Trichloroethylene: general information
Updated 11 December 2024
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trichloroethylene-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology/trichloroethylene-general-information
Overview
Trichloroethylene is a colourless, highly volatile liquid with a sweet chloroform-like odour. Other names for trichloroethylene include TCE, trichloroethene and ethylene trichloride.
Uses of trichloroethylene
The main use of trichloroethylene is in metal cleaning and degreasing. It is also used as a chemical intermediate and an extraction solvent in the textile manufacturing industry.
In the past, trichloroethylene was used as a grain fumigant, an extraction solvent in the food industry, an anaesthetic agent and an analgesic. It was also used in the dry cleaning industry until the mid-1950s, when it was replaced by tetrachloroethylene.
How trichloroethylene gets into the environment
Trichloroethylene may be released into the environment from its use. The majority of trichloroethylene released enters the air. Trichloroethylene may also occur in ground water and surface water.
Exposure to trichloroethylene
The general public may be exposed to very small amounts of trichloroethylene through exposure to contaminated air, drinking water or food.
Those involved in the manufacture or use of trichloroethylene, particularly the degreasing industry, may be exposed to a much higher level than the general population. However, safe limits are enforced to protect the employees. Such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.
How exposure to trichloroethylene can affect your health
The presence of trichloroethylene in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects, you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing or drinking the substance or by skin contact. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects, you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.
Breathing air contaminated with trichloroethylene may cause irritation to the nose, throat and lungs. Ingestion of tetrachloroethylene can cause burning in the mouth and throat, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Skin contact with trichloroethylene can cause irritation, reds skin and a rash. It can also be irritating to the eyes.
Trichloroethylene can be absorbed into the body following inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. This can cause excitement, headache and dizziness followed by drowsiness and loss of coordination. In severe cases it can cause an abnormal heart beat and coma.
Long-term inhalation exposure to trichloroethylene can cause damage to the kidneys, liver and nervous system.
Trichloroethylene and cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has stated that there is sufficient evidence in animal and human studies to suggest trichloroethylene can cause cancer in humans. Therefore, trichloroethylene is classified as a cancer causing chemical.
Vulnerable people
People with breathing problems such as asthma may be more sensitive to the effects of trichloroethylene.
Pregnancy and the unborn child
The data available on the effects of exposure to trichloroethylene during pregnancy are limited. Therefore, it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions. Effects on the unborn child are more likely to occur if the exposure to trichloroethylene causes the mother to become unwell. Breathing in large amounts of trichloroethylene frequently has also been linked to a small increase in the chance of miscarriage.
Children
Children will be affected by trichloroethylene in the same way as adults. A link has also been made between heart disease and children who drink large amounts of water heavily contaminated with trichloroethylene.
What to do if you are exposed to trichloroethylene
It is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to a level of trichloroethylene high enough to cause adverse health effects. If you have any health concerns regarding exposure to trichloroethylene seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.
Additional sources of information
UKTIS Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy
NHS.UK has more information on poisoning
The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.
Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.
Feedback survey
Help us improve the compendium of chemical hazards by taking our short survey.