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News Release from: Enviro Tech Europe
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 23 June 2006
New pressures put on trichloroethylene
Trichloroethylene is widely known to carry the risk phrase 'R45-May Cause Cancer - however some confusion has existed regarding worker exposure standards for user protection.
Trichloroethylene is widely known to carry the risk phrase 'R45-May Cause Cancer' However some confusion has existed regarding worker exposure standards for user protection
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 7 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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It has long since been argued that there is no safe limit for exposure standards of products known to be Carcinogens, said Derek Carpenter of Enviro Tech Europe.
Threshold Limit Values (TLV) has acted to give some advice when making risk assessments.
Trichloroethylene is widely known to carry the risk phrase R45-May Cause Cancer.
However some confusion has existed regarding worker exposure standards for user protection.
Variations exist around the world.
When reclassified as a carcinogen it was expected that new standards would be established in the UK to dramatically reduce the existing maximum exposure limit of 100 parts per million.
This is difficult in view of no known safety level.
It is considered that existing Directives to substitute trichloroethylene and the need to find a safer alternative in the 'shortest possible time' for those affected by the Solvent Emissions Directive is sufficient to ensure protection.
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), who advise the USEPA, have proposed a recommended TLV standard of 10 parts per million.
If this is unopposed it seems likely that this may become an accepted standard in the United States shortly.
Users of trichloroethylene are advised to discuss safety requirements with the HSE, whilst ensuring they have a substitution plan in place if they have obligations under the Solvent Emissions Directive. Request free introductory details about products from Enviro Tech Europe ...
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