Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a colorless or blue organic liquid with a chloroform-like odor. The greatest use of TCE is to remove grease from fabricated metal parts and some textiles.

In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG).

The MCLG for TCE has been set at zero because the EPA believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health problems described below. Based on this MCLG, the EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible, considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants using suitable treatment technologies.

The MCL for TCE has been set at 5 parts per billion (ppb) because the EPA believes, given present technology and resources, that this is the lowest level to which water systems can reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking water. These drinking water standards and the regulations for insuring these standards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public water supplies must abide by these regulations.

Some people who drink water containing TCE in excess of the MCL could experience problems with their kidneys, liver, lungs, and central nervous system and may have an increased risk of getting cancer or even death.

Production of TCE has increased from just over 260,000 lbs. in 1981 to 320 million lbs. in 1991. Major environmental releases of TCE are due to air emissions from metal degreasing plants. Wastewater from metal finishing, paint and ink formulation, electrical/electronic components, and rubber processing industries also may contain TCE.

The regulation for TCE became effective in 1989. Between 1993 and 1995, the EPA required your water supplier to collect water samples every 3 months for one year and analyze them to find out if TCE is present above 0.5 ppb. If it is present above this level, the system must continue to monitor this contaminant until the system has taken immediate steps to remediate the problem or the State has determined that the contaminant will remain reliably and consistently below the MCL.

If the levels of TCE exceed the MCL, 5 ppb, the system must notify the public via newspapers, radio, television and other means. Additional actions, such as providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to public health.

If you or a loved one has experienced any symptoms, please contact us for a free case evaluation.