Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents.
Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents, such as trichloroethylene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane, have been used widely in many industries because of their ready ability to dissolve oils, greases, and other materials, their low acute toxicity, and their non-flammability. Although these materials share certain toxicologic, functional, and chemical similarities, important differences exist. These differences largely explain why certain solvents, once common, are no longer in use and why others have become more widely used over time. This article reviews the properties, toxicologic effects of interest, workplace limits, and use history of the most common chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents.
Cambridge Environmental Inc., 58 Charles Street, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA. armstrong@cambridgeenvironmental.com
Sarah R
SR
Armstrong
Laura C
LC
Green
D006801:Humans; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D008752:Methylene Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013750:Tetrachloroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects; D014240:Trichloroethanes / Q000009:adverse effects; D014241:Trichloroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States
D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D012997:Solvents; D014240:Trichloroethanes; C024566:1,1,1-trichloroethane; D014241:Trichloroethylene; D008752:Methylene Chloride; D013750:Tetrachloroethylene