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Trichloroethylene risk assessment: a review and commentary
David J Jollow1, James V Bruckner, David C McMillan
1Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.
Critical Reviews in Toxicology
|October 27, 2009
Summary
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common pollutant. Research is needed to clarify its cancer risk in humans and refine drinking water standards, focusing on metabolism and dose-response relationships.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widespread environmental contaminant.
- Its carcinogenicity in humans remains unclear, with the current MCL based on policy, not science.
- Advances in cancer risk assessment necessitate a review of TCE's human health effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on TCE's carcinogenicity and identify research gaps.
- To facilitate the reassessment of TCE's cancer risk and inform regulatory guidelines.
- To propose key research areas for a weight-of-evidence approach.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TCE's toxicology, metabolism, and pharmacokinetic data.
- Discussion of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for dose extrapolation.
- Identification of research needs for human risk assessment.
Main Results:
- Current understanding suggests TCE is carcinogenic in rodents at high doses.
- Human carcinogenicity is less clear, requiring further investigation into mechanisms.
- PBPK models are crucial for predicting internal dosimetry and species extrapolation.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to resolve uncertainties regarding TCE's human carcinogenicity.
- Key research areas include the role of metabolites (DCA, TCA), human metabolism variability, and low-dose exposure effects.
- Refined risk assessment and updated guidelines are needed for effective public health protection.
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