Can I Use TCE (Trichloroethylene) In My Vapor Degreaser?

It is no longer recommended to use trichloroethylene, also called TCE or trike, CAS #79-01-6. While TCE was widely used since the 1950s, it is an old-style chlorinated solvent that generally should be avoided in today’s environment. The main advantages of TCE is that it is inexpensive, widely available and cleans very well. However, it is a proven carcinogen, which may create long-term liabilities for companies that use it. There are newer, better, safer alternatives for you to select.

Specifically, in 2011 the US EPA wrote:

 

“Based on the available human epidemiologic data and experimental and mechanistic studies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that TCE poses a potential health hazard to the human central nervous system, kidney, liver, immune system, male reproductive system, and to a developing fetus. TCE is characterized as carcinogenic in humans by all routes of exposure for kidney cancer. There also is human evidence of carcinogenicity for non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, more limited evidence for liver and biliary tract cancer, and some evidence is found for bladder, esophageal, prostate, cervical, breast, and childhood leukemia, and breast cancers.”

TCE is already sunset as a cleaner in Europe and requires special authorization for use. Other countries will most likely follow and restirct or ban TCE altogether. 
 
Learn more about how to replace TCE with this free eGuide