What is TCE? TCE, also known as trichloroethylene, is a widely used organic solvent, present in both industrial and commercial applications. It is nonflammable, colorless, and has a slightly sweet odor. The controversial solvent has also been increasingly regulated in the U.S. and even banned in certain countries.  

What Is TCE Used for?

• Degreasing – The solvent is primarily used as a degreasing agent for cleaning metal parts. It is a popular choice for vapor degreasing, as its high boiling point and non-flammability enable it to dissolve stubborn debris and grease.  
• Extraction solvent – In the textile industry, TCE has been used to extract grease, waxes, and oils from various fabrics, such as wool and cotton.  
• Chemical intermediate – Mostly in the pharmaceutical industry, TCE is used as an intermediate in the production of organic chemicals and certain drugs.  
• Additive – The solvent is added to various types of household products, such as cleaning wipes, aerosol cleaners, carpet cleaners, adhesives, lubricants, spot removers, paint thinners, paint removers, and even typewriter correction fluids.  

Dangers of TCE Exposure

Although the solvent is still used in large amounts in the United States, its toxicity and associated health effects are beginning to gain traction at the industrial level. Many companies have switched to using safer solvents because of the health and environmental risks associated with TCE:  

• The solvent is a known carcinogen, able to alter DNA and create mutations in tissue, causing certain cancers and lymphoma.  
• At moderate exposure levels, it may cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, respiratory irritation, eye irritation, and unconsciousness.  
• Chronic exposure may result in kidney damage, liver damage, nervous system damage, permanent cardiac issues, loss of coordination, and even death.  
• TCE has been shown to contaminate groundwater and drinking water sources in various locations in the U.S. Through waste disposal and storage tank leaks, it can seep into these water sources and is not able to evaporate, causing it to accumulate and potentially be exposed to unsuspecting citizens.  

Looking for Safer Alternatives to Hazardous Solvents?

Ecolink provides a selection of eco-friendly and worker-friendly industrial solvents that are formulated to effectively replace highly toxic chemicals like TCE. Our products ensure a safer workplace and less harm to the environment without compromising quality. 

 Check out our selection of products here! You can also reach out to the specialized staff here for assistance finding the best product for your business needs.  

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!