TCE
Pronunciation:tee-see-ee
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number:71-55-6
Formal Names:Chloroethene, Chlorotene, Chlorothene, Ethane, Methyl Chloro-
form, Methylchloroform, Methyltrichloromethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Type:Inhalant.Seepage 26
Federal Schedule Listing:Unscheduled
USA Availability:Generally available as a chemical, or as a component in various
products
Pregnancy Category:None
Uses.TCE is a solvent with many industrial functions, ranging from man-
ufacturing of ink and textiles to cleaning wigs and motion picture film. The
substance has been an ingredient in “liquid paper” correction fluids used to
cover blemishes on documents and photocopies. Small amounts of TCE can
be driven into food that is microwaved in paper and plastic containers fur-
nished for microwave cooking, but this exposure is considered safe. A stan-
dard medical use of the substance is for removing adhesive tape from a
patient’s skin.
In animal experiments TCE has depressant actions similar to those ofether,
such as reducing coordination in movement and lessening muscle strength.
Rats exhibit brain chemistry changes comparable to changes produced by ben-
zodiazepines. Mice act as if TCE provides some effects similar to those of
pentobarbital,diazepam, ether, andalcohol, but those reactions in highly
technical experiments do not mean that TCE would provide humans with any
therapeutic benefits or recreational sensations produced by those four drugs.
TCE has, however, altered sensory perception and caused hallucinations in
humans.
Drawbacks.Caregivers have been cautioned to take steps to avoid accu-
mulation of vapor inside incubators if TCE is used to remove adhesive tape
from infants. Nonprescription aerosol cold remedies have contained TCE as a
solvent component, and deaths have been attributed to the TCE in those prod-
ucts.
Recreational usage of TCE is intended to produce euphoria. Depending on
amount of inhalation, TCE can make mice more active or less active. In hu-
mans the substance tends to excite persons at first, then make them lethargic.