Trichloroethylene Upgraded in the 14th Report on Carcinogens Released this Month

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its 14th Report on Carcinogens (RoC). The RoC is a congressionally mandated, science-based, public health document that the National Toxicology Program (NTP) prepares. The cumulative report currently includes 248 listings of agents, substances, mixtures and exposure circumstances that are known or reasonably anticipated to cause cancer in humans.
 
In the latest ROC report, seven newly reviewed substances were added to the growing list. One of these was a chemical known as trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE is a colorless, volatile liquid that is produced in large volumes for commercial use. According to the NTP, TCE is primarily used in two ways: to make hydrofluorocarbon chemicals, especially refrigerants, and as a solvent to remove grease from metal parts, although this use is declining. Additionally, it is used for spot removal in dry cleaning operations and is found in some aerosol cleaning products that consumers may purchase for home and auto maintenance.
 
The NTP also states that the general population can be exposed to TCE by inhaling the chemical in indoor and outdoor air, drinking contaminated water or eating foods that may have been washed or processed with TCE contaminated water. People who live or work in buildings near sites that make or dispose of TCE, such as Superfund sites, may also experience indoor TCE exposures via vapor intrusion. Vapor intrusion occurs when volatile chemicals migrate into buildings from the soil or groundwater.
 
“TCE had previously been listed as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, but has recently been upgraded to known to be a human carcinogen,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposure to TCE has been determined to cause an increased risk of developing kidney cancer. EMSL provides TCE testing services for vapor intrusion, contaminated water or soil, and for occupational settings where this chemical is used.”
 
Last year, EMSL Analytical, Inc. sponsored a video about trichloroethylene and exposure risks that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/DetCE36YMHs.
 
To learn more about TCE testing or other environmental, occupational, vapor intrusion, indoor air quality, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail