Environmental Sources of Trichloroethylene Exposure: Source Contribution Factors

摘要

This study is intended to assist the Assessment Division, Office of Testing and Evaluation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in the assessment of human health risks associated with trichloroethylene exposure. The levels and frequency of occurrence of trichloroethylene in the various environmental media (air, food, and drinking water) have been identified. The relative contribution of each of these sources to an individual's total daily trichloroethylene uptake is determined through an exposure/uptake approach. It is anticipated that such an approach in combination with other exposure information can be used in the support of regulatory decision making under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Available occurrence data, although limited, indicate a greater persistence of trichloroethylene in ground water than in the atmosphere or surface water. Numerous instances of trichloroethylene occurrence in drinking water (supplied by aquifers) were cited. The suggested no adverse response level was found to be exceeded in all situations considered above the average value scenario. The fetus, children and those consuming ethyl alcohol were subunits of the general population qualitatively identified as hypersensitive to trichloroethylene.