Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS)

Trichloroethylene

This exposure standard was established/revised as part of the Source A Updates declared by NOHSC in August 2005.

No standard should be applied without reference to Guidance on the interpretation of Workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants.

Trichloroethylene was the subject of a Priority Existing Chemical (PEC) assessment by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS). The PEC assessment forms the main scientific documentation that supports the amendment to the NES.

Additional health effect information can be found in the hazard classification.

Identity

Chemical and Physical Properties

Trichloroethylene is a colourless, clear, non-flammable liquid with a sweetish, chloroform-like odour. In the presence of oxygen and heat or short ultraviolet wavelengths, trichloroethylene is decomposed to phosgene, hydrogen chloride and dichloroacetyl chloride. Its chemical and physical properties include:

Major Industrial Uses

Trichloroethylene is mainly used for vapour degreasing and as a solvent.

[1] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Criteria for a Recommended Standard - Occupational Exposure to trichloroethylene, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1973