Trichloroethane in water. It moves easily from water or soil to the air.
Trichloroethane in water. In-well vapor stripping and in situ aerobic cometabolic bioremediation were combined to address a TCE source area without bringing contaminated ground water to the surface. (c) Water Owing to its widespread use, trichloroethylene occurs frequently at low concentrations in water supplies and in groundwater. Trichloroethylene does not occur naturally and is made in laboratories. Oct 14, 2022 · Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a synthetic, light sensitive, volatile, colorless liquid that can be mixed with many organic solvents that are not mixable with water. It is denser than water and has a sweet, chloroform-like odor The primary purpose of this chapter is to provide public health officials, physicians, toxicologists, and other interested individuals and groups with an overall perspective on the toxicology of 1,1,2-trichloroethane. It has also been used as a low-temperature refrigerant and as a grain fumigant, and is still A poisonous gas known as phosgene can be produced when 1,1,1-trichloroethane is heated to decomposition or during welding if 1,1,1-trichloroethane is used to clean the metal (Reid and Muianga 2012). It is incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong bases The disposal of TCE to industrial pre-treatment, industrial treatment, or publicly owned treatment works for the purposes of cleanup projects of TCE-contaminated water and groundwater is allowed until December 18, 2074, under a TSCA section 6(g) exemption. The solubility of water (2) in 1,1,2-trichloroethane (1) has been studied by six groups of workers in the temperature range from 264. Trichloroethylene can enter drinking water through leaks, evaporation and spills from industrial storage tanks. Experimental values quantifying dermal transfer of TCE in water, or for water in a soil matrix, may depend on pH, particle size and organic carbon content (Flynn and Amidon, 1991). TCE, perchloroethylene (PCE), and trichloroethane (TCA) are the most frequently detected volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in ground water in the United States (Fischer et al. Human Health-Based Water Guidance Table The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) develops health-based rules and guidance to evaluate potential human health risks from exposures to chemicals in groundwater. Thus, 1,1,1-TCA presence in the environment (water, air, soil) is associated with spills and BACKGROUND Trichloroethylene, commonly referred to as TCE, is a volatile, chlorinated hydrocarbon widely used as a solvent, paint stripper, and degreasing agent. 15 to 323. 03-2. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is used in manufacturing 1,1-dichloroethene; as a solvent for fats, waxes, natural resins, and alkaloids; and in other organic syntheses. It may be found in contaminated soil or water near military bases and in some commercial and household cleaning products. But what is this chemical and why is it concerning? When released to land 1,1,2-trichloroethane should partially volatilize and partially leach into the groundwater. Breathing TCE from the household use of water with concentrations well above the drinking water standard may cause The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level for trichloroethylene in drinking water at 0. Approximately 20% of 315 wells sampled in a New Jersey study contained TCE and/or other VOCs above the 1 ppb detection limit (Fusillo et. 1,1,1- TCE is a synthetic chemical that is released to the environment primarily by human industrial activity such as by-process and fugitive emissions during its manufacture, formulation, and use in both consumer and industrial products, which can then undergo Get Tested | Trichloroethylene You should get your drinking water tested for TCE when you suspect your drinking water has been impacted by an old chemical disposal system, chemical manufacturer, landfill, or an industrial spill or release. , 1982). TCE that spilled or was dumped on the ground can leach through soil and into groundwater. Apr 23, 2025 · TCE has a relatively high Henry's Constant and will form a vapor plume in the vadose zone above a dissolved phase plume, which can be tracked using soil gas measurement techniques. Uses of trichloroethylene The main use of trichloroethylene is in metal cleaning and degreasing. Although it is a commonly found contaminant in groundwater, most Minnesotans receive drinking water from a public utility or a private well that Drinking water with concentrations of TCE well above the drinking water standard for long periods may cause liver and kidney damage, impaired immune system function, and impaired fetal development in pregnant women. In addition, TCE can have a sweet or chloroform odor at 28 mg/l, but this occurs when the concentration is over 1000 times the drinking water standard. Discover the dangerous effects of 1,1,2-Trichloroethane contamination in drinking water and learn how this industrial chemical threatens your health. Discover the hidden dangers of 1,1,1-Trichloroethane in your drinking water. TCE Removal From Contaminated Soil and Ground Water (pdf) (51. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, all references to “criteria,” “water quality criteria,” “ambient water quality criteria recommendations,” or similar variants thereof are references to national AWQC recommendations for human health. Mar 17, 2025 · Does TCE contaminate your tap water? More than 17 million people in 41 U. Half-life for evaporation from water obtained from laboratory systems range from a fraction of an hour to several hours. 3 days ago · Trichloroethylene (CAS 79-01-6) information, including chemical properties, structure, melting point, boiling point, density, formula, molecular weight, uses, prices Most TCE in air comes from metal degreasing activities associated with tool and automobile production. What happens to 1,1,2-trichloroethane in the environment? 1,1,2-Trichloroethane breaks down slowly in the air and can travel long distances through the air. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane (1,1,2-TCE) is an organic liquid with a chloroform-like odor. It can also enter the soil and drinking water as the result of spills or improper disposal. What happens to 1,1,1-trichloroethane in the environment? 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is found most commonly in the air. It is found in soil and underground water sources when it is manufactured, used, and disposed of May 26, 2006 · 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is considered in the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (GDWQ). 8 °C, a boiling point of 86. Other screening studies have observed Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a carcinogenic volatile organic compound (VOC) that was historically used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. It will also react violently with acetone, zinc and nitrates. 4642 at 20°C relative to that of water at 4°C (1). Jan 30, 2024 · What is TCE in water? Are governments planning to ban this substance? Here’s what to know and how to improve your home’s water quality. [1] Exposure to TCE occurs mainly through contaminated drinking water. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is a synthetic chemical that does not occur naturally in the environment. 2. Drinking water supplies relying on contaminated groundwater sources may contain trichloroethylene. With a specific gravity greater than 1 (denser than water), trichloroethylene can be present as a dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) if Oct 16, 2017 · When you are looking into a home water filtration system, you probably have a few contaminants in mind that you specifically want to remove. This paper discusses options for removing TCE from soil and ground water. It is an isomer of 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and a byproduct of its manufacture. It also has a variety of uses, which we explain here. 40 g/mol) is a widely used industrial solvent. It can remain in groundwater for many Abstract Background: In support of the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), the U. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, sharp odor. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) is an organic liquid with a chloroform-like odor. TCE is considerably denser than water, with a density of 1. Although, in theory, its natural formation cannot be excluded, so far it was not reported. Dec 4, 2024 · Explore the risks of military exposure to Trichloroethylene (TCE), its health impacts, military responses, and ongoing research. With a vapor pressure of 124 mm Hg at 25°C, 1,1,1-trichloroethane exists in Jul 1, 2014 · Information on trichloroethylene (also known as trichloroethene), for use in responding to chemical incidents. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane evaporates into air quickly from fast-moving water and from soil that is on the surface. TCE is a toxic volatile organic compound, or VOC, that has been used since the 1920s to degrease metal parts and manufacture products. It moves easily from water or soil to the air. Dec 12, 2024 · Table of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs or primary standards) that are legally enforceable standards that apply to public water systems. It is slightly soluble in water, and its Henry’s law constant suggests that it is readily volatilized from water. Nov 7, 2023 · A new interactive map details where drinking water supplies for more than 19 million Americans are contaminated with trichloroethylene, or TCE – a cancer-causing industrial solvent made notorious by the book and film “A Civil Action. Symptoms and signs potentially associated with TCE exposure are nonspecific, making a careful medical and exposure history essential to diagnosis. ATSDR reports that trichloroethylene is the most frequently reported organic contaminant in groundwater. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a toxicological review of trichloroethylene (TCE) in September 2011, which was the result of an effort spanning > 20 years. It estimates between 9 and 34 percent of drinking water supply sources have some trichloroethylene contamination but that most municipal water supplies are in compliance with the maximum Jan 5, 2025 · Learn about TCE in water, its effects, and essential safety measures to protect your health. 12 are several per cent lower than the smoothed solubility values and are therefore rejected. This contamination poses a serious health risk to military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane dissolves slightly in water. (1) Exposure to 1,1,2-trichloroethane may occur in the workplace where it is used as a solvent. In order to assess the approximate contribution of drinking-water (ingestion, inhalation and dermal) to total TCE exposure, scenarios for adults (20–59 years) and children (5–11 years) were calculated3 using representative TCE concentrations for non-contaminated (1 μg/litre) and contaminated (10 μg/litre) drinking-water. 03 × 10−2 atm-m3/mol at 20 °C, a vapour pressure of 7. Stay informed with this comprehensive guide. How can I be exposed to TCE? TCE that spilled or was dumped on the ground can pollute soil and groundwater. The biggest source of TCE in the environment comes from evaporation (changing from a liquid into a vapor/gas) when TCE is used to remove grease from metals or when we use common household products that contain TCE. Since the use of TCE continues to decrease, more recent data on the concentration of TCE in drinking-water is required to provide an accurate assessment of human exposure to TCE via drinking-water and its contribution to the total body burden. Explore effective filtration methods to improve water quality & ensure safe & clean water. [11] Trichloroethylene has been sold under a variety of trade names. It’s mainly used to remove grease from metal parts. It has been produced commercially for approximately 100 years and has had many uses owing to its chemical Dec 9, 2024 · The ban involves trichloroethylene, or TCE, a cancer-causing chemical that is common in manufacturing and can be found in water sources and properties around the world, as well as all consumer What is Trichloroethylene (TCE)? Trichloroethylene (CASRN 79-01-6) – also called TCE – is a nonflammable, colorless liquid and a volatile chemical with a somewhat sweet odor. citizens. It is also used as a raw material to make other chemicals, as a cleaner in electronics manufacturing, and for all sorts of general solvent purposes such as in paints, paint strippers, and adhesives. EWG researchers analyzed federal and state water test data to create the map. 7 °C, a Henry's Law constant of 1. TCE looks like water and has a sweet odor like chloroform. 1. Under the trade names Trimar and Trilene, it Environmental Fate 1,1,1-Trichloroethane has a high Henry's Law constant (8X10-3 atm-cu m/mole) and will volatilize rapidly from water and soil with diffusion through the liquid phase controlling volatilization from water. Learn about TCE's usage in military settings and the steps taken to mitigate exposure risks. An in-well vapor stripper and two biotreatment wells were installed near a TCE-contaminated "hot spot" zone at Edwards AFB for an August-December 2001 technology demonstration. It is also known as methylchloroform, methyltrichloromethane, trichloromethylmethane, and a-trichloromethane. Trichloroethane (TCA) Pollution Synonyms: methyl chloroform, methyltrichloromethane, trichloromethylmethane, alpha trichloroethane 1,1,1-TCA is an organic chemical introduced in the environment by human activity. It is mainly used in metal degreasing. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, vinyl trichloride or 1,1,2-TCA, is an organochloride solvent with the molecular formula C2H3Cl3 and the structural formula CH2Cl−CHCl2. It evaporates quickly into the air, but can also be found in water and soil. 8°C) (1). TCE doesn’t occur naturally in the environment. 5 summarizes some recent concentrations of trichloroethylene reported in surface water, groundwater and drinking-water worldwide. TCE has been found in many drinking water supplies in the United States, including Wisconsin. One that a lot of homeowners are concerned about is trichloroethylene (TCE). Nov 13, 2023 · The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has updated its interactive map detailing where drinking water supplies contain trichloroethylene (TCE), a cancer-causing industrial solvent, according to a EWG press release. It can react with sodium hydroxide. Mar 11, 2025 · Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is a highly toxic compound that pollutes soil, water and air, putting millions at risk – especially pregnant people, children and those with weakened immune systems. states are exposed to the hazardous industrial chemical trichloroethylene, or TCE, in polluted drinking water. It can be decomposed by photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals (1). It contains descriptions and evaluations of toxicological studies and epidemiological investigations and provides conclusions, where possible, on the relevance of toxicity and Nov 12, 2024 · List of health effects linked with chemicals detected in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune. This synthetic solvent is found in certain consumer products including adhesives, wood finishes, paint remover and stain remover. 1 It is nonflammable and highly volatile. TCE dissolved in surface water will evaporate with a half life of minutes to hours depending upon the water's energy. Chronic exposure to the chemical contaminant TCE may increase the risk of acquiring cancer. It is a clear, colourless, non-flammable, volatile liquid with a sweet chloroform -like pleasant mild smell [3] and burning sweet taste. Apr 17, 2025 · This legacy of contamination includes some sites with TCE levels hundreds or thousands of times the federal drinking water limit on TCE in tap water. Trichloroethylene is a colorless or blue liquid that smells similar to chloroform and is used as a degreaser and in the production of textiles. (1) Overview This Public Health Statement summarizes the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) findings on trichloroethylene, including chemical characteristics, exposure risks, possible health effects from exposure, and ways to limit exposure. Sep 21, 2025 · The issue of toxic water contamination at military bases has garnered significant attention. Dec 29, 2015 · If you get drinking water from a public drinking supply, your town or water district is required to test the water routinely and will send you a yearly report that tells you if they are meeting EPA standards for TCE in drinking water. 7). Objectives: We summarized the key findings and scientific issues regarding the human health effects of TCE in the U. 8 kPa at 20 °C, a water TCE evaporates less easily from the soil than surface water It sticks to particles and remains for a long time. Information in the EWG map and analysis reflect water quality between 2018 and Trichloroethylene (TCE, IUPAC name: trichloroethene) is an organochloride with the formula C 2 HCl 3, commonly used as an industrial degreaser. 1. Dec 11, 2024 · Other names for trichloroethylene include TCE, trichloroethene and ethylene trichloride. g. Trichloroethylene, also known as trichloroethene, or TCE, is a chemical that is widely used for metal-degreasing and as a solvent for glues or paints. Trichloroethylene in drinking water is dangerous to human health as it can damage the kidneys, liver, heart, nervous system, respiratory system, and immune system. 005 milligrams per liter (0. Major environmental releases of TCE are due to air emissions from metal degreasing plants. Mar 14, 2025 · TCE, perchloroethylene (PCE), and trichloroethane (TCA) are the most frequently detected volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in ground water in the United States (Fischer et al. It is an isomer of 1,1,2-trichloroethane. It is only used to make vinylidene chloride which is in turn used to make synthetic fibers and plastic wraps such as the saran wrap. Apr 18, 2008 · TCE is a volatile organic compound (VOC) with the chemical formula C 2 HCl 3. Jun 21, 2018 · Trichloroethylene is a colorless, volatile liquid that is nonflammable and has a sweet odor. Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a nonflammable, colorless liquid with a somewhat sweet odor and a sweet, burning taste. Several biodegradation screening studies have determined that 1,1,2-trichloroethane is resistant to biodegradation. 15 K. The disposal of TCE to industrial pre-treatment, industrial treatment, or publicly owned treatment works for the purposes of cleanup projects of TCE-contaminated water and groundwater is allowed until December 18, 2074, under a TSCA section 6(g) exemption. TCE is: A nonflammable, colorless liquid at room temperature (1) 1,1,2-Trichloroethane has not been reported in food or soil, and exposure from contaminated drinking water appears to be rare. This analysis presents the results of water tests for trichloroethylene, or TCE, that community water systems across the country conducted between 2018 and 2023. Gas chromatography systems can be deployed in the field or in a fixed laboratory and have excellent detection limits for TCE (1 µg/L for water and 1 µg/kg for soil). For more information, see: Guidance Values and Standards for Contaminants in Drinking Water or contact the Health Risk Assessment Unit. The extent of some of these effects, however, is not clear. It can remain in groundwater for many Trichloroethylene (TCE) (CAS Registry Number, 79-01-6; C6H3Cl3; molecular weight 131. 2 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is a volatile organic compound (VOC). But it’s also a part of adhesives, paint removers, and spot removers. How are People Exposed to TCE? Breathing air in the home contaminated with TCE vapours. It estimates between 9 and 34 percent of drinking water supply sources have some trichloroethylene contamination but that most municipal water supplies are in compliance with the maximum Apr 23, 2025 · Wastewater or municipal water supply treatment systems that rely on coagulation, sedimentation, precipitative softening, filtration, and chlorination are ineffective for reducing concentrations of TCE to nonhazardous levels. What is TCE? This is a type Trichloroethylene, also known as trichloroethene, or TCE, is a chemical that is widely used for metal-degreasing and as a solvent for glues or paints. 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE decomposes in the presence of chemically active metals. Fate in Terrestrial Environments The dominant fate of TCE released to surface soils is volatilization. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane also can be found in soil and water, particularly at hazardous waste sites. It will react violently with dinitrogen tetraoxide, oxygen, liquid oxygen, sodium and sodium-potassium alloys. Get Email Updates Key to table entries Value Type . 27 KB, 1992, 540-S-92-002) Nov 21, 2024 · Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Your Health Trichloroethylene (TCE) is used as a solvent for degreasing metal parts during the manufacture of a variety of products. TCE may stick to particles in water and settle in bottom sediments. Separately, EPA is conducting a screening-level approach to assess risks from the air and water pathways for several of the first 10 chemicals, including TCE. Nov 12, 2024 · List of health effects linked with chemicals detected in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune. For example, TCE has been used in dry-cleaning and leaks, spills and waste disposal have led to the chemical entering the environment. Because 1,1,1-trichloroethane breaks down slowly in the air, it can travel in the 1,1,2-Trichloroethane was not detected in raw water samples collected in 1979 from 30 Canadian water treatment facilities but was found in two samples of treated water at a mean concentration of < 1 μg/l (max, 7 μg/l) (Otson et al. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, also known as methyl chloroform and chlorothene, is a chloroalkane with the chemical formula CH 3 CCl 3. Once in the air, 1,1,1-trichloroethane breaks down slowly. Its registered trade names are chloroethene NU® and Aerothene TT®. ” 4. After completing this section, you will be able to identify existing regulations and guidelines for TCE in the environment and in the workplace. Small amounts are broken down by light to produce chemicals that react with the ozone layer. It has a melting point of −84. 5 Environmental fate 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is found mainly in the atmosphere, where it has a half-life of approximately 2–6 years. 1,1,2-Trichloroethane does not stick to the soil and can get into the groundwater. TCE can also be used in the manufacture of other chemicals. It is a volatile, colourless liquid with a sweet ethereal (chloroform-like) smell. Safe Home offers a few kits that provide drinking water testing for Trichloroethylene in city and well water supplies. Jan 9, 2023 · EPA’s revisions ensure that the TCE risk determination better aligns with the objectives of protecting health and the environment under amended TSCA. Adapted from: Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical used to make refrigerants and as a metal degreaser. 070 g/L at 20 o C), and it adsorbs onto carbon (K oc = 2. Drinking water with traces of TCE may increase the occurrence of congenital heart disease in children. , 1985). Breathing TCE from the household use of water with concentrations well above the drinking water standard may cause A poisonous gas known as phosgene can be produced when 1,1,1-trichloroethane is heated to decomposition or during welding if 1,1,1-trichloroethane is used to clean the metal (Reid and Muianga 2012). In water, 1,1,1-trichloroethane is moderately soluble but can volatilize to air. , 1987). It can also contaminate soil and air at bases, creating several ways that people living on or near bases might be exposed. Water testing data for TCE and other contaminants were provided to EWG by state drinking water agencies and posted online in EWG’s Tap Water Database. Learn how to remove trichloroethylene contaminants from water. It is used as a solvent and as an Aug 15, 2022 · Trichloroethylene, commonly referred to as TCE, is a nonflammable, colorless liquid that is primarily used to degrease metal parts. Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent that has entered and persisted in surface and ground water bodies following industrial uses. This chemical can get into well water when groundwater comes in contact with a spill or other release to the environment. Wastewater from processing industries may also contain TCE. 6°C, melting point of −84. The data of Coca and Diaz 11 and Coca et al. Learn about health risks, contamination sources, and protection methods. The liquid Sep 18, 2023 · Trichloroethylene is a clear, colorless non-flammable liquid with a chloroform-like sweet smell. 005 mg/L) or 5 parts of TCE per billion parts water. Other methods are required for remediation of water contaminated with TCE if the water is to be used for human consumption. 465 g/ml), low solubility in water (1. The water quality criteria that are the subject of this document are national AWQC recommendations for human health issued under CWA section 304(a). If enough TCE is released, it can move down through the soil and into groundwater where it may pollute private and public drinking water wells. Because of its moderate water solubility, TCE introduced into soil (e. TCE is one of the most commonly found contaminants in Connecticut’s groundwater. , landfills) also has the potential to migrate through the soil into groundwater; this is confirmed by the relatively frequent detection of TCE in groundwater. When considering the human health effects of TCE, it is important to make a distinction between occupational exposures to relatively high levels by inhalation and general environmental exposures to low levels in drinking water and ambient air. Experimentally determined Koc values of 83-209 indicated that 1,1,2-trichloroethane will be moderately to highly mobile in soil. Table 1. TCE is used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and consumer applications including in industrial cleaning and degreasing, lubricants, adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, automotive care products Drinking water with concentrations of TCE well above the drinking water standard for long periods may cause liver and kidney damage, impaired immune system function, and impaired fetal development in pregnant women. People can be exposed to this chemical via water, food and air, so ensuring proper filtration of your water can help to reduce your risk of exposure. As a result of The first known report of TCE in groundwater was given in 1949 by two English public chemists who described two separate instances of well contamination by industrial releases of TCE. Drinking, swimming, or showering in water that has been contaminated with TCE. Based on the log Kow and log Koc values, 1,1,1-trichloroethane is expected to have high mobility in soil. TCE has a vapor pressure of 74 mmHg and a Henry's law constant of 0. A colourless and sweet-smelling liquid, it was once produced industrially in large quantities for use as a solvent. What happens to TCE in the environment? Upon contact with the air, TCE quickly evaporates WHO has calculated a health-based value of 2 mg/L drinking-water for 1,1,1-trichloroethane but did not consider it necessary to derive a formal guideline value for 1,1,1-trichloroethane in drinking-water (WHO, 2017). EWG’s updated map shows TCE may be present in the tap water of more than 19 million U. This includes aluminum, magnesium and their alloys. [5] It is regulated by the Montreal Protocol as an ozone-depleting substance and as such use has declined It is a nonflammable liquid with a pleasant odor, insoluble in water, and miscible with alcohol, ether, and many other organic liquids. 011 atm-m 3 /mol. Nov 7, 2023 · The Biden Environmental Protection Agency proposed a long-overdue ban on most uses of trichloroethylene in October. Breathing TCE from the household use of water with concentrations well above the drinking water standard may cause TCE monitoring requirements in drinking-water regulations and standards should be limited to groundwater sources where a catchment risk assessment indicates the possibility of presence of TCE. It can be found in consumer products, including some wood finishes, adhesives, paint removers, and stain removers. The Mar 30, 2021 · Before the 1980s, families on Tucson's southside did not think much about drinking from the tap -- until the Pima County Health Department found out the water became contaminated. When TCE is found in water, it can enter your body when you drink the water, touch the water, or when you breathe in steam from the water. This article will discuss the sources, health impacts, government response, and ongoing legal battles related to toxic water contamination at military installations. al. EPA’s Jun 13, 2025 · Description 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCE) was first identified in 1840 by Henri Victor Regnault, a French chemist and physicist. INTRODUCTION Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a nonflammable, chlorinated solvent that is a liquid at room temperature (boiling point of 89. TCE can also enter ground water and surface water from industrial discharges or from improper disposal. It is largely used as a solvent removing grease from machined metal products, in textile processing and dyeing and in aerosols. In the environmental industry, it is called a dense, non-aqueous phase liquid because it has a high density (1. If your water source is contaminted with TCE, activities such as showering, doing dishes or running a dish washer or a washing machine can cause TCE in the water to evaporate and contaminate your indoor air. 2. Feb 6, 2024 · The field equipment can be divided further into those that gather a sample in situ and those that bring the soil or water to the surface for further handling. S. Patterns of TCE contamination of drinking water generally parallel use patterns, with the highest levels and highest number of contaminated wells occurring in urban areas. It also is known as methylchloroform, methyltrichloromethane, trichloromethylmethane, and trichloromethane. TCE exposure may cause kidney cancer and increase the risk of lymphoma and liver cancer. It is a colourless, sweet-smelling liquid that does not dissolve in water, but is soluble in most organic solvents. Today, it is used in vapor degreasing and in the production of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants and other chemicals. byo24i5uu3uemmbbftbvkoq7q4fulylz18be3ur0w