An episode of trichloroethylene poisoning

Trichloroethylene is commonly used in industry as a solvent and degreasing agent. An incident is described in which 14 out of 23 workers using trichloroethylene to clean machine parts in an electronics factory suffered symptoms of poisoning, including fainting in 3. Subsequent investigation showed the widespread use of trichloroethylene in that factory; containers of the chemical were also kept exposed. Industrial hygiene assessments revealed vapour levels which exceeded the permissible limit. The implementation of control measures brought the vapour levels to below 50 ppm, a safe level.