Missouri Residents Learn of TCE Exposure Risks due to Vapor Intrusion

In March, Missouri’s KOLR broadcasted a report about trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination and potential exposure concerns for some area residents resulting from vapor intrusion. The contamination concerns are the result of TCE having been used as a metal degreaser for decades at an industrial site in Camdenton, Missouri.

Trichloroethylene 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. TCE can be released into the air, water and soil in places where it was produced, used or disposed. Although it does break down rather quickly in air, it breaks down slowly in soil and 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 KOLR report, the facility has been closed since 2012, but the three previous tenants all used TCE. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicated that indoor air quality samples taken from inside the facility were above the EPA’s regional screening level for industrial air. The news story also indicated that soil gas that was tested came back extremely high. A city well near the area was even reportedly closed in the 1990s because of TCE contamination.

Due to these concerns, the DNR and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services met with area residents last month. They reported that initial testing in some nearby homes has not found elevated levels of TCE yet, but that more testing would take place. 

“Exposure to moderate amounts of trichloroethylene may cause headaches, dizziness and sleepiness,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposure to high levels can also result in changes in the liver, in the rhythm of the heartbeat and potentially kidney damage. In extreme cases, death can occur. People concerned about exposure to TCE due to vapor intrusion or contaminated water can turn to EMSL for all of their testing and sampling supply needs. EMSL also offers testing for a wide range of other industrial pollutants associated with vapor intrusion and water contamination.”

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, occupational, indoor air quality, 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