Trichloroethylene (TCE), CAS No. 79-01-6, is a volatile chemical and widely used chlorinated solvent that sometimes is found in ground water. How does human exposure to TCE generally occur when this chemical is found in the groundwater?
Answer- The cited reference reports “At sites where groundwater is contaminated and depending upon site-specific circumstances, TCE exposures and accompanying human health risks may arise from: (1) movement of TCE vapors from subsurface locations into the indoor air of overlying and nearby buildings (i.e., vapor intrusion); and/or (2) use of groundwater as a source of drinking water, process water, or irrigation water.” (Makris SL et al. (2016) “A systematic evaluation of the potential effects of trichloroethylene exposure on cardiac development.” 65:321-358)