TCE's health risks TCE's health risks (November 22, 2002)

By Faiza Hasan

Various studies have linked trichloroethylene (TCE) to cancer, lupus, Parkinson's disease and other ailments. It is known to cause cancer in laboratory animals exposed to high levels over their lifetimes. And, added Stan Smucker, a toxicologist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, new findings show that prolonged exposure to TCE could affect the liver, kidneys, endocrine system and fetuses. It can also cause cancer in humans.

"This finding (from animal studies) is supported by observation of increased risks of kidney, liver, lympho-hematopoietic, prostate and cervical cancer in workers exposed to TCE," said Smucker.

If TCE is inhaled, half will enter the blood stream and organs, while the rest is exhaled. If it is in the drinking water, then most of it will be absorbed in the blood. Once in the blood the liver changes it into other chemicals, the majority of which are expelled from the body within a day. But some of it can be stored in body fat for a brief period and may build up in the body if exposure continues.

According to the World Health Organization, research also shows that birth defects may occur when mothers drink water containing TCE.