Trichloroethylene, commonly referred to as TCE, has recently experienced a sudden increase in price. Though still widely used in the U.S. for various industrial applications, the solvent has been heavily regulated and even banned in certain countries.  

With the increase in prices and trichloroethylene regulations, this solvent is decreasing in popularity. 

TCE Uses 

Some of the commercial and industrial uses of the solvent are listed below:  

Degreasing  

• About 80% of TCE usage is for the degreasing of metal equipment and machinery. The solvent is easily the most popular choice for vapor degreasing, as its desirable properties work effectively with vapor cleaning.  

Refrigerant Manufacturing  

• The solvent is used in the production of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants  

Extraction Processes  

• TCE is used as an extraction solvent in the textile industry, mainly for the removal of fats and oils from certain types of fabrics.  

Additive  

• It is added to various consumer products, such as cleaning wipes, spot removers, paint removers, adhesives, lubricants, carpet cleaners, and typewriter correction fluids.  

Why Have There Been Heavy Trichloroethylene Regulation?  

Certain regulations, particularly for chemical usage, are put in place by the government to: 

• Ensure the protection of human health  
• Prevent negative health effects   
• Prevent further pollution of air and water 

Though trichloroethylene is not a serious air pollutant or ozone depletion contributor, TCE has been shown to contaminate groundwater and drinking water sources for long periods of time, as a result of industrial storage tank leaks and improper chemical waste disposal.  

On top of contaminating the environment and affecting unsuspecting people, the solvent has long been known to expose workers to potentially serious health effects:   

• TCE is a well-known carcinogen that can cause various types of cancer. 
• Moderate exposure levels have been shown to potentially cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, fatigue, and respiratory irritation.  
• High exposure levels can potentially cause damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and/or liver. These levels may also cause permanent cardiac issues, endocrine changes, unconsciousness, coma, or even death.  

Are Trichloroethylene Regulation Effective?  

Though there are regulations and exposure limits in place to prevent adverse health effects to workers, they have not been the most effective preventative measures. Trichloroethylene continues to contaminate groundwater, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has even recognized that most of their exposure limits are outdated and have not adequately prevented all negative health effects.  

Looking for Safe Replacements for Hazardous Chemicals?  

If you are looking for environmentally conscious and high-quality industrial chemicals, then you are in the perfect place! Ecolink provides eco-friendly solvents that are safer for the environment and the health of all living beings. 

If you’re not sure which chemical is best for your company’s needs, then feel free to contact us today for assistance!  

Trichloroethylene, also known as TCE, is a versatile solvent used in a wide range of industrial applications. But even though this chemical is useful, it’s also dangerous. Read on to learn more about TCE and its risks, and where you can find a replacement for trichloroethylene.  

What Is Trichloroethylene? 

TCE is used in a variety of commercial and industrial settings. Here are some of the main uses of this solvent: 

• Degreasing – TCE is primarily used by companies to degrease and clean metal equipment. The solvent is a very popular choice for vapor degreasing, as its non-flammability and high boiling point make it ideal for the removal of stubborn grease.  
• Refrigerant production – The solvent is also used in the manufacturing of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. 
• Extraction solvent – Additionally, TCE has been used in the textile industry as an extraction solvent to remove impurities such as fats, waxes, and oils from certain fabrics like cotton and wool.  

Dangers of Trichloroethylene 

TCE use has slowly been phased out by multiple industries, as the solvent is becoming heavily regulated and even banned in certain countries. These regulations stem from the toxicity of TCE and the health effects it has caused for hundreds of workers around the world:  

• TCE is a known carcinogen and can cause lymphoma and various types of cancer.  
• Moderate levels of exposure may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, respiratory irritation, and eye irritation. 
• High levels of exposure may cause damage to the various organs and then the central nervous system. It may also cause permanent cardiac issues, memory loss, unconsciousness, and even death.  
• Additionally, the chemical has been shown to contaminate drinking water sources and groundwater through storage tank leaks and improper disposal methods. This means that the chemical can affect unsuspecting people, particularly those living near facilities that use trichloroethylene.  

Because of the regulations and toxic effects associated with TCE, many companies are looking for an effective trichloroethylene replacement. Luckily, there are now safer alternatives available that effectively replace hazardous solvents like TCE, while also ensuring the protection of workers’ health and the environment.   

Interested in Buying a Safe Replacement for Trichloroethylene?  

Ecolink provides a selection of environmentally preferred high-quality solvents for various industrial applications. Our products prioritize the safety of our environment and workers’ health, without compromising quality.  

You can browse our selection here! You can also reach out to Ecolink staff here for a free quote and consultation today.