more 17 million people In 41, in the United States, they are exposed to harmful industrial chemical tricloroethylene or TCE in contaminated drinking water.
TCE It is toxicity Volatile organic compoundVOC was used to degrade metal parts and manufacture products since the 1920s. Inappropriate disposal and industrial launch of TCE contaminated public water systems and personal wells.
In addition to water, polluting soil and air and exposure Millions. Even at a very low level, TCE cancer,,, Fetal and Nervous system.
How TCE contaminates Suwon
TCE enters drinking water as a result of extensive industrial pollution. It has been used in cleaning, maintenance and manufacturing process for decades. Chemical waste in industrial facilities, such as refiners, power plants and warehouses, often affects or spills on nearby local communities.
Some industries prefer safer alternatives, but have been used in stages, but are used in certain applications. In 2020, Minnesota became the first US nation to prohibit the use of TCE, which requires business to convert business into a safer alternative in 2022, and the Federal Environmental Protection Bureau issued a national TCE ban in 2024 but is currently threatened.
TCE can last in groundwater for decades, and can lead to a long risk even after the original leak or speculation occurs. Environmental exposure to TCE threats long -term pollution and ecosystems and leads to the possibility of safe drinking water. Purification efforts to reverse the rapid spread of TCE through groundwater are complicated It costs a lot.
TCE in the water is concerned, while most people are exposed to TCE through air. VOC easily evaporates at room temperature.
Most common Indoor Exposure occurs when TCE exists in household products such as adhesive, glue, paint remover, spot cleaner and metal degrowth. TCE can also enter indoor air Steam invasionThe process of making chemical steam soaked into the building in contaminated groundwater or soil.
People use tap water contaminated for shower, cooking or cleaning, allowing TCE to enter the air when it easily evaporates during these daily activities. This can increase indoor air concentration and contribute to the entire exposure.
The community near industrial sites, refinery, power plants, and military bases is in danger of chronic TCE exposure, but TCE has been found to be distant from clear pollutants because it can travel far from groundwater.
National regulations on TCE of drinking water
that EPACurrent restrictions on TCE in drinking water, Maximum pollutant levelOr MCL, is 5 copies per billionOr ppb. The institution set up this standard decades ago and does not reflect the scientific understanding of TCE’s serious health risk. EWG recommends much more stringent Health guidance 0.4 ppb based on updated research and health advice Minnesota.
Older MCLs of EPA show why legal limitations for drinking water contaminants are not always the same as limitations. Millions of people are legally exposed to the TCE level of tap water, especially for pregnant women and children.
Until the EPA updates MCL for TCE, consumers must take their own measures to reduce exposure to this dangerous chemical.
The EPA, separated from the MCL, took an important stage in December 2024. prohibition Most of the use of chemicals. However, with the John Kennedy Senate (R-LA) with some of the parliament-Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) And Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IOWA) Promote resolution To cancel this ban.
Check the EWG’s tab water database
If you are concerned about whether TCE is in drinking water, EWG’s tap water database is an important resource. As the biggest open tool for tracking contaminants Like TCE In drinking water nationwide, anyone can search with the postal code to see what is in the water supply.
This year’s tab water database update shows California, New York, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Wisconsin. It is one of the most influenced weeks With TCE. In California alone, more than 8.9 million people depend on the utility that they saw pollution.
Some utility -good Franklin Square In New York Moorestown In New Jersey -average TCE level is reported to be almost 10 times higher than EWG’s health guidelines. In some parts of the same area Rome Linda and mountainIn California, the TCE level is directly below the MCL of the EPA, but it is still much better than scientists think they are safe for long -term consumption.
EWG’s conversation TCE pollution map It provides additional insights to areas with high risk of exposure.
What you can do
If TCE is detected in the water, there is a way to reduce exposure and protect your health.
Find to remove TCE from tap water Carbon -based filter We have been certified to reduce or consider VOCs. Yeoksam to system. The tab water database provides instructions on how to select the most suitable filter for a specific location.
In areas with significant TCE pollution, the entire house filtration system may be required, along with alleviate measures to solve the steam from the contaminated soil.
If you are using the Well Water, the water utilities do not monitor the source, so you need a personal test to check the TCE level.
It advocates powerful protection beyond home Maintain the ban on EPA for TCE Promoting the purification of landfills, industrial sites and military bases is an important step in reducing TCE contamination and limiting people’s exposure in the source.
