Why Is This Important?

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical used primarily as an industrial degreaser and solvent. It is a nonflammable colorless liquid with a sweet odor similar to ether or chloroform. Drinking or breathing high levels of trichloroethylene may cause nervous system effects, liver and lung damage, abnormal heartbeat, coma, and possibly death. Inhalation is the most common exposure route. Volatilization from contaminated water (e.g., while showering) as well as the use of household products containing this solvent can result in indoor concentrations that are elevated above outdoor air concentrations. Because of its moderate water solubility, trichloroethylene in soil has the potential to migrate into groundwater, primarily from leaching from waste disposal sites. The Federal Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry (ATSDR) has reported that trichloroethylene is the most frequently reported organic contaminant in groundwater. ATSDR estimates that between 9 and 34 percent of drinking water supply sources have some trichloroethylene contamination but that most municipal water supplies are in compliance with the federal maximum contaminant level of 5 ug/L.

Definition

The distribution of trichloroethylene in drinking water by community water system, population served, and year

Data Source

How the Measure is Calculated

• Numerator:

  Number of community water systems, by TCE concentration in drinking water

• Denominator:

  Not applicable

Related Health Objectives and Indicators

Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicators:

• Arsenic in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Disinfection By Products in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Nitrate in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Tetrachloroethylene in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Radium in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Uranium in Community Drinking Water Systems

Health Topic Pages Related to: Trichloroethylene in Community Drinking Water Systems

• Water Quality