Here's a link to a Material Safety Data Sheet:
http://www.vul.com/vulchemicals/products/pdf/msds/trichlo/Trichloroethylene%20Metal%20Degreasing.pdfHere's some pertinent extracts:
SECTION 3 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
A dense, nonflammable, colorless, clear liquid with a mildly sweet odor.
WARNING! Harmful if inhaled. Can cause skin and eye irritation.
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
INHALATION
Inhalation is the major potential route of exposure. Exposure to high concentrations of vapor or mist can cause
central nervous system depression with symptoms of nausea, headache, dizziness, stupor, or
loss of
consciousness or death depending on concentration and duration of exposure. Exposure to high concentrations
can cause irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest and death. Overexposure has been shown to cause adverse effects
on the liver, kidney, nervous system and other internal organs.
SKIN
Prolonged or repeated contact of liquid can cause skin irritation, defatting of skin, and dermatitis. Absorption of
liquid through intact skin is possible, causing systemic poisoning, but this is an unlikely route of significant toxic
exposure.
EYE
Liquid in eyes produces pain and irritation with mild temporary damage possible. Vapor can irritate eyes.
INGESTION
Single dose toxicity is low to moderate. If vomiting occurs, trichloroethylene can be aspirated into the lungs, which
can cause chemical pneumonia and systemic effects. Ingestion can cause adverse health effect as described in the
Inhalation section above.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE
Alcoholism, acute and chronic kidney or liver disease, rhythm disorders of the heart, and neuritis and other
disorders of the nervous system. Exposure can result in cardiac sensitization and increase the risk of cardiac
arrest.
SECTION 7 HANDLING AND STORAGE
HANDLING
Avoid contact with skin and avoid breathing vapors. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area. Wash hands prior to
eating, drinking, or using restroom. Any clothing or shoes which become contaminated with trichloroethylene,
should be removed immediately and thoroughly laundered before wearing again.
Follow protective controls set forth in Section 8 when handling this product. Do not use in poorly ventilated or
confined spaces. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Do not enter confined spaces such as
tanks or pits without following proper entry procedures as required by 29 CFR 1910.146.
SECTION 8 EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
VENTILATION
Do not use in closed or confined space. Open doors and/or windows. Use ventilation to maintain exposure levels
below 50 ppm (TWA).
To determine exposure level(s), monitoring should be performed regularly. Safety shower and eyewash station
should be available.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET Trichloroethylene 10/15/96
Page 4 of 8
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION
Wear safety glasses. Contact lenses should not be worn. Chemical goggles and/or face shields should be worn
where splashing is a possibility.
SKIN PROTECTION
Wear solvent-resistant gloves such as Viton, polyvinyl alcohol, or equivalent. Solvent-resistant boots, apron,
headgear and/or faceshield should be worn where splashing is a possibility.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Where vapor concentration exceeds or is likely to exceed 50 ppm, a NIOSH/MSHA approved organic vapor type
half-mask respirator is acceptable. A NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing apparatus or air line
respirator, with full face piece, is required for vapor concentrations above 1,000 ppm and for spills and/or
emergencies. Follow any applicable respirator use standards or regulations.
GENERAL
Protective equipment and clothing should be selected, used, and maintained according to applicable standards and
regulations. For further information, contact the clothing or equipment manufacturer or the Vulcan Chemicals
Technical Service Department.
EXPOSURE GUIDELINES
Vulcan Chemicals recommends that its customers minimize employee exposure. Vulcan therefore suggests that its
customers consider adopting the lower of the current OSHA PEL or the ACGIH TLVs for the purpose of evaluating
employee exposures. The TLVs recommended by the ACGIH have been updated on a continuing basis.
ACGIH: 50 ppm TWA (8 hr), 100 ppm STEL ACGIH Biological Exposure Indices:
OSHA: 100 ppm TWA (8 hr), 200 ppm Ceiling Blood: 4 mg/L,
Urine: 100 mg/g creatinine
IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE OR HEALTH
1000 ppmODOR THRESHOLD
Odor threshold approximately 60 ppm; causes olfactory fatigue.
Yes, this will clean paint off a gun barrel ... Personally, I would never bring this material into my home - it's a dangerous, industrial grade chemical.
