Does TCE contamination pose any health risk?
Long-term exposure to high levels of TCE (much higher than has been seen at the Baytown site) in drinking water can damage the liver, kidney, immune system, and the nervous system. TCE may also harm a developing fetus if the mother drinks water containing high levels of TCE. Some studies suggest that exposure to lower levels of TCE over many years may be linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer. Because TCE evaporates easily from water, people can also be exposed to it by inhaling the vapor. TCE may evaporate from water during such activities as bathing, doing dishes, or flushing a toilet. As the TCE evaporates into the air, it can be inhaled. The scientific information we have about the health effects of TCE comes from studies of people exposed to high levels in the workplace and from studies of animals exposed to high levels in air or water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently re-evaluated the most current scientific information. EPA concluded that T
