Toxic substances list: trichloroethylene

According to the 1993 Priority Substances List Assessment Report, Trichloroethylene (TCE) was primarily used as a solvent in vapour-degreasing and cold-cleaning of fabricated metal parts, dry-cleaning operations, paints and paint removers, and various household products. Domestic consumption was supplied by importation. Due to the dispersive and non-destructive nature of its uses, the majority of the trichloroethylene consumed was expected to enter the Canadian environment, primarily the atmosphere. Trichloroethylene had been detected in ambient air and in the air inside homes in Canada, as well as, occasionally, in drinking water and surface waters across the country. It had also been detected in groundwaters as a result of inappropriate disposal.

CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number: 79-01-6

Risk assessment

Source

This substance was identified to enter the environment from the following source:

Strategic options report

Strategic Options Reports present the outcome of stakeholder consultations and set out recommended options for managing the life cycle risk associated with releases of trichloroethylene to the environment. The following report is available on request:

 Please contact produits-products@ec.gc.ca to request a copy of this report.  

Risk management tools

Tools developed to manage risks associated with the substance:

Other information

Contact

Substances Management Information Line
Chemicals Management Plan
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3

Telephone: 1-800-567-1999  (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Email: substances@ec.gc.ca

 

Return to Substance List

Page details

Date modified: