Connecticut State Department of Public Health

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toxic

The CT DPH Toxicology Unit has evaluated TCE’s effects on early life (in utero) development. TCE can affect the fetus by altering the development of the immune system, as well as causing potential cardiac defects. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry (ATSDR) have set health protective levels below which TCE is unlikely to harm fetal development. CT DPH has used these levels to derive short-term air concentration targets for the workplace.  This forms the basis of joint CT DPH/CT DEEP guidance for the prevention of vapor intrusion acute health risk.  Because of TCE’s reproductive as well as carcinogenic health effects, CT DPH is focusing on TCE exposures from vapor intrusion, drinking water, and occupational exposure to women of childbearing age.

 

TCE Vapor Intrusion: Joint Guidance with CT DEEP
 
Vapor intrusion is the movement of chemicals from groundwater and soil into buildings. Vapor intrusion of TCE may be a reproductive hazard for women of childbearing age. Two documents were developed jointly by the CT Departments of Public Health and Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and can be viewed on the DEEP website. They are called:
  • Trichloroethylene (TCE) Indoor Air Guidance to Protect Building Occupants from Developmental Risk
  • Brief Review of Trichloroethylene (TCE) Developmental Risks 

TCE in the Workplace: Occupational Alert

 

CT DPH has created a TCE Occupational Health Alert because women of childbearing age may be exposed to TCE on the job. Exposure may come from certain materials that they handle in the workplace. TCE is a reproductive hazard. 

TCE in Drinking Water: Proposed MCL