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57-495: The agency, currently headed by Executive Director Dr Sharon McGuinness, started working on 1 June 2007. The ECHA was created by European Union regulation dating from 18 December 2006 to manage the then-new legislation to regulate the manufacture and use of chemical substances . According to a subsequent audit by the European Court of Auditors its objectives are To ensure a high level of protection of human health and

114-411: A positive allosteric modulator of inhibitory GABA A and glycine receptors . Its high blood solubility results in a less desirable slower induction of anesthesia. At low concentrations, it is relatively non-irritating to the respiratory tract. Higher concentrations result in tachypnea . Many types of cardiac arrhythmias can occur and are exacerbated by epinephrine (adrenaline). It was noted in

171-643: A reflux condenser and observing decomposition. Definitive documentation of 1,4-dioxane as a stabilizing agent for TCE is scant due to the lack of specificity in early patent literature describing TCE formulations. Epichlorohydrin , butylene oxide , N -methyl pyrrole and ethyl acetate are common stabilisers for TCE, with epichlorohydrin being the most persistent and effective. Other chemical stabilizers include ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone . When inhaled, trichloroethylene produces central nervous system depression resulting in general anesthesia . These effects may be mediated by trichloroethylene acting as

228-445: A specific gravity greater than 1 (denser than water), trichloroethylene can be present as a dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) if sufficient quantities are spilt in the environment. The first known report of TCE in groundwater was given in 1949 by two English public chemists who described two separate instances of well contamination by industrial releases of TCE. Based on available federal and state surveys, between 9% and 34% of

285-607: A degreaser. Trichloroethylene is used to remove grease and lanolin from wool before weaving . TCE has also been used in the United States to clean kerosene-fueled rocket engines (TCE was not used to clean hydrogen-fueled engines such as the Space Shuttle Main Engine ). During static firing, the RP-1 fuel would leave hydrocarbon deposits and vapors in the engine. These deposits had to be flushed from

342-515: A given date, companies will not be allowed to place the substance on the market or to use it, unless they have been given prior authorisation to do so by ECHA. One of the main aims of this listing process is to phase out SVHCs wherever possible. For example, the ECHA claims that trichloroethylene use in the EU has decreased by over 95% in the ten years to 2022 as a result of its authorisation process, although

399-1095: A known or probable carcinogen for humans. In 2014, the International Agency for Research on Cancer updated its classification of trichloroethylene to Group 1, indicating that sufficient evidence exists that it can cause cancer of the kidney in humans as well as some evidence of cancer of the liver and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma . In the European Union , the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limit Values (SCOEL) recommends an exposure limit for workers exposed to trichloroethylene of 10 ppm (54.7 mg/m ) for 8-hour TWA and of 30 ppm (164.1 mg/m ) for STEL (15 minutes). Existing EU legislation aimed at protection of workers against risks to their health (including Chemical Agents Directive 98/24/EC and Carcinogens Directive 2004/37/EC ) currently do not impose binding minimum requirements for controlling risks to workers' health during

456-431: A metal degreaser , trichloroethylene itself is unstable in the presence of metal over prolonged exposure. As early as 1961 this phenomenon was recognized by the manufacturing industry when stabilizing additives were added to the commercial formulation. Since the reactive instability is accentuated by higher temperatures, the search for stabilizing additives was conducted by heating trichloroethylene to its boiling point under

513-425: A neurotoxin. The introduction of halothane in 1956 greatly diminished the use of TCE as a general anesthetic in the 1960s, as halothane allowed much faster induction and recovery times and was considerably easier to administer. Trichloroethylene has been used in the production of halothane. Trilene was also used as an inhaled analgesic, mainly during childbirth, often self-applied by the patient. Trichloroethylene

570-400: A regulation comes into force, it overrides all national laws dealing with the same subject matter and subsequent national legislation must be consistent with and made in the light of the regulation. While member states are prohibited from obscuring the direct effect of regulations, it is common practice to pass legislation dealing with consequential matters arising from the coming into force of

627-551: A regulation. Although a regulation in principle has a direct effect, the Belgian Constitutional Court has ruled that the international institutions, such as the EU, may not derogate from the national identity as set out in the political and constitutional basic structures of the country, or the core values of the protection of the Constitution. Trichloroethylene Trichloroethylene ( TCE )

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684-737: A variety of legislative procedures depending on their subject matter. Despite their name, Regulations are primary legislation rather than regulatory delegated legislation ; as such, they are often described as "Acts" (e.g. the Digital Services Act ). The description of regulations can be found in Article 288 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (formerly Article 249 TEC ). Article 288 To exercise

741-434: A variety of organic materials. It is mainly used for cleaning. Trichloroethylene is an ingredient in various printing ink , varnishes and industrial paint formulations, as an active ingredient. Other uses include dyeing and finishing operations, adhesive formulations, the rubber industry, adhesives, lacquers , and paint strippers . It is applied before plating , anodizing , and painting. When trichloroethylene

798-507: A variety of halogenated compounds including trichloroethylene. Toluene dioxygenase has been reported to be involved in TCE degradation by Pseudomonas putida . In some cases, Xanthobacter autotrophicus can convert up to 51% of TCE to CO and CO 2 . Groundwater and drinking water contamination from industrial discharge including trichloroethylene is a major concern for human health and has precipitated numerous incidents and lawsuits in

855-475: A variety of substances. The most commonly used catalyst is a mixture of potassium chloride and aluminum chloride . However, various forms of porous carbon can also be used. This reaction produces tetrachloroethylene as a byproduct and depending on the amount of chlorine fed to the reaction, tetrachloroethylene can even be the major product. Typically, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene are collected together and then separated by distillation . Prior to

912-423: Is a halocarbon with the formula C 2 HCl 3 , commonly used as an industrial metal degreasing solvent . It is a clear, colourless, non-flammable, volatile liquid with a chloroform -like pleasant mild smell and sweet taste. Its IUPAC name is trichloroethene . Trichloroethylene has been sold under a variety of trade names. Industrial abbreviations include TCE , trichlor , Trike , Tricky and tri . Under

969-404: Is also a chain terminator for polyvinyl chloride . Chlorination gives pentachloroethane . TCE has also been used as a dry cleaning solvent, although mostly replaced by tetrachloroethylene , except for spot cleaning where it is still used under the trade name Picrin. Perhaps the greatest use of TCE is as a degreaser for metal parts. It has been widely used in degreasing and cleaning since

1026-495: Is based on n -propyl bromide which carries an R60 risk phrase of May impair fertility , and would not be a legally acceptable substitute. Trichloroethylene is a good analgesic at 0.35 to 0.5% concentrations. Trichloroethylene was used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia beginning in 1916. Pioneered by Imperial Chemical Industries in Britain, under the trade name "Trilene" (from tri chloroethy lene ) , its development

1083-500: Is enough information about these products so that consumers can use them safely. ECHA is responsible for implementing the regulation. The law on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) sets guidelines for the export and import of hazardous chemicals that are banned or severely restricted in the EU. Through this mechanism, countries due to receive hazardous chemicals are informed in advance and have the possibility of rejecting their import. Substances which may have serious effects on human health and

1140-429: Is normally done in national legal systems. Regulations are in some sense equivalent to the legislative acts of the member states, in the sense that what they say is law and they do not need to be mediated into national law by means of implementing measures. As such, regulations constitute one of the most powerful forms of European Union law and a great deal of care is required in their drafting and formulation. When

1197-776: The European Community number can be used to find substances in the online system. Other possible search terms include the international nonproprietary name (for pharmaceutical drugs ), the ISO common name (for agrochemicals ) or the IUPAC name . European Union regulation A regulation is a legal act of the European Union which becomes immediately enforceable as law in all member states simultaneously. Regulations can be distinguished from directives which, at least in principle, need to be transposed into national law . Regulations can be adopted by means of

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1254-522: The 1920s because of its low cost, low flammability, low toxicity and high effectivity as a solvent. The demand for TCE as a degreaser began to decline in the 1950s in favor of the less toxic 1,1,1-trichloroethane . However, 1,1,1-trichloroethane production has been phased out in most of the world under the terms of the Montreal Protocol due to its effect of ozone depletion . As a result, trichloroethylene has experienced some resurgence in use as

1311-593: The 1940s that TCE reacted with carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) absorbing systems ( soda lime ) to produce dichloroacetylene by dehydrochlorination and phosgene . Cranial nerve dysfunction (especially the fifth cranial nerve) was common when TCE anesthesia was given using CO 2 absorbing systems. Muscle relaxation with TCE anesthesia sufficient for surgery was poor. For these reasons as well as problems with hepatotoxicity , TCE lost popularity in North America and Europe to more potent anesthetics such as halothane by

1368-501: The 1940s. TCE use was nonetheless soon found to have several pitfalls. These included promotion of cardiac arrhythmias , low volatility and high solubility preventing quick anesthetic induction, reactions with soda lime used in carbon dioxide absorbing systems, prolonged neurologic dysfunction when used with soda lime, and evidence of hepatotoxicity as had been found with chloroform. Alkali components of carbon dioxide absorbers reacted with trichloroethylene and released dichloroacetylene ,

1425-467: The 1960s. The symptoms of acute non-medical exposure are similar to those of alcohol intoxication , beginning with headache, dizziness, and confusion and progressing with increasing exposure to unconsciousness. Much of what is known about the chronic human health effects of trichloroethylene is based on occupational exposures. Besides the effects to the central nervous system, workplace exposure to trichloroethylene has been associated with toxic effects in

1482-585: The ECHA database. However, the quality of the information held for those chemicals produced at more than 1000 tonnes per annum was in doubt, with only one third meeting legal requirements. The industry group CEFIC acknowledged the problem. The European Environmental Bureau called for faster enforcement to minimise chemical exposure. Up to 2020, the Agency had identified about 300 substances requiring further review. By 2022, nearly 23,000 substances from 16,000 companies had valid registration dossiers. The information in

1539-571: The REACH Regulation and in its implementation. An initial group of 40 staff seconded from Brussels began to set up the Agency in Helsinki on 1 June 2007. The work associated with REACH ( Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals ) was expected to require extensive use of computer systems to store the data on individual chemicals, much of which would be supplied by companies that produced these materials. Hence, from

1596-507: The UK by Imperial Chemical Industries under the trade name Trilene it was coloured blue (with a dye called waxoline blue in 1:200,000 concentration) to avoid confusion with the similar-smelling chloroform. Trilene was stabilised with 0.01% thymol . Originally thought to possess less hepatotoxicity than chloroform , and without the unpleasant pungency and flammability of ether , TCE replaced earlier anesthetics chloroform and ether in

1653-572: The US in 1925. The use of trichloroethylene in the food and pharmaceutical industries has been banned in much of the world since the 1970s due to concerns about its toxicity. Legislation has forced the replacement of trichloroethylene in many processes in Europe as the chemical was classified as a carcinogen carrying an R45 risk phrase , May cause cancer . Many degreasing chemical alternatives are being promoted such as Ensolv and Leksol; however, each of these

1710-458: The Union's competences, the institutions shall adopt regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations and opinions. A regulation shall have general application. It shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. A directive shall be binding, as to the result to be achieved, upon each Member State to which it is addressed, but shall leave to the national authorities

1767-427: The United States are generally between 0.01 ppb and 0.3 ppb, although mean levels as high as 3.4 ppb have been reported. TCE levels in the low parts per billion range have been measured in food; however, levels as high as 140 ppb were measured in a few samples of food. TCE levels above background have been found in homes undergoing renovation . State, federal, and international agencies classify trichloroethylene as

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1824-503: The United States. The 1995 non-fiction book A Civil Action was written about a lawsuit ( Anderson v. Cryovac ) against following the increase in cancer cases after trichloroethylene pollution incidents and it was adapted to cinema in 1998 . TCE has been used as a recreational drug . Common methods of taking trichloroethylene recreationally include inhalation from a rag (similar to taking an inhalational anaesthetic) and drinking. Most TCE abusers were young people and workers who use

1881-579: The alternative products that have been substituted for that chemical may themselves not be without risk. The EU's waste framework directive aims to decrease waste containing hazardous materials and the ECHA has created a database specifically to assist in dealing with SVHC. Its acronym, SCIP, is derived from Substances of Concern In articles, as such or in complex objects (Products) . After 5 January 2021, manufacturers, importers, and distributors of items containing SVHC at an amount greater than 0.1% by weight in their products are obliged to submit information to

1938-471: The atomic weight of carbon was thought to be the half of it really was). Laurent did not investigate the compound further. Trichloroethylene's discovery is widely attributed to E. Fischer who made it in 1864 via the reduction of hexachloroethane with hydrogen. Fischer investigated TCE and noted its boiling point as between 87 and 90 degrees Celsius. Commercial production began in Germany, in 1920 and in

1995-555: The choice of form and methods. A decision shall be binding in its entirety upon those to whom it is addressed. Recommendations and opinions shall have no binding force. The Council can delegate legislative authority to the Commission and, depending on the area and the appropriate legislative procedure, both institutions can make laws. There are Council regulations and Commission regulations. Article 288 does not clearly distinguish between legislative acts and administrative acts, as

2052-532: The database. By May 2022, the database already contained information on over 7.6 million items. The ECHA supplies, via its website, a public summary of all the information it holds on the chemicals registered in its database. It provides this information in the form of a Substance Infocard giving hazards, uses and production or import quantities. Information on over 245,000 chemicals is available, although most do not have full dossiers since they are used in amounts below one tonne per annum. The CAS Registry Number or

2109-405: The dossier depends on the weight of the substance the registrant is dealing with: the least being for 1–10 tonnes/annum and the most for amounts above 1000 tonnes/annum. The classification and labelling scheme introduces a globally harmonised system for categorising the hazard and handling requirements for chemicals in the EU. This worldwide system makes it easier for workers and consumers to know

2166-408: The drinking water supply sources tested in the US may have some TCE contamination, though EPA has reported that most water supplies comply with the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 5 ppb. Generally, atmospheric levels of TCE are highest in areas of concentrated industry and population. Atmospheric levels tend to be lowest in rural and remote regions. Average TCE concentrations measured in air across

2223-447: The early 1970s, however, most trichloroethylene was produced in a two-step process from acetylene . First, acetylene was treated with chlorine using a ferric chloride catalyst at 90 °C to produce 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane according to the chemical equation : The 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane is then dehydrochlorinated to give trichloroethylene. This can be accomplished either with an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide : or in

2280-399: The engine to avoid the possibility of explosion during engine handling and future firing. TCE was used to flush the engine's fuel system immediately before and after each test firing. The flushing procedure involved pumping TCE through the engine's fuel system and letting the solvent overflow for a period ranging from several seconds to 30–35 minutes, depending upon the engine. For some engines,

2337-562: The engine's gas generator and liquid oxygen (LOX) dome were also flushed with TCE before test firing. The F-1 rocket engine had its LOX dome, gas generator, and thrust chamber fuel jacket flushed with TCE during launch preparations. TCE is also used in the manufacture of a range of fluorocarbon refrigerants such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane more commonly known as HFC 134a. TCE was also used in industrial refrigeration applications due to its high heat transfer capabilities and its low-temperature specification. Despite its widespread use as

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2394-472: The environment are identified as substance of very high concern (SVHC). These are mainly substances which cause cancer, mutation or are toxic to reproduction as well as substances which persist in the body or the environment and do not break down. Other substances considered as SVHCs include, for example, endocrine disrupting chemicals. Companies are required to inform users about their presence and therefore how to use items containing them safely. Consumers have

2451-435: The environment, including the promotion of alternative methods for assessment of hazards relating to substances, as well as the free circulation of substances on the internal market while enhancing competitiveness and innovation. To ensure that chemicals legislation and the decision making processes and scientific basis underlying it have credibility with all stakeholders and the public. To coordinate communication concerning

2508-576: The liver and kidney. A history of long-term exposure to high concentrations of trichloroethylene is a suspected environmental risk of Parkinson's disease . Trichloroethylene is metabolised to trichloroepoxyethane (TCE oxide) which rapidly isomerises to trichloroacetaldehyde (chloral). Chloral hydrates to chloral hydrate in the body. Chloral hydrate is either reduced to 2,2,2-trichloroethanol or oxidised to trichloroacetic acid . Monochloroacetic acid , dichloroacetic acid and trichloromethane were also detected as minor metabolites of TCE. With

2565-409: The most hazardous and the most commonly used substances have been registered. The information is technical but gives detail on the impact of each chemical on people and the environment. This also gives European consumers the right to ask retailers whether the goods they buy contain dangerous substances. In 2018, the first "registration" phase of REACH had ended, with over 21,500 chemicals being added to

2622-435: The outset there was a concern that there might be a conflict of interest if ECHA employees had previously worked in industry, or did so after a time with the Agency. The REACH regulation requires companies to provide information on the hazards, risks and safe use of chemical substances that they manufacture or import. Companies register this information with ECHA and it is then freely available on their website. Thousands of

2679-746: The prohibitions come into effect" to "protect everyone including bystanders from the harmful health effects of TCE". Recent research has focused on the in-place remediation of trichloroethylene in soil and groundwater using potassium permanganate instead of removal for off-site treatment and disposal. Naturally occurring bacteria have been identified with the ability to degrade TCE. Dehalococcoides sp. degrade trichloroethylene by reductive dechlorination under anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic conditions, Pseudomonas fluorescens can co-metabolize TCE. Soil and groundwater contamination by TCE has also been successfully remediated by chemical treatment and extraction. The bacteria Nitrosomonas europaea can degrade

2736-664: The right to ask the retailer whether these substances are present in the products they buy. Once a substance has been officially identified in the EU as being of very high concern, it will be added to a list (the Candidate List). This list is available on ECHA's website, and shows consumers and industry which chemicals are identified as SVHCs. Substances placed on the Candidate List can then move to another list (the Authorisation List). This means that, after

2793-576: The side-effects of chemicals and how to use products safely because the labels on products are now the same throughout the world. Companies need to notify ECHA of the classification and labelling of their chemicals. By 2022, the ECHA had received over 5 million notifications for more than 200,000 substances. The information is freely available on their website. Consumers can check chemicals in the products they use. Biocidal products include, for example, insect repellents and disinfectants used in hospitals. The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) ensures that there

2850-485: The trade names Trimar and Trilene , it was used as a volatile anesthetic and as an inhaled obstetrical analgesic . It should not be confused with the similar 1,1,1-trichloroethane , which was commonly known as chlorothene . The earliest record of trichloroethylene synthesis dates back to 1836. It was obtained from the action of potassium hydroxide on 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane by Auguste Laurent and notated as C 4 HCl 3 (then

2907-521: The tri-service field anaesthetic apparatus used by the UK armed forces under field conditions. As of 2000, TCE was still in use as an anesthetic in Africa. Today, most trichloroethylene is produced from ethylene . First, ethylene is chlorinated over a ferric chloride catalyst to produce 1,2-dichloroethane : When heated to around 400 °C with additional chlorine, 1,2-dichloroethane is converted to trichloroethylene: This reaction can be catalyzed by

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2964-576: The use phase or throughout the life cycle of trichloroethylene. In 2023, the United States United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that trichloroethylene presents a risk of injury to human health in various uses, including during manufacturing, processing, mixing, recycling , vapor degreasing, as a lubricant, adhesive, sealant , cleaning product, and spray. It is dangerous from both inhalation and dermal exposure and

3021-415: The vapor phase by heating it to 300–500 °C on a barium chloride or calcium chloride catalyst: Common impurities in reagent and technical grade TCE are methyl chloroform , carbon tetrachloride , ethylene dichloride , tetrachloroethanes , benzene and phenol . However, these compounds are present in very small amounts and do not possess any risk. Trichloroethylene is an effective solvent for

3078-414: Was first widely produced in the 1920s, its major use was to extract vegetable oils from plant materials such as soy , coconut , and palm . Other uses in the food industry included coffee decaffeination (removal of caffeine ) and the preparation of flavoring extracts from hops and spices . TCE was used a freezing point depressant in carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers. Trichloroethylene

3135-495: Was hailed as an anesthetic revolution. It was mostly known as "Trimar" in the United States. The –mar suffix indicates study and development at the University of Maryland , e.g., "Fluoromar" for fluroxene and "Vinamar" for ethyl vinyl ether ". From the 1940s through the 1980s, both in Europe and North America, trichloroethylene was used as a volatile anesthetic almost invariably administered with nitrous oxide . Marketed in

3192-467: Was introduced for obstetrical anaesthesia in 1943, and used until the 1980s. Its anaesthetic use was banned in the United States in 1977 but the anaesthetic use in the United Kingdom remained until the late 1980s (especially for childbirth). Fetal toxicity and concerns about the carcinogenic potential of TCE led to its abandonment in developed countries by the 1980s. TCE was used with halothane in

3249-774: Was most strongly associated with immunosuppressive effects for acute exposure, as well as autoimmune effects for chronic exposures. As of June 1, 2023, two U.S. states ( Minnesota and New York ) have acted on the EPA's findings and banned trichloroethylene in all cases but research and development. According to the US EPA, in October 2023 it "proposed to ban the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of TCE for all uses, with longer compliance time frames and workplace controls (including an exposure limit) for some processing and industrial and commercial uses until

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