What is TCE?
Trichloroethylene is also called trichloroethene or TCE. It is a man-made chemical used to degrease metal parts and equipment. It is also used to make other chemicals, such as refrigerants. TCE may be found in some consumer products like spray adhesives, paint removers, varnishes, lubricants, and spot removers.
How can I be exposed to TCE?
Even though safer alternatives are available for many uses and regulations are stricter, people can still be exposed to TCE. Soil and groundwater can be contaminated from current and former industrial and military uses to degrease metals and equipment.
TCE evaporates quickly from water or soil into air. Vapors with TCE from contaminated soil or groundwater can move into the indoor air of homes or buildings. This process is called vapor intrusion. TCE can also enter indoor air from the use of TCE-containing products. People in these buildings can then be exposed to TCE by breathing the contaminated air.
People can be exposed to TCE by drinking or cooking with contaminated water. Exposure can also occur from breathing in steam during showering or bathing. This can also occur when washing dishes or clothing.
How can TCE affect my health?
Exposure to high levels of TCE can cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, and nausea. It can also damage the liver and kidneys and cause changes in heartbeat. Some studies have shown that long-term exposure to TCE can increase the risk of some autoimmune conditions. During early pregnancy, exposure to high levels of TCE may increase the risk for heart defects in the fetus.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have all determined that TCE has the potential to cause cancer. The more TCE that a person is exposed to and the longer the length of time a person is exposed, the greater the risk of developing cancer. Studies of workers exposed to high levels of TCE showed a higher risk of kidney cancer. Some limited evidence suggests increased risks for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and liver cancer.
What is the drinking water standard for TCE?
The EPA and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of TCE is 0.005 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
In Massachusetts, local Boards of Health and Health Departments have the authority to regulate private wells. This may include setting criteria for their location, construction, water quality, and quantity. MassDEP recommends that all homeowners with private wells have their water tested. Learn more from MassDEP’s Guide to Water Quality Testing for Private Wells.
What are the testing requirements for TCE?
In Massachusetts, all public water systems are initially required to test for TCE for four consecutive quarters (every three months for a year). Testing must be repeated every three years. Based on the results, a public water system may test less often with approval by MassDEP.
Available data
Use the Explore drinking water data link on this page to access the following measures for TCE in drinking water:
- Annual average concentration ranges by number of Community Water Systems and people served
- Annual maximum concentration by number of Community Water Systems and people served
- Annual average by number of Community Water System
MA EPHT presents data for the following geographies: city/town, county, EP region, or EOHHS region. Data is presented for public water systems only. The most current available data will be shown. Be sure to check the site periodically as new data are added.
Related links
Additional resources
Massachusetts
- MassDEP guide to water quality testing for private wells: Recommended water quality testing for private wells
National
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) ToxFAQs for trichloroethylene (TCE): Frequently asked health questions about TCE
- EPA risk management for trichloroethylene (TCE): Information on EPA’s actions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to manage risk from TCE
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) information on trichloroethylene (TCE): Information on exposure to TCE, how to reduce exposure, and health effects