Trichloroethylene (TCE)
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 cancer or 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 from TCE exposure, please
contact us for a free
case evaluation.
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