What is 1,1,2-Trichloroethane?

1,1,2-Trichloroethane, or 1,1,2-TCE, is a type of chemical solvent with the formula C2H3Cl3. It is a colourless liquid with a sweet smell. While it doesn't mix with water, it can dissolve in most other chemicals. 1,1,2-TCE doesn't catch fire easily and boils at a higher temperature than water.

What is 1,1,2-Trichloroethane used for?

1,1,2-Trichloroethane is used as both a chemical intermediate and a solvent. Its main use is to help make 1,1-dichloroethene. It is also used to dissolve materials like chlorinated rubbers, fats, oils, waxes, and resins.

1,1,2-Trichloroethane Hazards

If 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is released into the air, it becomes a gas. It doesn’t mix well with water and evaporates from soil and water when exposed to air. In the atmosphere, it takes a long time to break down into other chemicals. It has moderate short-term and long-term toxic effects on aquatic life, but its effects on plants, birds, or land animals are unknown. It does not build up in living organisms. Industrial emissions can lead to higher amounts of 1,1,2-Trichloroethane in the air near the source, and since it breaks down slowly, it can travel far from where it's used. Most releases go into the air, and any that enters soil or water quickly evaporates. If it doesn’t evaporate, it may move through the ground and reach groundwater.

Sources of Emmision

• Industry sources: Industries that make or use 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, like chemical manufacturing, rubber production, heavy equipment, timber products, plastics, and laundries, are the main sources of emissions, mostly into the air unless a spill occurs.
• Diffuse sources: The electronics industry (solvent use) and metal parts manufacturers may also release it.
• Natural sources: It doesn't occur naturally.
• Transport sources: No mobile sources.
• Consumer products: Found in aerosol paint concentrates.

Routes of Exposure

People can be exposed to 1,1,2-Trichloroethane by breathing contaminated air, drinking water with it, or through skin contact. Once in the body, it moves through the blood to organs like the liver, kidneys, brain, and heart. Animal studies show that most of the chemicals leave the body in about a day, through breath and urine, with very little remaining after two days.

Health Effects

Acute Effects

• 1,1,2-Trichloroethane is a strong depressant for the central nervous system. In high concentrations, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, a single exposure can cause dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, difficulty speaking or walking, and in severe cases, unconsciousness, coma, or death. 
• At high levels, it acts like a narcotic. Breathing in about 2,000 parts per million of it for just five minutes can cause central nervous system depression, similar to being anaesthetised. 
• High or long-term exposure can also harm the liver and kidneys. 
• It can dry out the skin, leading to irritation and dryness. Other possible effects include headaches, tremors, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

Chronic Effects

• There is no information about long-term effects on humans from breathing in or swallowing 1,1,2-Trichloroethane. In animals, no harmful effects have been seen from breathing it long-term, but some studies have noted effects on the liver and immune system from long-term oral exposure. The EPA hasn’t set a safe concentration level for long-term exposure. 
• However, California’s Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) has set a safe chronic exposure level of 0.4 mg/m³ based on liver effects in rats. 
• The Reference Dose (RfD) for humans is set at 0.004 mg/kg/day, based on studies in mice.

Reproductive/Developmental Effects

• There is no information available on the effects of 1,1,2-Trichloroethane on human reproduction or development. 
• Animal studies have also not shown any reproductive or developmental issues from oral exposure.

Cancer Risk

• No human studies are available on cancer risks from breathing in or swallowing 1,1,2-Trichloroethane. 
• Animal studies by the National Toxicology Program found liver and adrenal tumours in mice but no tumours in rats from oral exposure. 
• The EPA has classified 1,1,2-Trichloroethane as a Group C, meaning it is a possible human carcinogen.

1,1,2-Trichloroethane Safety

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: If 1,1,2-Trichloroethane gets in the eyes, remove contact lenses if present, and rinse eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids open. Cold water can be used, but do not apply eye ointments. Get medical help.

Skin Contact: Wash the skin immediately with plenty of water and non-abrasive soap, paying attention to folds and creases. Cover irritated skin with an emollient. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. Wash contaminated clothes before wearing them again.

Serious Skin Contact: Wash with disinfectant soap, apply anti-bacterial cream, and seek medical help right away.

Inhalation: Move the person to a well-ventilated area and let them rest. Get medical help immediately.

Serious Inhalation: Move the person to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing, and if breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If they aren't breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Seek medical help right away.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Check the lips and mouth for signs of tissue damage. Loosen tight clothing. If the person is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Seek immediate medical attention.

1,1,2-Trichloroethane Safety Handling

Engineering Controls

• Ensure proper ventilation to keep vapour levels below the exposure limit. 
• Make sure there are eyewash stations and safety showers near the work area.

Personal Protective Equipment

When handling 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, use:

• Splash goggles
• Lab coat
• Gloves

For large spills, use:

• Consult a specialist for specific recommendations before handling large spills.
• Splash goggles
• Full protective suit
• Boots
• Gloves 

Regulations

United States

OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration):

• General Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1000 Z-1 Table -- 10 ppm, 45 mg/m³ TWA; Skin Exposure.
• Construction Industry: 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A -- 10 ppm, 45 mg/m³ TWA; Skin Exposure.
• Maritime: 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards -- 10 ppm, 45 mg/m³ TWA; Skin Exposure.

ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists):

• Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 10 ppm, 55 mg/m³ for an 8-hour workday in a 40-hour workweek.

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health):

• Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 10 ppm, 45 mg/m³ TWA.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency):

• Discharges, spills, or accidental releases of 100 pounds or more must be reported to the EPA.
• Limit in drinking water: 0.005 mg/L.

Australia

Safe Work Australia

• Time Weighted Average (TWA): 10 ppm for an 8-hour work shift.