Trichloroethylene (also commonly referred to as trichloroethene and TCE) is a carcinogenic volatile organic compound that was historically used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. The cancer-linked compound was used as a degreaser for aviation components and heavy machinery, a dry-cleaning solvent, an anesthetic, and in carpet cleaners. Today, it is used in vapor degreasing and as an intermediate in the production of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants and other chemicals.

It’s a colorless liquid that quickly evaporates into the air. It is nonflammable and has a faint sweet odor only when present in large amounts – though you won't notice unless there's a lot around (and by then, it might be too late).

Let’s talk about TCE, a common groundwater contaminant that can seep through soil and taint private wells and public water supplies.

In the past, industrial sites disposed of TCE onsite, leading to both land and groundwater contamination. This chemical can move through the soil where it can find its way into rivers or lakes, and even evaporate into the air. 

Unfortunately, TCE can remain in groundwater for long periods of time since it doesn't evaporate easily, and it takes a long time to break down in soil. 

When it is present in your water, TCE can easily enter your body through drinking, cooking, or even cleaning and bathing. 

According to Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an activist group that specializes in research and advocacy in drinking water pollutants, “people whose water contains TCE can be exposed not just by drinking it, but also by inhaling it while bathing, washing dishes and doing other household activities. Communities across the country have water with potentially harmful levels of this toxic solvent, but many people don’t know about the risk they face when they turn on the tap.”

Communities across the country have water with potentially harmful levels of this toxic solvent, but many people don’t know about the risk they face when they turn on the tap.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), alongside the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Department of Health and Human Services, recognizes TCE as a human carcinogen, through all routes of exposure. It affects male reproduction, causes neurological harm, and damages liver and kidneys. It's even linked to Parkinson’s Disease.

Overall, exposure to TCE can lead to:

• Harm to the developing fetus

• Harm to the immune system

• Harm to the brain and nervous system

• Hormone disruption

• Harm to the reproductive system

• Cancer

Pregnant women and developing fetuses are at the highest risk, as TCE can sneak into breast tissue and cross the placenta. Exposure can cause a whole host of issues, from headaches and dizziness with moderate exposure, and severe nervous system effects, liver damage, and even death with high exposure.

It doesn't stop there – TCE has been associated with kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver cancer, and long-term exposure has been linked to a higher risk of Parkinson's disease. 

In a paper published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, authors hypothesize that TCE pollution may be contributing to the spread of Parkinson’s, a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable tremors and slow movement.

A 2023 study published in JAMA Neurology, believed to be the first large-scale study to demonstrate the link between TCE and Parkinson’s, found that just two years of heavy TCE exposure led to a 70% increased risk of Parkinson's disease.

The EPA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the Department of Health and Human Services, classifies TCE as a human carcinogen, through all routes of exposure.

In 2015, the EPA found over 300 public water systems in 36 states that had high TCE levels in their water. Fast forward to 2019, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reported between 4.5% and 18% of tested water sources contained TCE, but most municipal water sources remain in compliance with the maximum contaminant level.

Today, nearly one-third of U.S. drinking water supplies could have TCE in their water. 

With these widespread contamination issues, regulations are needed to keep TCE at “safe levels” (though, what is a safe level when it comes to chemicals that can wreak havoc on your health?) and prevent exposure. The maximum contaminant level, a federally enforced limit, set by the EPA in 1987 is 5 parts per billion (ppb), but recent studies suggest TCE is harmful in even lower levels.

EWG experts suggest a health guideline of just 0.4 ppb – that’s a much lower threshold than what the EPA allows. What’s more concerning – nearly half of the systems in EWG's Tap Water Database exceed what experts consider safe for infants and developing fetuses.

Regulations to Protect Against TCE

Nearly 40 years ago, concerns about TCE rose due to high levels found in water, linked to its use as a cleaner for airplanes. This led to major lawsuits against Tucson Airport Authority and Hughes Aircraft Company due to residents falling ill. 

Skip to December 2016, the EPA proposed to ban TCE as an aerosol degreaser, spot cleaner, and vapor degreaser. This was the first proposed ban in over 25 years under the Toxic Substances Control Act and would’ve safeguarded thousands of workers who were exposed to TCE and over 100,000 people who lived near TCE-emitting businesses. 

In May 2020, Minnesota became the first state to ban TCE, with New York following suit later that year. The New York legislation bans TCE’s use as an intermediate chemical in the production of other chemicals, a vapor degreaser, a refrigerant, an extraction solvent, or in any other manufacturing or industrial cleaning process or use. 

In more recent news, the EPA proposed a more comprehensive ban last year on most TCE uses, signifying just how harmful this chemical is. 

Nearly half of the systems in EWG's Tap Water Database exceed what experts consider safe for infants and developing fetuses.

So, what can you do to keep TCE out of your water? 

It may seem intuitive to boil your water to remove all the impurities, but there is no sufficient evidence that TCE can be removed through boiling. Given what we know about TCE and how quickly it can evaporate, it could make things worse by releasing TCE into the air you breathe. Plus, other contaminants could become more concentrated in the water. 

If you opt for a home water filtration system, look for a granular activated carbon system that can remove TCE from your water.

For the most effective results, be sure any treatment system you use is certified by a third-party testing organization that meets strict testing procedures established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). 

If you opt for a water filtration system, look for a granular activated carbon system that can remove TCE from your water.

If you’re looking for a filtration system that is tested to remove up to 99.99% of hundreds of contaminants (that includes TCE!), look no further! 

Clearly Filtered offers a premium line of water filtration systems for clean water anytime, anywhere. Each of our filters are powered by Affinity® Filtration Technology which is a unique approach to clean water. The dual-technology approach targets 73x more contaminants that standard water filters do not.

Our Filtered Water Pitcher ensures easy filtration, while the Universal Inline Fridge Filter and 3-Stage Under the Sink Water Filter System prevent accidental TCE exposure during cooking and cleaning. Choose from our selection of Filtered Water Bottles for clean water on-the-go.