Trichloroethylene reclassified as a carcinogen
28 Mar 2002
Trichloroethylene, a solvent used for degreasing surfaces has been reclassified as a carcinogen by the European Union, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned.
Trichloroethylene, often known as 'trike' is now classified as a category 2 carcinogen which means it may cause cancer. The solvent is primarily used in vapour degreasing tanks for cleaning metal parts and many users are small businesses.
Trichloroethylene is not banned, however, and there may be some circumstances where it is the only option for some degreasing operations.
A recently published HSE Engineering Information Sheet No 34 gives advice to managers on what the reclassification means and what action trichloroethylene users should take. They need to consider using an alternative solvent or cleaning process; or, if this is not possible, enclose the degreasing process as far as possible. Most of the tanks currently used are open-topped. These are not banned but users should take care to use them properly.
The change in classification will be absorbed into UK law by the Chemicals Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply Regulations later this year.
