Observations on the Concentrations of Trichloroethylene in Blood and Expired Air Following Exposure of Humans

Humans were exposed to approximately 200 ppm of trichloroethylene (TCE) in air. Pre- and post-exposure clinical findings were noted as well as subjective and physiological responses during exposures. TCE was detected in the blood in one-half hour and reached a maximum in two hours. TCE was detectable in the expired air for more than five hours after the exposures. Measurement of TCE in expired air shows promise for evaluation of TCE exposures. Infrared spectroscopy techniques were used for the determinations.