TCE Exposure Risks Identified by Leading Environmental Laboratory

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a type of volatile organic compound (VOC) that is used mainly as a solvent to remove grease from metal parts and is also used in some adhesives, paint removers and spot removers.  It is a non-flammable, colorless liquid with a somewhat sweet odor.
 
Although TCE is not thought to occur naturally in the environment, it can be released into the air, water and soil at places where it is produced, used or disposed of.  TCE does break down rather quickly in air, but it breaks down slowly in soil or water and has been found in underground water sources and surface waters.  Due to this fact, TCE can migrate from soil and groundwater to the indoors of overlying buildings in areas with contamination through a process known as vapor intrusion. 
 
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR), “Exposure to moderate amounts of trichloroethylene may cause headaches, dizziness, and sleepiness; large amounts may cause coma and even death. Eating or breathing high levels of trichloroethylene may damage some of the nerves in the face. Exposure to high levels can also result in changes in the rhythm of the heartbeat, liver damage, and evidence of kidney damage. Skin contact with concentrated solutions of trichloroethylene can cause skin rashes.”  The ATSDR also reports, “There is strong evidence that trichloroethylene can cause kidney cancer in people and some evidence for trichloroethylene-induced liver cancer and malignant lymphoma.”
 
“People can be exposed to TCE through inhalation, ingestion and dermal exposure,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., one of the nation’s leading VOC testing laboratories.  “In addition to vapor intrusion, exposure within a building can also occur as TCE readily enters the air from contaminated bath and shower water and by using trichloroethylene-containing products such as stains and varnishes, adhesives, paint removers and cleaners.  At EMSL, we provide all of the sampling supplies and testing services to identify TCE and a wide range of other VOCs to identify exposure risks at home and in the workplace.”
 
EMSL recently sponsored a video about trichloroethylene and exposure risks that can be seen at:
http://youtu.be/DetCE36YMHs.
 
To learn more about TCE testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail