Is Trichloroethylene Used in Dry Cleaning?

Is Trichloroethylene Used in Dry Cleaning?

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Trichloroethylene, also known as TCE, is an organic solvent used in a variety of both industrial and commercial applications. Used by itself or as an additive in solvent-based products, many consumers are wondering if this highly toxic chemical is also found in their everyday products, including dry cleaning products. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the uses of this chemical in commercial settings, and determine if TCE is used in dry cleaning. 

Industrial and Commercial Applications for TCE 

Here are some of the most common applications used for TCE in industrial and commercial settings: 

  • Degreasing – Primarily, it is used as a degreasing agent for metal equipment and parts. It is a popular choice for vapor degreasing processes, because of its desirable properties.  
  • Refrigerant manufacturing – It is also used in the production of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. 
  • Extraction processes – Additionally, it is occasionally used as an extraction solvent for the removal of fats, waxes, and oils, mainly in the textile industry.  
  • Additive – The solvent is added to various types of household products, such as cleaning wipes, carpet cleaners, paint removers, stain removers, adhesives, and lubricants.  

Is Trichloroethylene Utilized in Dry Cleaning?  

Trichloroethylene has been a long-standing chemical utilized in dry cleaning and spot removal processes, but its safety towards dry cleaners’ health has been questioned in recent years. In 2012, California enacted a ban on using TCE or TCE-based products for dry cleaning. TCE has also been banned in the use of consumer products in the EU.  

These bans signify the slow phasing out of the solvent in both industrial and commercial processes, as its toxicity and negative health effects have been exposed:  

  • A known carcinogen, TCE has been linked to kidney cancer, liver cancer, and lymphoma. 
  • Moderate exposure can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, or lack of coordination. 
  • High exposure levels can cause kidney damage, liver damage, neurological damage, permanent cardiac issues, respiratory irritation, endocrine effects, reproductive damage, coma, and potential death.  

Because of the risks associated with trichloroethylene, companies are beginning to incorporate safer chemicals that are not only worker-friendly but also eco-friendly. There are options available that can effectively replace hazardous solvents like trichloroethylene without compromising quality.  

Interested to learn more about trichloroethylene dry cleaning solvents?  

Ecolink provides a selection of various industrial-grade solvents for your business needs. Our products are environmentally preferred, worker-friendly, and cost-effective. You can browse our selection here, or reach out to Ecolink staff here for help finding the best product for your company’s needs! 

Is Trichloroethylene in Laundry Detergent?

Is Trichloroethylene in Laundry Detergent?

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It may come as a surprise to some, but many popular laundry detergents contain multiple toxic chemicals that can potentially affect a person’s health in negative ways. These chemical additives are concerning because detergents leave residue on pieces of clothing even after they are washed and rinsed off—meaning these chemicals remain in close contact with you throughout the day. 

While this may not always translate into serious consequences, some detergents can contain various carcinogenic compounds or endocrine disruptors. 

Trichloroethylene is one such chemical that is known for being highly toxic and found in many household and industrial products. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at trichloroethylene in laundry detergent and other common products. 

Is Trichloroethylene in Laundry Detergent?  

Though not many laundry detergents contain trichloroethylene (TCE) specifically, it is a widely used chemical present in many industrial cleaning processes and commercial cleaning products. At the commercial level, it is used as an additive in multiple household products, such as:  

  • Cleaning wipes 
  • Aerosol cleaning solutions 
  • Paint removers 
  • Spot removers 
  • Carpet cleaners 
  • Adhesives 
  • Typewriter correction fluids  

At the industrial level, trichloroethylene is primarily used in the vapor degreasing of metal equipment and parts. It is one of the most popular solvents for vapor degreasing because of its desirable properties, such as being non-flammable and having a high boiling point.  

Is Trichloroethylene Toxic?  

Unfortunately, though widely used in the U.S., the solvent is quite hazardous. The solvent has become increasingly more regulated and is even being phased out by many industries because of the potential health effects it may cause to workers:  

  • It is a known carcinogen, as it can cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and lymphoma. 
  • Moderate exposure levels can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, headaches, respiratory irritation, eye irritation, and lack of coordination.  
  • High exposure levels may cause kidney damage, liver damage, neurological damage, unconsciousness, coma, and even death.  

TCE has also been shown to contaminate drinking water sources and groundwater through storage tank leaks. Those who live near facilities that utilize TCE may be indirectly exposed to the harmful effects of the solvent.  

What Workers Are at Risk of Being Exposed to Unsafe Amounts Of TCE?  

  • Dry cleaners 
  • Mechanics 
  • Fabric cleaners 
  • Printers 
  • Mechanics 
  • Rubber cement masoners 
  • Workers who use vapor degreasers 

Interested in Eco-Friendly Solvents that Don’t Put Worker’s Health at Risk?  

You are in the perfect place! Ecolink provides industrial-strength solvents that are eco-friendly, worker-friendly, and sustainable.  

If you or your business want to make the switch to effective and safer products, you can browse our selection here! If you need help finding the best product for your business needs, reach out to our staff here today!  

What Are Some Trichloroethylene Uses?

What Are Some Trichloroethylene Uses?

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Trichloroethylene, also known as TCE, is an extremely common chemical used in a variety of industrial settings. In this blog post, we’ll explore trichloroethylene uses and more characteristics of this popular solvent. 

Trichloroethylene Uses 

Trichloroethylene is considered a versatile chlorinated industrial solvent, mostly because it has a wide range of uses, both in industrial and commercial applications. Here are only some of the most popular uses for TCE: 

  • Degreasing agent – This solvent is primarily used as a degreasing agent, particularly for metal equipment and parts, because of its ability to efficiently clean, degrease, and dissolve grease and oils. It is a popular solvent for vapor degreasing, as its non-flammability and high boiling point have made it the ideal option for the removal of stubborn grease and debris.  
  • Extraction processes – The textile industry has utilized trichloroethylene for the extraction of fats, oils, and waxes present in cotton, wool, and other types of fabrics.  
  • Refrigerant manufacturing – It is also heavily utilized in the production of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants.  
  • Additive – TCE is occasionally added to a range of products, including paint thinners, paint removers, cleaning wipes, carpet cleaners, adhesives, lubricants, pesticides, spot removers, and even typewriter correction fluids.  
  • Pharmaceutical production – TCE is also used as a chemical intermediate for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.  
  • Other uses – In the past, TCE was used as a dry-cleaning solvent and as a general anesthetic.  

Why TCE Usage Is Decreasing 

Though widely used by multiple industries, trichloroethylene use has been slowly phased out in both industrial processes and in household products. The solvent is carcinogenic and can cause multiple health problems, such as neurological and cardiac issues. It also has the potential to leak into groundwater from storage tanks, contaminating drinking water sources and affecting unsuspecting people.  

Many companies that want to protect their workers’ health worry about finding a replacement that will still perform as effectively as TCE. Luckily, there are now multiple safe options available as trichloroethylene replacements, especially for degreasing and extraction processes. Safer solvents can be biodegradable, low VOC, and even recyclable.  

Interested in Safe and Eco-Friendly Chemicals?  

Ecolink provides various eco-friendly, worker-friendly, and sustainable chemicals for industrial applications. Our chemicals are formulated to effectively replace hazardous solvents like trichloroethylene, that work just as well, but don’t jeopardize workers’ health and safety. 

To browse our wide selection of eco-friendly chemical products, click here! You can also reach out to the specialized staff here for assistance finding the best product for your business needs!  

What Is Trichloroethylene?

What Is Trichloroethylene?

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Trichloroethylene, commonly referred to as TCE, is a popular halocarbon industrial solvent. The chemical is utilized in a variety of industrial applications and is extremely useful.  

But while TCE is a popular choice for a solvent, it does not come without its risks. 

Read on to learn more about the uses of trichloroethylene and the dangers associated with this chemical. 

Trichloroethylene Explained 

As previously mentioned, TCE is used for several industrial applications. Here are some of the most popular uses for this solvent: 

Degreasing – TCE is primarily used in cleaning and degreasing processes due to its ability to effectively dissolve grease and oils. The solvent is a particularly popular option for vapor degreasing, as its non-flammability and high boiling point allow it to remove stubborn debris.  

Extraction processes – TCE is sometimes used as an extraction solvent for oils and waxes.  

Additive – This solvent is occasionally added to certain types of adhesives, paint removers, and paint thinners. It is also present in certain household products, such as cleaning wipes and carpet cleaners.  

Refrigerant manufacturing – trichloroethylene is also utilized to produce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.  

Those who may be researching trichloroethylene will most likely come upon multiple articles and studies discussing the hazards associated with it. In recent years, companies have been replacing TCE with safer alternatives because of the negative health effects it has caused to workers:   

  • It is a known carcinogen, having been shown to potentially cause liver cancer, kidney cancer, and lymphoma.  
  • Moderate exposure levels can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, or confusion.  
  • High levels of exposure can cause kidney/liver damage, nerve damage, coma, permanent cardiac issues, reproductive damage, and even death.  

On top of these health hazards, trichloroethylene is known to contaminate various drinking water sources throughout the country. It can leak from industrial storage tanks and seep into groundwater, where it is not able to evaporate. This means that it can potentially cause these negative health effects in unsuspecting people, particularly those living near facilities that use the solvent. 

Luckily, safer options are now readily available to effectively replace TCE. Not only are a majority of these alternative solvents worker-friendly, but they are also biodegradable, low VOC, and cheaper.  

Interested in TCE Replacement Chemicals?  

Ecolink provides high-quality industrial chemicals with the focus of ensuring the protection of workers and the environment. You can begin shopping for our products here, or contact our experts here for help finding the best product for your business!  

Paint Thinner Use: Enhancing Efficiency in Painting Projects  

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Paint thinner is a versatile solvent with multiple uses and applications. The applications for paint thinners vary, from diluting to various paints. It is a substance that no industry should be without. This blog will explain how a paint thinner can enhance industrial painting projects.  

What are the uses of paint thinner?  

A paint thinner can be used for several tasks: 

  • Dilute/reduce the viscosity of oil-based and latex-based paints  
  • Remove paint from surfaces  
  • Create specific paint finishes  
  • Remove paint from painting utensils (brushes, rollers, pallets, etc.)  

Paint thinner use often depends on the thinner type. The most common paint thinners are:  

  • Acetone  
  • Turpentine  
  • Mineral Spirits  
  • Toluene  
  • Naphtha  
  • Mineral Spirits  
  • Isopropyl Alcohol  
  • Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)  

You often find paint thinner (such as toluene) applied in industries where dilutions create substances such as print ink and rubbers.   

Acetone is another popular paint thinner used regularly to remove ink stains.  

Methyl Ethyl Ketone is another popular substance used in industries to dilute gums and resins; however, many health risks are associated with the product. 

If you are looking for a safer, more eco-friendly option for the paint thinners listed above, then we here at Ecolink are here to help! We offer a product called SAFE STRIP which is an environmentally preferred paint and resin solvent.   

SAFE STRIP is a great replacement for substances such as MEK and toluene. It can be used like most paint thinners, and it has a similar performance to MEK. This product, however, is biodegradable and non-ozone-depleting. 

The use of paint thinners can help enhance your efficiency during painting projects. Using a thinner consistency paint allows for easy application on textured surfaces. A paint thinner will also allow for quicker application times.  

Looking for more paint thinner options?  

Here at Ecolink we offer a variety of different eco-friendly chemicals. If you would like to browse through our selection,  click here! If you have an idea of what you are looking for,  click here to talk with one of our expert chemists! They will be willing to help you in any way that you need!