Liver disease associated with exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane

1,1,1-trichloroethane is a halogenated hydrocarbon solvent commonly used in industry because of its supposed lack of hepatotoxicity. Nonetheless, animal studies performed by several independent groups have shown the solvent to induce fat deposition, vacuolar degeneration, and centrilobular necrosis, changes similar to those seen after exposure to carbon tetrachloride, albeit of a much reduced magnitude, in animals exposed to the agent. Four patients with fatty liver disease whose work entailed substantial exposure to this agent were seen at the University of Pittsburgh (Pa). Based on this clinical experience, we believe that 1,1,1-trichloroethane should be reconsidered as an agent with potential hepatotoxicity in man.