Trichloroethylene: an update

The toxicity of tricholoroethylene (TCE) has been summarized in a number of reviews. In this particular update, only the more recent studies that deal with metabolism and carcinogenicity have been examined. In reviewing the more recent publications on metabolism of TCE, we determined that differences exist in its metabolism if low doses are compared with high doses in animals. There may also be a difference in the metabolism of TCE between different species--namely mice, rats, and humans. TCE has not been shown to be a potent carcinogen in rats and it only seems to be a potent carcinogen in one specific strain of mice, namely the B6C3F1 mouse. Epidemiology studies have been rather limited. The number of persons examined so far for chronic toxic effects is small, compared with the enormous size of the work force that is exposed to TCE over prolonged periods. On an empirical basis, the occupational experience with TCE does not suggest that this compound is a potent carcinogen. The risk associated with exposure to trace amount (ppb) concentrations of TCE in water appear to be minimal or perhaps negligible. Because there are differences in metabolism of TCE, it is important that theoretical risks attributed to TCE in the past be reexamined. It is highly possible that in humans, the metabolic pathway leading to the formation of the proximate carcinogen is not activated at low doses, where TCE is excreted by first-order kinetics.