About 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Water Filter
From The Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
What is 1,1,1-trichloroethane?
1,1,1-Trichloroethane is a synthetic chemical that does not occur naturally in the environment. It also is known as methylchloroform, methyltrichloromethane, trichloromethylmethane, and �-trichloromethane. Its registered trade names are chloroethene NU� and Aerothene TT�. It is a colorless liquid with a sweet, sharp odor. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane dissolves slightly in water. The liquid evaporates quickly and becomes a vapor. Most people begin to smell 1,1,1-trichloroethane in the air when its levels reach 120�500 parts per million (ppm). If the chemical makes up 8�10.5% (80,000� 105,000 ppm) of the air, it can burn easily when it contacts a spark or flame. A poisonous gas known as phosgene can be produced during welding if 1,1,1-trichloroethane is used to clean the metal. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane also can be found in soil and water, particularly at hazardous waste sites. Because of its tendency to evaporate easily, the vapor form is most commonly found in the environment.
1,1,1-Trichloroethane had many industrial and household uses. It was often used as a solvent to dissolve other substances, such as glues and paints. In industry, it was widely used to remove oil or grease from manufactured parts. In the home, it used to be an ingredient of products such as spot cleaners, glues, and aerosol sprays. No 1,1,1-trichloroethane is supposed to be manufactured for domestic use in the United States after January 1, 2002, because it affects the ozone layer. However, until 2005, limited amounts were still allowed to be produced for essential purposes, and until 2012, production of 1,1,1-trichloroethane is allowed for export. About 300 million pounds were produced in 2000, but less is being made today. Most of the 1,1,1-trichloroethane that is manufactured today is exported.
Resources:
Summary of Trichloroethane: PDF Version, 125 KB
For more information, contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-57
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO · 888-232-6348 (TTY)
ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics. These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances.
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