Trichloroethylene (TCE)
The greatest use of trichloroethylene is to remove grease from fabricated metal parts. Major environmental releases of trichloroethylene are due to air emissions from metal degreasing plants. Wastewater from metal finishing, paint and ink formulation, electrical/electronic components, and rubber processing industries also may contain trichloroethylene. Production of trichloroethylene has increased from just over 260,000 lbs. in 1981 to 320 million lbs. in 1991. From 1987 to 1993, according to the Toxins Release Inventory, trichloroethylene releases to water and land totalled over 291,000 lbs. These releases were primarily from the steel pipe and tube manufacturing industries. The largest releases occurred in Pennsylvania and Illinois. The largest direct releases to water occurred in West Virginia. Water treatment dealers in several States report few calls regarding the contaminant. However, TCE has been detected at levels higher than the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard of 5 parts per billion (ppb) in 25 States since 1988. If released to water, it will quickly evaporate. It has only a moderate potential to accumulate in aquatic life.

Trichloroethylene released to soil will either evaporate or leach into ground water. People who drink water containing trichloroethylene over many years could experience problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Granular activated carbon filters will absorb trichloroethylene but you should follow the manufacturer recommended service intervals for the filter. Follow up with testing to make sure the filter you have is doing a good job of absorbing the contaminant. Here is a list of trade names and synonyms which may help you find out whether you are using this chemical at home or work: 1,1,2-Trichloroethylene Acetylene trichloroethylene Algylen Anameth Benzinol Chlorilen CirCosolv Germalgene Lethurin Perm-a-chlor Petzinol Philex TRI-Plus M Vitran.

It is not difficult to find out about contamination in your area just go to your local library and do an article search of your local newspaper. Use the contaminants in this article as the keywords. You can also call your city water treatment facility and ask to see a currant water analysis. If you are concerned that these contaminants are in your drinking water then I would suggest getting your water at home tested for these contaminants immediately. One such water testing company can be found on the internet at h2otest.com/index.html after you get your results you can go out and find the best treatment method that suites your particular water treatment problem. Technology is on your side but you should educate yourself about the tap water in your area. This will help you in your decision.

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Respectfully,

David Walling

"Plumbers Protect The Health Of The World."