The four solvents examined in this USGS report: methylene chloride, PCE, TCA, and TCE are members of the family of aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons. These compounds are produced in substantial quantities, have a variety of industrial and commercial uses.
This file contains a briefing on TCE by EPA and is background material for an article in the OSD-ATL EC News for 1 April 2008.
Speaking at a conference of state environmental regulators (ASTSWMO), Mary Cooke, an official in EPAs Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office (FFRRO), announced first-time provisional EPA guidance for TCE contamination when it causes indoor air contamination. According to Cooke's presentation, the provisional guidance will adopt California's safe exposure level, or inhalation unit risk value, for TCE of approximately 1 microgram per cubic meter (ug/m3) -- a level significantly more stringent than what EPA had previously recommended. Currently, no toxicity value exists for the chemical in EPAs Integrated Risk Information System database of toxicological risk values.
Material referenced in the EC News Letter for 15 Dec 05
EPA issues new guidance on how to address TCE risks in the interim while new Toxicity Values are being developed.