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CAS NO: 593-84-0, commonly known as Trichloroethylene, is a chemical compound used in several industrial processes. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor and is a non-flammable, volatile organic compound used in a variety of industrial and consumer products such as adhesives, solvents, and cleaners.
Trichloroethylene has been used in the industrial sector for decades. It is used to degrease metal parts, clean automotive parts, and remove paint and varnish. It is also used in the production of textiles and fibers, and is often used as a plasticizer in some types of plastic products.
Trichloroethylene is also used in many consumer products, such as furniture polish, spot removers, and dry cleaning agents. It is also used as a solvent in paint removers and aerosol sprays, and it is an ingredient in some aerosol insecticides.
Trichloroethylene can be dangerous if not handled properly. It is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a hazardous air pollutant, and exposure to high levels can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and even unconsciousness. Long-term exposure can cause kidney and liver damage, as well as cancer.
Due to its potential for human health and environmental impacts, the EPA has been working to reduce the use and release of trichloroethylene in the US. In 2012, the EPA proposed a rule that would require industrial users of the compound to take additional steps to reduce air emissions and wastewater discharges. The rule, which is still in the process of being finalized, would limit emissions of trichloroethylene from industrial sources to 0.052 lb/hr, and would reduce emissions from existing sources to 0.0086 lb/hr.
In addition to the EPA’s efforts, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set permissible exposure limits for trichloroethylene in the workplace. These limits are based on an 8-hour time weighted average, and the current permissible exposure limit is 25 parts per million.
Overall, trichloroethylene is a potentially dangerous chemical that should be handled with care and respect. The EPA and OSHA are taking steps to reduce its use and release, and employers should ensure that their workers are properly trained and that protective equipment is worn when working with this chemical.