Carcinogenicity of trichloroethylene: an epidemiologic assessment

Abstract

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is used extensively in various industries. Because of its solubility in water, TCE also is often found in contaminated groundwater and drinking water. TCE is not only an occupational health issue but also a public health concern. This article focuses on the scientific literature of TCE and cancer. Included in this article are epidemiologic studies from the United States and Europe of TCE manufacturing workers, metal polishers and platers, aerospace manufacturing and maintenance workers, and jewelry workers who used TCE. Also included are several recent studies from Taiwan, consisting of electronics factory workers who used TCE and nearby community residents who consumed TCE-contaminated groundwater.