Deaths from acute exposure to trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a commonly used halogenated hydrocarbon in industry. We report on deaths attributed to TCE exposure that occurred between 1975 and 1992. In addition, we present a case report from the most recent death, including tissue concentration modeling. The deaths shared a number of features. All occurred in young men who were usually working in confined spaces without adequate ventilation. These preventable deaths suggest that safety precautions are not being observed by workers and employers. Employers should ensure that their employees are adequately trained in the dangers of working with TCE, that adequate ventilation of the working environment is provided, that the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is available to their workers, and that workers should not work alone or unobserved when using TCE in confined spaces.