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Site Health and Safety Plan Page 9 <br />Symptoms of exposure may include headaches, loss of coordination, dizziness and <br />confusion. High levels of exposure may cause high in respiratory irritation, skin irritation, and <br />difficulty breathing. <br />The OSHA PEL for xylene is 435 mg/m3 (100 ppm). <br />3.3.7 Trichloroethylene <br />CAS # 79-01-6 <br />Trichloroethylene is a halogenated alkene that exists at room temperature as a clear, <br />colorless, or blue freely flowing liquid with a slight solvent odor. Trichloroethylene is slightly <br />soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether, and chloroform, and is miscible <br />in oil. <br />Trichloroethylene is used as an intermediate in the production of hydrofluorocarbons, <br />refrigerants, and is a degreaser for metal parts. Other uses include spot removal in the dry- <br />cleaning industry, vapor and coal decreasing operations for metal products, electronics and <br />electronic equipment, and miscellaneous manufacturing applications. Trichloroethylene is <br />also been used as an industrial solvent in the rubber industry, in paints, lacquers, varnishes, <br />adhesives, and paint strippers. <br />Workers are principally exposed to print trichloroethylene by inhalation and through skin <br />contact with vapors and liquids. Ingestion of contaminated water and food items represents <br />an additional pathway of potential exposure to trichloroethylene. <br />Symptoms of exposure to trichloroethylene may include headache, high irritation, dizziness, <br />airway irritation, weakness and exhaustion. <br />The OSHA PEL for trichloroethylene is 5,370 mg/m3 (100 ppm) <br />Trichloroethylene is a known human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity <br />from studies in humans. <br />3.3.8 Tetrachloroethylene <br />CAS # 127-18-4 <br />Tetrachloroethylene is a halogenated alkene existing at room temperature as a colorless <br />liquid with mildly sweet odor. It is slightly soluble in water but is miscible with alcohol, ether, <br />chloroform, benzene and solvent hexane. Tetrachloroethylene may be oxidized in air and <br />sunlight and reacts with chemically active metals (e.g., barium or lithium). <br />Tetrachloroethylene is used primarily as a cleaning solvent and as a chemical precursor for <br />fluorocarbons. Tetrachloroethylene is also been used as an insulating fluid and cooling gas <br />and electrical transformers, as paint removers, solvents and printing inks, and adhesive <br />formulations, paper coatings, and leather treatments. Moreover, tetrachloroethylene is <br />commonly found in aerosol formulations such as water repellents, automotive and break <br />cleaners, silicone lubricants, and spot removers. <br />The primary routes of exposure to tetrachloroethylene are inhalation and ingestion of <br />contaminated water or food. Dermal exposure may occur, but may be considered less than <br />inhalation or ingestion.