Health Consequences from Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene - Admission/Application Essay Example

Health Consequences from Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene Introduction Tetrachloroethylene or tetrachloroethane is a chlorocarbon. It is usually in liquid form and is colourless. The chemical is mainly used for dry-cleaning of fabrics and people usually refer to it as “dry-cleaning fluid.” Tetrachloroethylene is a potent solvent for organic substances. The chemical nature of this chlorocarbon causes it to be an important agent in various industries. Tetrachloroethylene is volatile but is highly stable and inflammable. The chemical is widely used in the dry-cleaning industry and in degreasing metal objects (EPA). Health wise tetrachloroethylene is a potent carcinogenic. It can cause cancers in the human body. The chemical acts as a central nervous system depressant. It also affects the skin by causing irritation. The chemical enters the human body via skin or via the respiratory system. Tetrachloroethylene is at times detected in drinking water due to contaminated sources. People who are at highest risk of contamination from this chemical are workers of dry-cleaning factories. This chemical can be detected in the human body by testing breath, blood and urine samples (EPA). The chemical has acute and chronic effects on health. A healthy individual is at risk of tetrachloroethylene contamination due to the clothes being worn that are washed by the dry-cleaner or by the drinking of contaminated water (ATSDR). Methods of Detection As mentioned above, tetrachloroethylene can enter the human body via inhalation of air containing it, by drinking contaminated water or by working at a place where the chemical is present in high percentage. There are a few ways to detect the quantity of this chemical in the human body. A detection of the human breath can be done to check the levels of tetrachloroethylene in the same way as alcohol is detected in the human breath. This procedure is carried out in individuals who live in areas where this chemical is present in the air. An alarming fact about the chemical is that the chemical when inhaled is stored in the body’s fat reservoirs. From the fat storage it is slowly released into the bloodstream hence it can be detected in breath detections after heavy exposure to the chemical. Breakdown products of the chemicals such as tri-chloroacetic acid can be detected in the urine and blood samples of individuals who have been exposed to it. These tests can be performed simply by taking samples in containers and sending them to laboratories. Exposure to other chemicals can produce the same breakdown products in the urine and blood samples, so the tests for breakdown products cannot determine if you have been exposed to tetrachloroethylene (ATSDR). Methods of Clean-up of Tetrachloroethylene Contamination of water sources and air sources by this chemical needs to be checked and corrected. Tetrachloroethylene, also called perchloroethylene, PCE is released into rinsing water or into landscaping or storm water drains by dry-cleaning industries. A surprising number of chemicals have been released into the soil and groundwater accidentally from the leaking sanitary sewer into lines (Keyes). Clean-up technologies are available for the industrialists. Industrialists can easily use these methods as preventive measures to avoid contamination of water and air. Big industries such as rubber factories and dry-cleaning industries can do their part for environmental betterment by keeping a strict check on the contaminated material that is being thrown into nearby water sources by their factories. Procedures such as injecting a gas into the contaminated water supply or application of specific bacteria can be helpful. Hydrogen peroxide is a helpful gas which can be used for decontaminating the water. The application of this gas leads to the breakdown of the tetrachloroethylene compound. Although this is an easy process, a few obstacles such as delivery of hydrogen peroxide gas to specific industries and the loss of reactive power of the gas may occur. Specific bacteria can also be used as a method to detoxify the water sources. Bacteria act as phagocytic agents and tend to engulf the tetrachloroethylene molecule. To work to the fullest the bacteria require energy, hence to provide this energy an addition of nutrients is inserted in the groundwater along with the bacteria. (Keyes). Detoxification from Human Body Detoxification of the chemical occurs via few routes. The metabolism of tetrachloroethylene is known to become saturated after a specific limit in humans. In humans, exhalation of unchanged tetrachloroethylene following inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure are the primary route of excretion and detoxification (ATSDR). Disease Correlations Tetrachloroethylene is a carcinogenic agent for the human body. Its chemical nature causes it to be a central nervous depressant. This chemical can prove to be highly hazardous to human health. Diseases caused by exposure to the chemical can be acute or chronic (ATSDR). The hazards which initiate due to prolonged of exposure of tetrachloroethylene vapors include irritation of the upper respiratory tract, redness of eyes and kidney dysfunction. At low concentrations symptoms such as neurological changes, mood swings and behavioral changes occur. Symptoms such as sleepiness, headaches, unconsciousness and impaired coordination have also been documented in human beings (Hake and Stewart 231). There is a high chance of exposure to tetrachloroethylene, by dermal contact and by inhalation, during its application in dry cleaning and degreasing procedures. Accidental overexposures of workers and controlled exposures of human can occur at industries. A few reported cases suggest accidental overexposure to anesthetic doses of the chemical and recovery from the contamination is complete but lengthy. Apart from this issue the contaminated individual has alveolar breath which smells of the chemical for a few days to weeks. Chronic overexposures of factory workers have lessened due to limited working hours (Hake and Stewart 231). The target organs for tetrachloroethylene to attack are liver, kidneys and the central nervous system (Shen et.al 138). The most common effects that result from prolonged and chronic inhalation of tetrachloroethylene in humans are neurological effects which include sensory symptoms. The people that have been exposed chronically might present with headaches, impairments in cognitive and motor behavior and defects in visualizing colors. Few other problems that occur in humans are kidney dysfunction and liver pathologies. Liver failure has not yet been documented in human beings but there is a possibility of its occurrence (Shen et.al 138). The immune and haematopoietic system may also be affected by prolonged exposure. Reproductive systems of men and women are both at risk. Complications such as irregular menstrual cycles and problems in deliveries have been reported in women. In men studies have shown reduced sperm count and activity. Tetrachloroethylene has the ability to cross the placenta and can be found in breast milk. Hence the fetus may be at increased risk of adverse effects due to high exposure to mother. Studies have also pointed out that high and continuous exposure to tetrachloroethylene might have a subtle effect on the sperm count of a male worker working at a dry-cleaning industry (Eskenazi et.al 575). The chemical has the potential to effect quality and motility of sperms if exposed for long periods. It may also cause decrease in sperm count and change in morphology of sperms. An alarming study was done which gave results that were astonishing for pregnant women. The study showed that women that continued to work at dry-cleaning industries during pregnancy had chances of having spontaneous abortions. This study also showed that women working at dry-cleaning industries were at a high risk of delivering malformed newborns (Kyyronen 346). Tetrachloroethylene-A Carcinogenic Agent The biggest and most potent risk this chemical possesses is its ability to be a carcinogenic agent in the human body. Workers exposed to tetrachloroethylene via inhalation or drinking contaminated water have shown signs of cancerous activity. Most commonly cancer of the urinary system specifically bladder cancer have been associated with the chemical. Cancers of the hematopoietic system such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma have been reported in the exposed individuals (EPA). Tetrachloroethylene has proven to be a carcinogenic agent and mainly a bladder carcinogen. Urinary bladder carcinoma is the ninth most common cancer in the world. Cigarette smoking is the most potent risk factor of the carcinoma but a few occupations also lead to its formation. Workers of rubber factories and dry-cleaning industries are at highest risk of bladder carcinoma. Tetrachloroethylene also called perchloroethylene is one of the most important chlorinated solvents used worldwide and it has been highlighted as the most dangerous agent leading to bladder carcinoma ( Vlaanderen 661). Dry cleaners are exposed to a mixture of solvents, but tetrachloroethylene is the only component which is recognized as a potential bladder carcinogen. Hence it can be said that, the higher risk of bladder cancer in dry cleaners is due to tetrachloroethylene exposure, which is the primary and main solvent used in dry cleaning (Vlaander 661).  Tetrachloroethylene is an old and useful agent which is being used in industries for many years. Dry-cleaning and degreasing of metal industries use it the most. The agent is a powerful solvent, and the best thing about it is that it is not flammable. The agent is available in liquid form and is also called as the “dry-cleaning agent”. The humans working in these industries are at high risk of hazards. They might inhale, drink or touch the contaminated chemical. Inhaling vapors of tetrachloroethylene can cause upper respiratory and eye irritation. The health hazards are acute and chronic depending on the duration and quantity of exposure. Immediate symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, upper respiratory tract irritation, red eyes and memory loss. Chronic exposure to the chemical may cause renal problems and liver defects. Liver failure might also be a risk. The chemical is a potent hazard for men and women working in dry-cleaning industries. It affects the reproductive functions of individuals. In women it has proven to disturb the menstrual cycles. It also may cause spontaneous abortions and the birth of abnormal babies. Tetrachloroethylene is a strongly carcinogenic agent. Studies have proved that workers of rubber factories and dry-cleaning factories are at highest risk for bladder carcinoma. The chemical used in these industries is a bladder carcinogen (EPA). Tetrachloroethylene is a potent and useful agent which is being used in many industries nowadays, but its hazards cannot be foreseen or forgotten. Tetrachloroethylene and its metabolite trichloroethylene are common solutions that are used in industries. Due to their common use they are the most common poisonous solvents found in the nearby water sources. These chemicals are cancer causing, hence studies should be conducted which help explain their toxicity (Vogel and McCarty 1080). The hazards for the workers are dangerous and preventive measure need to be taken to prevent them. Wearing masks can be a safe option for the workers. By doing this they could prevent the inhalation of poisonous vapors into the respiratory tract. A check should also be done on factories that let out their contaminated water into the water sources. A check should also be done on the drinking water available to people who are living near the areas where this chemical is in high quantity. Limited working hours for individuals can also serve to be a solution for the factory workers or dry-cleaners who are exposed to this chemical. This chemical is a potential threat and risk factor for cancers mainly bladder cancer, hence further studies need to be conducted on how to prevent its carcinogenic capability. Studies should also be carried out to bring about preventive measures for its toxicity. Individuals residing near dry-cleaning industries or metal degreasing industries are at high risk of developing symptoms. People who live in apartment buildings where dry-cleaners are located are exposed to tetrachloroethylene in the air they breathe. This chemical is highly toxic and dangerous for the human body because it has the ability to get stored in the human body in the fat reserves. Further the fat stores release the chemical and its metabolites into the bloodstream. Due to these reasons this chemical proves to be a threat to the health of the human body (ATSDR). Considering the risks associated with exposure to tetrachoroethylene , strict measures should be taken to protect the atmosphere and prevent exposure to this hazardous chemical. Works Cited ASTDR. ToxFAQsTM for Tetrachloroethylene (PERC). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. United States. Sep. 1997. Web. 5 Jul. 2014. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=264&tid=48 EPA. Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene). EPA United States Protection Agency. 18 Oct. 2013. Web. 5 Jul. 2014.http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/tet-ethy.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/tet-ethy.html Eskenazi, Dr.Brenda et.al. "A study of the effect of perchloroethylene exposure on semen quality in dry cleaning workers." American Journal of Industrial Medicine 20: 575-591. Print. Kyyronen, P et.al. "Spontaneous abortions and congenital malformations among women exposed to tetrachloroethylene in dry cleaning." Journl of Epidemiology and Community Health 43: 346-351. Print. Hake, Carl.L et.al. "Human exposure to tetrachloroethylene: Inhalation and skin contact."Environ Health Perspect 21: 231-238. Print. Keyes, Gary. "Cleaning Up After Dry Cleaners." CIRE Magazine. 1998. Web. 6 Jul. 2014. http://www.ccim.com/cire-magazine/articles/cleaning-after-dry-cleaners Lauwerys, R.. " Health surveillance of workers exposed to tetrachloroethylene in dry-cleaning shops." International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 52: 69-77. Print. Shen, Chuan et.al. "Acute Liver Failure Associated with Occupational Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene." Journal of Korean Medical Science 26: 138-142. Print. Vlaanderen J, Straif K, Ruder A, Blair A, Hansen J, Lynge E, Charbotel B, Loomis D, Kauppinen T, Kyyronen P, Pukkala E, Weiderpass E, Guha N. 2014. Tetrachloroethylene exposure and bladder cancer risk: a meta-analysis of dry-cleaning-worker studies. Environ Health Perspect 122:661–666. Print Vogel, T.M et.al. "Biotransformation of tetrachloroethylene to trichloroethylene, dichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and carbon dioxide under methanogenic conditions."Applied and Environmental Microbiology 49: 1080-1083. Print. Read More