How likely is trichloroethylene to cause cancer?
Some studies with mice and rats have suggested that high levels of trichloroethylene may cause liver or lung cancer. Some studies of people exposed over long periods to high levels of trichloroethylene in drinking water or in workplace air have found evidence of increased cancer. However, these results are inconclusive because the cancer could have been caused by other chemicals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that trichloroethylene is not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
Some studies with mice and rats have suggested that high levels of trichloroethylene may cause liver, kidney, or lung cancer. Some studies of people exposed over long periods to high levels of trichloroethylene in drinking water or in workplace air have found evidence of increased cancer. Although, there are some concerns about the studies of people who were exposed to trichloroethylene, some of the effects found in people were similar to effects in animals. In its 9th Report on Carcinogens, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) determined that trichloroethylene is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that trichloroethylene is probably carcinogenic to humans.
