What are the main health hazards associated with breathing in Trichloroethylene?
Short-term exposure to trichloroethylene causes irritation of the nose and throat and central nervous system (CNS) depression, with symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, giddiness, headache, loss of coordination. High concentrations have caused numbness and facial pain, reduced eyesight, unconsciousness, irregular heartbeat and death. Trichloroethylene is noticeable by smell at approximately 82 ppm and above. However, people can become accustomed to the odour and may not smell it until higher concentrations are reached. In one study, exposure to 110 ppm for 8 hours produced fatigue and drowsiness. Other studies have shown no significant effects following exposure to 200 or 300 ppm for less than 4 hours. At 160-250 ppm, the odour is persistent. Lightheadedness has been reported following exposure to 350-400 ppm for 3 hours. At 1000-1200 ppm, the odour is very strong and unpleasant. Lightheadedness, reduced hand-eye coordination and dizziness have been observed after several minutes. A
