Trichloroethylene
What is trichloroethylene?
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a human-made chemical that is not found naturally in the environment. TCE can get into the environment from spills and improper disposal.
TCE is used to remove grease from metal parts, clean fabrics in commercial dry cleaners, and to make other chemicals. In homes, TCE can be found in some aerosol cleaning products, paint removers, spray adhesives, carpet cleaners, and spot removers.
How can I be exposed to TCE?
People can be exposed to TCE from air, direct contact, and drinking water.
People who use products that contain TCE can be exposed to TCE in air by breathing in the vapors. Additionally, people who work in places where TCE is used can be exposed to TCE in air. People who live near places where TCE is used may be exposed to TCE released into the air or through vapor intrusion. Vapor intrusion is process in which volatile chemicals, like TCE, move through soil and groundwater into buildings.
People who work in places where TCE is used and people who use products that contain TCE can be exposed to TCE from direct contact through the skin.
People who live near places where TCE is used or was spilled or disposed of in the past can be exposed to TCE from drinking water. People can also breathe in TCE vapors that come out of the water when it is used to shower, bath, and run the dishwasher and washing machine.
How can TCE affect my health?
High levels of TCE can affect the kidneys, liver, lung, and immune system and may cause heart defects in unborn babies.
How can I protect myself from TCE?
When using a product that contains TCE:
- Follow the directions on the product label.
- Use the product in a well ventilated area - use a fan or have a window open.
- If you can smell the chemical, stop what you are doing and move to a well-ventilated area. The TCE level in the air is too high for you to use the product for long periods of time.
- Seek medical attention if you experience drowsiness, headache, nausea, eye or respiratory irritation, slowed reflexes during or after using a product with TCE.
If you work with in a place where TCE is use:
- Read and follow instructions provided by your employer.
- Wear all required personal protective equipment (such as gloves, masks, coveralls, and respirators).
- Shower or change clothes before leaving work to avoid bringing chemicals home with you. If this is not possible, change as soon as you get home and wash your work clothes separately from the rest of you and your family’s laundry.
If you live near a place where TCE is or was used:
- Call 911 if you smell very strong chemical odors in your home.
- Reach out to DHS staff to learn what is being done to address the contamination.
Follow the directions on the product label.
Wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves while working with products that contain TCE.
If you get the product on your skin, wash the area with plenty of soap and water. Seek medical attention if skin irritation or a rash occurs.
If you get the product in your eyes, rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do, and continue rinsing. Seek medical attention if eye irritation continues.
Public water users
Community water systems are required to test for TCE on a regular basis. If the level of TCE is above Wisconsin's drinking water standard, your water system will issue a public notice. The public notice will include information on the level detected, the actions that the system is taking to address the problem, and any steps that you should take to reduce your TCE exposure.
Private well users
Test for TCE if you live within a quarter mile of a landfill, industrial site, gas station, or dry cleaner.
If the TCE level in your private well water is at or above 0.5 micrograms per liter, contact DHS staff for assistance in evaluating your risks and determining the appropriate next steps.
Who regulates TCE?
DNR regulates how much TCE can be released into the air, surface water (lakes, rivers, and streams), and groundwater in Wisconsin.*
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has also set a residential indoor air action level for TCE.
DNR also regulates how much TCE can be in water served by public water systems and oversees the clean up of contaminated sites.
*Note: In 2018, the DNR requested that DHS review the groundwater standards for TCE. In June 2019, DHS recommended that the groundwater enforcement standard for TCE be changed from 5 to 0.5 micrograms per liter (µg/L) due to current scientific information about cancer risk. In February 2022, the Natural Resources Board (NRB) did not approve the groundwater standards rule for adoption. While the NRB's decision stopped the rule-making process, it did not change DHS' scientific evaluation of the health impacts of TCE. DHS recommends that people take actions to reduce their exposure when the TCE level in private well water is equal to or greater than 0.5 µg/L (see the steps described above).
Related topics
Our TCE in the Workplace fact sheet, P-03201 (English, Spanish, Hmong) has information on how employers can protect workers from TCE exposure.
Our groundwater standards page has information on how Wisconsin's groundwater standards are set, DHS' role in the process, and a summary of the current and recommended standards, including TCE.
The Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council's annual report summarizes the operations and activities occurring within the state to address groundwater issues including TCE.
The DNR's Bureau of Remediation and Redevelopment Tracking System on the Web (BRRTs on the Web) provides information on contaminated properties and other cleanup and redevelopment activities in Wisconsin including TCE sites.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's ToxFAQs page has more information on TCE exposure routes and health effects.