Respiratory effects of trichloroethylene

Respir Med. 2018 Jan:134:47-53. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2017.11.021. Epub 2017 Dec 1.

Abstract

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chlorinated solvent that has been used widely around the world in the twentieth century for metal degreasing and dry cleaning. Although TCE displays general toxicity and is classified as a human carcinogen, the association between TCE exposure and respiratory disorders are conflicting. In this review we aimed to systematically evaluate the current evidence for the respiratory effects of TCE exposure and the implications for the practicing clinician. There is limited evidence of an increased risk of lung cancer associated with TCE exposure based on animal and human data. However, the effect of other chlorinated solvents and mixed solvent exposure should be further investigated. Limited data are available to support an association between TCE exposure and respiratory tract disorders such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or rhinitis. The most consistent data is the association of TCE with autoimmune and vascular diseases such as systemic sclerosis and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease. Although recent data are reassuring regarding the absence of an increased lung cancer risk with TCE exposure, clinicians should be aware of other potential respiratory effects of TCE. In particular, occupational exposure to TCE has been linked to less common conditions such as systemic sclerosis and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease.

Keywords: Chronic respiratory diseases; Lung cancer; Occupation; Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease; Solvent; Toxicity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Lung Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease / chemically induced
  • Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease / epidemiology
  • Respiration Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Respiration Disorders / epidemiology
  • Solvents / adverse effects*
  • Solvents / pharmacokinetics
  • Trichloroethylene / adverse effects*
  • Trichloroethylene / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Solvents
  • Trichloroethylene