What Is TCE?

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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.  

Are There Trichloroethylene Alternatives?

Are There Trichloroethylene Alternatives?

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Trichloroethylene, also known as TCE, is a controversial, yet widely used solvent for various industrial and commercial applications. However, using this popular solvent comes with some serious risks. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what TCE is, the dangers of this solvent, and trichloroethylene alternatives that are safer and more eco-friendly. 

Industrial Uses for TCE 

Industrially, this man-made chemical is used for a wide range of purposes: 

  • Degreasing – About 80% of the solvent’s usage is for degreasing metal equipment. It is a particularly popular choice for vapor degreasing due to its non-flammability, high boiling point, and ability to dissolve stubborn grease and debris.  
  • Extraction solvent – It is also utilized in the textile industry for the removal of grease and oils from various types of fabrics, such as cotton and wool.  
  • Intermediate – In the pharmaceutical industry, trichloroethylene is commonly used as an intermediate in the production of organic chemicals or drugs.  

Risks of TCE Use  

Despite the effectiveness and versatility of the solvent, TCE has a reputation of being a risky solvent to work with. In recent years, the short and long-term health effects of TCE on industrial workers and those who are continuously exposed to it have been shown to be very serious:  

  • The known carcinogen can cause several types of cancer and potentially lymphoma. 
  • If inhaled, the chemical can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, respiratory irritation, and unconsciousness.  
  • Chronic exposure can lead to memory loss, nervous system damage, liver damage, kidney damage, and permanent cardiac issues.  
  • Additionally, the chemical has been found to contaminate various drinking water sources and groundwater, as it is not always able to evaporate, therefore it can accumulate and affect unsuspecting people.  

Because of the risks associated with TCE, the chemical has been increasingly regulated in the U.S. and even banned in certain countries. Luckily, there are now many trichloroethylene alternatives available that will not only ensure the safety of both workers and the environment but will be more cost-effective, as they will not have as many regulations that companies will have to comply with.  

Looking for Effective Trichloroethylene Alternatives?  

Ecolink provides a selection of high-quality industrial solvents that are environmentally preferred, safer for workers, and more cost-efficient than traditional hazardous solvents. You can browse our selection of products here! You can also reach out to Ecolink staff here for help finding the best product for your industrial needs! 

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!