What is trichloroethylene?
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a man-made chemical that does not occur naturally in the environment. It s a pale blue nonflammable liquid with a sweet smell that evaporates easily. The chemical is used as a metal degreaser. In homes, TCE may be found in typewriter correction fluid, paint, spot removers, carpet-cleaning fluids, metal cleaners, and varnishes. Most TCE in air comes from metal degreasing activities associated with tool and automobile production. TCE can also enter ground water and surface water from industrial discharges or from improper disposal of industrial wastes at landfills. TCE has been found in many drinking water supplies in the United States, including Wisconsin. HOW ARE PEOPLE EXPOSED TO TRICHLOROETHYLENE? Workers in degreasing operations have the highest risk of exposure to TCE. People who live near factories that use TCE may be exposed to low TCE levels in the air. Breathing: People who use TCE as a solvent (such as typewriter correction fluid or paint remover) ma
