TRICHLOROETHYLENE - EVALUATION OF RISKS TO HEALTH FROM ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE IN CANADA

In this assessment of trichloroethylene as a Priority Substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, estimates of the average to tal daily intake are presented and available data on potential health effects are evaluated. Although some of the tumours induced in animals by trichloroethylene may not be relevant to humans, or humans may be much less sensitive, it was concluded that there was sufficient weight of evidence to classify trichloroethylene as ''probably carcinogenic to humans''. Based on comparison of the average daily intake of trichl oroethylene with the potential of this substance to induce tumours, th e priority for analysis of options to reduce exposure in the general e nvironment is considered to be low to moderate compared to that of oth er substances assessed in the Priority Substances program.