades.

More about the substance

TCE is a halogenated alkene that exists at room temperature as a clear, colourless, or blue freely flowing liquid with a pleasant and sweet smell.. It is slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether, and chloroform, and miscible in oil. It is relatively stable if inhibited, but sunlight, heat, air or oxygen, and moisture can accelerate the reaction to hazardous decomposition products.

Hazards that may occur

When inhaled, TCE can irritate the nose, eyes and throat and harm the nervous system. The symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. A severe exposure can also cause unconsciousness. Upon contact with skin, it may cause pain, redness, and swelling of the skin. Prolonged exposure may cause kidney cancer and liver cancer.

The latency period between exposure and TCE related cancer varies from 18 and 34 years.

What you can do

The most effective way to prevent exposure is to substitute with TCE-free or lower-TCE concentration alternative. These substitutes are generally available and must be used. If TCE-containing products cannot be substituted and continued use is granted after an application for authorisation, the exposure to TCE should be reduced through engineering controls such as closed systems or ventilation. Periodically carry out representative exposure measurements so that it is known when action should be taken. Make workers continuously aware of the effects of exposure and encourage them to report early symptoms.

In addition, train workers on hazards, safe work practices and on effective hygiene measures. Supplement this with personal protective equipment (PPE) where feasible controls are not sufficient to reduce exposures below the exposure limits. The PPE can include safety goggles and protective clothing e. g. gloves, aprons and boots. Because TCE ingestion may occur due to skin contamination, skin contact should be prevented as much as possible.

References IARC, CCOHS, NIEHS, NIOSH, EC, REACH