Trichloroethylene
Synonyms & Trade Names
Ethylene trichloride, TCE, Trichloroethene, Trilene
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca See Appendix A See Appendix COSHA PEL
TWA 100 ppm C 200 ppm 300 ppm (5-minute maximum peak in any 2 hours) See Appendix GMeasurement Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid (unless dyed blue) with a chloroform-like odor.
Molecular Weight
131.4
Boiling Point
189°F
Freezing Point
-99°F
Solubility
0.1%
Vapor Pressure
58 mmHg
Ionization Potential
9.45 eV
Specific Gravity
1.46
Flash Point
?
Upper Explosive Limit
(77°F): 10.5%
Lower Explosive Limit
(77°F): 8%
Combustible Liquid, but burns with difficulty.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong caustics & alkalis; chemically-active metals (such as barium, lithium, sodium, magnesium, titanium & beryllium)
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin; headache, visual disturbance, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), dizziness, tremor, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting; dermatitis; cardiac arrhythmias, paresthesia; liver injury; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, heart, liver, kidneys, central nervous system
Cancer Site
[in animals: liver & kidney cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
See also
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content
source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health